S

Sharyn McCrumb

Bestselling Author • 9 Series • 65 Books

9
Series
65
Books
9
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Ballad Books
Start with: If Ever I Return, Pretty Peggy-O (1990)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Elizabeth MacPherson Books
Start with: Sick of Shadows (1984)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Jay Omega Books
Start with: Bimbos of the Death Sun (1987)

About Sharyn McCrumb

The most successful authors are those that can find their own voice and unique identity. Sharyn McCrumb is that author. McCrumb, a Virginia native, stands to claim that the American south is a mix of cultures, not simply one. From a young age, she noticed the differences between what she calls the “flatland people” and the “mountain people.” McCrumb was frustrated that the south was primarily represented by plantation culture. Because of this, her work is focused around the lives of the early mountain people; the culture she feels more apart of. With the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains, this celebrated author commands the hearts of her readers to investigate the often forgotten, often heartbreaking lives of the people that came before her. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Ballad Books series, Sharyn McCrumb 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 Sharyn McCrumb

Publication Order of Ballad Books
12 books 1990–2016
1

If Ever I Return, Pretty Peggy-O

If Ever I Return, Pretty Peggy-O is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Ballad Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sharyn McCrumb have come to expect.

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1990
2

The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter

The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Ballad Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sharyn McCrumb have come to expect.

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1992
3

She Walks These Hills

She Walks These Hills is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Ballad Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sharyn McCrumb have come to expect.

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1994
4

The Rosewood Casket

The Rosewood Casket continues the Publication Order of Ballad Books story arc with Sharyn McCrumb's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1996
5

The Ballad of Frankie Silver

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Ballad Books with The Ballad of Frankie Silver, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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1997
6

The Songcatcher

The Songcatcher continues the Publication Order of Ballad Books story arc with Sharyn McCrumb's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2001
7

Ghost Riders

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Ballad Books with Ghost Riders, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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2003
8

The Devil Amongst the Lawyers

The Devil Amongst the Lawyers continues the Publication Order of Ballad Books story arc with Sharyn McCrumb's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
9

The Ballad of Tom Dooley

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Ballad Books with The Ballad of Tom Dooley, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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2011
10

King's Mountain

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Ballad Books with King's Mountain, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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2013
11

Nora Bonesteel's Christmas Past

Nora Bonesteel's Christmas Past is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Ballad Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sharyn McCrumb have come to expect.

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2014
12

Prayers the Devil Answers

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Ballad Books with Prayers the Devil Answers, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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2016
Publication Order of Elizabeth MacPherson Books
9 books 1984–2000
1

Sick of Shadows

Sick of Shadows continues the Publication Order of Elizabeth MacPherson Books story arc with Sharyn McCrumb's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1984
2

Lovely in Her Bones

Lovely in Her Bones explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Elizabeth MacPherson Books series by Sharyn McCrumb.

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1985
3

Highland Laddie Gone

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Elizabeth MacPherson Books with Highland Laddie Gone, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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1986
4

Paying the Piper

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Elizabeth MacPherson Books with Paying the Piper, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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1988
5

The Windsor Knot

The Windsor Knot is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Elizabeth MacPherson Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sharyn McCrumb have come to expect.

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1990
6

Missing Susan

Missing Susan is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Elizabeth MacPherson Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sharyn McCrumb have come to expect.

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1991
7

MacPherson's Lament

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Elizabeth MacPherson Books with MacPherson's Lament, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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1992
8

If I'd Killed Him When I Met Him...

A gripping mystery unfolds in If I'd Killed Him When I Met Him... as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Elizabeth MacPherson Books series showcases Sharyn McCrumb's mastery of suspense.

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1995
9

The PMS Outlaws

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Elizabeth MacPherson Books with The PMS Outlaws, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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2000
Publication Order of Jay Omega Books
2 books 1987–1992
1

Bimbos of the Death Sun

A gripping mystery unfolds in Bimbos of the Death Sun as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Jay Omega Books series showcases Sharyn McCrumb's mastery of suspense.

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1987
2

Zombies of the Gene Pool

Zombies of the Gene Pool is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Jay Omega Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sharyn McCrumb have come to expect.

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1992
Publication Order of St. Dale Books
2 books 2005–2007
1

St. Dale

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of St. Dale Books with St. Dale, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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2005
2

Once Around The Track

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of St. Dale Books with Once Around The Track, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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2007
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
1 books 2017–2017
1

The Unquiet Grave

The Unquiet Grave continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Sharyn McCrumb's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2017
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
5 books 1989–1994
1

A Wee Doch and Doris

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with A Wee Doch and Doris, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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1989
2

The Luncheon

The Luncheon is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sharyn McCrumb have come to expect.

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1990
3

Remains to Be Seen

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Remains to Be Seen, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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1990
4

Happiness Is a Dead Poet

A gripping mystery unfolds in Happiness Is a Dead Poet as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series showcases Sharyn McCrumb's mastery of suspense.

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1992
5

The Monster of Glarnis

The Monster of Glarnis is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sharyn McCrumb have come to expect.

