Are you searching for Rhys Bowen books in order to dive into her enchanting world of historical mysteries? Look no further! Rhys Bowen, a New York Times bestselling author, has crafted beloved series like Royal Spyness and Molly Murphy, alongside gripping standalone novels. Her stories blend rich historical detail, witty characters, and clever mysteries, making them a favorite among fans of historical fiction and cozy mysteries. Whether you’re a longtime reader or new to her work, this guide provides a complete, easy-to-follow list of Rhys Bowen novels in publication order, with tips to enhance your reading experience. Let’s explore her captivating bibliography!
Who is Rhys Bowen?
Rhys Bowen, the pseudonym of Janet Quin-Harkin, is a celebrated author born in Bath, England, known for her Rhys Bowen historical mysteries. With a career spanning decades, she’s penned over 50 books, earning prestigious awards like the Agatha and Anthony Awards. Her writing, characterized by vivid historical settings and engaging protagonists, has sold nearly 10 million copies worldwide and is translated into over 30 languages. Before becoming a mystery novelist, Bowen wrote children’s and young adult books under her real name and worked for the BBC and Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Today, she splits her time between California and Arizona, crafting stories that transport readers to bygone eras.
Rhys Bowen Books in Order
Rhys Bowen’s bibliography includes three main series—Constable Evan Evans, Molly Murphy, and Royal Spyness—plus standalone novels and short stories. Below, we’ve organized her books by series and publication order for easy navigation.
Constable Evan Evans Series
Set in the idyllic Welsh village of Llanfair, the Constable Evan Evans series follows a young police constable solving crimes in a seemingly tranquil setting. This cozy mystery series, inspired by Bowen’s childhood visits to Wales, ran from 1997 to 2006.
- Evans Above (1997)
- Evan Help Us (1998)
- Evanly Choirs (1999)
- Evan and Elle (2000)
- Evan Can Wait (2001)
- Evans to Betsy (2002)
- Evan Only Knows (2003)
- Evan’s Gate (2004) – Edgar Award nominee
- Evan Blessed (2005)
- Evanly Bodies (2006)
Molly Murphy Series
The Molly Murphy series, set in early 1900s New York City, follows Irish immigrant Molly Murphy, a spirited detective fleeing her past. Known for its historical depth and strong female lead, this series is co-authored with Clare Broyles for recent titles.
- Murphy’s Law (2001) – Agatha Award winner
- Death of Riley (2002)
- For the Love of Mike (2003) – Anthony Award winner
- In Like Flynn (2005)
- Oh Danny Boy (2006) – Macavity Award winner
- In Dublin’s Fair City (2007)
- Tell Me, Pretty Maiden (2008)
- In a Gilded Cage (2009)
- The Last Illusion (2010)
- Bless the Bride (2011)
- Hush Now, Don’t You Cry (2012)
- The Family Way (2013)
- City of Darkness and Light (2014)
- The Edge of Dreams (2015)
- Away in a Manger (2015)
- Time of Fog and Fire (2016)
- The Ghost of Christmas Past (2017)
- Wild Irish Rose (2018)
- All That Is Hidden (2019)
- In Sunshine or in Shadow (2024)
- Silent as the Grave (2025)
- Vanished in the Crowd (2026)
Short Stories:
- “The Face in the Mirror” (2013)
- “An Appointment in Mayfair” (2019)
- “What Child is This” (2018)
Royal Spyness Series
The Royal Spyness series, a fan favorite, features Lady Georgiana Rannoch, a penniless minor royal navigating 1930s Britain with humor and sleuthing skills. This lighthearted series is perfect for readers who love witty historical fiction books.
- Her Royal Spyness (2007)
- A Royal Pain (2008) – Macavity Award winner
- Royal Flush (2009)
- Royal Blood (2010) – RT Reviewers Choice Award
- Naughty in Nice (2011) – Agatha Award winner
- The Twelve Clues of Christmas (2012)
- Heirs and Graces (2013)
- Queen of Hearts (2014) – Agatha Award winner
- Malice at the Palace (2015)
- Crowned and Dangerous (2016)
- On Her Majesty’s Frightfully Secret Service (2017)
- Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding (2018)
- Love and Death Among the Cheetahs (2019)
- The Last Mrs. Summers (2020) – Agatha Award winner
- God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen (2021)
- Peril in Paris (2022)
- We Three Queens (2023)
- From Cradle to Grave (2025)
Prequel Short Story:
- Masked Ball at Broxley Manor (2012) – Recommended to read after book 5
Standalone Novels and Other Works
Bowen’s standalone novels often explore WWII settings, offering rich historical fiction books with themes of love, class, and resilience.
- In Farleigh Field (2017) – Agatha, Macavity, and Lefty Award winner
- The Tuscan Child (2018)
- The Victory Garden (2019)
- Above the Bay of Angels (2020)
- The Venice Sketchbook (2021)
- Where the Sky Begins (2022)
- The Paris Assignment (2023)
- The Rose Arbor (2024) – Nominated for Simon & Schuster Mary Higgins Clark Award
- Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure (2025)
Collaborations:
- Dreamwalker (2014) – With C.M. Broyles, a middle-grade fantasy
Reading Order Tips
For the best experience, read Rhys Bowen book series in publication order, as this aligns with chronological order and character development. The Molly Murphy and Royal Spyness series build on recurring characters and story arcs, making order important for full enjoyment. For example, Molly’s journey from Ireland to New York unfolds progressively, and Lady Georgie’s romantic subplot with Darcy O’Mara benefits from sequential reading. The Constable Evan Evans series is less dependent on order but still rewarding when read sequentially.
Standalone novels can be read in any order, as they’re unconnected. If you’re new, start with Her Royal Spyness for humor or Murphy’s Law for a grittier mystery. Can you read Rhys Bowen novels out of order? While each book’s mystery is self-contained, you’ll miss character growth and context if you skip around. For a printable list, check sites like Rhys Bowen’s official website or FictionDB.
Why Read Rhys Bowen’s Books?
Rhys Bowen’s books stand out for their meticulous historical accuracy, vibrant settings, and unforgettable characters. The Royal Spyness series offers humor and charm, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie or Jacqueline Winspear. The Molly Murphy series delivers gritty, immersive tales of early 20th-century New York, appealing to readers who love strong female leads. Her standalone novels, like The Venice Sketchbook, weave emotional WWII stories with mystery. With awards like the Agatha and a global fanbase, Bowen’s best Rhys Bowen books promise cozy yet thrilling reads that transport you through time.
Conclusion
This guide to Rhys Bowen books in order is your roadmap to exploring her captivating historical mysteries. From the witty Royal Spyness series to the suspenseful Molly Murphy mysteries and evocative standalone novels, there’s something for every reader. Start with Her Royal Spyness or Murphy’s Law to discover why fans adore her work. Have a favorite Rhys Bowen novel? Share it in the comments below or explore our Harry Potter Books in Order for more recommendations. Don’t forget to bookmark this page for updates on new releases, like Silent as the Grave in 2025!
