Below is the complete list of Rhys Bowen books in order. For this series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Publication Order of Constable Evans Books
- Evans Above (1997)
Evans Above was published in 1997 and is listed as book #1 in the Constable Evans series. - Evan Help Us (1998)
Published in 1998, Evan Help Us is listed as book #2 in the Constable Evans series. - Evanly Choirs (1999)
Evanly Choirs is a 1999 release and appears as book #3 in the Constable Evans series. - Evan and Elle (2000)
In the Constable Evans series, Evan and Elle is book #4 and was published in 2000. - Evan Can Wait (2001)
Evan Can Wait was first published in 2001; within the Constable Evans series, it is listed as book #5. - Evans to Betsy (2002)
Evans to Betsy was published in 2002 and is listed as book #6 in the Constable Evans series. - Evan Only Knows (2003)
Published in 2003, Evan Only Knows is listed as book #7 in the Constable Evans series. - Evan’s Gate (2004)
Evan's Gate is a 2004 release and appears as book #8 in the Constable Evans series. - Evan Blessed (2005)
In the Constable Evans series, Evan Blessed is book #9 and was published in 2005. - Evanly Bodies (2006)
Evanly Bodies was first published in 2006; within the Constable Evans series, it is listed as book #10.
Publication Order of Her Royal Spyness Books
- Her Royal Spyness (2007)
Her Royal Spyness was published in 2007 and is listed as book #1 in the Her Royal Spyness series. - A Royal Pain (2008)
Published in 2008, A Royal Pain is listed as book #2 in the Her Royal Spyness series. - Royal Flush (2009)
Royal Flush is a 2009 release and appears as book #3 in the Her Royal Spyness series. - Royal Blood (2010)
In the Her Royal Spyness series, Royal Blood is book #4 and was published in 2010. - Naughty in Nice (2011)
Naughty in Nice was first published in 2011; within the Her Royal Spyness series, it is listed as book #5. - Masked Ball at Broxley Manor (2012)
Masked Ball at Broxley Manor was published in 2012 and is listed as book #6 in the Her Royal Spyness series. - The Twelve Clues of Christmas (2012)
Published in 2012, The Twelve Clues of Christmas is listed as book #7 in the Her Royal Spyness series. - Heirs and Graces (2013)
Heirs and Graces is a 2013 release and appears as book #8 in the Her Royal Spyness series. - Queen of Hearts (2014)
In the Her Royal Spyness series, Queen of Hearts is book #9 and was published in 2014. - Malice at the Palace (2015)
Malice at the Palace was first published in 2015; within the Her Royal Spyness series, it is listed as book #10. - Crowned and Dangerous (2016)
Crowned and Dangerous was published in 2016 and is listed as book #11 in the Her Royal Spyness series. - On Her Majesty’s Frightfully Secret Service (2017)
Published in 2017, On Her Majesty's Frightfully Secret Service is listed as book #12 in the Her Royal Spyness series. - Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding (2018)
Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding is a 2018 release and appears as book #13 in the Her Royal Spyness series. - Love and Death Among the Cheetahs (2019)
In the Her Royal Spyness series, Love and Death Among the Cheetahs is book #14 and was published in 2019. - The Last Mrs. Summers (2020)
The Last Mrs. Summers was first published in 2020; within the Her Royal Spyness series, it is listed as book #15. - God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen (2021)
God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen was published in 2021 and is listed as book #16 in the Her Royal Spyness series. - Peril in Paris (2022)
Published in 2022, Peril in Paris is listed as book #17 in the Her Royal Spyness series. - The Proof of the Pudding (2023)
The Proof of the Pudding is a 2023 release and appears as book #18 in the Her Royal Spyness series. - We Three Queens (2024)
In the Her Royal Spyness series, We Three Queens is book #19 and was published in 2024. - From Cradle to Grave (2025)
From Cradle to Grave was first published in 2025; within the Her Royal Spyness series, it is listed as book #20.
