Colleen Cambridge Books in Order: Every Historical Cozy Mystery, From Murder at Mallowan Hall to Murder on the Champs-Élysées
Colleen Cambridge writes historical cozy mysteries with real-world glamour: a housekeeper solving crimes in an English country house during the golden age of detective fiction, and an American woman and her neighbour Julia Child investigating murder in post-war Paris. The books are warm, witty and full of period detail.
This guide lists every Colleen Cambridge book in order, with short descriptions, a note on where to start and a short profile of the author.
Phyllida Bright Mysteries in Order
Set in 1920s and 1930s England, this series follows housekeeper Phyllida Bright at Mallowan Hall, the country home of the family that hosts Agatha Christie-style house parties. Each book is a self-contained mystery, but the household and its characters develop over time.
Murder at Mallowan Hall (2021)
After a weekend house party, a guest is found dead in the library and a second death follows. Phyllida, who runs the household, turns her sharp eye on the guests.
A Trace of Poison (2022)
At a village Murder Fête full of crime writers, a guest is poisoned during Phyllida’s cocktail party. She has to untangle the rivalries among suspects who know a lot about fictional murder.
Murder by Invitation Only (2023)
Phyllida attends a staged murder game at Beecham House, but the host is found truly dead. With Inspector Cork away, she must separate the motives of the game from the motives of real life.
Murder Takes the Stage (2024)
Phyllida leaves Mallowan Hall for London’s theatre world, where a run of suspicious deaths feeds local superstition. She races to stop the next one.
Two Truths and a Murder (2025)
Phyllida is asked to watch a possibly unfaithful husband at a dinner party. A party game hints at an old killing, and by morning a guest is dead.
Death Down the Aisle (2026)
Phyllida travels to a seaside manor for Dr. John Bhatt’s wedding. Family tensions boil over, and a guest is found dead in the chapel.
An American in Paris Mysteries in Order
This series follows Tabitha Knight, a young American living in post-war Paris, and her friendship with her neighbour Julia Child, years before Julia became a famous cook. Tabitha’s sleuthing and Julia’s culinary education run side by side.
Mastering the Art of French Murder (2023)
A body turns up in Julia Child’s building in post-war Paris. Tabitha Knight is drawn into the case when a note in her handwriting links her to it.
A Murder Most French (2024)
A chef collapses after drinking rare wine at Le Cordon Bleu. The poisoning soon touches Tabitha personally and leads her to secrets from the war.
A Fashionably French Murder (2025)
A couturier is strangled during a private showing at a Paris fashion house. Tabitha and Julia investigate as more trouble hits the house.
In the Spirit of French Murder (2026)
A medium warns Tabitha that her grandfather and Oncle Rafe are in danger. After an old Resistance friend is killed, she looks into the darker side of the Left Bank.
Quinn & Gates Mysteries in Order
A historical mystery series set in Washington in 1861, in the first months of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency. It follows Adam Quinn, an aide sent by Lincoln to look into suspicious deaths, and Sophie Gates.
Murder at Lincoln’s Gala (2025)
On the day of Lincoln’s inauguration gala, a man is stabbed near the new president. Lincoln sends Adam Quinn to find out whether it was an assassination attempt or something else.
Murder in Lincoln’s Library (2025)
As the Civil War begins, a guard is found dead in the White House library, and the killer is among the makeshift garrison. Quinn, with Sophie Gates, must find the murderer while the president remains at risk.
Murder at the Capitol (2025)
In July 1861, a body is found hanging beneath the unfinished Capitol dome. Quinn investigates whether it was suicide or murder and uncovers a Southern spy network plotting against the Union army.
Standalone Novel
Murder on the Champs-Élysées (2026)
In Belle Époque Paris, Inspector Guillaume Devré investigates a wealthy young man’s death. He finds a famous courtesan at the centre of the scandal.
Where to Start With Colleen Cambridge
- If you love English country house mysteries: Murder at Mallowan Hall.
- If you love Paris and food: Mastering the Art of French Murder.
- If you like American history: Murder at Lincoln’s Gala.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleen Cambridge’s Books
What is Colleen Cambridge’s first book?
Murder at Mallowan Hall, published in 2021.
Do I need to read her series in order?
Reading each series in order is best, but you can begin with any of the three.
How many books has Colleen Cambridge written?
Fourteen books across her series and one standalone.
Is Julia Child a real person in these books?
Yes. Julia Child appears as a fictionalised version of herself during her years in Paris, but the lead sleuth of An American in Paris is a fictional young woman, Tabitha Knight.
Is Colleen Cambridge a pen name?
Yes. Colleen Cambridge is a pen name of the American author Colleen Gleason, who also publishes as C. M. Gleason.
What should I read if I like Colleen Cambridge?
Readers often try Agatha Christie, Jacqueline Winspear, Sara Rosett and Rhys Bowen.
About Colleen Cambridge
Colleen Cambridge is the author of the Phyllida Bright mysteries, An American in Paris series and Quinn & Gates series. She writes historical cozy mysteries that combine real-life figures with fictional sleuths. She has fourteen published books since 2021.
My Take as a Reader
If you are new to her work, choose by setting. Country houses and tea go with Phyllida, Paris and butter go with Julia.
Final Note
Colleen Cambridge’s mysteries are a cosy escape with plenty of period charm. Start with the series that fits your taste, follow the order above and bookmark this page for new releases.
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