Below is the complete list of M.C. Beaton books in order. For each series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Publication Order of Agatha Raisin Books
- The Quiche of Death (1992)
The Quiche of Death was published in 1992 and is listed as book #1 in the Agatha Raisin series. - The Vicious Vet (1993)
Published in 1993, The Vicious Vet is listed as book #2 in the Agatha Raisin series. - The Potted Gardener (1994)
The Potted Gardener is a 1994 release and appears as book #3 in the Agatha Raisin series. - The Walkers of Dembley (1995)
In the Agatha Raisin series, The Walkers of Dembley is book #4 and was published in 1995. - The Murderous Marriage (1996)
The Murderous Marriage was first published in 1996; within the Agatha Raisin series, it is listed as book #5. - The Terrible Tourist (1997)
The Terrible Tourist was published in 1997 and is listed as book #6 in the Agatha Raisin series. - The Wellspring of Death (1998)
Published in 1998, The Wellspring of Death is listed as book #7 in the Agatha Raisin series. - The Wizard of Evesham (1999)
The Wizard of Evesham is a 1999 release and appears as book #8 in the Agatha Raisin series. - The Witch of Wyckhadden (1999)
In the Agatha Raisin series, The Witch of Wyckhadden is book #9 and was published in 1999. - The Fairies of Fryfam (2000)
The Fairies of Fryfam was first published in 2000; within the Agatha Raisin series, it is listed as book #10. - The Love from Hell (2001)
The Love from Hell was published in 2001 and is listed as book #11 in the Agatha Raisin series. - The Day the Floods Came (2002)
Published in 2002, The Day the Floods Came is listed as book #12 in the Agatha Raisin series. - The Case of the Curious Curate (2003)
The Case of the Curious Curate is a 2003 release and appears as book #13 in the Agatha Raisin series. - The Haunted House (2003)
In the Agatha Raisin series, The Haunted House is book #14 and was published in 2003. - The Deadly Dance (2004)
The Deadly Dance was first published in 2004; within the Agatha Raisin series, it is listed as book #15. - The Perfect Paragon (2005)
The Perfect Paragon was published in 2005 and is listed as book #16 in the Agatha Raisin series. - Love, Lies and Liquor (2006)
Published in 2006, Love, Lies and Liquor is listed as book #17 in the Agatha Raisin series. - Kissing Christmas Goodbye (2007)
Kissing Christmas Goodbye is a 2007 release and appears as book #18 in the Agatha Raisin series. - A Spoonful of Poison (2008)
In the Agatha Raisin series, A Spoonful of Poison is book #19 and was published in 2008. - There Goes the Bride (2009)
There Goes the Bride was first published in 2009; within the Agatha Raisin series, it is listed as book #20. - Busy Body (2010)
Busy Body was published in 2010 and is listed as book #21 in the Agatha Raisin series. - As The Pig Turns (2011)
Published in 2011, As The Pig Turns is listed as book #22 in the Agatha Raisin series. - Hiss and Hers (2012)
Hiss and Hers is a 2012 release and appears as book #23 in the Agatha Raisin series. - Christmas Crumble (2012)
In the Agatha Raisin series, Christmas Crumble is book #24 and was published in 2012. - Something Borrowed, Someone Dead (2013)
Something Borrowed, Someone Dead was first published in 2013; within the Agatha Raisin series, it is listed as book #25. - Hell’s Bells (2013)
Hell’s Bells was published in 2013 and is listed as book #26 in the Agatha Raisin series. - The Blood of an Englishman (2014)
Published in 2014, The Blood of an Englishman is listed as book #27 in the Agatha Raisin series. - Agatha’s First Case (2015)
Agatha’s First Case is a 2015 release and appears as book #28 in the Agatha Raisin series. - Dishing the Dirt (2015)
In the Agatha Raisin series, Dishing the Dirt is book #29 and was published in 2015. - Pushing up Daisies (2016)
Pushing up Daisies was first published in 2016; within the Agatha Raisin series, it is listed as book #30. - The Witches’ Tree (2017)
The Witches’ Tree was published in 2017 and is listed as book #31 in the Agatha Raisin series. - The Dead Ringer (2018)
Published in 2018, The Dead Ringer is listed as book #32 in the Agatha Raisin series. - Beating about the Bush (2019)
Beating about the Bush is a 2019 release and appears as book #33 in the Agatha Raisin series. - Hot to Trot (2020)
(With R.W. Green)
In the Agatha Raisin series, Hot to Trot is book #34 and was published in 2020. - Down the Hatch (2021)
(With R.W. Green)
Down the Hatch was first published in 2021; within the Agatha Raisin series, it is listed as book #35. - Devil’s Delight (2022)
(With R.W. Green)
Devil’s Delight was published in 2022 and is listed as book #36 in the Agatha Raisin series. - Dead on Target (2023)
(With R.W. Green)
Published in 2023, Dead on Target is listed as book #37 in the Agatha Raisin series. - Killing Time (2024)
(With R.W. Green)
Killing Time is a 2024 release and appears as book #38 in the Agatha Raisin series. - Sugar and Spite (2025)
(With R.W. Green)
In the Agatha Raisin series, Sugar and Spite is book #39 and was published in 2025.
