Below is the complete list of Ellery Adams’ Books by the Bay Mysteries books in publication order. For this series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Books By The Bay Mystery Books in Publication Order
- A Killer Plot (2010)
- A Deadly Cliché (2011)
- The Last Word (2011)
- Written in Stone (2012)
- Poisoned Prose (2013)
- Lethal Letters (2014)
- Writing All Wrongs (2015)
- Killer Characters (2017)
About Books by the Bay Mysteries
Ellery Adams’ Books by the Bay Mysteries series combines cozy mystery storytelling with the charm of a small coastal town and a deep love for books. Set in the fictional seaside community of Oyster Bay, North Carolina, the series follows Olivia Limoges, a sharp-witted and independent bookstore owner whose curiosity often leads her into the middle of complicated mysteries. The books mix literary themes, colorful town characters, and carefully constructed whodunits, all framed by the relaxed but secret-filled atmosphere of a coastal village.
Olivia Limoges is not a typical cozy mystery protagonist. Intelligent, wealthy, and somewhat reserved, she initially returns to Oyster Bay after experiencing a painful betrayal that leaves her looking for a fresh start. Rather than disappearing quietly into the background, she opens a bookstore called The Bayside Book Writer, which quickly becomes a gathering place for readers, writers, and locals who share her appreciation for literature.
One of the most distinctive elements of the series is Olivia’s involvement with a literary discussion group known as the Bayside Book Writers. The group includes several close friends who each bring unique perspectives and talents to their conversations and investigations. Among them are Dixie, an energetic event planner; Harris, the town’s chief of police; and other members who form a close-knit circle around Olivia. Their discussions about books often mirror the real-life mysteries unfolding around them, providing clues and insights that help Olivia untangle complicated situations.
The series begins with A Killer Plot (2010). When Olivia returns to Oyster Bay and opens her bookstore, she hopes to rebuild her life quietly. However, her plans are quickly disrupted when a murder occurs during a local literary festival. The victim is a controversial figure connected to the writing community, and the case sends shockwaves through the town. Olivia’s natural curiosity and analytical mind draw her into the investigation, and she soon realizes that the truth may be hidden among the rivalries and ambitions of the literary world.
In the second novel, Poisoned Prose (2011), Olivia once again finds herself involved in a mystery connected to the writing community of Oyster Bay. A visiting author collapses under suspicious circumstances, raising questions about whether the incident was an accident or something far more deliberate. As Olivia and her friends investigate, they uncover hidden tensions among writers competing for recognition and success.
The third book, The Man Who Wasn’t There (2011), deepens Olivia’s connection to the town while introducing a more personal mystery. Strange events surrounding a new resident suggest that someone in Oyster Bay may be hiding a dangerous secret. Olivia’s investigation takes unexpected turns as she uncovers connections between past events and present dangers.
In The Last Word (2012), the fourth installment, a literary agent’s death once again disrupts the peaceful rhythm of Oyster Bay. Olivia must untangle a complex web of publishing rivalries, hidden motives, and personal grudges to determine what really happened.
The series concludes with Lethal Letters (2013), where mysterious threatening messages begin appearing around town. The notes hint at secrets from the past that some residents would prefer to keep hidden. Olivia’s determination to uncover the truth places her and her friends in increasing danger as the investigation unfolds.
Throughout the Books by the Bay Mysteries, Ellery Adams creates a strong sense of community within Oyster Bay. The town’s bookstores, cafés, waterfront scenery, and literary events provide a welcoming backdrop that contrasts with the darker secrets occasionally revealed beneath the surface. Olivia’s character evolves across the series as she forms deeper friendships and becomes more connected to the town she once viewed only as a temporary refuge.
Reading the novels in publication order allows the relationships among Olivia and the Bayside Book Writers to grow naturally. Each book presents a new mystery while gradually expanding the portrait of Oyster Bay and the people who call it home.