Home Blog Page 25

The Complete List of Gregg Hurwitz Books in Order

0

Gregg Andrews Hurwitz has captured the imagination of many readers with his different series of action/ thriller books.

Not only serious readers but comic book fans appreciate his contribution to both DC and Marvel comics. Hurwitz is an American screenwriter, novelist, and comic book writer.

With three excellent book series, some great comic books, and graphic novels, Hurwitz has cemented himself as one of the most promising and exciting novelists of our time.

Here’s something that might shock many readers; Hurwitz was a student of Jordan Peterson, the famous psychologist and author of the “12 Rules For Life”. If you love reading something interesting, high-octane, and thrilling, start Gregg Hurwitz’s book series now.

Knowing where to start reading can be complex and confusing, with over 25 books in three different series, standalone novels, and comics. But no need to fret. Here is the complete list of all Gregg Hurwitz books in reading order. Let’s get started.

Gregg Hurwitz Books in Order

Here are all the different book series in the order written by Hurwitz, including standalone novels, graphic novels, and comic books:

Sr. No.TitlePublication DatePrint LengthPublisherWhere to Buy
1Orphan XJanuary 19, 2016
368 pages
Minotaur Books
Amazon
2The RainsOctober 17, 2017
368 pages
Tor Teen; Reprint editionAmazon
3The Kill ClauseAugust 19, 2003
400 pages
William Morrow
Amazon
4The TowerAugust 13, 2007
384 pages
Simon & Schuster
Amazon
5Graphic Novels And Comics
August 3, 2008
128 pages
Marvel
Amazon
6New Think
December 20, 2022
128 pages
Upshot
Amazon
7Batman
October 3, 2012
208 pages
DC Comics
Amazon

Orphan X/ Evan Smoak Series

If you are a fan of strong, mysterious, and enormously powerful characters, then the Orphan X series, also called the Ecan Smoak series, should be the first series you should start. Hurwitz has used his skills and understanding of a well-written hero, and it shines in this series.

What’s great about this series is that while it may sound like a Tom Clancy or Mitch Rapp series, it is quite different from them. Yes, it is a thriller series, but there is a human side to Evan Smoak, which grounds this book, making it an action and emotional journey.

Start with: Orphan X

Orphan X
View on Amazon

Orphan X is the most exciting and thrilling introductory book to any thriller series. Hurwitz ensures that the readers find the protagonist of the story, Evan Smoak, not only a skilled and extraordinary person but also a human with a tragic backstory.

A great story about a boy who is taken into a covert government mission to create a great assassin, Evan was just 12 years old when he was taken to DC and was mentored by a man named Jack.

Now a skilled man, Evan uses his skills and resources to help people with no one to turn to. He uses all the lessons given to him by Jack, a father figure. The story is interesting, thrilling, and touching at the same time.

There are ten books in the series, with the eleventh book titled “The Last Orphan” scheduled for release in 2023. Here is the complete list of all the books in the series in reading order.

  1. Orphan X
  2. Buy a Bullet (Short Story)
  3. The Nowhere Man
  4. Hellbent
  5. The Intern (Short Story)
  6. Out of the Dark
  7. Into the Fire
  8. The List (Short Story)
  9. Prodigal Son
  10. Dark Horse
  11. The Last Orphan

Rains Brothers/ Rains Series

The Rains series is about two brothers, Chance and Patrick Rains. We can see that Hurwitz’s understanding of the comic book genre has paid off well because the concepts he comes up with are genuinely brilliant.

The Rains series brings an exciting and intriguing plot. The world is infected by a parasite that has affected millions of people. Now before you think it is another run-of-the-mill zombie apocalypse story, let us tell you that it is not.

The Rains series gets into a unique apocalyptic story; a parasite has been released that has turned every adult (over 18) into an enraged, dangerous person. And now, the two Rains brothers must do all they can to save themselves and stop this parasite from ending the world.

Start with: The Rains

The Rains
View on Amazon

A fresh spin on the overused “zombie” trope, The Rains is the first book in this series. We can call this book a duology than a series, as there are just two books. Chance and Patrick Rains are horrified by finding that some strange atmospheric parasite has turned every adult into a zombie-like creature.

The story then turns exciting when they discover that any person will turn into this zombie once they turn 18. This plot device works very well as a timer, making it more difficult for the brothers to figure out what’s going on and how to stop it.

The two books in the series are:

  1. The Rains
  2. Last Chance

Tim Rackley Series

Gregg Hurwitz is known for combining action with emotions. His take on these skillful killers with tragic stories works so well. But no other book series impacts readers’ hearts as the Tim Rackley series does. This book series is a revenge series, but it will surely touch your heart.

The protagonist of the series is Tim Rackley. A deputy U.S. Marshal with ethics, pride, and honor. A law-abiding citizen, Rackley’s world is turned upside down when a horrible accident occurs; someone brutally murders his daughter.

The entire series is about him taking revenge, fighting the corrupt system, and helping others who have had similar misfortune. Let’s look at the book and then the reading order.

Start with: The Kill Clause

The Kill Clause
View on Amazon

The Kill Clause is the introductory book of the series, and this is where the sad part occurs. Rackley’s daughter is kidnapped and then murdered. But all Rackley finds is a disappointment regarding the judicial system; it is slow, weak, and corruptible.

So Rackley finds a group of similar people who have been betrayed by the country’s justice system and start hunting down the people responsible for the crimes. A group of vigilantes on a revenge mission is always a great and exciting read.

But as Rackley and his team, called “The Commission,” starts hunting crooks and criminals, they discover something insidious, far more sinister, that reaches all over the country. An exciting book to create an even more exciting series.

There are five books in the series. Here are all the books arranged in reading order:

  1. The Kill Clause
  2. The Program
  3. Troubleshooter
  4. Last Shot
  5. Dirty Weather

Standalone Novels

Not everything needs to be read in a series. Many of the great author’s most famous and exciting works have been standalone novels. The same can be said for Gregg Hurwitz.

Before the Orphan X series took the author to popularity, the book that propelled him forward and cemented his career as a distinguished author was one of his standalone novels, The Tower.

The great thing about Hurwitz’s standalone novels is that they are very fast-paced, small books that can be finished within a week, even if you are a slow reader. Add an exciting story, interesting characters, and brilliant climaxes; these standalone novels are perfect for your evening reads.

Start with: The Tower

The Tower
View on Amazon

The Tower is Gregg Hurwitz’s most popular standalone novel, and it is just behind Orphan X when it comes to popularity. This book was also the author’s first book, and people loved it.

The Tower’s plot is crafted brilliantly, with the protagonist and antagonist having complex relationships. The story is set in a high-security prison. Inside the prison lives the antagonist named Allander Atlasia. Atlasia is a psychopath. And he manages to escape.

The story brings the protagonist, FBI Agent Jade Marlow, who is hired to track down Allander. But with the introduction of Marlow, readers get to know a lot about the dynamic between the hunter and the prey. We also get to know Marlow more, which is an exciting read in itself.

A great book that is worth your time. Suffice it to say that you’ll be enjoying every page of this fast-paced, high-octane standalone novel. There are other standalone novels as well. Since these books are not from a series, there is no reading order. Here’s the complete list:

  1. The Tower
  2. Minutes to Burn
  3. Do No Harm
  4. The Crime Writer / I See
  5. You
  6. Trust No One
  7. They’re Watching / Or She
  8. Dies
  9. You’re Next
  10. The Survivor
  11. Tell No Lies
  12. Don’t Look Back

Graphic Novels And Comics

Foolkiller Fool's Paradise
View on Amazon

Readers familiar with comics will be surprised to know that Gregg Hurwitz has worked for both Marvel and DC Comics, writing stories for the classics such as Batman and Penguin and modern hits like Moon Knight.

Hurwitz has written both comics and graphic novels. With depth and complexities in the characters and the intense, thrilling nature of the stories, these comics and graphic novels are not just limited to young kids and teenagers.

Take a look at all the comics and graphic novels Hurwitz has penned over the years. We have arranged all the comics in reading order.

New Think

New Think Vol. 1
View on Amazon

Batman

Batman The Dark Knight, Vol. 1 Knight Terrors
View on Amazon

Penguin: Pain and Prejudice

  • Penguin

Conclusion

From writing brilliant, thrilling stories with gut-wrenching plots, complex characters, and a story that would keep you flipping through to writing interesting comic books and graphic novels, Gregg Hurwitz has proved his mettle through his work.

With his list of all his books arranged in different series and reading order, you are ready to start your literary journey of reading and enjoying Hurwitz’s creation. So start reading today!

The Complete List of Alexander McCall Smith Books in Order

0

The author who is known for the massive volumes of books he has written, and his very addictive humor, especially with the names of his books, Alexander McCall Smith, defines versatility.

McCall Smith has written everything from intriguing crime/thriller novels to children’s books loved by kids and interesting nonfiction pieces.

Over his entire career (which is still running), McCall has written over 150 books in multiple genres. Born in modern-day Zimbabwe, McCall has lived in different parts of the world. Still, it is Africa that has impacted both his personal and professional life.

His works have been influenced by African culture, the native people, and his perception of it. Out of all his works, the most famous and read ones include the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Corduroy Mansions, and the Sunday Philosophy Club series.

It is obvious that someone who wants to start reading all the books by Smith will be intimidated by the sheer volume of this ocean of books. For those people, we have created an exhaustive list of all the Alexander McCall Smith books in reading order.

You’ll find all of McCall Smith’s books arranged neatly in different book series, in reading order. So let’s start so you can create your reading journey of his books. Here are all the other book series included in this article:

Sr. No.
Title
Publication Date
Print Length
Publisher
Where to Buy
1The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
November 1, 2005
256 pages
Pantheon
Amazon
2Professor Dr von Igelfeld Books
January 1, 2006Random House Large Print PubliAmazon
3Isabel Dalhousie Books
July 12, 2005
272 pages
Anchor
Amazon
444 Scotland Street Books
April 21, 2005
368 pages
Birlinn
Amazon
5Big-Top Mysteries Series
April 4, 2019
104 pages
Barrington Stoke
Amazon
6Mythological Books
January 1, 2007
152 pages
Isis Large Print
Amazon
7Corduroy Mansions Books
October 7, 2009
320 pages
BirlinnAmazon
8The School Ship Tobermory Books
October 11, 2016
224 pages
Delacorte Press
Amazon
9Paul Stuart Books
April 4, 2017
240 pages
Pantheon
Amazon
10Detective Varg Books
February 4, 2020
240 pages
Anchor
Amazon

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
View on Amazon

Many people might consider this series a murder mystery/ thriller, but that’s not true. Despite the title of the series, the word “detective,” the core theme of this series, is quite light-hearted.

