The Complete Guide to the Jane Ladling Mystery Series by Gena Showalter & Jill Monroe

Ever wondered what happens when you mix a landlocked cemetery, a quirky amateur sleuth, and a string of murders in a small Southern town? You get the Jane Ladling Mystery series by Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe—a cozy mystery series that’s equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and murderously clever.

Here’s the lowdown on this finished series (yes, you can binge it, no waiting for cliffhangers here!).

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What’s the Series About?

Jane Ladling is living her best cemetery-owner life in the charming (and murder-prone) town of Aurelian Hills, Georgia. Between finding dead bodies where they shouldn’t be, battling small-town gossip, and teaming up with Special Agent Conrad Ryan, she somehow becomes the town’s go-to sleuth. Oh, and her sidekick? A grumpy cat named Rolex, who’s pretty sure he owns the cemetery. Expect plenty of humor, a sprinkle of romance, and enough twists to keep you guessing.

The Jane Ladling Mystery Books (In Order!)

Romancing the Gravestone
Jane’s peaceful cemetery gig takes a dark turn when a body shows up in Plot #39—and no, it’s not supposed to be there. Enter Special Agent Conrad Ryan, who’s cute but clearly thinks Jane knows more than she’s letting on. Naturally, she starts her first investigation. Chaos and comedy ensue. Grab this book on Amazon

No Gravestone Left Unturned
When a fresh body lands on Jane’s porch (rude), the town’s rumor mill gets cranking. Determined to clear her name, she dives back into detective mode. Bonus: her maybe-boyfriend Conrad is sticking close. Too close? Grab this book on Amazon

Game of Gravestones
A murder mystery fundraiser at the cemetery? Fun in theory—until a real murder happens. Jane’s mentor, Fiona, ends up in the hot seat, and Jane has to solve the case before someone ends up six feet under. Again. Grab this book on Amazon

Twelve Graves of Christmas
Jane finds a treasure map that suggests gold is buried in her cemetery coffins. Holiday spirit? Meet murder and treasure hunting. It’s a Christmas she won’t forget. Grab this book on Amazon

Conrad: Falling for the Gravekeeper
Conrad’s side of the story! This novella takes us inside the mind of Special Agent Ryan—his struggles with Jane, the cases, and why he’s hopelessly charmed by the cemetery keeper who won’t stay out of trouble. Grab this book on Amazon

Grave Wars
When Conrad’s political rival ends up dead, Jane steps in to help solve the case. She also decides it’s time to break her family’s so-called curse and embrace life… if she can survive the fallout. Grab this book on Amazon

Grave New World
Jane’s planning her wedding, but the universe has other plans. A murder at a local writer’s club pulls her into another case. Can she solve it in time to say, “I do”? Grab this book on Amazon

Jane Ladling Mystery Character Guide

Jane Ladling
Owner of the Garden of Memories cemetery, Jane is known for her quirky personality and tendency to suspect everyone of everything. She’s responsible for the cemetery’s “guests” and often finds herself entangled in local mysteries.

Fantasy Cast: Zooey Deschanel. With her experience in New Girl, Deschanel embodies the quirky and endearing qualities that define Jane.

Special Agent Conrad Ryan
A gruff and handsome special agent who becomes involved in Jane’s life after a body is discovered in her cemetery. Initially suspicious of Jane, their relationship evolves as they collaborate on solving crimes.

Fantasy Cast: Matt Bomer. Known for White Collar, Bomer’s suave demeanor and charm could bring Conrad to life.

Fiona Atwater
Jane’s mentor and a former crime reporter with a knack for uncovering trouble. She provides wisdom and sass, making her one of Jane’s most trusted allies.

Rolex
Jane’s grumpy cat, who often acts as if he owns the Garden of Memories cemetery. He’s frequently found supervising Jane’s activities from a high perch or giving her a discerning look.

Lark and Sparrow Ladling
Jane’s cousins, known for offering (sometimes questionable) advice and bringing family drama into the mix. The Ladling family has a long-standing history tied to the Garden of Memories cemetery.

Beau “the Mayor” Jennings
The charming mayor of Aurelian Hills, who often finds himself at the center of town gossip. He flirts shamelessly with Jane but harbors secrets of his own.

The Aurelian Hills Gossip Mill
Not a single person, but an ever-present force in Jane’s life. The town’s residents love a good scandal, and Jane’s adventures provide them with plenty to discuss.

You’ll Like the Jane Ladling Mystery Series If You Also Enjoyed…

1. Aurora Teagarden Mysteries by Charlaine Harris
   Like Jane, Aurora is at the center of her town’s juiciest gossip and crime-solving escapades, complete with charming romantic entanglements.
2. Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich
   Fans of Stephanie’s chaotic energy and knack for stumbling into trouble will feel right at home with Jane’s misadventures and witty banter.
3. Library Lover’s Mysteries by Jenn McKinlay
   Both Lindsey and Jane tackle small-town mysteries while navigating lovable townsfolk, lots of humor, and their own personal lives along the way.

Related: Cozy mystery beginners’ starter pack for romance readers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Jane Ladling series complete?
Yes, the series is finished with seven books (including one novella). No cliffhangers—you can binge the whole thing!

Do I have to read the books in order?
While each book has a self-contained mystery, there’s a lot of character development (and romance!) that makes reading in order more satisfying.

Is there romance in the series?
Yes! The slow-burn romance between Jane and Special Agent Conrad Ryan is a major subplot throughout the series. Think banter, mutual pining, and plenty of sparks.

Is there anything paranormal in the series?
Surprisingly, no! Even though it’s set in a cemetery (and the authors are known for paranormal stories), this series is strictly a cozy mystery. No ghosts, no supernatural shenanigans—just quirky characters, sharp humor, and good old-fashioned sleuthing.

How cozy is this cozy mystery?
Very! Even though the series involves murders, it leans heavily on humor and charm, with no graphic violence or gore.

Where can I start reading?
Book one, Romancing the Gravestone, is the best place to dive in and get to know Jane, her cemetery, and her knack for sleuthing.

About the Authors

Gena Showalter
A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Gena Showalter is best known for her paranormal romance and fantasy series, including The Lords of the Underworld. With the Jane Ladling Mystery series, she brings her signature humor and creativity to the cozy mystery genre.

Jill Monroe
Jill Monroe is an acclaimed author of romance and women’s fiction with a flair for writing relatable characters and sharp humor. Her collaboration with Gena Showalter on this series highlights her talent for crafting engaging and clever mysteries.

Together, they create a perfect blend of witty banter, small-town charm, and captivating mysteries in the Jane Ladling Mystery series.

This wraps up the Jane Ladling Mystery series guide! Got a favorite book from the series or a question we missed? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget to subscribe to our Substack for more updates on the latest mysteries and thrillers!

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