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Blue Dahlia
Nora Roberts

Blue Dahlia

Quick Answer

Start with "Blue Dahlia" to begin the In The Garden Trilogy. It is the essential series starter and provides the necessary foundation for the rest of the books.

Quick Verdict

✅ Safe to read now (Series Entry Point)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: This is the essential series starter that introduces the Nora Roberts's core world and character arcs. It is required reading for all new fans.

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2004384 ppSeries Starter
Against the backdrop of a house steeped in history and a thriving new gardening business, three women unearth the memories of the past in the first novel in #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts' In the Garden Trilogy. A Harper has always lived at Harper House, the centuries-old mansion just outside of Memphis. And for as long as anyone alive remembers, the ghostly Harper Bride has walked the halls, singing lullabies at night… Trying to escape the ghosts of the past, young widow Stella Rothchild, along with her two energetic little boys, has moved back to her roots in southern Tennessee. She isn’t intimidated by Harper House—nor by its mistress. Despite a reputation for being difficult, Roz Harper has been nothing but kind to Stella, offering her a comfortable place to live and a challenging new job as manager of the flourishing In the Garden nursery. As Stella settles comfortably into her new life, she finds a nurturing friendship with Roz and expectant mother Hayley and a fierce attraction to ruggedly handsome landscaper Logan Kitridge. He’s difficult but honest, brash but considerate—and undeniably sexy. And for a sensible woman like Stella, he may be just what she needs… Don’t miss the other books in the In the Garden Trilogy Black Rose Red Lily
Next Recommended Book

Black Rose

Book #2 of 3 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for In The Garden Trilogy conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Blue Dahlia?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Blue Dahlia before other books in the series?

Yes, Blue Dahlia is the first book in the series and is the ideal starting point for new readers.

Is Blue Dahlia required reading for the In The Garden Trilogy?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Blue Dahlia in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Blue Dahlia is Black Rose (Book #2).