It is fascinating to see the author writing a story from the perspective of a middle-aged black woman. The story is about a middle-aged black woman who is divorced. But with her cunning intellect and smartness, Precious Ramotswe solves cases and helps women around her.

While there are more than 20 books in this series, going through all the books is a breeze, thanks to the writing style. The mysteries are well-written, with plot twists and fast pacing. The stories are fun and quick to read, and cute as well.

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency has over 20 books in the series. Here are all the books in reading order:

As the name suggests, this book series (calling it a series would be a stretch as there’s just one book here) is about the cleverness of the ladies. This book contains a collection of five short stories about different women and the struggle they go through.

With around 100 pages, this is a sweet and small book with feel-good stories of love, hope, and heartbreak. A perfect read while you sip coffee in the evening.

  • The Cleverness of Ladies

Professor Dr von Igelfeld Books

Portuguese Irregular Verbs
View on Amazon

While many may consider this book series to be for younger readers, the story and the characters in this series are so exciting and fun to read they will pull in readers of different ages. 

Professor Dr Von Igelfeld is about the professor named Dr. Moritz-Maria V on Igelfeld and his misadventures. This series is also where you’d find the most hilarious, confusing, and exciting titles. 

For anyone looking for something fun and exciting to read, go for this series. There are five books here, but each is as hilarious and entertaining as they are named. Here are all five books in reading order:

Isabel Dalhousie Books (Also Called The Sunday Philosophy Club Series)

The Sunday Philosophy Club
View on Amazon

The Isabel Dalhousie series dims the light a bit, making things more severe and hard-hitting compared to the other book series mentioned above. This series is called The Sunday Philosophy Club, and readers will see more emotional play here than wordplay.

Isabel, the protagonist of this story, witnesses a death; a man falls from the upper circle of a hall. And for some reason, a desire rises in her to find the reason behind the death. This was not a suicide; someone was behind all this for some reason.

But things are not as simple as it seems. While the case is convoluted, the primary focus of this story is the complex relationship between the characters and the struggle one has to go through due to the complexity of these relationships.

As of writing this article, there are fourteen books in this series. Here are all the books in reading order:

Isabel Dalhousie Short Stories/Novellas

If you want to start with something light, more like an appetizer than the full course meal, beginning with the Isabel Dalhousie novella series would be the perfect way to understand the writing, stories, and characters. 

There are three books in this short stories series. Here’s the reading order for the same:

  • The Perils of Morning Coffee
  • At the Reunion Buffet
  • Sweet, Thoughtful Valentine

44 Scotland Street Books

44 Scotland Street
View on Amazon

44 Scotland Street books bring back the light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek mood and tones of McCall Smith’s books. This series contains the most colorful, engaging, and intriguing characters. And there are so many characters.

The best thing about the story is the interaction between the different characters, the emotions they cultivate for each other, and the complicated love triangles. There are great mysteries in this book that will leave readers wondering how that happens. But there are other highlights of this series.

44 Scotland Street is a big book series with 15 novels. Here are the books arranged in reading order:

Big-Top Mysteries Series

The Case of the Vanishing Granny
View on Amazon

This book is for junior readers—a great story with a main character resembling Sherlock Holmes. The writing style is simple yet fun, and the pacing will keep the kids hooked to this book. There is just one book in this series:

Mythological Books

Dream Angus The Celtic God of Dreams
View on Amazon

When we said that Alexander McCall Smith is one of the most versatile authors, this is what we were referring to. McCall Smith also wrote mythology books, not just children’s or mystery novels.

Dream Angus is about the Celtic God of love, dreams, beauty, and youth. The storytelling style and the way McCall presents the different tales of this God make the book a joy to read. But that’s not all.

Readers will get five brilliant stories about the modern alter egos of Dream Angus, which are brilliant. There is just one book in the series, so there’s no order to follow. Pick it from the store and start a great mythological story with a modern take on it.

Corduroy Mansions Books

Corduroy Mansions
View on Amazon

Suppose you love the storytelling style of McCall, where he brings a host of interesting characters and places them in one place to interact. In that case, you will love the Corduroy Mansion series.

This series is one of the most popular series, and that is for a reason. The Corduroy Mansion is an old London mansion filled with some of the most interesting, loving, and loathsome characters ever created!

Each character has a storyline, ambitions, and struggles. What’s so fun about this series is seeing all these characters interact and quarrel with each other, resulting in a laughter-fest.

The humor is on-point, the story is fantastic, and the characters are interesting, making this series a perfect pick if you are craving something similar. This series perfectly summarizes the style and tone of Smith’s books. Here are the books in reading order:

The School Ship Tobermory Books

School Ship Tobermory
View on Amazon

The School Ship Tobermory series is a young adult book series with undertones of mystery and thrill. This series is meant for the middle grader and is chock-full of adventure, risk, mystery, and fun.

A film crew arrives at Tobermory Bay, and while everything seems fine on the surface, the protagonists of this series, Fee and Ben, soon discover that something sinister is cooking underneath. Go on an adventure with these two unforgettable characters and solve the mystery in Tobermory Bay.

Here are the books in reading order:

Paul Stuart Books

My Italian Bulldozer
View on Amazon

A book series made of stories with the most bizarre and exciting plots, even the names of these books will make the readers peek into it in curiosity. The books have a beautiful, heart-warming story about the protagonist named Paul Stuart.

Paul Stuart is an author who needs to complete his book. And to do that, he decides to go to a peaceful town in Italy. But things go awry when his rental car is stolen, and he has no other way of traveling.

Weirdness is not a foreign concept in Smith’s books, and this series proves it until a man comes and offers him a wait for it, a bulldozer! So what happens with Paul Stuart next? Read the story to get a heartwarming experience about this author’s journey.

Here are the two books in this series:

Detective Varg Books

The Department of Sensitive Crimes
View on Amazon

Another great book series with the idiosyncratic style of Alexander McCall Smith, the Detective Varg book series is filled with intriguing characters and bizarre stories. The story’s protagonist is named Ulf Varg, and the story is set in Sweden.

This book series is a light-hearted story with a fest of quirky characters. Pick this series if you want to read something witty, bizarre, and strangely fun. The stories are entertaining, and the characters come with strange cases.

Here are the books in this series arranged in reading order:

Detective Varg Novellas

  • The Strange Case of the Moderate Extremists

Children’s Book Series

Despite being a writer primarily for adults, Alexander McCall Smith has written many children’s books. Because his characters are so colorful, engaging, and intriguing, they become the best contender for capturing the attention of young readers. 

There are over five different children’s books series by Smith. They include:

  • Akimbo series
  • Harriet Books
  • Max and Maddy’s books
  • Precious Ramotswe’s Very First Cases books
  • Young Corgi books
  • Standalone Children’s books

Please look at the children’s book series with their books arranged in reading order. 

Akimbo Books

Akimbo and the Lions
View on Amazon

Harriet Bean Books

The Five Lost Aunts of Harriet Bean
View on Amazon

Max And Maddy Books

Max & Maddy and the Bursting Balloons Mystery
View on Amazon

Precious Ramotswe’s Very First Cases Books

The Great Cake Mystery
View on Amazon

Young Corgi Books

Alix and the Tigers
View on Amazon

Children’s Book

Marzipan Max
View on Amazon

Standalone Novels

Uncle Gangster
View on Amazon

Here are all the standalone novels written by Smith. Since these are standalone stories, there is no specific reading order. You can start with any of these and get a great reading experience.

Collection of Short Stories

Children of Wax African Folk Tales
View on Amazon

Smith wrote a lot of books and a lot of short stories too. The author claimed that he wrote over 1,000 words every day. This explains how he was able to produce so many literary works.

Here are all the short stories written by Smith. If you want to start with something light that does not require a commitment to completing the series, then go with these short stories.

Nonfiction Books

What W. H. Auden Can Do for You
View on Amazon

Again proving the versatility of Alexander McCall Smith, here are three nonfiction books that are just as interesting and fun to read as his fiction books. Since these are nonfiction books, there is no reading order.

Novellas

Good Dog Lion
View on Amazon

Anthologies

What You Wish For A Book for Darfur
View on Amazon

Conclusion

It takes a lot of effort to create so many exciting stories that cater to different age groups and be loved by them. But Alexander McCall Smith’s works are a testament to his brilliance and competence in writing great stories.

Starting any one of his book series is a joy in itself. A dazzling range of vibrant characters, unique and imaginative plots, and stories will leave a happy and warm imprint in your mind. So pick the series and start reading.

The Complete List of Sarah J Maas Books in Order

0

Sarah J Maas is the best-selling American fantasy author behind the popular ‘Throne of Glass’ and ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

At just thirty-six years of age, she’s already taken the literary world by storm. Since her 2012 debut, her books have sold more than twelve million copies and been translated into thirty-seven languages, earning her a dedicated global following.

So, if you’re looking for a new fantasy series to explore, I recommend giving Sarah J Maas books a try.

Sarah J Maas Books

In this post, I’ll give a full rundown of Sarah J Maas work, including her action-packed, high-fantasy series, short stories, and standalone works.

But before we begin, let’s learn a little more about the woman behind the bestselling books.

Who is Sarah J Maas?

Who is Sarah J Maas
irishtimes.com

Native New Yorker Sarah J Maas was born in 1986 and grew up in Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

She fell in love with reading and writing early and spent much of her childhood penning fantasy stories based on popular myths and legends.

She particularly enjoyed Japanese manga, and as a teen, she threw herself into creating Sailor Moon fanfiction, which helped her develop her unique style as an author.

Sarah J Maas knew she was born to write, so she studied creative writing at New York State’s Hamilton College, where she graduated magna cum laude honors.