Publication Order of Agatha Raisin Non-Fiction Books
- The Agatha Raisin Companion (2010)
The Agatha Raisin Companion was published in 2010 and is listed as book #1 in the Agatha Raisin Non-Fiction series.
Publication Order of Hamish Macbeth Books
with R.W. Green
- Death of a Gossip (1985)
Death of a Gossip was published in 1985 and is listed as book #1 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Cad (1987)
Published in 1987, Death of a Cad is listed as book #2 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of an Outsider (1988)
Death of an Outsider is a 1988 release and appears as book #3 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Perfect Wife (1989)
In the Hamish Macbeth series, Death of a Perfect Wife is book #4 and was published in 1989. - Death of a Hussy (1990)
Death of a Hussy was first published in 1990; within the Hamish Macbeth series, it is listed as book #5. - Death of a Snob (1992)
Death of a Snob was published in 1992 and is listed as book #6 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Prankster (1992)
Published in 1992, Death of a Prankster is listed as book #7 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Glutton / Death of a Greedy Woman (1993)
Death of a Glutton / Death of a Greedy Woman is a 1993 release and appears as book #8 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Travelling Man (1993)
In the Hamish Macbeth series, Death of a Travelling Man is book #9 and was published in 1993. - Death of a Charming Man (1994)
Death of a Charming Man was first published in 1994; within the Hamish Macbeth series, it is listed as book #10. - Death of a Nag (1995)
Death of a Nag was published in 1995 and is listed as book #11 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Macho Man (1996)
Published in 1996, Death of a Macho Man is listed as book #12 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Dentist (1997)
Death of a Dentist is a 1997 release and appears as book #13 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Scriptwriter (1998)
In the Hamish Macbeth series, Death of a Scriptwriter is book #14 and was published in 1998. - Death of an Addict (1999)
Death of an Addict was first published in 1999; within the Hamish Macbeth series, it is listed as book #15. - A Highland Christmas (1999)
A Highland Christmas was published in 1999 and is listed as book #16 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Dustman (2001)
Published in 2001, Death of a Dustman is listed as book #17 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Celebrity (2002)
Death of a Celebrity is a 2002 release and appears as book #18 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Village (2003)
In the Hamish Macbeth series, Death of a Village is book #19 and was published in 2003. - Death of a Poison Pen (2004)
Death of a Poison Pen was first published in 2004; within the Hamish Macbeth series, it is listed as book #20. - Death of a Bore (2005)
Death of a Bore was published in 2005 and is listed as book #21 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Dreamer (2006)
Published in 2006, Death of a Dreamer is listed as book #22 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Maid (2007)
Death of a Maid is a 2007 release and appears as book #23 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Gentle Lady (2008)
In the Hamish Macbeth series, Death of a Gentle Lady is book #24 and was published in 2008. - Death of a Witch (2009)
Death of a Witch was first published in 2009; within the Hamish Macbeth series, it is listed as book #25. - Death of a Valentine (2009)
Death of a Valentine was published in 2009 and is listed as book #26 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Chimney Sweep / Death of a Sweep (2011)
Published in 2011, Death of a Chimney Sweep / Death of a Sweep is listed as book #27 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Kingfisher (2012)
Death of a Kingfisher is a 2012 release and appears as book #28 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of Yesterday (2013)
In the Hamish Macbeth series, Death of Yesterday is book #29 and was published in 2013. - Death of a Policeman (2014)
Death of a Policeman was first published in 2014; within the Hamish Macbeth series, it is listed as book #30. - Death of a Liar (2015)
Death of a Liar was published in 2015 and is listed as book #31 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Knock, Knock, You’re Dead! (2016)
Published in 2016, Knock, Knock, You’re Dead! is listed as book #32 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Nurse (2016)
Death of a Nurse is a 2016 release and appears as book #33 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Ghost (2017)
In the Hamish Macbeth series, Death of a Ghost is book #34 and was published in 2017. - Death of an Honest Man (2018)
