Crossword Mystery Books In Order

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Publication Order of Crossword Mysteries Books

Crossword Mystery Series
The Crossword Mysteries is a series of mystery novels by Nero Blanc, a joint pseudonym of Steve Zettler and Cordelia Frances Biddle. The series features duo Rosco Polycrates, a talented private investigator and Annabella Graham, an editor for the Newcastle Evening Crier based in Newcastle, Massachusetts.
There are other interesting characters to meet throughout the series, in addition to the various mysterious cases that have to be solved. The Crossword series was adapted into a television series by the same name featuring Brennan Elliot and Lacey Chambert.

The Crossword Murder

The Crossword Murder is the first book in the Crossword Mystery series. The book features P.I. Rosco Polycrates, a talented man who is tasked with investigating the death of a flamboyant crossword editor. Thompson is not your average editor. The young man is considered wealthy, and when he dies suddenly, his mother is determined to investigate what led to her son’s death. The information that Rosco gets from outside sources is that Thompsons died of a sex game gone wrong. The sources tell Rosco that it would be kind to let the story slide, but he is determined to know what happened. Even though the official cause of death is listed as a heart attack, Thompson’s mother is not convinced that this is the way her son dies. Rosco owes Thompson’s mother the truth, and he will stop at nothing less.

Since Rosco knows nothing about crossword puzzles, he enlists the help of Annabelle Graham, a crossword editor with another newspaper. Word has it that she is pretty good at her job. As the two work together, Rosco has a feeling that Thompson was murdered, and the clues to solving the murders are left in crossword puzzles yet to be published. In this list, three puzzles have gone missing, and Rosco’s gut tells him that these copies contain vital information. As Rosco continues to work the case, he is convinced that he has a serial killer on his hands. This can only mean that Rosco and Graham have to rush against time before the killer takes down another person.

If you are a crossword puzzle fan, you can be sure that you are going to love this book. Aside from the thrilling story, the book comes with a few crossword puzzles complete with answers. The puzzles are not too complicated, but they are surely something for crossword puzzle lovers to look forward to. Even readers who do not care about puzzles will have enough action to enjoy this mystery piece. Get to follow Rosco through his search for the truth in a case that is nothing like what it initially looks like. Graham is a worthy partner, and it will be hard to miss the chemistry between these two.
Are you looking for an intruding mystery piece that you can read in one sitting? The Crossword Murder is highly recommended. The book comes with interesting characters, a steady pace, and enough action to keep you reading to the end. This book is short and is perfect if you are looking for a great story that you can enjoy in one sitting. There is no much gore in the story, but the auditor’s death will be the beginning of a mystery that will need the greatest minds in the crossword puzzle world to solve.

Two Down
Two Down is the second book in the Crossword Mystery series. Rosco and Graham are already an item. After working together in solving Thompson’s case, the two discover that they have a lot in common. They decide to take their relationship to the next level. The two are still in their honeymoon stage and enjoy most, if not all, the time they spend together. The duo continues to work together and help to solve the case involving the disappearance of two women, actress Jamaica Neyisson and her friend Gennie Pepper.

The disappearance of Neyisson and Pepper had left everyone shocked. The two had rented a motorboat in Buzzards Bay and gone to enjoy some quiet time in the waters. Later, the speedboat had been found, totally burned, and the escape craft they had used to escape the burning boat had a deep knife gash on the side. Someone wanted these two dead, and the killer was determined.

From experience, Rosco can tell that this case is anything but ordinary. Together with his ex-partner Al Lever and Sara Cran Briephs, the detectives work to save the two lost friends from their captures. There are very few leads to start with, but the three detectives come with great minds and extensive experience. Away from this case, Graham begins to receive threats in the form of crossword puzzles. She is scared, and the rather smart woman lands herself in trouble when she takes matters into her own hands. Luckily, Rosco is there to save the day.

Just like the first book in this series, Two Down also comes with crossword puzzles. However, the main focus is on the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the two friends whose tour to the sea turned tragic. Characteristic of every good detective story, there are details on the processes involved in solving complex cases that have very few leads. With a team comprising of smart detectives led by a man who has a keen eye for detail, the case is solved conclusively in the end.

Are you looking for a straightforward mystery story that comes with enough action to keep you glued to the end, this book is a good choice. You are going to know Rosco and Graham better and see how the two blossom in their relationship. It is heartwarming to see how these two people who started as colleagues become lovebirds who bring out the best in each other. The two come with their fair share of flaws, but it is hard not to fall in love with them and hope that their relationship works. There are also other interesting characters to meet and an intriguing detective story to follow. Just like the first book in this series, this book is short and can be enjoyed in one sitting.

Book Series In Order » Characters » Crossword Mystery