Rhys Bowen Books In Order + Printable List
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If you’re looking for a complete list of Rhys Bowen books in order, I’ve got you covered here. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Lady Georgie and Molly Murphy or you’re just discovering Rhys Bowen’s blend of historical fiction, cozy mystery, and clever heroines, I’ve got everything you need here to fully get to know and enjoy these great books.
With over 50 books across multiple series and standalones – including fan favorites like The Royal Spyness Mysteries, The Molly Murphy Mysteries, and bestselling standalone novels like The Tuscan Child – there are plenty of books to explore. And if you’re trying to figure out where to start or what to read next, don’t worry – we’ve got a printable list to help you keep track.
Key Takeaways: Rhys Bowen Books In Order
Most Recent + Upcoming Rhys Bowen Book Releases
- From Cradle To Grave – November 18, 2025
- Vanished In the Crowd – March 10, 2026
What Genre Does Rhys Bowen Write?
Rhys Bowen is best known for writing historical fiction and historical mysteries, often with strong female leads, rich period settings, and a touch of humor or suspense.
Before adopting her pen name, Bowen wrote children’s and young adult books under her real name, Janet Quin-Harkin. She later reinvented her author brand to focus on adult fiction, first with cozy mysteries, then branching into standalone historical novels.
With multiple mystery series and several bestselling standalones, it can get a bit confusing to know which books belong where. And, if you’ve been around Looks Like Books for a while, you’ll know that I’m a firm supporter of team “read the series in order”. That’s why this post breaks down all Rhys Bowen books in order, clearly grouped by series and publication date – so you can enjoy them in the best order possible.
Rhys Bowen’s Book Series (In Order)
Rhys Bowen has written several popular series over the years – each with its own unique setting, lead characters, and tone. From charming Welsh villages to the gritty streets of turn-of-the-century New York to royal escapades in 1930s England, her books offer something for every historical mystery fan.
Below, you’ll find each of her book series listed in order of publication, along with a short description to help you decide where to begin.
Constable Evans Series
Before Lady Georgie or Molly Murphy ever solved a crime, Rhys Bowen introduced readers to Constable Evan Evans, a charming and down-to-earth police officer in the fictional Welsh village of Llanfair.
This cozy mystery series, which ran from 1997 to 2006, is filled with quirky locals, small-town gossip, and plenty of gentle humor. While it’s a bit lighter than her later historical series, fans of traditional mysteries like Midsomer Murders or Agatha Raisin will feel right at home.
If you’re looking for a classic village mystery series with a Welsh twist, this is a great place to start.
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
Evan Blessed – 2005
Evanly Bodies – 2006
Molly Murphy Series
Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, the Molly Murphy series follows a fiery Irish immigrant who finds herself solving murders in a gritty, fast-changing world. Molly may not have planned on becoming a detective, but trouble – and justice – seem to find her wherever she goes.
The first book, Murphy’s Law, won the Agatha Award for Best First Novel and launched what would become one of Rhys Bowen’s most beloved series. The books combine historical detail, social commentary, and a strong, smart heroine who never backs down.
Later books in the series are co-written with Bowen’s daughter, Clare Broyles, continuing the legacy with fresh energy and insight. If you enjoy historical mysteries with a strong female lead and a touch of romance, you’ll love following Molly’s journey.
Murphy’s Law – 2001
Death Of Riley – 2002
For the Love Of Mike – 2003
In Like Flynn – 2004
Oh Danny Boy – 2006
In Dublin’s Fair City – 2007
Tell Me, Pretty Maiden – 2008
In A Gilded Cage – 2009
The Last Illusion – 2010
Bless the Bride – 2011
The Amersham Rubies – 2011 (Prequel Short Story)
Hush Now, Don’t You Cry – 2012
The Face In the Mirror – 2013 (Short Story)
The Family Way – 2013
Through the Window – 2014 (Short Story)
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 – 2022
All That Is Hidden – 2023
In Sunshine Or In Shadow – 2024
Silent In The Grave – 2025
Vanished In the Crowd – March 10, 2026
Royal Spyness Series
Arguably Rhys Bowen’s most popular series, the Royal Spyness Mysteries follow the delightful misadventures of Lady Georgiana Rannoch, 35th in line to the British throne – and flat broke.
