About this series
Bought-the-Farm Mystery is a series by Ellen Riggs. We list 25 books in this series so far, in reading order.
Start with Book 1: Dogcatcher in the Rye.
Tagged on most books in this series: Animals, Rural/Ranch and Crafts.
If you like Bought-the-Farm Mystery, try A Henny Penny Farmette Mystery by Meera Lester, The Potting Shed Mysteries by MARTY WINGATE and Clucks and Clues Cozy Mysteries by Hillary Avis.
What readers say
Readers love this animal-centered cozy series for the bond between a burned-out city executive turned hobby farmer and her clever border collie, who many call the real star. Fans praise the small-town charm, quirky cast, smooth fast-paced writing and mysteries with enough suspects to keep them guessing, plus a gentle romance with the police chief. Common criticisms are that the first book leans on a prequel without fully explaining the setup, the cast is too large to keep straight, some plots feel formulaic, and the dog's abilities can stretch belief.
Best for: Readers who want light, dog-loving farm cozies and like starting a series at the very beginning.
Summary of public reader reviews, updated November 2026.
📖 Reading Order
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