The Medlar Series in Order

About the Medlar series

Series Premise

The series centers on Sara Medlar, a successful romance novelist who returns to her hometown of Lachlan, Florida, after years away, where she teams up with her niece Kate and their friend Jack to investigate cold cases, hidden murders, and long-buried secrets that resurface in their close-knit community. The trio—driven by curiosity, personal connections to the mysteries, and a desire for justice—uncovers truths that affect families, reputations, and relationships, often involving old grudges, hidden motives, and the consequences of past actions in a town where everyone knows everyone else's business.

The series is best read in publication (or chronological) order to follow the natural progression of the trio's friendship, the evolving dynamics among Sara, Kate, and Jack, and occasional references to prior cases or town history. While each book presents a self-contained mystery with its own setup, investigation, and resolution—allowing readers to pick up any volume independently without feeling lost—the recurring characters, shared hometown setting, and subtle continuity in their personal lives and sleuthing adventures create a richer, more connected experience when read sequentially.

Main Characters

Sara Medlar anchors the series as the spirited, quick-witted protagonist—a bestselling romance novelist in her sixties who returns to Lachlan after a long absence, bringing sharp intellect, dramatic flair, and a knack for uncovering secrets, often narrating with humorous self-awareness. Kate Medlar, Sara's young niece, is practical, level-headed, and grounded—balancing Sara's flair with common sense while pursuing her own goals and forming a close bond with her aunt. Jack Wyatt, their friend and frequent partner-in-crime, is a handsome, capable local contractor—strong, loyal, and quietly protective—with a dry sense of humor and a history in the town that adds layers to his character. The trio forms a dynamic found-family unit—teasing yet fiercely supportive—whose chemistry drives the investigations and provides comic relief. Supporting characters include quirky townsfolk, suspects with hidden motives, and recurring figures like local law enforcement or family members who enrich the community feel and supply clues or red herrings.

Setting

The primary setting is the small, fictional town of Lachlan, Florida—a charming Southern community with historic homes, tree-lined streets, a central square, and the kind of close-knit atmosphere where secrets linger for decades. Many stories unfold in Sara's inherited Victorian house (a character in itself, full of hidden rooms and history), local landmarks like the library, diner, or old estates, and surrounding areas that hold clues to past crimes. The Florida backdrop adds sensory details—humid air, blooming gardens, occasional storms, and the slow pace of Southern life—contrasting with the trio's energetic investigations and grounding the mysteries in relatable small-town reality. Occasional excursions (such as to English manors or other locales in later books) provide variety while returning to Lachlan as the emotional home base.

Tone & Themes

Deveraux maintains a warm, humorous, and optimistic tone that leans into cozy mystery traditions—light suspense with no graphic violence, focusing instead on clever deduction, small-town gossip, and emotional stakes rather than terror. The stories brim with witty banter, self-deprecating humor (especially from Sara's dramatic narration), and gentle teasing among the trio, providing levity amid discoveries of dark secrets or family betrayals. Romantic elements are subtle and secondary—often budding attractions or deepening bonds—emphasizing emotional connection and support over steamy intensity. The vibe is uplifting and comforting—like solving puzzles with clever, loyal friends—offering escapism that celebrates curiosity, forgiveness, and the idea that truth and friendship can heal even old wounds, making it ideal for readers seeking engaging yet gentle mysteries.

The Medlar Mystery series shines as a delightful, cozy entry in Jude Deveraux's oeuvre, blending her romance expertise with engaging whodunits that celebrate friendship, curiosity, and small-town resilience. Through Sara, Kate, and Jack's adventures, the books deliver consistent humor, clever puzzles, and heartwarming resolutions that affirm truth and connection can overcome even the deepest secrets. Ideal for readers seeking light suspense with strong characters, gentle humor, and uplifting themes, the series offers comforting escapism in a charming Florida setting—reminding us that sometimes the best mysteries are solved with good company and a touch of determination.