S

Shirley Rousseau Murphy

Bestselling Author • 7 Series • 51 Books

7
Series
51
Books
7
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Joe Grey Books
Start with: Cat on the Edge (1996)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Children of Ynell Books
Start with: The Ring of Fire (1977)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Dragonbards Books
Start with: Nightpool (1985)

About Shirley Rousseau Murphy

Shirley Rousseau Murphy is an American author, most well-known for her Joe Grey Mysteries, featuring an anthropomorphic cat detective. The first book, Cat on the Edge, was published in 1996. Cat Chase the Moon, #21 and the last in the series, was published in 2019. In 2020, Shirley turned 92. In March 2022, a note was posted on her website stating that due to advancing age and health problems, Cat Chase the Moon would be the last of the Joe Grey books. Shirley Rousseau Murphy was born in Oakland, California, in 1928. She grew up in Southern California, where she enjoyed riding and showing the horses that her father trained. Shirley attended San Francisco Art Institute and soon after graduation, married Marine veteran Pat Murphy. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Joe Grey Books series, Shirley Rousseau Murphy 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 Shirley Rousseau Murphy

Publication Order of Joe Grey Books
22 books 1996–2018
1

Cat on the Edge

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Joe Grey Books with Cat on the Edge, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

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1996
2

Cat Under Fire

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Joe Grey Books with Cat Under Fire, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

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1996
3

Cat Raise the Dead

A gripping mystery unfolds in Cat Raise the Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Joe Grey Books series showcases Shirley Rousseau Murphy's mastery of suspense.

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1997
4

Cat in the Dark

Cat in the Dark continues the Publication Order of Joe Grey Books story arc with Shirley Rousseau Murphy's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1998
5

Cat To The Dogs

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Joe Grey Books with Cat To The Dogs, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

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1999
6

Cat Spitting Mad

Cat Spitting Mad continues the Publication Order of Joe Grey Books story arc with Shirley Rousseau Murphy's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
7

Cat Laughing Last

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Joe Grey Books with Cat Laughing Last, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

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2001
8

Cat Seeing Double

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Joe Grey Books with Cat Seeing Double, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

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2003
9

Cat Fear No Evil

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Joe Grey Books with Cat Fear No Evil, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

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2004
10

Cat Cross Their Graves

Cat Cross Their Graves is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Joe Grey Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Rousseau Murphy have come to expect.

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2005
11

Cat Breaking Free

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Joe Grey Books with Cat Breaking Free, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

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2005
12

Cat Deck the Halls

Cat Deck the Halls continues the Publication Order of Joe Grey Books story arc with Shirley Rousseau Murphy's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
13

Cat Pay the Devil

Cat Pay the Devil continues the Publication Order of Joe Grey Books story arc with Shirley Rousseau Murphy's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
14

Cat Playing Cupid

Cat Playing Cupid continues the Publication Order of Joe Grey Books story arc with Shirley Rousseau Murphy's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2009
15

Cat Striking Back

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Joe Grey Books with Cat Striking Back, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

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2009
16

Cat on the Money

Cat on the Money continues the Publication Order of Joe Grey Books story arc with Shirley Rousseau Murphy's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
17

Cat Coming Home

Cat Coming Home continues the Publication Order of Joe Grey Books story arc with Shirley Rousseau Murphy's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
18

Cat Telling Tales

Cat Telling Tales continues the Publication Order of Joe Grey Books story arc with Shirley Rousseau Murphy's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
19

Cat Bearing Gifts

Cat Bearing Gifts is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Joe Grey Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Rousseau Murphy have come to expect.

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2012
20

Cat Shout for Joy

Cat Shout for Joy is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Joe Grey Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Rousseau Murphy have come to expect.

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2016
21

Cat Shining Bright

Cat Shining Bright continues the Publication Order of Joe Grey Books story arc with Shirley Rousseau Murphy's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
22

Cat Chase the Moon

Cat Chase the Moon is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Joe Grey Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Rousseau Murphy have come to expect.

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2018
Publication Order of Children of Ynell Books
5 books 1977–1981
1

The Ring of Fire

The Ring of Fire is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Children of Ynell Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Rousseau Murphy have come to expect.

