Rita Mae Brown Books in Order: Mrs. Murphy, Sister Jane, and More
The simplest answer is that you do not need to read all of Rita Mae Brown’s books in publication order. Her major mystery series are designed around recurring characters and settings, so each series can be read independently. However, reading each individual series in publication order gives you the clearest view of character development and continuity.
As of 2026, the Mrs. Murphy series has 34 books, beginning with Wish You Were Here and most recently reaching Clawed and Dangerous. The Sister Jane series has 17 books, ending for now with Fox and Furious. Brown also has five Runnymede novels and two Mags Rogers mysteries.
Rita Mae Brown Books in Order at a Glance
Here are Brown’s principal fiction series and their reading orders:
| Series | Books | First Book | Latest Book |
| Mrs. Murphy Mysteries | 34 | Wish You Were Here | Clawed and Dangerous |
| Sister Jane Mysteries | 17 | Outfoxed | Fox and Furious |
| Runnymede | 5 | Six of One | Cakewalk |
| Mags Rogers Mysteries | 2 | A Nose for Justice | Murder Unleashed |
Penguin Random House identifies Mrs. Murphy, Sister Jane, and the Runnymede novels among Brown’s major bodies of work, while her official book site also lists the Mags Rogers Mysteries.
Mrs. Murphy Books in Order
The Mrs. Murphy Mysteries are Rita Mae Brown’s longest-running series. The mysteries are set around Crozet, Virginia, and follow Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen and her animal companions, particularly the tiger cat Mrs. Murphy and Welsh corgi Tucker.
The series began in 1990 with Wish You Were Here and remains active. Current bibliographic listings place Clawed and Dangerous at #34, published in 2026.
An important naming detail: these books are commonly listed as the Mrs. Murphy Mysteries, but the novels are credited to Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown. Brown’s official series page describes Sneaky Pie as her feline co-author.
1. Wish You Were Here (1990)
The series begins with Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen, a postmistress in Crozet, Virginia.
Harry discovers a disturbing pattern when local residents begin receiving postcards bearing the ominous message “Wish you were here” before murders occur.
Her pets, Mrs. Murphy and Tucker, begin noticing clues of their own.
The novel establishes the small-town setting, recurring cast, and unusual animal perspective that define the series. Penguin Random House describes Harry as a Crozet postmistress whose tiger cat and Welsh corgi help investigate the murders.
2. Rest in Pieces (1992)
Harry and her animal companions become involved in another murder investigation when pieces of a dismembered body begin appearing around Crozet.
The mystery brings Harry, Mrs. Murphy, and Tucker into contact with suspicious townspeople and a dangerous killer.
3. Murder at Monticello (1994)
The third mystery takes Harry and her companions into the world surrounding historic Monticello.
As murder disrupts the community, Harry begins investigating while Mrs. Murphy and Tucker contribute their own observations.
4. Pay Dirt (1995)
A suspicious death draws Harry and her pets into another Crozet investigation.
The title plays on the rural setting and the discovery of valuable information hidden beneath the surface of an apparently ordinary community.
5. Murder, She Meowed (1996)
Mrs. Murphy takes an especially important role as Harry attempts to uncover the truth behind a murder.
The mystery combines Brown’s trademark animal humor with a conventional whodunit. Penguin Random House describes Mrs. Murphy as Harry’s experienced feline ally in solving the crime.
6. Murder on the Prowl (1998)
Crozet is hit by a series of homicides.
Mrs. Murphy’s ability to observe places humans overlook becomes crucial as Harry attempts to identify the person responsible.
7. Cat on the Scent (1999)
Harry and her pets investigate another crime threatening their Virginia community.
As usual, the animals notice details that humans miss, giving Harry an unusual advantage.
8. Pawing Through the Past (2000)
The investigation reaches into Crozet’s history as Harry and her animal companions uncover secrets connected with the past.
9. Claws and Effect (2001)
Mrs. Murphy, Tucker, and Harry are once again drawn into a dangerous murder investigation.
10. Catch As Cat Can (2002)
Another Crozet murder gives Harry and her pets a new mystery to solve.
11. The Tail of the Tip-Off (2003)
Harry’s animal companions become involved in uncovering clues surrounding another suspicious death.
12. Whisker of Evil (2004)
Harry and her pets investigate a crime in which the seemingly peaceful community once again proves capable of hiding dark secrets.
13. Cat’s Eyewitness (2005)
The thirteenth Mrs. Murphy mystery brings another murder investigation to Crozet.
