Madame Karitska Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Madame Karitska books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

About the Madame Karitska Series

If you like mystery with a bit of the unknown the Madame Karitska series by Dorothy Gilman is worth a look. These books aren’t like your usual detective novels. They mix psychic ability, suspense and real human emotion in a way that’s both calm and exciting. At the heart of it all is Madame Karitska—a woman unlike any other character I’ve ever read. She’s not a detective by trade but her sharp mind and quiet inner strength helps her solve problems others can’t.

Madame Karitska has a mysterious past. She carries herself with grace as if she’s lived many lives. But what really sets her apart is her gift—she can see things most people can’t. Some might call it clairvoyance others might just say she’s highly intuitive. Either way people in trouble come to her. They come with questions, worries and fears. They don’t always know what they’re looking for but somehow they know she can help.

What I like about her is she doesn’t show off. She doesn’t always give people the answers they want. Sometimes she chooses not to say everything she knows. Not because she’s hiding anything but because she knows truth can be difficult—and not always helpful right away. She’s careful, thoughtful and kind. That makes her feel real. You start to trust her just like the characters in the book do.

She meets Detective-Lieutenant Pruden in a way that feels almost accidental, but from then on they are a quiet and interesting team. Pruden is logical, methodical, fact-based. Madame Karitska is feelings and instinct. Together they are a good combination. Their relationship is not romantic but full of respect. They both know the other brings something important to the table.

Each book is a different story and never feels repetitive. One might be about a boy accused of a terrible crime. Another might be about a woman who thinks her husband is getting involved with a dangerous group. There are small, strange moments too—a violin that seems to carry a message, a man dropping a briefcase in a crowded train station, or someone dying from something that can’t be explained. No matter what the case is, Madame Karitska stays calm and focused. Her small apartment may look simple from the outside but to the people who come inside it becomes a safe place. And honestly it feels that way to the reader too.

One of the best things about the series is it’s not just about the mystery. It’s about the people. Each situation shows us something about human nature—fear, sadness, jealousy, love, regret. Madame Karitska sees all of this and treats people with compassion even when they’re not at their best. That’s why the stories stick with you. It’s not just what happened. It’s why it happened and what it means to the people involved.

Dorothy Gilman is better known for her Mrs. Pollifax books which are great in their own way. But Madame Karitska offers something a little quieter and deeper. Where Mrs. Pollifax is bold and action-packed Karitska is still and thoughtful. Both are strong women but Karitska’s strength comes from a deeper place. She doesn’t need to chase drama it finds her and she knows how to face it.

Whether you’re reading these for the first time or coming back to them after a while they feel timeless. The mix of mystery, emotion and spiritual insight makes them different from anything else out there. If you like slow-burning stories that give you something to think about you’ll probably love this series.In a world of fast, flashy crime novels Madame Karitska is a breath of fresh air. These books take their time. They leave space for silence and small moments. And maybe that’s why they stick with you. Because sometimes the quietest stories are the loudest.