But long before her graduation, this budding author was already working on her first international bestseller, Throne of Glass. In fact, she was just sixteen years old when she first began putting pen to paper.

Yet it wasn’t until she completed her studies that Mass approached literary agents with her work. And when she did, her talents were quickly recognized.

In 2012, her debut novel, Throne of Glass, hit the shelves, and from that moment onwards, there was no stopping her.

Sarah J Maas soon became an internationally recognized name, and over the course of the next few years, she published a further six major novels in this popular series, alongside several companion novellas.

But while continuing work on the debut series that made her famous, Maas had some brand-new high-fantasy action up her sleeve.

Years earlier, in 2009, she’d begun writing another fantasy saga, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and after years of sitting on her stories, in 2015, the series debut was finally published.

By this point, she was already a world-famous author, and this new series was an immediate, chart-topping success. Readers and critics alike went wild for her work, so much so that it became a top contender for a television adaptation on the popular streaming service Hulu.

More recently, in 2020, Sarah J Maas delighted readers with the publication of a brand-new series, Crescent City. Book one, House of Earth and Blood, won the Goodreads choice award for the best fantasy novel of the year, and her follow-up title, House of Sky and Breath, shot straight to the number one spot on the Sunday Times Bestseller’s charts.

So, as you can see, Sarah J Maas has already achieved what most authors can only dream of, and with any luck, this young and influential writer has many more page-turning titles yet to come.

The Complete List of Sarah J Maas Books in Order

So, now that we know a little more about the author let’s dive into her work.

Below, I’ll list every book by Sarah J Maas to date, including her smash hit series, novellas, and standalone title.

Sr. No.TitlePublication DatePrint LengthPublisherWhere to Buy
1The Throne of GlassAugust 7, 2012416 pagesBloomsbury YAAmazon
2The Court of Thorns and RosesJune 2, 2020432 pagesBloomsbury Publishing
Amazon
3The Crescent CityMarch 3, 2020816 pagesBloomsbury Publishing
Amazon
4Standalone DC IconsAugust 7, 2018384 pagesRandom House Books for Young ReadersAmazon

The Throne of Glass Books in Publication and Reading Order

Throne of Glass
View on Amazon

This high fantasy young adult series is inspired by the classic fairy tale of Cinderella. But in this universe, Cinderella is no servant; she’s a fearless assassin named Celaena Sardothien.

Celaena has spent her childhood in the corrupt Kingdom of Adrian, where she’s bound to service by the King. But when she turns eighteen, she’s finally given a chance to win back her freedom in a life-or-death competition against her fellow assassins.

Yet it’s not long before she forms a close and unexpected bond with the Kingdom’s Crown Prince. Suddenly, she’s drawn into a much deeper and darker conspiracy than she could have imagined.

There are seven major novels and four supplementary novellas in the Throne of Glass series.

The novellas serve as a prequel to the main series, and they were later compiled into a single volume entitled the Assassin’s Blade.

Here’s a list of the seven major novels in publication order:

And here are the four novellas that together make up The Assassin’s Blade: 

  • The Assassin and the Pirate Lord (2012)
  • The Assassin and the Desert (2012)
  • The Assassin and the Underworld (2012)
  • The Assassin and the Empire (2012)

So, with this in mind, what is the best reading order for the entire series? 

That all depends on who you ask. 

Many purists insist that following the chronological timeline is essential. So, if you prefer this approach, you’d read the series in this order: 

But, of course, only some agree.

Some fans of the series prefer to read Assassin’s Blade after Heir of Fire, as the earlier novels provide much more context about the relationships fleshed out in the storylines of the prequel novellas.

So, suppose you’d prefer to read Assassin’s Blade with a deeper understanding and connection with the major characters.

In that case, you might want to consider the following reading order:

The Court of Thorns and Roses Books in Publication and Reading Order

A Court of Thorns and Roses
View on Amazon

The Court of Thorns and Roses series tells the story of Feyre Archeron, a young mortal woman taken to the faerie lands of Prythian after unknowingly killing one of their kind.

Feyre finds herself in an unfamiliar and magical world, where she meets her mysterious captor, Tamlin. But while she initially fears him, gradually, her fear transforms into a passion that rages like a burning fire.

Suddenly, she’s faced with the realization that everything she ever thought she knew about the mystical faerie lands was a lie. And now, her allegiances between her old world and the new one she inhabits are beginning to shift.

There are currently four major novels in The Court of Thorns and Roses series, as well as one interlude novella.

And you’ll be pleased to know there’s no complex reading order; simply follow along in the order the books were published, listed below.

The Crescent City Books in Publication and Reading Order

House of Earth and Blood
View on Amazon

Sarah J Maas’s latest series stars Bryce Quinlan, a half-Fae, half-human on a mission to avenge the murder of her best friend. But Bryce’s world is terrorized by dangerous demons and sinister shapeshifters, and she’ll need all the help she can get to survive her quest.

So, she teams up with a mighty warrior angel to help track down her target. Still, along the way, they discover a new enemy more dangerous and deadly than they ever could have imagined.

Now, they’re not just fighting for justice; they’re battling to save the very fabric of their world.

So far, there are just two books in the Crescent City series, but author Sarah J Maas has promised readers that a brand-new installment will be hitting the shelves next year.

For now, it’s best to read this duo of novels in the order they were published, listed below. 

Standalone DC Icons Book

Catwoman Soulstealer
View on Amazon

Alongside her smash-hit series, Sarah J Maas has also published a standalone novel in the wider DC Icons collection in collaboration with multiple authors.

Maas’s contribution is Catwoman: Soulstealer. Like all the books in this series, this is a retelling of a popular superhero’s early life before she became an international icon.

Conclusion

Sarah J Maas is one of today’s most influential fantasy authors and one of the youngest. So, we can expect many more breath taking books from this captivating writer in the years to come.

What’s your favorite Sarah J Maas story? Let me know in the comments below!

The Complete List of Miss Marple Books in Order

0

Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple books are one of the most beloved detective fiction series.

This elderly amateur sleuth made her debut in 1927 in the short story, The Tuesday Night Club. Since then, she’s stolen the hearts of millions of readers worldwide.

Agatha Christie went on to pen a series of twelve full-length novels and multiple popular short stories starring this iconic character. And even today, more than four decades after the author’s death, Miss Marple is still one of the most recognized fictional detectives in literature.

So, if you love a good murder mystery and have never read the Miss Marple books, then I highly recommend you try this classic series.

Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple Books

In this post, I’ll give you a full rundown of every novel in the main Miss Marple series and a summary of each. Plus, I’ll list Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple short stories so you can continue your reading journey.

But first, let’s learn more about this beloved fictional detective.

Who is Miss Marple?

Who is Miss Marple?
alibi.uktv.co.uk

Miss Jane Marple is an aging spinster who resides in the village of St. Mary Mead, a quaint little community with a surprisingly high crime rate.

In Christie’s debut Miss Marple novel, the amateur sleuth is portrayed as a nosy neighbor with a suspicious nature and a penchant for gossip.

But as the series progresses, she transforms into a kind-hearted, albeit shrewdly intelligent woman who uses her razor-sharp intuition and skills of deduction to solve criminal cases across England and beyond.

On the surface, Miss Marple is an innocent old lady who wouldn’t say boo to a goose, but in reality, she’s a formidable force who can suss out a lie from a mile away. She doesn’t miss a beat when she’s working on a case, and her uncanny ability to join up the dots and piece together clues is no match for even the most cunning criminal.

The Complete List of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple Novels in Order

Here we have listed all the books of Miss Marple in the reading order for you to enjoy.

Sr. No.TitlePublication DatePrint LengthPublisherWhere to Buy
1The Murder at the VicarageMay 4, 2016
304 pages
William Morrow & Company
Amazon
2The Body in the LibraryMay 4, 2016
224 pages
William Morrow & Company
Amazon
3The Moving Finger April 12, 2011
240 pages
William Morrow PaperbacksAmazon
4A Murder Is AnnouncedMay 4, 2016
320 pages
William Morrow & Company
Amazon
5They Do It with MirrorsApril 1, 1985
184 pages
Bantam Books, Inc.
Amazon
6A Pocket Full of RyeJanuary 1, 1986
198 pages
Bantam Doubleday Dell
Amazon
74.50 from PaddingtonOctober 22, 2018
256 pagesHarperFiction
Amazon
8The Mirror Crack’d from Side to SideJanuary 1, 2017
256 pagesHARPER COLLINS
Amazon
9A Caribbean MysterySeptember 17, 2007
256 pages
Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers
Amazon
10Miss Marple Short Stories
May 8, 201228 pagesHueber Verlag GmbH & Co K
Amazon

1. The Murder at the Vicarage (1930)

The Murder at the Vicarage
View on Amazon

When Colonel Protheroe is found dead at the vicarage, shock descends on the community of St. Mary Mead. And as the investigation gets underway, it soon becomes clear that Protheroe had his fair share of enemies in the village, and finding the killer won’t be as easy as the police first hoped.

Enter Miss Jane Marple, a nosy neighbor whose prying eyes might be precisely what’s needed to solve the case.

2. The Body in the Library (1942)

The Body in the Library
View on Amazon

Early one morning, the Bantry family awakes to a shocking scene. On the floor of their library is a woman’s body, dressed in an evening gown, with makeup smeared across her face.

Soon after, the corpse of another young woman is discovered, charred, and abandoned in the local quarry. But could there be a connection between the murders?

The Bantry’s, eager to clear their name and save their impeccable reputation, call on their astute elderly neighbor, Miss Marple, to help them catch the killer.

3. The Moving Finger (1943)

The Moving Finger
View on Amazon

In the nearby town of Lymstock, residents are tormented by a sudden outbreak of hate mail.

At first, the locals assume these anonymous letters are a cruel practical joke. But then, one of the recipients commits suicide, and the community begins to fear the worst.

And so, Miss Marple heads to Lymstock to try and uncover the truth. But as she digs deeper into the case, she suspects the coroner has got it all wrong. This is no suicide, it’s a cold-blooded murder, and if she doesn’t act fast, more people could die.

