I just posted the Mysteries of Sparrow Island Mystery Series on the Cozy Mystery site. I know that it took me way longer than it should have, but I finally finished it. I had quite a few requests for the complete list of the books in the series, and am sorry that it took me so long to get it done.
Better Late than Never!
The Mysteries of Sparrow Island follow Abigail Stanton (an ornithologist) who moves to Sparrow Island off of the state of Washington’s coast. Abby relocates to the island in order to help her sister (Mary) to adjust to her new life after a debilitating car accident which leaves Mary in a wheelchair. (Finnegan, Mary’s service dog, also helps.
This is a Christian theme mystery series which was offered by Guideposts as a membership club.
Pat says
Would like to know if there is a certain order that these should be read? I didn’t know that it was such a long series when I started it, but I have seen two lists and not in the same order. I sold the first three books at my garage sale and now wish I would have kept the series altogether. Thanks for the list. Pat
Mary says
I did the same thing. I gave away my first book. I found the print books on Paperbookswap. I have belonged to this site for 8 years. You can find some on Amazon from other book sellers. Funny thing is I printed the list from here and Guideposts and the titles I ordered are on the list. But the picture of the book says it is an sparrow island book, I will let you know what find.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Pat, I posted the list that I got from someone at Guideposts. From what I can remember, the Guideposts website doesn’t offer any information about the sequence of the Mysteries of Sparrow Island. Hopefully, someone who reads the series will post a comment letting you know…
Linda says
I have read 7 of these books, so far. I really enjoyed the first 3 or 4, but I’m finding that Bobby is 10 years old, Abby is 55, and everything has happened all in the same year. I intend to read the rest, but I have never read a series this long where the characters do not age.
Lee Ann says
I am reading/collecting the Mysteries of Sparrow Island and Grace Chapel Inn Series from Guideposts. I believe each series is similar in that there is the first book in the series which sets the stage. The books are written by several different authors who remain true to the spirit of the series. I never cease to be amazed that many different authors can create so many books while remaining true to the essence of the series.
Linda says
I enjoyed reading the Grace Chapel Inn books. Have you read any of the Guideposts series “Mystery and the Minister’s Wife”? They are also good.
Lisa says
Has the Sparrow Island series ended? I don’t see any new books since 2008? Is this correct? I miss the plot, characters and the setting.
Thanks.
Kevin says
I’m interested in this series for the birding element of it. Yet I read more about its Christian orientation more than birding. Would folks say the books have more of a Christian orientation or a birding theme? Just curious as I’ll definitely read one but would like to know what kind of series it is before I commit to reading them all. Thank you.
Kevin
Susan says
Kevin,
I found these books to be a really great mix of ornithology and faith. It was that fact that made me buy all 27 of the books.
Susan
Julie says
Will there be anymore books in the Mysteries of Sparrow Island Series? I have all 27.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Julie, you will probably have to contact Guidepost to see if there will be more Mysteries of Sparrow Island books…
Sharon says
Hello,
Like Kevin’s post I too was wondering if Mysteries of Sparrow Island was more on birds and how they fit into the mysteries or different storylines with the Christian theme. I bought off Ebay several of the Guideposts Mystery series books such as Mystery and the Minister’s Wife and the Church Choir Mysteries… all which I have thoroughly enjoyed but one book from the Mystery of Sparrow Island was included and wondered whether or not to get involved with collecting the whole series. The reference to birds sort of threw me. Maybe, it is only a small part of the storyline? Can someone tell a little more about the connection of the birds or sparrows? I am currently getting the Patchwork Mystery books and enjoy them for the same reasons as the other two series mentioned above and like another who posted at this site it is really surprising how different authors can write and make it seem like all the books are written by the same person. The writing style and preservation of each character’s personality is seamless. I also want to say this is a great website to refer to the lists of books in each series as they become available. Sharon
Danna - cozy mystery list says
I’m sorry, Sharon, but I don’t read that particular Cozy Mystery series…
Gayanne says
The birding is mentioned as it’s Abby’s job and some bird names are given, and some native history of the San Juan Islands, but it’s more about the mysteries. I loved them all.
Brenda says
For Sharon’s May 31 question.
I have all the Mysteries of Sparrow Island, and duplicates available of some books. I really enjoyed this series. The books are not really about birds. Birds, of course, are part of the series because Abby Stanton is an orinthologist.
