Cackleberry Club Books in Order

Set in the fictional Midwestern town of Kindred, the Cackleberry Club series follows three resourceful women in their forties—Suzanne, Toni, and Petra—who found independence after losing their husbands by opening their own business. In a rehabbed Spur station, they run the Cackleberry Club, a cozy café specializing in egg dishes that also features a book nook and yarn shop. But when murder comes to their small town, these semi-desperate women find themselves serving up justice alongside their breakfast specials. This New York Times bestselling cozy mystery series combines amateur sleuthing with recipes, knitting tips, cake decorating advice, and a dash of small-town charm.

List of Cackleberry Club Books

  1. Eggs in Purgatory

    Published: 2008

  2. Eggs Benedict Arnold

    Published: 2009

  3. Bedeviled Eggs

    Published: 2010

  4. Stake & Eggs

    Published: 2012

  5. Eggs in a Casket

    Published: 2014

  6. Scorched Eggs

    Published: 2014

  7. Egg Drop Dead

    Published: 2016

  8. Eggs on Ice

    Published: 2018

  9. Egg Shooters

    Published: 2021

Cackleberry Club Books in Order

by Laura Childs

Set in the fictional Midwestern town of Kindred, the Cackleberry Club series follows three resourceful women in their forties—Suzanne, Toni, and Petra—who found independence after losing their husbands by opening their own business. In a rehabbed Spur station, they run the Cackleberry Club, a cozy café specializing in egg dishes that also features a book nook and yarn shop. But when murder comes to their small town, these semi-desperate women find themselves serving up justice alongside their breakfast specials. This New York Times bestselling cozy mystery series combines amateur sleuthing with recipes, knitting tips, cake decorating advice, and a dash of small-town charm.

Cackleberry Club Books in Order: Complete Series Reading Guide

Cackleberry Club Books in Order: Complete Series Reading Guide

Last updated: December 2025

Series Overview

The Cackleberry Club Series has 9 books spanning from 2008 to 2021.

Laura Childs's heartwarming series follows three widows—Suzanne, Petra, and Toni—who channel their grief into opening the Cackleberry Club café in the small Midwestern town of Kindred. The cozy establishment serves breakfast, sells yarn and books, and somehow keeps attracting murder.

What makes this series special for readers 50+: The three protagonists are all women who've lost their husbands and rebuilt their lives through friendship, entrepreneurship, and determination. Their bond shows that life after loss can still be full of purpose and adventure.

Reading Order Complexity Level: SIMPLE - Read in publication order

Quick Answer: The Complete Reading Order

1. Eggs in Purgatory (2008)
2. Eggs Benedict Arnold (2009)
3. Bedeviled Eggs (2010)
4. Stake & Eggs (2012)
5. Eggs in a Casket (2014)
6. Scorched Eggs (2014)
7. Egg Drop Dead (2016)
8. Eggs on Ice (2018)
9. Egg Shooters (2021)

Note: This series concluded in 2021 with Egg Shooters.

Why Reading Order Matters

Relationship Development: Suzanne's relationship with Dr. Sam Hazelet develops across the series, culminating in their engagement.

Friendship Bonds: The dynamic between Suzanne, Petra, and Toni deepens with each book.

Town of Kindred: Your familiarity with the quirky residents of Kindred grows naturally through the series.

Meet the Main Characters

Suzanne Dietz - The de facto leader of the trio, handles the front of house and gets most involved in the mysteries.

Petra Hobart - The baker extraordinaire who creates the café's delicious egg dishes and treats.

Toni Garrett - Handles the craft corner and adds comic relief with her colorful personality.

Dr. Sam Hazelet - Local doctor and Suzanne's love interest.

Sheriff Doogie - Local law enforcement who tolerates Suzanne's amateur sleuthing.

The Cackleberry Club Café

The café itself is a character in the series:
- Breakfast service featuring creative egg dishes
- Book Nook selling used books
- Knitting Nest with yarn and craft supplies
- Small-town gathering place where gossip flows freely

Series Themes

- Female friendship - Three widows supporting each other
- Second acts - Rebuilding life after loss
- Small-town community - Everyone knows everyone in Kindred
- Comfort food - Egg-centric recipes throughout
- Cozy mysteries - Amateur sleuths with heart

What to Expect

- Midwest charm - Small-town values and community spirit
- Egg-themed titles - Every book features an egg pun
- Recipes - Plenty of breakfast recipes to try
- Cozy tone - Warm, comforting reads
- Strong female friendships - The heart of every story

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this series complete?
A: Yes, the series concluded with Egg Shooters in 2021. All 9 books tell a complete story.

Q: How is this different from Laura Childs' other series?
A: The Midwestern setting and multiple protagonist format distinguish this from her Southern-set Tea Shop and Scrapbooking series.

Q: Are the mysteries intense?
A: These are cozy mysteries—no graphic violence. The emphasis is on community, friendship, and puzzle-solving.

Q: Are there recipes?
A: Yes! Each book includes recipes, many featuring eggs.

Start Your Reading Journey

Ready to visit the Cackleberry Club? Start with [Eggs in Purgatory](/series/cackleberry-club) and meet Suzanne, Petra, and Toni.