4. A Murder Is Announced (1950)

A Murder Is Announced
View on Amazon

Miss Marple stays in the quaint village of Chipping Cleghorn when a strange and sinister advertisement appears in the local gazette.

It reads: ‘A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, October 29th, at Little Paddocks at 6.30 p.m.’

The address is the home of Miss Letitia Blacklock, and now, Letitia is terrified that the victim could be her.

The mysterious announcement transfixes the community, so a crowd gathers at Little Paddocks on the specified day and time, eager to see if the ominous prediction will come true.

And then, like clockwork, at 6:30 p.m., the house is plunged into darkness, and their worst fears are confirmed.

5. They Do It with Mirrors (1952) (re-published as Murder With Mirrors)

They Do It with Mirrors
View on Amazon

Miss Marple is visiting a friend at her grand Victorian home. But this is no ordinary abode; the house is being used as a rehabilitation center for delinquent youths, and as soon as she arrives, this amateur sleuth senses danger.

And it’s not long before her suspicions are proven correct when an angry teen fires a shot at the home’s administrator, Lewis Serrocold. But bizarrely, Serrocold and the pistol-wielding youth are left entirely unscathed.

Yet, in another room, someone isn’t so lucky. At the exact moment, the revolver fired, a mysterious visitor, Mr. Gilbranden, drops dead. And Miss Marple is sure it’s no coincidence.

6. A Pocket Full of Rye (1953)

A Pocket Full of Rye
View on Amazon

Wealthy financier Rex Fortescue casually drank tea when he suddenly suffered a quick and agonizing death.

In the aftermath of his passing, investigators discover a bizarre clue in the deceased’s pockets; slight traces of rye.

And after another incident in the parlor, Miss Marple realizes that an innocent children’s nursery rhyme may give clues to the killer’s identity.

7. 4.50 from Paddington (1957) (re-published as What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw!)

4.50 from Paddington
View on Amazon

Elspeth McGillicuddy is riding the train when she witnesses a terrifying scene from the window. Along the opposite track, another train passes by, and inside the neighboring carriage, a murder is unfolding.

She watches helplessly as the man grips the woman’s throat, strangling her to death. And then, in an instant, the train pulls away, leaving Elspeth shaken and confused.

Nobody believes her story except for her dear friend, Miss Jane Marple.

8. The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side (1962)

Mirror Crack From Side To Side
View on Amazon

Heather Baldock idolized the glamorous movie star Marina Gregg, so when she finds herself face to face with the American actress, she’s awestruck. But as she reaches out to touch her hero, she suddenly suffers a catastrophic seizure and dies.

The post-mortem reveals that Miss Baldock died of poisoning. But who would want to kill this innocent, albeit overbearing, middle-aged woman?

Could the poison have been intended for Marina Gregg? If so, the superstar’s life is in grave danger. And now, Miss Marple will stop at nothing until she uncovers the truth.

9. A Caribbean Mystery (1964)

A Caribbean Mystery
View on Amazon

Miss Marple has traveled to the Caribbean for an exotic holiday, but as she basks in the sunshine on the beach, she can’t help but feel a little bored. Unfortunately, nothing ever happens in paradise, and she can only take so much relaxation.

But then, things take an interesting turn when a retired army major winds up dead.

Now, far away from her native shores, Miss Marple sets out to solve a murder mystery with a unique tropical twist.

10. At Bertram’s Hotel (1965)

At Bertram's Hotel
View on Amazon

Miss Marple has left her country home for a break away in London. Her destination is the traditional and highly acclaimed Bertram’s Hotel, a place that exudes old-world charm and impeccable service.

But as she settles in at Bertram’s, Miss Marple can’t help but notice the tension and danger that lingers in the air behind the hotel’s luxurious veneer.

Yet even she is surprised when a clergyman vanishes into thin air, and a man is found dead.

Now, her holiday in the city is put on hold as she steps in to help the police with a murder mystery and missing person’s case that will uncover shocking secrets about this esteemed hotel.

11. Nemesis (1971)

Nemesis
View on Amazon

One morning, a letter arrives at Miss Jane Marple’s door, leaving her in complete dismay.

During her recent adventures in the Caribbean, she made a brief acquaintance with Mr. Jason Rafiel, and now, he’s dead.

But even more shocking is the deceased man’s request. Inside the letter are instructions asking Miss Marple to investigate a crime after his passing.

Yet, with no details of those involved or even where the crime occurred, she’s got her work cut out. And someone, somewhere, will do whatever it takes to ensure the past remains hidden.

12. Sleeping Murder (1976)

Sleeping Murder
View on Amazon

Gwenda immediately falls in love with her large seaside home, but soon after she moves in, she becomes plagued by an eerie feeling of unease.

As tradesmen begin renovating the traditional decor, strange coincidences occur. The wallpaper she dreamed up for the nursery is discovered behind a secret room. And the doorway she planned to create turns out to have already been there, blocked off long ago.

As the strange events unfold, Gwenda becomes increasingly fearful of her new home. No matter how hard she tries to modernize the old house, it seems determined to expose its secret past.

And so, with the help of Miss Marple, she embarks on a mission to exorcize the ghosts and solve a terrible crime committed long before she was born.

Miss Marple Short Stories

The Tuesday Night Club
View on Amazon

Alongside the main series of novels, Agatha Christie also published twenty short stories featuring her iconic amateur sleuth.

Here they are in the order they were originally published.

  1. The Tuesday Night Club (1927)
  2. A Christmas Tragedy (1930)
  3. The Idol House of Astarte (1932)
  4. Ingots of Gold (1932)
  5. The Bloodstained Pavement (1932)
  6. Motive vs. Opportunity (1932)
  7. The Thumb Mark of St. Peter (1932)
  8. The Blue Geranium (1932)
  9. The Companion (1932)
  10. The Four Suspects (1932)
  11. The Herb of Death (1932)
  12. The Affair at the Bungalow (1932)
  13. Death by Drowning (1932)
  14. Miss Marple Tells a Story (1934)
  15. Strange Jest (1950)
  16. The Case of the Perfect Maid (1950)
  17. The Case of the Caretaker (1950)
  18. Tape-Measure Murder (1950)
  19. Greenshaw’s Folly (1960)
  20. Sanctuary (1961)

Conclusion

Miss Marple is one of Agatha Christie’s most beloved creations. This quintessential English detective is a global phenomenon. Even today, many years after the author’s death, her adventures still grip readers worldwide.

Are you already a fan of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple series? If so, what’s your favorite book? Let me know in the comments below!

The Complete List of Susan Mallery Books in Order

1

Susan Mallery is the #1 New York Times bestselling author behind a whole host of heartwarming, wholesome, and humorous romance novels.

Best known for her expertly crafted tales of love, life, and heartbreak, she’s been hailed as the ‘new queen of romance fiction,’ thanks to her multidimensional characters, surprising plot twists, and superb storytelling ability.

Her books have been translated into 28 languages, earning her a global following and securing her place as one of today’s most beloved romance writers.

The Complete List of Susan Mallery Books in Order

Susan Mallory is a prolific writer, and with such a huge body of work to explore, it can take time to figure out where to begin.

So, in this post, I’ll give you a complete list of all of her books and break them down into their respective series to help you decide where to begin your reading journey.

Below, you’ll find every series by Susan Mallery, plus I’ll also include a complete list of her standalone works.

Sr. No.TitlePublication DatePrint LengthPublisherWhere to Buy
1The Fool’s GoldJanuary 1, 2010265 pagesHarlequinAmazon
2The Bakery SistersJanuary 1, 2008429 pagesWheeler Pub IncAmazon
3The Beth DavisJune 24, 1999350 pagesThorndike PrAmazon
4The Blackberry IslandMarch 30, 2012330 pagesThorndike PressAmazon
5The Brides of Bradley House26 November 2013505 pagesHarlequinAmazon
6The BuchanansJanuary 1, 2006440 pagesWheeler Pub IncAmazon
7The Desert RoguesNovember 6, 2017256 pagesHarlequin SilhouetteAmazon
8The Happily Inc.August 22, 2017
304 pages
HQN
Amazon
9The Hometown Heartbreakers1 November 2015623 pagesSilhouetteAmazon
10The Lone Star CanyonJanuary 1, 2001287 pagesSilhouetteAmazon

The Fool’s Gold Books in Publication And Reading Order

Chasing Perfect
View on Amazon

This contemporary romance series is one of Susan Mallery’s most popular collections. The stories take place in the idyllic California town of Fool’s Gold, where we follow the life, love, and adventures of the people who live there.

Fool’s Gold is fictional, but Mallery has created a long and fascinating history for her unique setting, which you can explore here on her dedicated Fool’s Gold fan page.

The Fool’s Gold books tell a separate story, but the characters’ lives are intertwined. So, to get the most out of the series, it’s best to read these titles in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. Chasing Perfect (2010)
  2. Almost Perfect (2010)
  3. Finding Perfect (2010)
  4. Only Mine (2011)
  5. Only Yours (2011)
  6. Only His (2011)
  7. Summer Days (2012)
  8. Summer Nights (2012)
  9. All Summer Long (2012)
  10. A Fool’s Gold Christmas (2012)
  11. Just One Kiss (2013)
  12. Two of a Kind (2013)
  13. Three Little Words (2013)
  14. Christmas on 4th Street (2013)
  15. When We Met (2014)
  16. Before We Kiss (2014)
  17. Until We Touch (2014)
  18. Hold Me (2015)
  19. Kiss Me (2015)
  20. Thrill Me (2015)
  21. Marry Me at Christmas (2015)
  22. Best of My Love (2016)
  23. A Fool’s Gold Wedding (2020)

The Fool’s Gold Short Stories 

Alongside the major novels in the Fool’s Gold series, Susan Mallery has also penned several supplementary short stories set in this fascinating fictional town.

Here they are in the order they were published.

  1. Summer Brides (with Sherryl Woods and Susan Wiggs) (2010)
  2. A Christmas Bride (2012)
  3. Almost Summer (2012)
  4. Halfway There (2013)
  5. Yours for Christmas (2014)
  6. Sweeter With You (2016)
  7. A Kiss in the Snow (2001)

The Fool’s Gold Cookbook

Fans of Susan Mallery’s work will know that the author loves to include a dash of culinary delight in her books. And so, if you love her Fool’s Gold series and have a passion for cooking, you will want to attend the Fool’s Gold Cookbook. 