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1994
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
4 books 1989–2017
1

Our Separate Days

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Our Separate Days, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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1989
2

Foggy Mountain Breakdown and Other Stories

Foggy Mountain Breakdown and Other Stories continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Sharyn McCrumb's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1997
3

Fairy Tale Princesses of the Civil War

Conflict and courage define Fairy Tale Princesses of the Civil War, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series by Sharyn McCrumb that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2012
4

Old Land, Dark Land, Strange Land

Old Land, Dark Land, Strange Land is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sharyn McCrumb have come to expect.

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2017
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
1 books 2011–2011
1

Sharyn McCrumb's Appalachia

Sharyn McCrumb's Appalachia continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Sharyn McCrumb's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
Publication Order of Anthologies
29 books 1989–2013
1

Mistletoe Mysteries

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Mistletoe Mysteries, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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1989
2

Sisters in Crime 2

The investigation intensifies in Sisters in Crime 2, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Sharyn McCrumb's creation.

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1990
3

Malice Domestic 1

Malice Domestic 1 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sharyn McCrumb have come to expect.

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1992
4

Women of Mystery II

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Women of Mystery II, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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1994
5

Partners in Crime

The investigation intensifies in Partners in Crime, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Sharyn McCrumb's creation.

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1994
6

The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1995

The investigation intensifies in The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1995, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Sharyn McCrumb's creation.

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1996
7

Great Writers and Kids Write Mystery Stories

Great Writers and Kids Write Mystery Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sharyn McCrumb have come to expect.

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1996
8

Vengeance is Hers

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Vengeance is Hers, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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1997
9

First Cases, Volume 2

First Cases, Volume 2 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sharyn McCrumb have come to expect.

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1997
10

Mystery's Most Wanted

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Mystery's Most Wanted, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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1997
11

AZ Murder Goes... Artful

A gripping mystery unfolds in AZ Murder Goes... Artful as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Sharyn McCrumb's mastery of suspense.

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1997
12

Once Upon a Crime

The investigation intensifies in Once Upon a Crime, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Sharyn McCrumb's creation.

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1998
13

Malice Domestic 7

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Malice Domestic 7, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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1998
14

Tails of Wonder and Imagination

Tails of Wonder and Imagination continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Sharyn McCrumb's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2001
15

Murder, My Dear Watson

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder, My Dear Watson as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Sharyn McCrumb's mastery of suspense.

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2002
16

The Dark: New Ghost Stories

The Dark: New Ghost Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sharyn McCrumb have come to expect.

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2003
17

The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 4

The investigation intensifies in The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 4, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Sharyn McCrumb's creation.

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2003
18

The Longman Anthology of Detective Fiction

The investigation intensifies in The Longman Anthology of Detective Fiction, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Sharyn McCrumb's creation.

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2004
19

Mr. President, Private Eye

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Mr. President, Private Eye, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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2004
20

The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 5

The investigation intensifies in The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 5, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Sharyn McCrumb's creation.

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2004
21

Thou Shalt Not Kill

A gripping mystery unfolds in Thou Shalt Not Kill as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Sharyn McCrumb's mastery of suspense.

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2005
22

Transgressions

Transgressions is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sharyn McCrumb have come to expect.

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2005
23

Transgressions, Vol. 3

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Transgressions, Vol. 3, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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2006
24

Transgressions, Vol. 4

Transgressions, Vol. 4 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Sharyn McCrumb's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2006
25

Poe: 19 New Tales of Suspense, Dark Fantasy, and Horror Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe

Poe: 19 New Tales of Suspense, Dark Fantasy, and Horror Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sharyn McCrumb have come to expect.

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2008
26

Blood Lite

A gripping mystery unfolds in Blood Lite as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Sharyn McCrumb's mastery of suspense.

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2008
27

The Monster's Corner

The Monster's Corner continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Sharyn McCrumb's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
28

27 Views of Asheville: A Southern Mountain Town in Prose & Poetry

27 Views of Asheville: A Southern Mountain Town in Prose & Poetry is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sharyn McCrumb have come to expect.

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2012
29

Not Everyone's Cup of Tea

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Not Everyone's Cup of Tea, another outstanding contribution from Sharyn McCrumb.

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2013

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Sharyn McCrumb?

Sharyn McCrumb is a bestselling author known for 9 book series containing over 65 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Ballad Books, Publication Order of Elizabeth MacPherson Books, Publication Order of Jay Omega Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Sharyn McCrumb series to start with?

For readers new to Sharyn McCrumb's work, the Publication Order of Ballad Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 12 books. Begin with If Ever I Return, Pretty Peggy-O to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Sharyn McCrumb written?

Sharyn McCrumb has written over 65 books across 9 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Sharyn McCrumb books in order?

Yes, reading Sharyn McCrumb'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 Sharyn McCrumb write in?

Sharyn McCrumb writes primarily in fiction. With 9 series across 65 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Sharyn McCrumb's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Sharyn McCrumb'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 Sharyn McCrumb's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Sharyn McCrumb's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Ballad Books series. The first book, If Ever I Return, Pretty Peggy-O, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.