Christmas approaches while Harry becomes involved in a mystery that has connections to an old secret. Penguin Random House lists the novel as the 13th Mrs. Murphy book.
14. Sour Puss (2006)
Harry and her pets find themselves investigating another murder while dealing with the interpersonal tensions of Crozet.
15. Puss ‘n Cahoots (2007)
Mrs. Murphy and the other animals once again help Harry investigate a crime that threatens the community.
16. The Purrfect Murder (2008)
Another murder brings Harry into a new investigation, with her animal companions providing the unconventional clues readers have come to expect.
17. Santa Clawed (2008)
This holiday-themed mystery combines the Mrs. Murphy formula with Christmas festivities in Crozet.
18. Cat of the Century (2010)
Harry and her pets become involved in another local mystery, once again demonstrating how much information the animals can uncover by watching human behavior.
19. Hiss of Death (2011)
A new murder threatens the community, and Harry must work with her animal companions to determine who is responsible.
20. The Big Cat Nap (2012)
Harry, Mrs. Murphy, Tucker, and the other animals face another mystery in Crozet.
21. Sneaky Pie for President (2012)
This unusual entry places Brown’s famous feline alter ego, Sneaky Pie Brown, at the center of a political-themed story.
It is associated with the Mrs. Murphy/Sneaky Pie world but is somewhat different from the conventional numbered murder mysteries.
22. The Litter of the Law (2013)
Harry and her animal companions encounter another crime while the close-knit Virginia community provides plenty of suspects.
23. Nine Lives to Die (2014)
A new murder puts Harry and her pets on another dangerous trail.
24. Tail Gait (2015)
The series continues with another Crozet mystery involving Harry, Mrs. Murphy, and their circle of human and animal characters.
25. Tall Tail (2016)
Another murder disrupts life in Crozet, sending Harry and her pets looking for answers.
26. A Hiss Before Dying (2017)
Harry’s investigation once again demonstrates the value of having animal companions who notice things their human counterparts overlook.
27. Probable Claws (2018)
The twenty-seventh mystery brings another crime to the Crozet community.
28. Whiskers in the Dark (2019)
Harry and her animal detectives become involved in another murder investigation.
29. Furmidable Foes (2020)
The mystery continues Brown’s combination of small-town crime, animal observations, and recurring characters.
30. Claws for Alarm (2021)
Harry, Mrs. Murphy, and their companions once again investigate a crime threatening their Virginia community.
31. Hiss & Tell (2023)
Christmas is approaching in Crozet, but the holiday spirit is interrupted by a series of mysterious deaths.
The official description has Harry discovering a body and becoming suspicious when additional unidentified victims are found.
32. Feline Fatale (2025)
The action moves into Virginia state politics when a death at the Virginia House of Delegates raises questions about political rivalries and motives.
Harry turns to Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, Tee Tucker, and Pirate for help.
Penguin Random House identifies Feline Fatale as Mrs. Murphy Book 32.
33. Sealed with a Hiss (2026)
Harry and her friends are involved in efforts to restore a long-shuttered segregated school in Crozet.
The project becomes considerably more complicated after a body is discovered on land that a realtor wants to purchase.
The official publisher page gives the publication date as April 21, 2026.
34. Clawed and Dangerous (2026)
Clawed and Dangerous is the latest Mrs. Murphy mystery.
The current series listings place it at #34 and identify it as the newest installment, published in 2026.
Mrs. Murphy Series Order
For a quick copy-and-save list:
- Wish You Were Here (1990)
- Rest in Pieces (1992)
- Murder at Monticello (1994)
- Pay Dirt (1995)
- Murder, She Meowed (1996)
- Murder on the Prowl (1998)
- Cat on the Scent (1999)
- Pawing Through the Past (2000)
- Claws and Effect (2001)
- Catch As Cat Can (2002)
- The Tail of the Tip-Off (2003)
- Whisker of Evil (2004)
- Cat’s Eyewitness (2005)
- Sour Puss (2006)
- Puss ‘n Cahoots (2007)
- The Purrfect Murder (2008)
- Santa Clawed (2008)
- Cat of the Century (2010)
- Hiss of Death (2011)
- The Big Cat Nap (2012)
- Sneaky Pie for President (2012)
- The Litter of the Law (2013)
- Nine Lives to Die (2014)
- Tail Gait (2015)
- Tall Tail (2016)
- A Hiss Before Dying (2017)
- Probable Claws (2018)
- Whiskers in the Dark (2019)
- Furmidable Foes (2020)
- Claws for Alarm (2021)
- Hiss & Tell (2023)
- Feline Fatale (2025)
- Sealed with a Hiss (2026)
- Clawed and Dangerous (2026)
The current bibliographic ordering confirms all 34 titles.