Part novella, part cookbook, this bonus title includes over one hundred and fifty recipes featured throughout the series, including classics such as Heidi’s fresh and tasty arugula, corn and cherry tomato salad with goat’s cheese, and Denise’s delectable summer berry pie.  

The Bakery Sisters Books in Publication And Reading Order

Sweet Talk
View on Amazon

The Bakery Sister’s books transport us into a world of love, betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption as three estranged sisters reunite as a family.

Along their separate journeys, each sister must overcome their demons and open themselves to love to find their perfect man.

The Bakery Sisters books are best read in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. Sweet Talk (2008)
  2. Sweet Spot (2008)
  3. Sweet Trouble (2008)

The Beth Davis Books in Publication and Reading Order

Beth and the Bachelor
View on Amazon

The Beth Davis series begins with The Bodyguard & Ms. Jones, which tells the tale of a brutish bodyguard named Mike who suffers devastating injuries in the line of duty.

But his near-death experience turns out to be a blessing in disguise when he’s nursed back to health by the warm-hearted and angelic Miss Cindy Jones, who shows him the true meaning of love and happiness.

In book two, Beth and the Bachelor, a widowed mother strikes up an unlikely relationship with a millionaire playboy as they each discover the blessings that lasting love can bring.

The Beth Davis books each tell a different story, so you can read this series in any order you choose.

  1. The Bodyguard & Ms. Jones (1995)
  2. Beth and the Bachelor (1999)

The Blackberry Island Books in Publication And Reading Order

Barefoot Season
View on Amazon

Blackberry Island is a fictional outpost just off the coast of Washington State. Here, life moves slower, and the locals are used to kicking back, taking in the scenery, and breathing in the ocean air. And, of course, they occasionally fall in love, too.

Just like with her Fool’s Gold series, author Susan Mallery has crafted an entire history of this fictional world, which you can explore at her website here.

The Blackberry Island books tell a separate story, but the characters’ lives are intertwined. So, to get the most out of this series, it’s best to read these titles in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. Barefoot Season (2012)
  2. Three Sisters (2013)
  3. Evening Stars (2014)
  4. Sisters by Choice (2020)

The Brides of Bradley House Books in Publication And Reading Order

Dream Wedding
View on Amazon

The Brides of Bradley House series begins with Dream Bride, which tells the tale of a woman who, according to legend, will meet the man of her dreams on her twenty-fifth birthday.

And to her surprise, when the day finally comes, there he is. But this handsome stranger wasn’t exactly who she was expecting.

In book two, Dream Groom, a young woman is captivated by her handsome, enigmatic boss, and she’s shocked to learn that he feels the same way about her.

There are two books in the Brides of Bradley House series; Dream Bride and Dream Groom. But more than a decade after they were originally published, they were compiled into the 2011 Dream Wedding collection.

Each story is standalone, so if you buy the books separately, you can read them in any order you choose.

  1. Dream Bride (1999)
  2. Dream Groom (1999)
  3. Dream Wedding (2011)

The Buchanans Books in Publication and Reading Order

Delicious
View on Amazon

This captivating contemporary romance series follows the Buchanans as they traverse the rocky waters of courtship and learn the harsh lessons of love while running their family’s restaurant business. 

The Buchanans books are best read in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. Delicious (2006)
  2. Irresistible (2006)
  3. Sizzling (2007)
  4. Tempting (2007)

The Desert Rogues Books in Publication And Reading Order

The Sheik’s Kidnapped Bride
View on Amazon

These heartstopping and steamy romance stories follow a different woman as she’s swept off her feet and falls head over heels in love with a wealthy, handsome, and mysterious sheik.

A common theme interconnects the Desert Rogues series. Still, each book tells a different story so you can read them in any order you choose.

  1. The Sheik’s Kidnapped Bride (2000)
  2. The Sheik’s Arranged Marriage (2000)
  3. The Sheik’s Secret Bride (2000)
  4. The Sheik and the Runaway Princess (2001)
  5. The Sheik and the Virgin Princess (2002)
  6. The Prince & The Pregnant Princess (2002)
  7. The Sheik & The Princess in Waiting (2004)
  8. The Sheik & the Princess Bride (2004)
  9. The Sheik & The Bride Who Said No (2005)
  10. The Sheik and the Virgin Secretary (2005)
  11. The Sheik and the Christmas Bride (2007)
  12. The Sheik and the Pregnant Bride (2008)
  13. The Sheik and the Bought Bride (2009)
  14. The Sheikh’s Virgin (2009)

The Happily Inc. Books in Publication And Reading Order

You Say It First
View on Amazon

This collection of feel-good romance novels is set in the fictional town of Happily Inc, an oasis of love, light, and laughter in the middle of the California desert.

Described as a ‘destination wedding town founded on a fairy tale,‘ Susan Mallery has again crafted an in-depth history of this idyllic location, which you can find on her dedicated Happily Inc. page.

The series draws in characters from the author’s famous Fool’s Gold books, including Nick, Ronan, and Mathias Mitchell, who moved from their hometown and never looked back.

The Happily Inc. books each tell a separate story, but the characters’ lives are intertwined. So, to get the most out of this series, it’s best to read these titles in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. You Say It First (2017)
  2. Second Chance Girl (2017)
  3. A Very Merry Princess (2017)
  4. Why Not Tonight (2018)
  5. Not Quite Over You (2018)
  6. Meant to Be Yours (2019)
  7. Happily This Christmas (2020)

The Hometown Heartbreakers Books in Publication And Reading Order

The Best Bride
View on Amazon

This collection of standalone novels each tells the tale of a separate romance. Still, they’re all connected by a common hometown theme.

The series begins with The Best Bride, where we meet a woman searching for a fresh start in life. Elizabeth has had her fair share of heartbreak over the years. Now, she’s determined to give her daughter the happiness and stability she needs.

But when she arrives in a brand-new town, she finds much more than she bargained for when the handsome local sheriff sweeps her off her feet.

A common theme interconnects the Hometown Heartbreakers series. Still, each book tells a different story so you can read them in any order you choose.

  1. The Best Bride (1994)
  2. Marriage on Demand (1995)
  3. Father in Training (1995)
  4. Part-Time Wife (1996)
  5. Holly and Mistletoe (1996)
  6. Full-Time Father (1996)
  7. Husband by the Hour (1997)
  8. Good Husband Material (2002)
  9. Completely Smitten (2003)
  10. One in a Million (2003)
  11. Quinn’s Woman (2003)

The Lone Star Canyon Books in Publication And Reading Order

Unexpectedly Expecting!
View on Amazon

This enchanting trilogy, set in the Lone Star state of Texas, kicks off with The Rancher Next Door, starring protagonist Katie Fitzgerald.

When Katie was young, she was besotted with the handsome Jack Derby, but their feuding families meant their love didn’t last. But now that this pair of star-crossed lovers has been reunited, nothing will keep them apart this time.

A common theme interconnects the Lone Star Canyon series. Still, each book tells a different story so you can read them in any order you choose.

  1. The Rancher Next Door (2000)
  2. Unexpectedly Expecting! (2001)
  3. Wife In Disguise (2001)

The Lone Star Sisters Books in Publication And Reading Order

Under Her Skin
View on Amazon

Susan Mallery takes us back to Texas again for this page-turning collection of novels set in the wild west.

The series begins with Under Her Skin, where a respected heiress finds herself engaged to a wealthy playboy for all the wrong reasons. But their relationship of convenience surprises them both, and soon, this pair of opposites is head over heels in love.

A common theme interconnects the Lone Star Sisters series, but each book tells a different story, so you can read them in any order you choose.

  1. Under Her Skin (2009)
  2. Lip Service (2009)
  3. Straight from the Hip (2009)
  4. Hot on Her Heels (2009)
  5. Wild Hearts (2009) (novella)

The Wishing Tree Books in Publication And Reading Order

The Christmas Wedding Guest
View on Amazon

This charming collection of Christmas-themed novels is set in the quirky town of Wishing Tree, Washington State.

In book one, Say You’ll Stay, a young woman is on a journey to a fresh start, but a quick pit stop at Wishing Tree soon becomes a permanent arrangement when she meets a handsome army vet who convinces her to stay.

The Wishing Tree books are best read in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. Say You’ll Stay (2021)
  2. The Christmas Wedding Guest (2021)
  3. Home Sweet Christmas (2022)

The Los Lobos Books in Publication And Reading Order

Someone Like You
View on Amazon

This contemporary romance series is set in the small Los Angeles town of Los Lobos, a sleepy little place that feels a million miles from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Each book follows a different set of characters who must overcome the challenges and complications that romance can bring.

A common theme interconnects the Los Lobos series. Still, each book tells a different story so you can read them in any order you choose.

  1. Someone Like You (2004)
  2. Falling for Gracie (2005)
  3. Daughters of the Bride (2016)

The Malcolm, Callie & Keira Books in Publication and Reading Order

When We Found Home
View on Amazon

This short, two-part series follows the story of Callie Smith, who has just been hit with the shocking news that she has a brother and sister she never knew about.

She’d become accustomed to being alone, but now, she’s faced with the possibility of a brand-new start on the shores of Lake Washington. But adjusting to family life won’t be easy, and this newfound set of siblings will have to learn how to live alongside each other after so many years apart.

The Malcolm, Callie & Keira books are best read in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. When We Found Home (2018)
  2. It Started One Christmas (2018) (novella)

The Marcelli Sisters of Pleasure Road Books in Publication And Reading Order

The Sparkling One
View on Amazon

This warm and witty series takes us to California’s wine country, where we meet the Marcelli sisters of Pleasure Road.

In the series debut, The Sparking One, Kate Marcelli is tasked with planning her younger sister’s wedding. As a party planning aficionado, she’s confident she’ll pull off the perfect day. However, there’s one problem; the groom’s father is determined to ensure the wedding doesn’t go ahead.