Molly Murphy Books
with Clare Broyles
- Murphy’s Law (2001)
Murphy's Law was published in 2001 and is listed as book #1 in the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series. - Death of Riley (2002)
Published in 2002, Death of Riley is listed as book #2 in the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series. - For the Love of Mike (2003)
For the Love of Mike is a 2003 release and appears as book #3 in the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series. - In Like Flynn (2005)
In the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series, In Like Flynn is book #4 and was published in 2005. - Oh Danny Boy (2006)
Oh Danny Boy was first published in 2006; within the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series, it is listed as book #5. - In Dublin’s Fair City (2007)
In Dublin's Fair City was published in 2007 and is listed as book #6 in the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series. - Tell Me, Pretty Maiden (2008)
Published in 2008, Tell Me, Pretty Maiden is listed as book #7 in the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series. - In a Gilded Cage (2009)
In a Gilded Cage is a 2009 release and appears as book #8 in the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series. - The Last Illusion (2010)
In the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series, The Last Illusion is book #9 and was published in 2010. - Bless the Bride (2011)
Bless the Bride was first published in 2011; within the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series, it is listed as book #10. - The Amersham Rubies (2011)
The Amersham Rubies was published in 2011 and is listed as book #11 in the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series. - Hush Now, Don’t You Cry (2012)
Published in 2012, Hush Now, Don't You Cry is listed as book #12 in the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series. - The Face in the Mirror (2013)
The Face in the Mirror is a 2013 release and appears as book #13 in the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series. - The Family Way (2013)
In the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series, The Family Way is book #14 and was published in 2013. - Through the Window (2014)
Through the Window was first published in 2014; within the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series, it is listed as book #15. - City of Darkness and Light (2014)
City of Darkness and Light was published in 2014 and is listed as book #16 in the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series. - The Edge of Dreams (2015)
Published in 2015, The Edge of Dreams is listed as book #17 in the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series. - Away in a Manger (2015)
Away in a Manger is a 2015 release and appears as book #18 in the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series. - Time of Fog and Fire (2016)
In the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series, Time of Fog and Fire is book #19 and was published in 2016. - The Ghost of Christmas Past (2017)
The Ghost of Christmas Past was first published in 2017; within the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series, it is listed as book #20. - Wild Irish Rose (2022)
Wild Irish Rose was published in 2022 and is listed as book #21 in the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series. - All That Is Hidden (2023)
Published in 2023, All That Is Hidden is listed as book #22 in the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series. - In Sunshine or in Shadow (2024)
In Sunshine or in Shadow is a 2024 release and appears as book #23 in the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series. - Silent as the Grave (2025)
In the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series, Silent as the Grave is book #24 and was published in 2025. - Vanished in the Crowd (2026)
Vanished in the Crowd was first published in 2026; within the Molly Murphy Bookswith Clare Broyles series, it is listed as book #25.
Red Dragon Academy Books
with C.M. Broyles
- Dreamwalker (2014)
Dreamwalker was published in 2014 and is listed as book #1 in the Red Dragon Academy Bookswith C.M. Broyles series.
Publication Order of Standalone Novels Books
- In Farleigh Field (2017)
In Farleigh Field was published in 2017 and is listed as book #1 in the Standalone Novels series. - The Tuscan Child (2018)
Published in 2018, The Tuscan Child is listed as book #2 in the Standalone Novels series. - What Child Is This (2018)
What Child Is This is a 2018 release and appears as book #3 in the Standalone Novels series. - The Victory Garden (2019)
In the Standalone Novels series, The Victory Garden is book #4 and was published in 2019. - Above the Bay of Angels (2020)
Above the Bay of Angels was first published in 2020; within the Standalone Novels series, it is listed as book #5. - The Venice Sketchbook (2021)
The Venice Sketchbook was published in 2021 and is listed as book #6 in the Standalone Novels series. - Where the Sky Begins (2022)
Published in 2022, Where the Sky Begins is listed as book #7 in the Standalone Novels series. - The Paris Assignment (2023)
The Paris Assignment is a 2023 release and appears as book #8 in the Standalone Novels series. - The Rose Arbor (2024)
In the Standalone Novels series, The Rose Arbor is book #9 and was published in 2024. - Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure (2025)
Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure was first published in 2025; within the Standalone Novels series, it is listed as book #10.
