R

Rachel Cosgrove Payes

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 36 Books

4
Series
36
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Death Sleeps Lightly (1960)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Oz Continued Books
Start with: The Hidden Valley of Oz (1951)

About Rachel Cosgrove Payes

Rachel Cosgrove Payes is a published American author. She also wrote under the pen names of Rachel Cosgrove, Rachel Payes, E.L. Arch, and Joanne Kaye. Rachel was born in Westernpoint, Maryland, in the U.S. on December 11, 1922. She passed away on October 10, 1998. She was a genre novelist and was trained to be a research biologist. She got married in 1954 to Norman Morris Payes. The majority of her work was writing historical romance novels. Many of these stories were published through Playboy Press. Her parents were Jacob, a mine foreman, and Martha, a teacher. She attended West Virginia Wesleyan College and graduated with her B.S. in 1943. She worked at different hospitals as a medical technologist. She also had a daughter and a son with her husband Norman. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Rachel Cosgrove Payes has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Rachel Cosgrove Payes

Publication Order of The Love Books
5 books 1981–1981
1

Love's Charade

Love's Charade explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of The Love Books series by Rachel Cosgrove Payes.

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1981
2

Love's Renegade

Love's Renegade explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of The Love Books series by Rachel Cosgrove Payes.

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1981
3

Love's Promenade

Love's Promenade explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of The Love Books series by Rachel Cosgrove Payes.

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1981
4

Love's Serenade

Love's Serenade explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of The Love Books series by Rachel Cosgrove Payes.

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1981
5

Love\'s Escapade

Love\'s Escapade explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of The Love Books series by Rachel Cosgrove Payes.

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1981
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
27 books 1960–1991
1

Death Sleeps Lightly

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death Sleeps Lightly as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Rachel Cosgrove Payes's mastery of suspense.

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1960
2

Forsythia Finds Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in Forsythia Finds Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Rachel Cosgrove Payes's mastery of suspense.

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1960
3

Shadow of Fear

Shadow of Fear continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Rachel Cosgrove Payes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1961
4

Long Journey Home

Long Journey Home continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Rachel Cosgrove Payes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1962
5

Curiosity Killed Kitty

A gripping mystery unfolds in Curiosity Killed Kitty as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Rachel Cosgrove Payes's mastery of suspense.

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1962
6

Not for Glory

Not for Glory continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Rachel Cosgrove Payes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1963
7

The Candystripers

The Candystripers continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Rachel Cosgrove Payes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1964
8

Ann Gordon of the Peace Corps

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Ann Gordon of the Peace Corps, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Cosgrove Payes.

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1965
9

Linda’s Gifts

Linda’s Gifts continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Rachel Cosgrove Payes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1966
10

Mystery of Echo Caverns

Mystery of Echo Caverns continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Rachel Cosgrove Payes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1966
11

Designs for Love

Designs for Love explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Rachel Cosgrove Payes.

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1966
12

Peace Corps Nurse

Peace Corps Nurse continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Rachel Cosgrove Payes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1967
13

O Charitable death

A gripping mystery unfolds in O Charitable death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Rachel Cosgrove Payes's mastery of suspense.

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1968
14

The Silent Place

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Silent Place, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Cosgrove Payes.

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1969
15

Malverne Hall

Malverne Hall is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Cosgrove Payes have come to expect.

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1970
16

Forbidden Island

Forbidden Island continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Rachel Cosgrove Payes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1973
17

Devil's Court

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Devil's Court, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Cosgrove Payes.

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1974
18

The House of Tarot

The House of Tarot is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Rachel Cosgrove Payes have come to expect.

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1975
19

The Black Swan

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Black Swan, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Cosgrove Payes.

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1975
20

The Sapphire Legacy

The Sapphire Legacy continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Rachel Cosgrove Payes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1976
21

Moment of Desire

Moment of Desire explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Rachel Cosgrove Payes.

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1978
22

The Coach to Hell

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Coach to Hell, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Cosgrove Payes.

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1979
23

Bride of Fury

Bride of Fury continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Rachel Cosgrove Payes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1980
24

Satan's Mistress

Satan's Mistress continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Rachel Cosgrove Payes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1981
25

Lady Alicia's Secret

Lady Alicia's Secret continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Rachel Cosgrove Payes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1986
26

Emeralds and Jade

Emeralds and Jade continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Rachel Cosgrove Payes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1988
27

The Dark Towers of Trelochen

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Dark Towers of Trelochen, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Cosgrove Payes.

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1991
Publication Order of Oz Continued Books
2 books 1951–1993
1

The Hidden Valley of Oz

The Hidden Valley of Oz continues the Publication Order of Oz Continued Books story arc with Rachel Cosgrove Payes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1951
2

The Wicked Witch Of Oz

Magic takes center stage in The Wicked Witch Of Oz, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Oz Continued Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Rachel Cosgrove Payes.

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1993
Publication Order of Anthologies
2 books 1973–1982
1

The Alien Condition

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Alien Condition, another outstanding contribution from Rachel Cosgrove Payes.

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1973
2

The Best from Fantasy and Science Fiction 24

The Best from Fantasy and Science Fiction 24 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Rachel Cosgrove Payes's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1982

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Rachel Cosgrove Payes?

Rachel Cosgrove Payes is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 36 books. Popular series include Publication Order of The Love Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Oz Continued Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Rachel Cosgrove Payes series to start with?

For readers new to Rachel Cosgrove Payes's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 27 books. Begin with Death Sleeps Lightly to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Rachel Cosgrove Payes written?

Rachel Cosgrove Payes has written over 36 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Rachel Cosgrove Payes books in order?

Yes, reading Rachel Cosgrove Payes's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Rachel Cosgrove Payes write in?

Rachel Cosgrove Payes writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 36 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Rachel Cosgrove Payes's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Rachel Cosgrove Payes's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Rachel Cosgrove Payes's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Rachel Cosgrove Payes's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, Death Sleeps Lightly, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.