Sister Jane Books in Order
The Sister Jane Mysteries are Brown’s other major mystery series.
The books center on “Sister” Jane Arnold, a foxhunting enthusiast and Master of the Jefferson Hunt Club in Virginia.
The series began with Outfoxed in 2000 and currently contains 17 books, with Fox and Furious published in 2025.
1. Outfoxed (2000)
The first Sister Jane mystery introduces Jane Arnold and her foxhunting community.
A murder connected to the hunt gives Jane an opportunity to demonstrate her considerable powers of observation.
2. Hotspur (2002)
Jane becomes involved in another mystery connected to the world of foxhunting, horses, and the tightly knit Virginia community.
3. Full Cry (2003)
The series continues with another murder investigation involving the hunt and its members.
4. The Hunt Ball (2005)
A social event becomes the backdrop for another mystery.
The combination of foxhunting tradition, social rivalries, and murder gives Brown plenty of room for both humor and suspense.
5. The Hounds and the Fury (2006)
Jane and her community face another crime, with the hunt and its traditions playing a central role.
6. The Tell-tale Horse (2007)
A suspicious death involving the horse world leads Jane into another investigation.
The title is officially styled The Tell-tale Horse.
7. Hounded to Death (2008)
Jane confronts another mystery involving the hunting community.
8. Fox Tracks (2012)
After a several-year publication gap, the series returns with another Sister Jane investigation.
9. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie (2014)
Jane’s knowledge of the countryside and the people around her becomes valuable when another mystery emerges.
10. Crazy Like a Fox (2017)
The tenth Sister Jane mystery continues Brown’s blend of murder investigation, foxhunting culture, and humor.
11. Homeward Hound (2018)
Jane and her circle face another mystery involving the hunt and its community.
12. Scarlet Fever (2019)
Another crime disrupts the lives of the people surrounding the Jefferson Hunt Club.
13. Out of Hounds (2021)
Jane once again investigates a mystery while navigating the complicated relationships of the hunt community.
14. Thrill of the Hunt (2022)
The fourteenth book continues the long-running Sister Jane series.
15. Lost & Hound (2023)
Jane becomes involved in another murder investigation after a body is discovered on foxhunting grounds.
16. Time Will Tell (2024)
The sixteenth Sister Jane mystery was published in November 2024.
17. Fox and Furious (2025)
Fox and Furious is currently the latest Sister Jane novel.
It was published in October 2025 and is the seventeenth book in the series.
Sister Jane Series Order
- Outfoxed (2000)
- Hotspur (2002)
- Full Cry (2003)
- The Hunt Ball (2005)
- The Hounds and the Fury (2006)
- The Tell-tale Horse (2007)
- Hounded to Death (2008)
- Fox Tracks (2012)
- Let Sleeping Dogs Lie (2014)
- Crazy Like a Fox (2017)
- Homeward Hound (2018)
- Scarlet Fever (2019)
- Out of Hounds (2021)
- Thrill of the Hunt (2022)
- Lost & Hound (2023)
- Time Will Tell (2024)
- Fox and Furious (2025)
Runnymede Books in Order
The Runnymede series is quite different from Brown’s mystery fiction.
The five novels center on generations and relationships within the Runnymede family and community.
The publication order is:
- Six of One (1979)
- Bingo (1988)
- Loose Lips (1999)
- The Sand Castle (2008)
- Cakewalk (2016)
FictionDB lists all five as the complete Runnymede series, with Six of One as the first and Cakewalk as the latest.
Six of One
Originally published in 1979, Six of One is the first Runnymede novel and one of Brown’s earlier major works of fiction.
Bingo
Published in 1988, Bingo continues the Runnymede story nearly a decade after the first novel.
Loose Lips
Published in 1999, this third installment returns to the Runnymede characters and their complicated relationships.
The Sand Castle
The fourth novel arrived in 2008.
Cakewalk
Published in 2016, Cakewalk is currently the fifth and final Runnymede novel.
Mags Rogers Books in Order
Rita Mae Brown also wrote a short mystery series featuring Mags Rogers.
