The Mystery with Recipes Series in Order

About the Mystery with Recipes series

Series Premise

At the heart of the series is the core premise: two sisters, Bernadette "Bernie" Simmons and Libby Simmons, run a catering business and bake shop called A Little Taste of Heaven in the small, picturesque town of Longely, New York. Located upstate and a pricey cab ride away from the bustle of New York City airports, Longely offers a quaint, close-knit community where everyone knows everyone else's business—perfect for gossip, rivalries, and the occasional murder. The sisters frequently take on catering gigs for local events, holidays, weddings, parties, or themed gatherings, only to find themselves thrust into investigating homicides when a body turns up amid the festivities. Whether it's a poisoned dish at a literary event, a deadly mishap during a holiday competition, or foul play at a lavish celebration, Bernie and Libby can't resist piecing together clues while juggling client demands, whipping up exquisite dishes, and serving justice on the side.

The series can be enjoyed without strict adherence to publication order, as each book centers on a standalone mystery tied to a specific occasion or theme, with the crime resolved by the end. Recurring elements—like the sisters' personalities, their family dynamics, and the town's eccentric residents—provide continuity, but there's no overarching plot arc or major cliffhangers that demand sequential reading. That said, starting from the beginning enhances appreciation of the characters' growth and relationships, as subtle developments in their personal lives unfold gradually across the books.

Main Characters

Bernadette "Bernie" Simmons

The elder sister, sophisticated and stylish after years living in Los Angeles. She's quick-witted, adventurous, glamorous, and often the more impulsive of the two when pursuing clues. Bernie brings flair to investigations, charming suspects and chasing leads with confidence, while contributing her creative touch to the catering side of their business.



- Libby Simmons

The younger sister, more grounded, practical, and hands-on in the kitchen. She's warm-hearted, reliable, detail-oriented, and deeply passionate about baking and cooking. Libby tends to be the cautious one, focusing on the day-to-day operations of A Little Taste of Heaven, but she dives into mysteries alongside Bernie with determination and loyalty.



- Sean Simmons

The sisters' widowed father, a retired police chief who uses a wheelchair. He provides invaluable insight from his law enforcement background, offering wisdom, contacts, and occasional hands-on help in solving cases. Sean adds warmth, humor, and a touch of meddling affection to the family dynamic, often surrounded by his lively group of friends who serve as comic relief and amateur sleuth support.

Setting

The setting in Longely plays a starring role, evoking a charming small-town atmosphere with its mix of quirky locals, seasonal events, and tight social circles. The town's distance from big-city chaos allows for an insular feel where motives often stem from longstanding grudges, romantic entanglements, or petty jealousies amplified by proximity. Catering jobs pull the sisters into varied venues—grand homes, community halls, holiday celebrations—each brimming with atmosphere and opportunity for secrets to surface.

Tone & Themes

The tone remains lighthearted, witty, and gently humorous throughout, embodying the classic cozy mystery spirit where violence stays off-page, the focus lands on clever deduction rather than graphic details, and justice ultimately prevails without excessive darkness. Themes center on sisterhood, family loyalty, community ties, the joys (and occasional chaos) of food preparation, and the idea that good cooking can bring people together—even amid suspicion and intrigue. Food isn't mere window dressing; recipes integrated into the narrative highlight seasonal ingredients, comforting classics, and creative twists, inviting readers to savor both the story and the dishes described.

In the end, the Mystery with Recipes series wraps readers in a comforting embrace of small-town charm, sibling solidarity, and the simple pleasure of a well-prepared meal. Isis Crawford masterfully proves that even murder can't dim the warmth of family, friendship, or a perfectly timed dessert. These stories satisfy that craving for intrigue without sacrificing heart, leaving readers hungry for more—both in terms of the next clever puzzle and the tempting recipes waiting to be recreated in their own kitchens. It's the literary equivalent of settling in with a favorite comfort food: familiar, satisfying, and always leaving you eager for seconds.