The Miss Julia books in order are cozy, low stakes mysteries that unfold around the titular character. This series by Ann B. Ross is complete with 23 full-length novels and one short story, which makes it a great series to pick up and enjoy.
Julia Springer is an elderly widow whose axis shifts when her late husband’s mistress and his illegitimate child show up on her front step.
But Julia opens her heart and home to Hazel Marie and Lloyd, creating a new and unconventional family. They become central figures to the overall plot of the books as Miss Julia pursues tracking down missing jewelry, kidnappings, a second marriage, and more.
Miss Julia Books in Order
As is the case with many mystery books, each Miss Julia novel tackles a new mystery to solve. The author, Ann B. Ross, says that she tried to make each book a standalone. However, while the plots and storylines largely function as standalones, the character development and progression cannot be so easily separated.
If you intend to read the entire series, then the recommendation would be read the Miss Julia books in order. This will properly introduce you to the characters and the setting of Abbotsville, South Carolina.
As well, the publication order is the same as the chronological order. So, you will follow the characters as their relationships evolve and also avoid any potential spoilers.
- Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind (1999)
- Miss Julia Takes Over (2001)
- Miss Julia Throws a Wedding (2002)
- Miss Julia Hits the Road (2003)
- Miss Julia Meets Her Match (2004)
- Miss Julia’s School of Beauty (2005)
- Miss Julia Stands Her Ground (2006)
- Miss Julia Strikes Back (2007)
- Miss Julia Paints the Town (2008)
- Miss Julia Delivers the Goods (2009)
- Miss Julia Renews Her Vows (2010)
- Miss Julia Rocks the Cradle (2011)
- Miss Julia to the Rescue (2012)
- Miss Julia Stirs Up Trouble (2013)
- Miss Julia’s Marvelous Makeover (2014)
- Miss Julia Lays Down the Law (2015)
- Miss Julia Inherits a Mess (2016)
- Miss Julia Weathers the Storm (2017)
- Miss Julia Raises the Roof (2018)
- Miss Julia Takes the Wheel (2019)
- Miss Julia Knows a Thing or Two (2020)
- Miss Julia Happily Ever After (2021)
Other Miss Julia Stories
In addition to the full-length Miss Julia books in order, there is also a short story for fans to enjoy. Miss Julia’s Gift was released at the end of January in 2013, and culminates with a Valentine’s Day themed conclusion.
Chronologically, it takes place between Miss Julia Stirs Up Trouble and Miss Julia’s Marvelous Makeover. You should not read this short story until you finish Miss Julia Stirs Up Trouble at least. Otherwise there will be spoilers for the motivations, fears, and relationships of the beloved characters.
Ross has also written a full-length novel from the perspective of Etta Mae Wiggins. While this book is a standalone in terms of plot, it will make the most sense to read this book after Miss Julia’s Marvelous Makeover.
- Miss Julia’s Gift (2013)
- Etta Mae’s Worst Bad-Luck Day (2014)
About Ann B. Ross
The Miss Julia series was not Ann B. Ross’s debut, but it did become her most popular and what she is most well-known for. Her first three books have since gone out of print, but each book in the Miss Julia series is still in circulation.
For 22 years Ross worked at a steady pace to put out a new book each year. But in 2021 she bid adieu to the character with the final book in the series: Miss Julia Happily Ever After.
On her website Ross says that she does not read books within the same genre as her own writing in order to avoid any unintentional influence. However, some of her favourite contemporary authors include John Sandford, Robert Crais, and Michael Connelly.
She says she loves police and detective novels. So, if you’ve already read all the Miss Julia books in order, then you may want to pick up a book by one of Ross’s favorite authors.
Looking for similar books in order?
If you want more mystery authors and reading-order guides like this one, start with my Mystery Books in Order index.