Death of an Honest Man was first published in 2018; within the Hamish Macbeth series, it is listed as book #35. - Death of a Green-Eyed Monster / Death of a Love (2022)
(With R.W. Green)
Death of a Green-Eyed Monster / Death of a Love was published in 2022 and is listed as book #36 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Laird (2022)
(With R.W. Green)
Published in 2022, Death of a Laird is listed as book #37 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Traitor (2023)
(With R.W. Green)
Death of a Traitor is a 2023 release and appears as book #38 in the Hamish Macbeth series. - Death of a Spy (2024)
(With R.W. Green)
In the Hamish Macbeth series, Death of a Spy is book #39 and was published in 2024. - Death of a Smuggler (2025)
(With R.W. Green)
Death of a Smuggler was first published in 2025; within the Hamish Macbeth series, it is listed as book #40. - Death of a Groom (2026)
(With R.W. Green)
Death of a Groom was published in 2026 and is listed as book #41 in the Hamish Macbeth series.
Publication Order of Standalone Novels Books
- The Poor Relation (1984)
The Poor Relation was published in 1984 and is listed as book #1 in the Standalone Novels series. - Summertime Splendor (1992)
Published in 1992, Summertime Splendor is listed as book #2 in the Standalone Novels series. - The Skeleton in the Closet (2001)
The Skeleton in the Closet is a 2001 release and appears as book #3 in the Standalone Novels series. - Summer of Discontent (2015)
In the Standalone Novels series, Summer of Discontent is book #4 and was published in 2015.
Publication Order of Cozy Case Files Mystery Sampler Books
- Cozy Case Files Volume 3 (2017)
Cozy Case Files Volume 3 was published in 2017 and is listed as book #1 in the Cozy Case Files Mystery Sampler series. - Cozy Case Files Volume 8 (2020)
Published in 2020, Cozy Case Files Volume 8 is listed as book #2 in the Cozy Case Files Mystery Sampler series. - Cozy Case Files, Volume 19 (2023)
Cozy Case Files, Volume 19 is a 2023 release and appears as book #3 in the Cozy Case Files Mystery Sampler series. - Cozy Case Files, Volume 22 (2024)
In the Cozy Case Files Mystery Sampler series, Cozy Case Files, Volume 22 is book #4 and was published in 2024.
Publication Order of Regency Royal Books
- Lady Margery’s Intrigue (1980)
Lady Margery’s Intrigue was published in 1980 and is listed as book #1 in the Regency Royal series. - The Marquis Takes a Bride (1980)
Published in 1980, The Marquis Takes a Bride is listed as book #2 in the Regency Royal series. - The Ghost and Lady Alice (1981)
The Ghost and Lady Alice is a 1981 release and appears as book #3 in the Regency Royal series. - The Highland Countess (1981)
In the Regency Royal series, The Highland Countess is book #4 and was published in 1981. - The Westerby Inheritance (1982)
The Westerby Inheritance was first published in 1982; within the Regency Royal series, it is listed as book #5. - Love and Lady Lovelace (1982)
Love and Lady Lovelace was published in 1982 and is listed as book #6 in the Regency Royal series. - Duke’s Diamonds (1982)
Published in 1982, Duke’s Diamonds is listed as book #7 in the Regency Royal series. - The Viscount’s Revenge (1983)
The Viscount’s Revenge is a 1983 release and appears as book #8 in the Regency Royal series. - Lady Lucy’s Lover (1983)
In the Regency Royal series, Lady Lucy’s Lover is book #9 and was published in 1983. - Lady Anne’s Deception (1986)
Lady Anne’s Deception was first published in 1986; within the Regency Royal series, it is listed as book #10. - The Paper Princess (1987)
The Paper Princess was published in 1987 and is listed as book #11 in the Regency Royal series. - Milady in Love (1987)
Published in 1987, Milady in Love is listed as book #12 in the Regency Royal series. - My Dear Duchess (1987)
My Dear Duchess is a 1987 release and appears as book #13 in the Regency Royal series. - The Savage Marquess (1988)
In the Regency Royal series, The Savage Marquess is book #14 and was published in 1988. - The Scandalous Marriage (1991)
The Scandalous Marriage was first published in 1991; within the Regency Royal series, it is listed as book #15. - The Desirable Duchess (1993)
The Desirable Duchess was published in 1993 and is listed as book #16 in the Regency Royal series. - The Sins of Lady Dacey (1994)
Published in 1994, The Sins of Lady Dacey is listed as book #17 in the Regency Royal series. - The Dreadful Debutante (1994)
The Dreadful Debutante is a 1994 release and appears as book #18 in the Regency Royal series. - The Chocolate Debutante (1995)
In the Regency Royal series, The Chocolate Debutante is book #19 and was published in 1995. - The Loves of Lord Granton (1996)
The Loves of Lord Granton was first published in 1996; within the Regency Royal series, it is listed as book #20.