The Marcelli Sisters of Pleasure Road books are best read in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. The Sparkling One (2003)
  2. The Sassy One (2003)
  3. The Seductive One (2003)
  4. The Marcelli Bride (2006)
  5. The Marcelli Princess (2007)
  6. A Marcelli Wedding (2011)

The Million Dollar Catch Books in Publication And Reading Order

This hilarious and heartwarming trilogy follows the Nelson sisters, whose grandmother has offered a million dollars on the provision that one of them marries a man they’ve never met.

None of them are keen on the idea; this mystery bachelor can only be a catch if grandma is willing to pay such a high price to get him paired off. Still, the least they can do is agree to a date, so they play a game of rock paper scissors to decide who gets the honor.

But to the Nelson sisters’ surprise, they’re about to embark on an adventure of mishaps, mistakes, and mayhem, which could lead them to their dream man.

The Million Dollar Catch books are best read in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. The Substitute Millionaire (2006)
  2. The Unexpected Millionaire (2006)
  3. The Ultimate Millionaire (2007)

The Mischief Bay Books in Publication and Reading Order

The Girls of Mischief Bay
View on Amazon

This page-turning series takes us on a journey to Mischief Bay, a quirky beach town in LA County, California.

It’s a place where artists and beatniks live alongside their rich and famous neighbors in relative harmony, where everyone from all walks of life can find their slice of happiness. And now, three friends are embarking on a mission to find theirs.

The Mischief Bay books are best read in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. The Girls of Mischief Bay (2015)
  2. The Friends We Keep (2016)
  3. A Million Little Things (2017)
  4. Sisters Like Us (2018)

The Positively Pregnant Books in Publication And Reading Order

Having Her Boss’s Baby
View on Amazon

This cozy and heartfelt series follows three women, Noelle Stevenson, Rachel Harper, and Crissy Phillips, who find much more than they bargained for when they join their local knitting group.

First, they find friends who become family, and soon, there’s the pitter-patter of tiny feet knocking at the door.

The Positively Pregnant books are best read in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. Having Her Boss’s Baby (2006)
  2. The Ladies’ Man (2006)
  3. Her Last First Date (2007)

The Triple Trouble Books in Publication And Reading Order

The Triple Trouble series begins when Kayla Bedford embarks on a matchmaking mission to find the perfect woman for her best friend and boss, Patrick Walcott.

Kayla is optimistic that her twin sister would be his ideal match, and finally, she agrees to date him. But as the big day looms, pangs of jealousy begin. Suddenly, Kayla sees Patrick in a whole new light, and it’s her she wishes he’d fall for.

A common theme interconnects the Triple Trouble series. Still, each book tells a different story so you can read them in any order you choose.

  1. The Girl of His Dreams (1997)
  2. The Secret Wife (1997)
  3. The Mysterious Stranger (1997)
  4. The Wedding Ring Promise (1998)

Standalone Novels

Sunset Bay
View on Amazon

Susan Mallery has plenty of addictive, page-turning series to explore. Still, she’s also penned a vast collection of captivating, standalone novels. Here they are in publication order. 

  1. Sunset Bay (1964)
  2. Tender Loving Care (1991)
  3. Frontier Flame (as Susan Macias) (1992)
  4. First Mate (as Susan Macias) (1992)
  5. More Than Friends (1993)
  6. Tender Victory (as Susan Macias) (1993)
  7. Master of the Chase (as Susan Macias) (1993)
  8. A Dad for Billie (1993)
  9. Cowboy Daddy (1994)
  10. Sweet Escape (as Susan Macias) (1994)
  11. Tempting Faith (1994)
  12. The Only Way Out (1995)
  13. Justin’s Bride (1995)
  14. Fire in the Dark (as Susan Macias) (1995)
  15. Honeysuckle Divine (as Susan Macias) (1996)
  16. Courtney’s Cowboy (as Susan Macias) (1996)
  17. Surrender in Silk (1997)
  18. Wild West Wife (1998) (part of the Montana Mavericks: Return to Whitehorn series in collaboration with various authors)
  19. Cowgirl Bride (1998) (part of the Montana Mavericks: Return to Whitehorn series in collaboration with various authors)
  20. Montana Mavericks Weddings (1998) (part of the Montana Mavericks: Return to Whitehorn series in collaboration with various authors)
  21. Prince Charming M D (1998) (part of the Prescription: Marriage series in collaboration with various authors)
  22. The Christmas Wedding Ring (1998)
  23. The Millionaire Bachelor (1998)
  24. A Montana Mavericks Christmas (1999) (part of the Montana Mavericks: Return to Whitehorn series in collaboration with various authors)
  25. Surprise Delivery (1999) (part of the That’s My Baby series in collaboration with various authors)
  26. A Royal Baby on the Way (1999) (part of the Royally Wed series in collaboration with various authors)
  27. Lone Star Millionaire (1999) (part of the World’s Most Eligible Bachelors series in collaboration with various authors)
  28. Cinderella for a Night (2000) (part of the 36 Hours series in collaboration with various authors)
  29. Shotgun Grooms (with Maureen Child) (2000)
  30. Christmas in Whitehorn (2001) (part of the Montana Mavericks: Return to Whitehorn series in collaboration with various authors)
  31. Sweet Success (2001)
  32. Lucas’s Convenient Bride (2001)
  33. Married for a Month (2001)
  34. A Little Bit Pregnant (2003) (part of the That’s My Baby series in collaboration with various authors)
  35. Reflection (2004)
  36. Mother By Design (2004) (part of Logan’s Legacy series in collaboration with various authors)
  37. To Love and Protect (2004) (part of Logan’s Legacy series in collaboration with various authors)
  38. Lily’s Expecting (2004) (novella, part of Logan’s Legacy series in collaboration with various authors)
  39. Expecting! (2004) (part of the Merlyn County Midwives series in collaboration with various authors)
  40. Living on the Edge (2005)
  41. There’s Always Plan B (2005)
  42. Prodigal Son (2006) (part of the Family Business series in collaboration with various authors)
  43. Accidentally Yours (2007)
  44. In Bed With The Devil (2007) (part of the Millionaire of the Month series in collaboration with various authors)
  45. Their Little Princess: A Single Dad Romance (2009) (part of the Prescription: Marriage series in collaboration with various authors)
  46. High-Powered, Hot-Blooded (2009) (novella) (part of the broader Man of the Month series in collaboration with various authors)
  47. The Best of Friends (2010)
  48. Already Home (2011)
  49. Shelter in a Soldier’s Arms (2014)
  50. Spirit of the Wolf (2015)
  51. Secrets of the Tulip Sisters (2017)
  52. Baby, It’s Christmas & Hold Me, Cowboy (2017)
  53. California Girls (2019)
  54. The Summer of Sunshine and Margot (2019)
  55. The Friendship List (2020)
  56. The Vineyard at Painted Moon (2021)
  57. Before Summer Ends (2021)
  58. The Stepsisters (2021)
  59. The Summer Getaway (2022)

Conclusion

Susan Mallery is one of the most prolific writers of our time, with hundreds of captivating books to explore. But this famous author is all about quality and quantity, and you’re bound to fall in love with her endearing characters and heartwarming tales of love, life, and romance.

Are you already a fan of Susan Mallery’s work? If so, what are your favorite books? Let me know in the comments below!

The Complete List of Anne Hillerman Books in Order

0

Anne Hillerman is an author famous for carrying her father’s legacy – Tony Hillerman. She is the current author of the extremely popular and loved Navajo Mysteries, also known as the Leaphorn and Chee series.

Hillerman has written seven books in this series, with eight books scheduled to release in 2023. Anne took over the series after her father’s death in 2008, releasing her first book, “Spider Woman’s Daughter” in 2013.

The most significant change that Anne Hillerman made to the series was to bring the female character in the story to the front and give her more depth, complexity, and importance. She worked on her so much that this series is now called the “Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito” series.

Anne Hillerman Books in Order

If you are planning to read Anne’s works, the best way to do so would be by reading all her books in order. The best thing about these books is that one book rarely carries anything to the next book. This means that you can start with any book, and it would be fine.

Sr. No.TitlePublication DatePrint LengthPublisherWhere to Buy
1Spider Woman's DaughterOctober 1, 2013320 pagesHarperAmazon
2Rock with WingsMay 5, 2015336 pagesHarperAmazon
3Song of the LionApril 11, 2017304 pagesHarperAmazon
4Cave of BonesApril 3, 2018480 pagesHarperLuxeAmazon
5The Tale TellerApril 9, 2019320 pagesHarperAmazon
6StargazerApril 13, 2021336 pagesHarperAmazon
7The Sacred BridgeApril 11, 2023320 pagesHarper PaperbacksAmazon
8The Way of the BearApril 25, 2023304 pagesHarperAmazon

1. Spider Woman’s Daughter

Spider Woman's Daughter
View on Amazon

Spider Woman’s Daughter is the first book in the Chee and Leaphorn series written by Anne Hillerman, and it is also her first published work. It is difficult to fill her father’s shoes and make sure that the fans of the series should get what they love without losing her style.

But she comes out with flying colors. Hillerman’s first novel was a raging success, loved both by the most die-hard fans of this series and the most scrutinizing critics.

Spider Woman’s Daughter got Anne Hillerman the Western Writers Spur Award as the best first novel. So what makes the story so good?

Since Hillerman was going to write about an already established series of two police officers, she decided to do the right thing to put the female character of the series in the spotlight and tell the entire story from her perspective.

She may have felt more comfortable and confident writing the story’s female character in greater detail. Whatever the reason, not only did the story come out to be detailed, well-thought, with fleshed-out characters, but it also gave Bernadette Manuelito an important role.

Instead of being the “love interest” or the “damsel in distress,” Bernie is shown to be a strong character with the ability to solve cases. Like the other two lead characters, she can go against the rule to do what’s right.

Joe Leaphorn is shot and battling for his life in the CCU. Who is the shooter? What’s the purpose behind this act? No one knows. The people behind the attempted murder will strike again. But Chee and Bernie must act fast and do whatever they can to get to the bottom of this.

Bernie and Chee decide to take a look at some of Leaphorn’s old enemies who could have a motive behind it. But the more they investigate, the more mysteries come out. New characters are introduced, including Bernie’s sister.

