An FBI art-crime agent. Eccentric relatives. Hijinks, heart, and mysteries with a twist.
Welcome to the mystery series readers love for its humour, quirky characters, and clever whodunits.
If you’re new to my books and want something fun, fast-paced, and full of personality—start here.
Reading Order
- A Fool and His Monet
- Another Day, Another Dali
- Over Maya Dead Body
👉 This series is best read in order for character development, family antics, and running threads.
About the Series
Serena Jones is an FBI art-crime agent with a knack for getting into trouble—and a family that “helps” in ways that… well… don’t always help.
Alongside fellow agents, suspects, friends, and more than one potential love interest, Serena solves cases steeped in stolen art, dangerous heists, and laugh-out-loud situations. This series blends witty dialogue, mystery, and hints of romantic possibilities into page-turning adventures readers of all ages can enjoy.
Expect:
- Humorous family subplots (hello Aunt Martha!)
- Art thefts, forged paintings, and museum intrigue
- Light romantic tension
- Character-driven storytelling with cozy vibes
- Mystery with heart, not gore, written in first person
Meet the Main Characters
Serena Jones
— FBI Art-Crime Agent
Witty, determined, perceptive, and compassionate. Serena wants justice—and maybe a bit of normalcy—but life rarely makes it easy.
Aunt Martha
— Force of Nature
A self-appointed detective whose “help” often lands Serena in unexpected situations. Family + chaos = irresistible charm.
Nate Butler
— a man of many layers
Serena’s apartment superintendent, Nate is an easygoing animal lover who shares her love of art, a well-brewed cup of tea and old movies.
Tanner Calhoun
— Fan favourite #1 or is he #2?
Serena’s fellow colleague and former field training officer, who also happens to be in her parents good books.
Ten years older than Serena, Tanner is a dedicated agent, quick-witted and protective.
Together, he and Nate bring humour, balance, and light romantic tension to Serena’s adventures.
Harold
— Serena’s cat
Aloof and opinionated, Harold has a little trouble adjusting to life with his new mistress.
What Readers Love About This Series
- Laugh-out-loud humour alongside clever clues
- “Another terrifically entertaining mystery by a true master of the genre,” says Midwest Book Reviews.
- Art heists, forgery cases, museum intrigue
- Strong, relatable female lead
- Clean mystery that appeals to wide audiences
- A warm, memorable supporting cast
- Bonus content (see below!)
Bonus Content
Enhance your experience with extra stories and character moments:
- Join the Serena Jones Facebook Chat Group
- Take a Pictorial Tour of Serena’s hometown, St. Louis and Martha’s Vineyard (bk 3)
- Behind-the-scenes posts
- Character conversations – click the character names above for each interview
- Vote for Serena’s happily-ever-after
- #Team Tanner champions their first choice
- #Team Nate takes their turn
- Reading Guides, deleted scenes and more
Hi, I’m Sandra Orchard, author of the Serena Jones Mysteries. I created Serena, her eccentric family, and her love of art so you could enjoy fast paced, funny whodunits without the gore. If you like quirky characters, clever clues, and a hint of romance, I hope you’ll feel right at home in her world.
Curious how Serena’s adventures began? Keep reading for the story behind the series.
Behind the Story
Why Art Crime?
While researching art crime for Perilous Waters, I read the biography of the founder of the FBI art crime team, read numerous newspaper articles on art crimes, a blog by a purported art thief, and even took an online course with the University of Glasgow on Antiquities Trafficking and Art Crime. All that to say, I compiled so much golden information that I knew I wanted to write more art crime stories. So, I pitched the idea of writing a Stephanie Plum/Janet Evanovich style mystery series featuring a plucky, but competent FBI agent, aka Serena Jones, who specializes in art crime investigations.
My research adventure with the FBI
Since my editor loved the FBI agent idea, that only left me to decide where to set the series. Since I wanted to attend a writer’s conference in St. Louis, I decided to make it do double duty as a research trip, and I contacted the FBI headquarters there to request a tour. After I filled out all their forms, sent them copies of my birth certificate and passport, and promised them my firstborn child, they not only agreed to let me visit but connected me with an actual art crime agent to interview.
This was another of those divine appointments only God could orchestrate because there are only 12 agents in the entire country on the FBI’s Art Crime Team, so choosing a city where one of them actually worked and where a writer’s conference was happening was a total coup.
Frequently Asked Questions about Serena Jones Mysteries
Where to Go Next
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👉 Check out my contributions to Multi-author Series
👉 Explore the Port Aster Secrets series
👉 Browse standalone Romantic Suspense
👉 Visit the Start Here page