American in Paris Books in Order
Complete reading order for the American in Paris series.
How to Read the American in Paris series
Standalone stories, but characters and relationships develop across the series.
The series is interconnected through Claire's ongoing personal journey, her developing PI business, evolving relationships, and occasional references to prior cases or revelations. Reading in publication order is recommended to follow her emotional growth, deepening connections in Paris, and subtle continuity, though each book delivers a self-contained mystery with satisfying resolution and minimal spoilers for newcomers.
About the American in Paris series
Series Premise
The core premise centers on Claire Baskerville, a sixty-something American woman whose romantic trip to Paris turns tragic when her husband is brutally murdered, revealing hidden secrets, debts, and betrayals. Stranded in the city—unable or unwilling to return home to face the fallout—she reinvents herself as a private investigator serving the expat community. Claire tackles cases involving murders (bodies tumbling from antique wardrobes or ancient elevator shafts), disappearances, scams, holiday market killings, fashion scandals, and more. Armed with dogged perseverance, American know-how, and a unique genetic condition that prevents her from remembering faces, she outsmarts suspects, navigates French bureaucracy, and uncovers truths—often while slowly unraveling mysteries tied to her own past.
Main Characters
Claire Baskerville is the sharp, relatable centerpiece: intelligent, determined, and refreshingly mature, she turns grief into strength, using her wisdom and intuition to excel as an investigator. Her face-blindness adds a distinctive twist, forcing creative problem-solving.
Setting
The setting vividly captures Paris—iconic landmarks like the Seine, Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame blend with everyday charm: narrow cobblestone streets, historic apartments with quirky elevators, cozy cafés, bustling markets, antique shops, fashion ateliers, and seasonal events (Christmas markets, summer festivals). The city feels alive and atmospheric, contrasting romantic beauty with hidden dangers and the subtle challenges of expat life.
Tone & Themes
The tone is cozy, witty, and uplifting, with light suspense, clever deduction, gentle humor, and no graphic violence or explicit content. The prose is engaging and accessible, focusing on cultural observations, clever clues, and heartfelt moments. Themes highlight second chances and reinvention in later life, resilience after profound loss, the value of life experience and empathy as detective tools, cultural adaptation as an outsider, friendship across borders, and the idea that it's never too late to start anew or find purpose.
In the end, the An American in Paris Mystery series enchants with its blend of cozy intrigue and Parisian magic, proving that heartbreak can lead to the most unexpected—and rewarding—new chapters. Claire's adventures remind us that in the City of Light, a sharp mind, good friends, and a willingness to embrace change can solve any puzzle and light the way forward—one clever clue at a time. Readers leave smiling, inspired, and ready for her next escapade.
FAQ
16 books total: 15 main + 1 extra story
No new book in the series is currently scheduled. The latest book, Murder au Chocolat, was published in February 2026.
Murder au Chocolat was published in February 2026.
The first book in the series is Deja Dead, published in November 2019.
The series primarily falls into the Cozy Mystery genre.
It’s best to read the series in order. Each book has its own story, but ongoing character arcs and relationships develop across the series.
The core premise centers on Claire Baskerville, a sixty-something American woman whose romantic trip to Paris turns tragic when her husband is brutally murdered, revealing hidden secrets, debts, and betrayals. Stranded in the city—unable or unwilling to return home to face the fallout—she reinvents herself as a private investigator serving the expat community. Claire tackles cases involving murders (bodies tumbling from antique wardrobes or ancient elevator shafts), disappearances, scams, holiday market killings, fashion scandals, and more. Armed with dogged perseverance, American know-how, and a unique genetic condition that prevents her from remembering faces, she outsmarts suspects, navigates French bureaucracy, and uncovers truths—often while slowly unraveling mysteries tied to her own past.
The series does not currently have a new book scheduled.