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1977
2

The Wolf Bell

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Children of Ynell Books with The Wolf Bell, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

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1979
3

The Castle of Hape

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Children of Ynell Books with The Castle of Hape, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

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1980
4

Caves of Fire and Ice

Caves of Fire and Ice continues the Publication Order of Children of Ynell Books story arc with Shirley Rousseau Murphy's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1980
5

The Joining of the Stone

The Joining of the Stone is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Children of Ynell Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Rousseau Murphy have come to expect.

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1981
Publication Order of Dragonbards Books
3 books 1985–1988
1

Nightpool

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Dragonbards Books with Nightpool, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

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1985
2

The Ivory Lyre

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Dragonbards Books with The Ivory Lyre, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

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1987
3

The Dragonbards

Epic adventure awaits in The Dragonbards, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Dragonbards Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Shirley Rousseau Murphy has built.

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1988
Publication Order of Lee Fontana Books
2 books 2014–2015
1

The Cat, The Devil, and Lee Fontana

The Cat, The Devil, and Lee Fontana is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Lee Fontana Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Rousseau Murphy have come to expect.

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2014
2

The Cat, the Devil, the Last Escape

The Cat, the Devil, the Last Escape continues the Publication Order of Lee Fontana Books story arc with Shirley Rousseau Murphy's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
14 books 1967–2011
1

The Sand Ponies

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Sand Ponies, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

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1967
2

White Ghost Summer

White Ghost Summer continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Shirley Rousseau Murphy's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1969
3

Wind Child

Wind Child continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Shirley Rousseau Murphy's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1973
4

Poor Jenny, Bright As A Penny

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Poor Jenny, Bright As A Penny, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

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1974
5

The Grass Tower

The Grass Tower is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Rousseau Murphy have come to expect.

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1976
6

Silver Woven in My Hair

Silver Woven in My Hair continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Shirley Rousseau Murphy's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1977
7

Soonie and the Dragon

Epic adventure awaits in Soonie and the Dragon, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that raises the stakes across the realm Shirley Rousseau Murphy has built.

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1979
8

Elmo Doolan and the Search for the Golden Mouse

Elmo Doolan and the Search for the Golden Mouse is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Rousseau Murphy have come to expect.

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1982
9

The Flight of the Fox

The Flight of the Fox continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Shirley Rousseau Murphy's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1983
10

Valentine for a Dragon

Epic adventure awaits in Valentine for a Dragon, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that raises the stakes across the realm Shirley Rousseau Murphy has built.

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1984
11

Medallion of the Black Hound

Medallion of the Black Hound continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Shirley Rousseau Murphy's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
12

The Song of the Christmas Mouse

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Song of the Christmas Mouse, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

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1990
13

The Catswold Portal

The Catswold Portal is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Rousseau Murphy have come to expect.

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1992
14

Unsettled

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Unsettled, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

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2011
Publication Order of Picture Books
2 books 1978–1983
1

The Pig Who Could Conjure The Wind

The Pig Who Could Conjure The Wind continues the Publication Order of Picture Books story arc with Shirley Rousseau Murphy's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1978
2

Tattie's River Journey

Tattie's River Journey is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Picture Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Rousseau Murphy have come to expect.

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1983
Publication Order of Anthologies
3 books 1988–2005
1

The Unicorn Treasury

The Unicorn Treasury is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Rousseau Murphy have come to expect.

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1988
2

Motherhood Is Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in Motherhood Is Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Shirley Rousseau Murphy's mastery of suspense.

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2003
3

Christmas Cats

Christmas Cats is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Rousseau Murphy have come to expect.

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2005

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Shirley Rousseau Murphy?

Shirley Rousseau Murphy is a bestselling author known for 7 book series containing over 51 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Joe Grey Books, Publication Order of Children of Ynell Books, Publication Order of Dragonbards Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Shirley Rousseau Murphy series to start with?

For readers new to Shirley Rousseau Murphy's work, the Publication Order of Joe Grey Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 22 books. Begin with Cat on the Edge to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Shirley Rousseau Murphy written?

Shirley Rousseau Murphy has written over 51 books across 7 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Shirley Rousseau Murphy books in order?

Yes, reading Shirley Rousseau Murphy'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 Shirley Rousseau Murphy write in?

Shirley Rousseau Murphy writes primarily in fiction. With 7 series across 51 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Shirley Rousseau Murphy's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Shirley Rousseau Murphy'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 Shirley Rousseau Murphy's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Shirley Rousseau Murphy's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Joe Grey Books series. The first book, Cat on the Edge, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.