With a lot of conflict between the characters, many mysteries to solve, and a vibrant and detailed description of the Mexican and Native American people, this book won’t feel like someone other than Hillerman himself wrote it.

2. Rock with Wings

Rock with Wings
View on Amazon

Rock with Wings was received with an overwhelmingly positive response from the readers of the Navajo series. The second book by Anne Hillerman and the twentieth book in the Chee and Leaphorn (and Bernie) series is an improvement over all the flaws in the first book.

What makes this novel better is that Anne has understood to create the perfect balance between the characters, their struggles and their interactions, and the multiple mysteries throughout the story. The characters keep the readers invested, while the mystery and story keep them interested.

As with the previous book, Rock with Wings also focuses more on Bernie, and the story is told from her perspective.

There’s also a good amount of personal struggle shown as Bernie tries to enjoy some moments with Chee while going through work pressure, a sick mother, and a rebellious younger sister.

Here’s how great the story starts; Bernie stops a man as she thinks he might be driving under the influence. But as she approaches the driver, she finds that he is perfectly fine, without any evidence of alcohol or drug. But he is nervous, sweaty, and scared.

While she has to deal with this case, Chee is on his mission to find a missing woman, following cryptic clues that seem to lead him to a more confusing place.

These two cases are unrelated. Still, as the story progresses, readers will be delighted to see how Hillerman manages to connect the two cases and craft a brilliant and convoluted mystery that would make you scratch your head.

Chee and Bernie investigate the cases, trying to find out what’s happening. At the same time, they have the guidance of the legend Joe Leaphorn. The characters are made even more complex in this book, which makes this book better than the previous one.

3. Song of the Lion

Song of the Lion
View on Amazon

The third book is by Anne Hillerman, and the trend continues. Song of the Lion is again an improvement in all the departments the previous books lacked, even though there were just a handful of minor flaws.

Song of the lion is also the book where readers would notice a shift in the writing style, which was expected. Anne Hillerman tries to slowly and smartly introduce her writing style and the direction she wants the books to take. And she does a great job in that.

Here’s what the story is about; During a basketball game at Shiprock High School, a car bomb shakes the entire town. Thankfully, Bernie is there (off-duty), and she manages to control the crowd and prevent them from panicking.

But when she comes to the bombing site. The victim dies without saying anything. But soon, we discover that the dead person was not the victim. The bomb was for the owner of the car, Aza Palmer.

Palmer has already been receiving death threats. Why would someone want to kill Palmer? Well, it turns out there is a multi-million dollar development plan at the Grand Canyon, and the people belonging to the Hopi and Dine tribes do not want their sacred lands to be touched.

Chee is then assigned as Palmer’s bodyguard, bringing him a whole new set of problems and challenges. But as the story progresses, Leaphorn figures out something intriguing about the case.

The recent bombings and the threat to Palmer’s life could be related to a case he handled that went cold years ago. And if he is right, things are way worse than they imagined.

Anne Hillerman should be awarded for her research in describing the little details about the tribal people of Hopi and Dine. Apart from a thrilling read, there is so much one can learn about these tribes through this book.

4. Cave of Bones

Cave of Bones
View on Amazon

As with the previous books in this series, Anne and Tony Hillerman, Cave of Bones is built upon a solid, sturdy mystery/thriller story foundation. But what gives this book its beauty and overall strength is the rich Navajo folklore.

The entire premise of this book is set around Navajo mythology, bringing an air of mystery and an eerie dread. For most of the story, Cave of Bones is also about Bernie, with Chee solving an equally important (but shorter-running) case.

If you are a fan of Joe Leaphorn (who is the reason why this series got so popular), you’ll have to wait for him a bit more. Leaphorn does make a few appearances in the book now and then, but it is very sporadic. So what’s the story about?

The story starts with Bernie getting a case. Teenagers’ outdoor training program goes awry when a girl doesn’t return. Their team leader goes to look for the girl. But the girl is traumatized after seeing the skeletal remains of a human.

While the girl is back, the team leader vanishes around the volcanic region called El Malpaís, Spanish for “Bad Lands.” The Navajo lore says that a terrible monster is lying dead in the region, and the place is cursed.

While Bernie is slammed with this case, hardly having any clue about the disappearance, Chee is going through another problem at home. Without revealing much about the story, it can be said that Chee is going through a lot of personal struggles.

Read this book to know how both of them will manage to get out of this mess while solving the cases, finding out what is going on, and if there is a monster taking lives.

5. The Tale Teller

The Tale Teller
View on Amazon

For all the fans of Joe Leaphorn who have been waiting eagerly for him to take center stage, “The Tale Teller” is the novel you’ve been waiting for. Anne Hillerman took her time to study the character of Joe Leaphorn, understand how he thinks, and then write about him.

Because Joe Leaphorn is the main character in this series, the man responsible for making the Navajo series so popular, Hillerman knew Leaphorn must be written just as her father wrote him. And she has succeeded in doing it.

Critics and readers (both old and new) have poured love and appreciation for this book, describing it as one of the best books in the entire series, including the books by Tony Hillerman. So what makes this book so great?

Joe Leaphorn meets Daisy Pinto from the local museum. She says that the museum got a box with some ancient Navajo artifacts.

Apart from the fact that readers now get Leaphorn as the lead, this book brings back the thrill of mystery and the excitement of exploring the unknown.

The person who was managing the inventory is dead. A bracelet and a traditional dress are missing. No one knows how it was stolen. Someone wants to keep those two artifacts hidden.

While Joe works on the case with limited resources (he can hardly communicate after the deadly bullet wound), Chee and Bernie find a perplexing mystery. While on their morning run, they find a dead body, and someone does not want the tribal cops to investigate the case.

A fascinating and enjoyable read. This book will keep you wondering who is behind all this while simultaneously admiring the passion and skills with which Joe Leaphorn works.

6. Stargazer

Stargazer
View on Amazon

The twenty-fourth book in the series, Stargazer, brings Bernadette Manuelito back into action. This time, she is even better and more interesting than before. It seems as if Anne Hillerman is getting better with every novel she writes.

Bernie is working on her job, doing some bland things. But it takes this trio only a short time to find something interesting, intriguing, and life-threatening. Bernie gets a call from someone, and the story starts.

Maya and Bernie used to be roommates back in the day, but her addiction caused Bernie to distance herself. Years later, Maya’s brother calls Bernie to help him find her sister. Maya has gone missing.

Maya had married an astronomer named Steve Jones, and they had a son. They lived a happy life in Hawaii, but as soon as they moved back to New Mexico, their marriage and relationship started to fall apart.

It does not take them long to find where Maya is because Bernie gets a call from the Socorro County Sherriff’s Department, telling her that Maya has turned herself in for murdering her husband! But Maya refuses to tell anything else.

While all the evidence is against Maya, there is something that just does not fit right. For reasons unknown, Bernie cannot believe that Maya would do something like this. Bernie must now race against time, investigating the case herself, and soon she discovers there is something more sinister going on.

Read this thrilling novel to discover how Bernie will discover what happened, who is behind all this, and prove that Maya is innocent.

7. The Sacred Bridge

The Sacred Bridge
View on Amazon

“The Sacred Bridge” is about Jim Chee. Anne Hillerman decided to write the fascinating and essential character of Jim Chee. After successfully making Bernie’s character more interesting and fleshed-out and taking the difficult task of writing Joe Leaphorn.

After solving so many cases and seeing gruesome crimes while escaping life-threatening attacks, Chee decides to take some time for himself and go on a vacation to introspect.

This spiritual journey will help with inner reflection and guide him toward the path he should be walking.

But it seems he cannot stay away from trouble much longer. While walking, Chee discovers a dead body floating in the lake.

After investigating, he discovers that the dead man is a well-known businessman named Curtis Walker. But what Chee cannot understand is how did he end up there?

As the investigation and the story progresses, we discover that it was a murder with some deeper motive. While he is working on this case, trying to find the killers, Bernie is working undercover on another dangerous mission that could prove lethal if she fails.

As with all the other books in this series, the book would be complete (and lacking) with some rich lore and history about the area where the story takes place, the culture, and the people. This book talks about Lake Powell and every other ancient or heritage site in the area.

The climax of this book is said to be one of the finest in the series. There is so much at stake, and it seems that Bernie and Chee are about to fail. Read the novel to get a constant dose of thrill and suspense.

8. The Way of the Bear

The Way of the Bear
View on Amazon

The Way of the Bear will be the eighth book by Anne Hillerman and the latest one in the Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito series. The book is scheduled to release in 2023. With the current trend of every Anne Hillerman book getting better, you can expect this book to be the best in the series.

The story starts with establishing a perplexing case. A well-seasoned outdoorsman and paleontologist are frozen to death within walking distance of his car. How is that even possible? Another man is murdered in a home break-in attempt, but nothing is stolen. What is going on?

Chee and Bernie are visiting the famous Bears Ears area. This area has attracted scientists for its rich deposits of fossils, and many people from the neighboring tribes consider this land sacred.

But the sanctity is nothing to criminals running illicit businesses in the area. As Chee and Bernie investigate, they find a mountain of things that would shock and intrigue the readers. There are hints of witchcraft, crime, and so much more hidden along with the fossils.

The books by Tony Hillerman are more focused on establishing the two male leads, Chee and Leaphorn. The books mainly focus on Bernie, written by Anne Hillerman.

Here’s the list of all the books in the Leaphorn and Chee series.

This list includes all the books by Tony and Anne Hillerman. You can start with these books if you want, but it would be better to read the entire series. Here are all the books written just by Anne Hillerman. 

Conclusion

If you want to know about the Navajo culture, the people of different tribes and the richness and diversity in the mythology and folklore of these people mixed beautifully with brilliantly crafted characters, intriguing stories, and a lot of tense mystery, then Anne Hillerman’s books are for you.

The Complete List of Peter May Books in Order

1

People who have a taste for crime thrillers and murder mysteries will find the name Peter May familiar.

May is a prominent Scottish novelist and crime writer who has made a successful career by creating some of the most thrilling stories, focusing primarily on crime investigations.

Peter May has created three different series and, along with other standalone novels, has written over 25 novels.

The dedication May has for writing and creating compelling stories can be seen in the fact that he made annual trips to China, researched criminal investigation processes, etc.