There are two books:
- A Nose for Justice (2010)
- Murder Unleashed (2011)
These should be read in publication order if you want to follow the characters from their introduction through the second investigation.
A Nose for Justice
Published in 2010, this novel introduces Mags Rogers and begins the series.
Murder Unleashed
Published in 2011, the second Mags Rogers mystery continues the series.
Penguin Random House lists Murder Unleashed among Brown’s works and identifies it as a Rita Mae Brown novel.
Rita Mae Brown Standalone Novels
Not everything Brown has written belongs to one of her four main series.
Her standalone fiction includes several important novels:
- Rubyfruit Jungle (1973)
- In Her Day (1976)
- Southern Discomfort (1982)
- Sudden Death (1983)
- High Hearts (1986)
- Venus Envy (1993)
- Dolley (1994)
- Riding Shotgun (1996)
- Alma Mater (2001)
These books are not part of the Mrs. Murphy, Sister Jane, Runnymede, or Mags Rogers series.
Brown’s best-known standalone novel is Rubyfruit Jungle, her 1973 debut novel. Penguin Random House specifically lists Rubyfruit Jungle among her major works.
What Is Rita Mae Brown’s First Book?
Rita Mae Brown’s first major published novel was Rubyfruit Jungle, published in 1973.
However, her bibliography begins earlier if poetry and edited collections are included. Bibliographic sources list The Hand That Cradles the Rock among her early publications.
Therefore, when readers ask for the first Rita Mae Brown novel, the answer is Rubyfruit Jungle.
When they ask for the first book she published, the answer depends on whether poetry and edited/anthology work are included.
What Is the First Mrs. Murphy Book?
The first Mrs. Murphy mystery is Wish You Were Here.
It introduced Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen, Mrs. Murphy, and Tucker and established Crozet, Virginia, as the central setting.
The series began in 1990 and has grown to 34 books.
If you’re new to Rita Mae Brown specifically because of her cozy mysteries, Wish You Were Here is the best place to start.
What Is the Latest Rita Mae Brown Book?
As of 2026, the newest Rita Mae Brown book in her major mystery bibliography is Clawed and Dangerous, the 34th Mrs. Murphy mystery.
It follows Sealed with a Hiss and is currently the latest installment of the Mrs. Murphy series.
Her other major mystery series currently ends with Fox and Furious (2025).
Do You Need to Read Rita Mae Brown Books in Order?
No—not all of them.
The important distinction is between Brown’s series and her standalone novels.
You can begin with almost any Mrs. Murphy mystery because each book contains its own central murder investigation. However, reading from the beginning allows you to watch Harry’s relationships, friendships, pets, and life in Crozet develop over time.
The same principle applies to the Sister Jane books: each novel presents its own mystery, while recurring characters and the foxhunting community provide continuity.
For the best experience, use publication order within each series, rather than trying to read every Rita Mae Brown book by publication date.
Which Rita Mae Brown Series Should You Read First?
Start with Mrs. Murphy for cozy mysteries
If you enjoy cozy mysteries, cats, dogs, small towns, and amateur sleuths, begin with Wish You Were Here.
This is Brown’s longest-running mystery series and the one most closely associated with her name today.
Start with Sister Jane for foxhunting mysteries
If you’re interested in horses, foxhunting, Virginia country life, and murder mysteries, start with Outfoxed.
The series follows Sister Jane Arnold and her hunting community.
Start with Runnymede for women’s fiction
If you prefer family relationships, generational stories, and women’s fiction rather than mystery, start with Six of One.
Start with Rubyfruit Jungle for Brown’s literary legacy
If your primary interest is Rita Mae Brown herself rather than her mystery series, Rubyfruit Jungle is the natural starting point.
It is her best-known early novel and an important work in her bibliography.
Rita Mae Brown Books by Genre
Brown’s career spans several genres.
Cozy and amateur mysteries
- Mrs. Murphy Mysteries
- Sister Jane Mysteries
- Mags Rogers Mysteries
These books are especially suited to readers who enjoy recurring sleuths, small communities, animals, and puzzle-centered mysteries.
Women’s fiction and contemporary fiction
- Rubyfruit Jungle
- In Her Day
- Southern Discomfort
- Venus Envy
- Riding Shotgun
- Runnymede novels
Historical fiction
- High Hearts
- Dolley
Memoir and nonfiction
Brown has also published memoir, writing advice, animal-related nonfiction, and other nonfiction works.