Set in 1930s England, this historical cozy mystery series blends royalty, murder, romance, and humor in equal measure. With the Queen herself nudging Georgie into amateur sleuthing (and the occasional royal spying), the books are full of clever twists and charming period detail.
Whether she’s dodging unsuitable suitors, navigating high society scandals, or stumbling upon yet another dead body, Lady Georgie always manages to stay just ahead of disaster – with a little help from her dashing but mysterious love interest, Darcy O’Mara.
This is a series best read in order, as the relationships and running jokes build beautifully from book to book.
Her Royal Spyness – 2007
A Royal Pain – 2008
Royal Flush – 2009
Royal Blood – 2010
Naughty In Nice – 2011
The Twelve Clues Of Christmas – 2012
Masked Ball At Broxley Manor – 2012 (Prequel Novella)
Heirs and Graces – 2013
Queen Of Hearts – 2014
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
Peril In Paris – 2022
We Three Queens – 2024
From Cradle To Grave – November 18, 2025
Rhys Bowen Standalone Books
In addition to her mystery series, Rhys Bowen has written several standalone historical fiction novels that showcase her talent for blending rich historical settings with compelling personal stories.
These books often feature dual timelines, strong female protagonists, and emotional journeys of discovery, survival, or redemption. From the lavender fields of Provence to the ruins of WWII-era Italy, each story transports readers to a different time and place.
While they’re not connected to any series, these standalones have become reader favorites in their own right – and several have even hit bestseller lists. You can read them in any order.
In Farleigh Field – 2017
The Tuscan Child – 2018
What Child Is This – 2018 (Christmas Story)
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
Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure – 2025
Printable List of Rhys Bowen Books In Order
FAQs About Rhys Bowen Books In Order
Do I need to read Rhys Bowen’s books in order?
Yes—for her series. Both the Royal Spyness and Molly Murphy books are best read in publication order to follow character development and ongoing storylines. Her standalone historical fiction novels, however, can be read in any order.
What is Rhys Bowen’s most popular series?
The Royal Spyness Mysteries are probably her most well-known and widely read, followed closely by the Molly Murphy series. Both have loyal followings, but the royal hijinks of Lady Georgie have a special place in many readers’ hearts.
Is Rhys Bowen still writing?
Yes! Rhys Bowen continues to release new books, including additions to the Royal Spyness and Molly Murphy series, as well as standalone novels. Her 2025 release, From Cradle to Grave, will be the 18th Royal Spyness book.
What’s the difference between her series and her standalones?
The series are cozy mysteries with recurring characters and evolving relationships. The standalones are historical fiction novels that typically involve dual timelines or sweeping historical drama with a standalone plot.
Is Rhys Bowen her real name?
No. Rhys Bowen is a pen name. Her real name is Janet Quin-Harkin, and she began her career writing children’s and YA books before switching to mystery and historical fiction.
Conclusion – Where To Start With Rhys Bowen’s Books?
With more than 50 books to her name, Rhys Bowen offers something for every type of reader – whether you love cozy village murders, Gilded Age gumption, or sweeping historical fiction set against the backdrop of war.
Now that you’ve got all of Rhys Bowen’s books in order, you can dive into any series (or standalone) knowing exactly where to begin. Just don’t blame us if you end up binge-reading a dozen of them in a row, like I did with Her Royal Spyness when I first found it.
📚 Did You Know?
Bowen’s daughter, Clare Broyles, co-writes the later Molly Murphy books, making it a mother-daughter mystery team!
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