Also have duplicates available from the Mystery and the Minister’s Wife and the Church Choir Mysteries. Have read most of the Church Choir Series, but haven’t started reading the Minister’s Wife series. Haven’t found any of the Guideposts books that I wouldn’t recommend.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks for the information about the Mysteries of Sparrow Island Series, Brenda.
LuAnne says
I know I am replying to a very old post but I am trying to find the books that were missing get from the set I bought I need Secrets In The Sand, A Long Way Home, A Light In The Dark, Seeds of Doubt, and Plundered Treasure.
Colleen says
Can anyone tell me if there is a list of Mysteries of Sparrow Island, in the order they should be read and where to find it
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Colleen, here is the list of the Mysteries of Sparrow Island Mystery Series. (I have it listed on the “M” page of the Cozy Mystery site.)
Susan says
I just wish they hadn’t ended the series before we found out if Henry got together with Mary, or Hugo got together with Abby. The ending of the series was kind of abrupt, and story lines were left hanging. Despite all that, this was my favorite cozy mystery series EVER, and the books, just like all the Guideposts hardcover books, are exquisite!
Carol says
I have all the 27 books and recommend reading for three reasons:
Learning about the birds was first on my list.
Cast of characters are so real, unbelievable.
Yes the characters do age if you have read all the books!
Spiritual reminders are just enough,not overdone.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Carol, thanks for the Mysteries of Sparrow Island Series’ shout-out! I think it’s really interesting that so many authors were able to write Cozies that seemed to be all written by one author!
Billie says
I have really enjoyed the Sparrow Island series. Unfortunately, I seem to have skipped around some. I get mine from the library and one library had them by author and the other put the ones they had together. Unfortunately, they have not been numbered, so I have just been reading by the copyright years. The birding info makes it interesting, the spiritual references are enough, not too much. Thanks for your list.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Billie, I’m glad you found the chronological list so that you won’t have to work off the copyright dates anymore. I remember when I used to have to do that years ago.
Jodie says
I just finished the last of the Sparrow Island Mysteries. I loved them! They are not mentally taxing, just fun reading. No murders, but plenty of excitement and danger with enough at stake that you always want to see how things turn out. Some of the plots were a bit predictable, but they were accompanied by lots of interesting information about all sorts of varieties of birds, trees, plants, that I found enriching. The characters got to be like old friends, and the variety of writers/editors seamlessly patched the stories together so you really weren’t aware that there were quite a few different authors for the series. The topics that were touched on as part of the plots were so well researched; I learned not only about nature in that part of the US, but also about history, about running a nature museum and a bed and breakfast, about various crafts, Native American culture, living with a disability, and all sorts of ‘bonus’ particulars about other subjects that will be fun to build on in the future.
Finally, as was mentioned in the conversations above, throughout the series, the characters prayerfully pondered Bible verses in a very natural and helpful way that comforted them, guided them, and encouraged them. The last book, in particular, was very revealing about not just the importance of communication in families, but also contained a sort of “how to” for those who might have ears to hear. Being a Christian social worker, and married for 30+ years with children and grandchildren has given me an excellent background in this. However, there was a short conversation revealing advice of the main characters’ mother for her daughter in a difficult time that was passed on to the next generation; in that elegantly simple explanation was a bit of advice that I think will be a treasured part of my arsenal not only for helping others, but for enriching my communication with those I hold most dear.
Enjoy the journey if you read the series. The books don’t leave dangling ends, but the series left me wishing for more. Would love to know why the series ended, I suppose by that time the project was not financially viable, but I feel like a better person because of “getting to know” these characters.
Thanks for posting the books in order, it was REALLY helpful!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jodie, you’re very welcome – I’m always glad when my lists help someone out!
Billie says
I like your posting. It was thoughtful, and mentioned everything that I should have said earlier. But as you know, we got by with a little help from our friends…
Billie says
I have enjoyed all the Guidepost mystery series that I have read and hopefully completed; The Sparrow Island series, the Grace Chapel Series, the Patchwork Quilt series, the Lighthouse series and now I’m trying to read the Blue Hill library series and the one set in Colorado by Carole ——-. If you can continue listing them by order that would be so handy. I did enjoy the Sparrow Island series for the bird info and the various problems that popped up in that small place. Unfortunately, I think some people are turned off by the fact is is sold as a Christian mystery series, but they are truly cozies as well.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Billie, I’m certainly trying to keep them up to date! I’m glad that the lists have helped you keep track of your reading.