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas Books
- Seal of the Confessional (2000)
Seal of the Confessional was published in 2000 and is listed as book #1 in the Short Stories/Novellas series. - Doppelganger (2003)
Published in 2003, Doppelganger is listed as book #2 in the Short Stories/Novellas series. - Voodoo (2004)
Voodoo is a 2004 release and appears as book #3 in the Short Stories/Novellas series. - Please Watch Your Step (2007)
In the Short Stories/Novellas series, Please Watch Your Step is book #4 and was published in 2007.
About Rhys Bowen
Rhys Bowen is a British-born mystery novelist widely known for her historical crime fiction and cozy mystery series. Over the course of her career, she has built a strong reputation for writing character-driven mysteries set in vividly realized historical settings. Her novels often blend suspense with humor, social history, and richly developed protagonists, making her work popular with readers who enjoy both mystery and historical storytelling.
Rhys Bowen was born Janet Quin-Harkin on November 29, 1941, in Bath, England. She grew up in the United Kingdom and later attended the University of London, where she studied drama. Her early academic interests in theater and storytelling would eventually influence her writing style, particularly her strong focus on character development and dialogue.
Before establishing herself as a mystery novelist, Bowen wrote several novels for young adults under her birth name. These early works helped her develop the narrative skills and discipline needed to build longer, more complex stories. During this period she also spent time working in theater and broadcasting, experiences that further shaped her storytelling approach.
Bowen later moved to the United States, where she continued writing fiction while raising a family. Her career took a significant turn when she began writing mystery novels under the pen name Rhys Bowen. These books quickly gained attention for their engaging plots and distinctive historical settings.
One of Bowen’s most notable achievements is the creation of the Molly Murphy series. Set in early twentieth-century New York City, the series follows Molly Murphy Sullivan, a young Irish immigrant who becomes an accidental detective. The books combine elements of historical fiction with traditional mystery storytelling, exploring immigrant life, social issues, and the changing role of women during that era.
Reading Rhys Bowen’s books in publication order allows readers to follow Molly Murphy’s personal journey alongside the evolving historical backdrop of the early 1900s. The series balances suspenseful investigations with character growth, relationships, and the challenges of building a new life in America.
Bowen is also widely known for the Royal Spyness series, which introduces readers to Lady Georgiana Rannoch, a minor member of British royalty in the 1930s who often finds herself entangled in murder investigations. These novels blend humor, historical intrigue, and clever plotting while portraying the complexities of British aristocratic life between the world wars.
Another popular series is the Constable Evans mysteries, set in rural Wales. These books follow police constable Evan Evans as he investigates crimes in a seemingly peaceful Welsh village. The setting draws heavily from Bowen’s own experiences growing up in the United Kingdom, giving the series an authentic sense of place and community.
Throughout her career, Rhys Bowen has received multiple honors for her work, including the prestigious Agatha Award for Best Novel. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and are widely read around the world.
A defining characteristic of Bowen’s writing is her ability to blend historical detail with engaging mysteries. Her stories often explore the social and cultural environments of their time periods while maintaining a light, accessible tone. Whether set in New York’s immigrant neighborhoods, British aristocratic circles, or Welsh villages, her novels focus on strong characters navigating both personal and investigative challenges.
Rhys Bowen continues to write novels that combine historical depth, humor, and intriguing mysteries. Readers following Rhys Bowen’s books in publication order can see the development of an author who has successfully created several enduring mystery series across multiple historical settings.