Among them are:
- A Plain Brown Rapper
- Starting from Scratch: A Different Kind of Writer’s Manual
- Rita Will: Memoir of a Literary Rabble-Rouser
- Sneaky Pie’s Cookbook for Mystery Lovers
- Animal Magnetism: My Life with Creatures Great and Small
FictionDB’s bibliography lists these among Brown’s nonfiction publications.
Rita Mae Brown Books in Order: The Simple Answer
If you only want the major series reading order, use these lists:
Mrs. Murphy Mysteries
- Wish You Were Here
- Rest in Pieces
- Murder at Monticello
- Pay Dirt
- Murder, She Meowed
- Murder on the Prowl
- Cat on the Scent
- Pawing Through the Past
- Claws and Effect
- Catch As Cat Can
- The Tail of the Tip-Off
- Whisker of Evil
- Cat’s Eyewitness
- Sour Puss
- Puss ‘n Cahoots
- The Purrfect Murder
- Santa Clawed
- Cat of the Century
- Hiss of Death
- The Big Cat Nap
- Sneaky Pie for President
- The Litter of the Law
- Nine Lives to Die
- Tail Gait
- Tall Tail
- A Hiss Before Dying
- Probable Claws
- Whiskers in the Dark
- Furmidable Foes
- Claws for Alarm
- Hiss & Tell
- Feline Fatale
- Sealed with a Hiss
- Clawed and Dangerous
Sister Jane Mysteries
- Outfoxed
- Hotspur
- Full Cry
- The Hunt Ball
- The Hounds and the Fury
- The Tell-tale Horse
- Hounded to Death
- Fox Tracks
- Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
- Crazy Like a Fox
- Homeward Hound
- Scarlet Fever
- Out of Hounds
- Thrill of the Hunt
- Lost & Hound
- Time Will Tell
- Fox and Furious
Runnymede
- Six of One
- Bingo
- Loose Lips
- The Sand Castle
- Cakewalk
Mags Rogers
- A Nose for Justice
- Murder Unleashed
Frequently Asked Questions About Rita Mae Brown Books
How many Rita Mae Brown books are there?
The exact total depends on what is counted—novels, nonfiction, poetry, anthologies, short works, and series-related books are cataloged differently.
One current bibliographic database lists 70 books in Brown’s overall bibliography, including her four principal fiction series and other publications.
For readers interested specifically in her recurring mystery series, there are currently 34 Mrs. Murphy books, 17 Sister Jane books, 5 Runnymede novels, and 2 Mags Rogers mysteries.
How many Mrs. Murphy books are there?
There are currently 34 Mrs. Murphy mysteries, from Wish You Were Here through Clawed and Dangerous.
How many Sister Jane books are there?
There are currently 17 Sister Jane mysteries, from Outfoxed through Fox and Furious.
Is the Mrs. Murphy series finished?
No definitive series ending has been announced. The most recent book is Clawed and Dangerous, published in 2026, and current listings do not provide a later installment.
Is the Sister Jane series finished?
There is currently no later Sister Jane book listed after Fox and Furious (2025), but that does not necessarily constitute a formal series conclusion.
Who is Sneaky Pie Brown?
Sneaky Pie Brown is Rita Mae Brown’s famous feline co-author associated with the Mrs. Murphy mysteries.
The books are officially presented as Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown collaborations.
What is Rita Mae Brown’s most famous book?
Rubyfruit Jungle is arguably her best-known standalone novel and an important early work in her career. Penguin Random House includes it among the defining works in Brown’s bibliography.
What Rita Mae Brown book should I read first?
For a cozy mystery, start with Wish You Were Here.
For foxhunting mysteries, start with Outfoxed.
For Brown’s standalone fiction and literary legacy, start with Rubyfruit Jungle.
Final Rita Mae Brown Reading Order
Rita Mae Brown’s bibliography can look complicated because she writes across several genres and has multiple long-running series. The easiest way to navigate it is to choose the series that interests you and read that series from its first book onward.
For mystery readers, Wish You Were Here is the best starting point for the Mrs. Murphy books, while Outfoxed begins the Sister Jane mysteries.
If you’re interested in Brown’s broader literary career, begin with Rubyfruit Jungle and then explore the Runnymede novels and her later mystery fiction.
With Clawed and Dangerous now at the end of the Mrs. Murphy reading order, Brown’s cozy-mystery bibliography remains one of the longest-running in contemporary American mystery fiction.
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