Publication Order of Changing Fortunes Books
- The Westerby Sisters (1983)
The Westerby Sisters was published in 1983 and is listed as book #1 in the Changing Fortunes series.
About M.C. Beaton
M.C. Beaton was the best-known pen name of Marion Chesney, the Scottish author whose long career moved from journalism and historical romance into two of the most recognizable cozy mystery series of modern British crime fiction: Hamish Macbeth and Agatha Raisin. Born in Glasgow in 1936, she worked in bookselling and journalism before becoming a full-time novelist, bringing with her a sharp eye for social behavior, comic irritation, class tension, and the small absurdities of everyday life. Those qualities became central to the books that made her famous.
Before she became widely known as M.C. Beaton, Chesney wrote many historical romances under her own name and several other pseudonyms. Her Regency and Edwardian romances were produced with remarkable speed and helped establish her as a prolific commercial storyteller. These earlier books are an important part of her bibliography because they show her command of pace, social comedy, romantic friction, and sharply drawn characters long before Agatha Raisin moved to the Cotswolds or Hamish Macbeth began solving murders in the Highlands.
The Hamish Macbeth series began with Death of a Gossip in 1985. Set in the fictional Highland village of Lochdubh, the books follow Police Constable Hamish Macbeth, a lanky, red-haired local policeman who would rather avoid promotion and remain in the place he loves. Hamish is clever, observant, and often underestimated, which allows him to notice what more ambitious or official figures miss. The series blends murder mystery with village comedy, Highland atmosphere, recurring local characters, and Hamish’s complicated romantic life. Its charm lies partly in the contrast between violent crimes and the deceptively quiet rhythms of rural life.
Agatha Raisin gave Beaton an even more famous heroine. Introduced in The Quiche of Death, Agatha is a retired public relations executive who moves from London to the Cotswolds expecting peace, status, and village charm. Instead, she finds boredom, resentment, gossip, and murder. Agatha is vain, blunt, lonely, ambitious, and often socially clumsy, which makes her far more interesting than a perfectly pleasant amateur sleuth. Beaton uses her to puncture the fantasy of the idyllic English village. The Cotswolds may look pretty, but underneath the cottages and competitions are jealousy, pettiness, secrets, and danger.
One reason Beaton’s mysteries remain popular is that they are cozy without being sentimental. Her books are short, brisk, funny, and easy to read, but they often carry a cynical edge. She had little interest in making village life purely comforting. Instead, she found comedy in irritation and mystery in the ways people hide greed, vanity, bitterness, and loneliness behind respectable surfaces. Her protagonists are flawed by design. Hamish can be lazy and evasive; Agatha can be selfish and abrasive. Yet both feel alive because their weaknesses are inseparable from their appeal.
Beaton’s work also reached television audiences. Hamish Macbeth was adapted for television in the 1990s, and Agatha Raisin later became a television series as well, introducing her characters to viewers beyond the books. Marion Chesney died in 2019, but her major series have continued through authorized continuation novels, keeping the Beaton name active for longtime readers.
M.C. Beaton’s bibliography is best understood through its range as well as its volume. She wrote historical romance, Edwardian mystery, and cozy crime, but her lasting reputation rests on her ability to create comic mystery worlds with instantly recognizable leads. Hamish Macbeth and Agatha Raisin endure because they are not polished heroes. They are difficult, funny, observant, and human, moving through communities where murder is shocking but bad behavior is never in short supply.