Is Once Upon A Crime Part Of A Book Series?

I just finished reading 'Once Upon a Broken Heart' last week, and yes, it's actually the first book in a series! The author Stephanie Garber has confirmed it’s a planned trilogy, with the second book 'The Ballad of Never After' already out. The first book sets up this gorgeous, whimsical world filled with curses, magical bargains, and fate-altering stakes. You can tell Garber’s expanding the lore—there are lingering mysteries about the Valors, the Prince of Hearts’ past, and Evangeline’s peculiar immunity to some magic. If you like fairy tales with dark twists and morally ambiguous love interests, this series is perfect. The sequel dives deeper into the consequences of broken curses and unexpected alliances. For similar vibes, check out 'Caraval' (also by Garber) or 'The Cruel Prince' by Holly Black. Both mix romance with high-stakes magic games.

I actually stumbled upon 'Once Upon a Prince' while browsing through a cozy little bookstore last summer. At first glance, I thought it was a standalone novel because of its charming cover and self-contained blurb. But after digging deeper, I found out it's the first book in the 'Royal Wedding Series' by Rachel Hauck. The series follows different members of a royal family as they navigate love and duty, which is such a fun premise! Each book introduces new characters while keeping that fairy-tale vibe alive. I ended up binge-reading the whole series because the first one hooked me so hard—it’s like Hallmark movies but with way more depth and character development. If you’re into sweet romances with a touch of royalty, this series is totally worth checking out. What I love about interconnected series like this is how they let you revisit familiar settings while exploring fresh stories. 'Once Upon a Prince' sets the tone perfectly with its blend of modern-day struggles and royal fantasy. The later books, like 'Princess Ever After' and 'How to Catch a Prince,' expand the world in such satisfying ways. Honestly, I’d recommend starting with the first book just to get that 'aha' moment when you spot little references later on. It’s the kind of series that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea.

Oh, 'Murder Knocks Twice' totally gives off that vibe where you can tell the author left breadcrumbs for a bigger universe! I stumbled upon it while browsing mystery novels, and the way side characters hint at past cases makes me think it’s part of something larger. I dug around a bit and found whispers about it being the first in a planned trilogy, but nothing official yet. The protagonist’s backstory is teased just enough to leave me craving prequels or spin-offs. Honestly, I love when books feel like they’re part of a tapestry—whether it’s subtle nods like Agatha Christie’s recurring detectives or sprawling arcs like Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad. If this does become a series, I’m already hooked on theorizing where it’ll go next!

'Once Upon a Book' popped up on my radar. From what I gathered, it stands alone as a single-volume story rather than part of a series, which surprised me given how rich its world feels. The author, Grace Lin, usually crafts standalone middle-grade novels with lush cultural themes, like 'Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.' That said, fans of her work might notice subtle thematic connections between her books—almost like easter eggs for dedicated readers. What I adore about 'Once Upon a Book' is how it wraps up so satisfyingly; there’s no cliffhanger begging for a sequel. It’s a self-contained adventure celebrating storytelling itself, which feels intentional. If you’re craving more after finishing, I’d recommend Lin’s other works rather than waiting for a sequel that likely won’t come. The charm here is in its completeness—a rare gem in an era of endless series.

I picked up 'Once Upon a Murder' on a whim after seeing it recommended in a book club thread, and wow, it hooked me from the first chapter. The way the author blends classic mystery tropes with a darkly whimsical tone is just chef's kiss. The protagonist's voice is sharp and witty, and the side characters are so vividly drawn that I kept imagining them as actors in a miniseries. The pacing slows a bit in the middle, but the finale pays off with a twist I genuinely didn’t see coming. What really stuck with me, though, was how the book plays with fairy tale motifs while grounding the story in a gritty, almost noir-like reality. It’s like if 'Grimm’s Fairy Tales' collided with a Agatha Christie plot—weirdly satisfying. If you enjoy mysteries with a side of Gothic flair, this one’s a yes.

If you loved 'Once Upon a Murder', you might enjoy diving into 'The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' by Stuart Turton. It's got that same mix of mystery and dark whimsy, with a twisty plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. The way Turton plays with time and perspective feels fresh, almost like a puzzle you're desperate to solve. Another great pick is 'Magpie Murders' by Anthony Horowitz. It layers mystery within mystery, blending classic whodunit vibes with a modern meta-narrative. The book-within-a-book structure adds this delightful complexity, perfect for readers who love stories that keep them on their toes. Honestly, both of these had me staying up way too late, flipping pages like crazy.