He is also the only Westerner to have been an honorary member of the Chinese Crime Writers Association’s Beijing Chapter. With numerous other awards and honors, May has some way of captivating readers and scratching their itch for an intriguing murder mystery.

With three different series and almost 30 books, getting the right book and order to start May’s books can take time and effort.

So, to help you with it, here’s the complete list of all the books by Peter May in reading order. We’ll also describe in brief some books in the series.

All The Series: Peter May Books in Order

There are three series that Peter May has written. Here’s the list of the series.

  • China Thriller 
  • The Enzo Files
  • The Lewis Trilogy

Apart from this, there’s an extensive collection of standalone novels and nonfiction books. We’ll be adding those in this article as well. Let’s get started with the series.

Sr. No.TitlePublication DatePrint LengthPublisherWhere to Buy
1The FiremakerSeptember 1, 2005368 pagesMinotaur BooksAmazon
2Extraordinary PeopleNovember 30, 2006344 pagesPoisoned Pen PressAmazon
3The BlackhouseOctober 2, 2012368 pagesSilverOakAmazon
4Standalone NovelsMarch 5, 2019416 pagesQuercusAmazon

China Thrillers Series

The China Thriller series is a massively successful book series and has done exceptionally well in China.

Apart from being based in the Oriental land of China, the China Thriller series starts with an interesting take on murder mysteries by adding a hint of romance.

The two protagonists of the China Thrillers series are Margaret Campbell and Li Yan, two completely different people in every way possible. From their mindset to how they do their jobs, Yan and Campbell are two similar poles of a magnet; they can’t stand each other.

What’s interesting about the two is that even though they are always in conflict, something is endearing about their relationship.

Both of them come from different sides of the world, with their own culture. And both have their malformed version of the other person’s culture.

But as the story progresses, they get to know the real version of themselves and their culture. This blossoms into something beautiful, and it is a sheer pleasure to see them grow and appreciate each other. But think of these series as something different than romantic stories.

The China Thrillers, as the name suggests, is all about thrill and mystery. The cases they solve are baffling and will make you scratch your head. The threats are real, there are life-threatening situations everywhere, and Yan and Campbell must do all they can to solve the cases.

Here are all the books in the series in reading order:

Start With: The Firemaker

The Firemaker
View on Amazon

The first book in the series serves as an introductory book and establishes the tone of the stories. The story starts with Margaret Campbell, a forensic pathologist based in Chicago.

She is not living a happy life. Failing to achieve happiness and being riddled with heartbreak, she wants to leave this unhappy life in America.

She gets what she seeks when the Chinese police department calls her for six weeks to train the Beijing police. She happily accepts, hoping this trip will give her the solace she seeks. But things go differently than she hoped for right after she lands in China.

Campbell gets in a road accident with Li Yan, and while she assumes that Li does not speak English, Li scolds her in perfect English. Getting off the wrong foot is how the two characters meet for the first time, and then it all goes downhill for both.

The two conflicts almost every time, both were trying to solve the issue in their way. This tug-of-war between the two makes the story fun to read. But that’s not all. Yan later learns who Campbell is, and she is now assigned to work with him investigating a case.

Someone is on a killing spree, murdering victims every day.

The Beijing police department is baffled by the motive, and as the story progresses with the investigation by Campbell and Yan, the readers find that something sinister is afoot, and not just a few people but the entire country is under threat.

The Enzo Files Books

Peter May is a method writer. For his highly successful China Thriller series, he made trips to China and studied every little detail to create stories that are rooted in accuracy. The Enzo Files series is just as detailed and accurate as the China Thriller series.

Since this series is based in France (and Peter May lives in France), he left no stone unturned while getting everything right. The series is named after the protagonist of this series, Enzo Macleod, a half-Scottish, half-Italian, professor of Biology at a French University.

Enzo used to be a forensic expert, working on spine-chilling cases. But as with every exciting murder mystery, the expert must return to the field.

Since he has been a forensic expert before, Enzo uses his skills and modern technologies to solve cold cases. And it is a joy seeing him investigate the cases.

There are seven books in the series, and while there is plenty of mystery, thrill, and high-octane action, the unique thing about this series is the surprisingly good humor. People do not expect funny humor in a crime thriller/murder mystery novel. And it fits perfectly.

Here are all seven books in the series arranged in reading order:

Start With: Dry Bones / Extraordinary People

Extraordinary People
View on Amazon

There might be some confusion about the title of this book. The original title of this book was “Extraordinary People.” Still, it was published under the title “Dry Bones” in the US. So it does not matter which book you choose, everything is the same except the name.

Enzo Macleod is a biology teacher at a French University. Macleod grew up in Scotland and worked as a forensic scientist. He is married and has a daughter as well. He lives a simple, routine life with not much happening, but he is happy with what he does.

But things change when he is asked to help solve a 10-year-old case about the disappearance of a mighty and intelligent man named Jacques Gaillard. Gaillard had connections with some compelling and influential people, and solving the case of his disappearance would reveal a lot of things.

Of course, Enzo could not say no to the thrill and rush of solving a case and getting to use his skills and the modern pieces of equipment. Enzo finds Gaillard, but not wholly. He found a skull that belonged to Gaillard. But some clues lead him to a deeper investigation.

Enzo does not know that as he leads the investigation, he is getting closer to the killer, putting his own life in danger. There is a lot of action, thrill, and humor in this book and the entire series.

The Lewis Trilogy

While the China Thrillers is perhaps Peter May’s most famous and read series, the Lewis trilogy is his most critically acclaimed series. Many critics call it his most finely crafted series, with just three books in the series. So what’s so great about this series?

The best thing about this series is the protagonist. While May has written tremendous and exciting characters, they all have a light-hearted tone. The lead of this series, Fin Macleod, is a very complex character with some darkness in his past.

The story is set in the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, where the protagonist grew up. While Fin is on the island to attend family members’ funerals, something sinister is happening in that place. A murderer is on the loose, and stopping him will be difficult.

There are three books in the series. Here are the books in reading order:

Start With: The Blackhouse

The Blackhouse
View on Amazon

As with all the other books by Peter May, this one is finely researched. That’s not a shocker because Peter May was born in Scotland. The Blackhouse presents an interesting case of a string of murders in the small Scottish islands.

The Blackhouse is an excellent book that deserves all the praise it gets. From the pacing to the intricate design of the plot, this book is a work of genius. The story will keep you hooked and looking for what’s to come next.

Standalone Novels

The Man With No Face
View on Amazon

Apart from writing three brilliant series, Peter May has also written some prevalent, interesting, standalone novels. These novels are the ones that propelled him to popularity. Since these are standalone novels, there is no reading order to them.

Here are all the standalone novels by Peter May:

Conclusion

So that was all about the complete list of Peter May books in reading order. There is something refreshing about reading crime thrillers and murder mysteries, and Peter May’s work is one potent drug in delivering that feeling.

So start with his intriguing Lewis trilogy or his extremely fun and addictive China Thrillers series. We are sure you’ll have a great time exploring the mysteries weaved by May.

The Complete List of John Lescroart Books in Order

1

John Lescroart is the American author behind numerous historical mysteries and crime thrillers. His debut title, Sunburn, was published in 1981.

Since then, he’s risen through the literary ranks to become one of the world’s most celebrated writers.

His books have been translated into 22 languages, selling millions of copies around the globe, and many of them have reached the top of the New York Times Bestsellers list.

These days, Lescroart is best known for his Dismas Hardy series, one of the most beloved legal thriller sagas of all time. But this prolific author also has several other spin-off series and standalone works to explore too.

So, if you love nail-biting crime dramas and courtroom thrillers and you’re looking for a new author’s work to explore, then John Lescroart’s books are well worth a read.

John Lescroart’s Books in Order

John Lescroart has published more than thirty captivating novels throughout his career so far, and with any luck, he’s got plenty more gripping titles to come.

Below, you’ll find a complete list of Lescroart’s work, including all of his famous series and standalone books, in both reading and publication order.

Sr. No.TitlePublication DatePrint LengthPublisherWhere to Buy
1The Auguste Lupa Mystery BooksApril 10, 1986223 pagesDutton AdultAmazon
2The Dismas Hardy BooksJanuary 1, 1989293 pagesDutton AdultAmazon
3The Abe Glitsky BooksAugust 1, 1995448 pagesDuttonAmazon
4The Wyatt Hunt BooksJanuary 20, 2006416 pagesDuttonAmazon
5John Lescroart’s Standalone NovelsJune 2, 2009368 pagesBerkleyAmazon

The Auguste Lupa Mystery Books

Son of Holmes
Check Latest Price

This duo of pastiche novels, set during the First World War, follows Sherlock Holmes’ secret agent son, Auguste Lupa.

In book one, Lupa is tasked with investigating the mysterious murder of an intelligence agent in a small, war-torn town in France.

But as he delves into the baffling case, he uncovers a series of dark and ingenious acts of sabotage that threaten to change the course of history.

And in the second installment of the series, Lupa is summoned to Russia by Empress Tsarina Alexandra to uncover the truth behind the shocking murder of one of Tsar Nicholas II’s relatives. But detective fiction fans are in for an extra special treat, as working alongside him is none other than the famous duo Holmes and Watson.

Who is Auguste Lupa?

The character of Auguste Lupa is shrouded in mystery, not only in these compelling stories but also in the literary world.

Both readers and critics have speculated that Lupa represents a younger version of Nero Wolfe, a fictional detective made famous by the mystery and thriller author Rex Stout.

Throughout the books, John Lescroart has planted many clues alluding to this character crossover. Although it’s never explicitly stated that Lupa and Wolfe are the same people, it’s undoubtedly strongly implied.

The Auguste Lupa Mystery Books in Publication And Reading Order

To get the most out of the Auguste Lupa series, it’s best to read these books in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. Son of Holmes (1986)
  2. Rasputin’s Revenge (1987)

The Dismas Hardy Books

Dead Irish
Check Latest Price

Lescroart’s most famous series began in 1989, and even today, more than thirty years on, it’s still going strong.

These captivating crime thrillers are set in San Francisco, where we follow the life and adventures of an ex-cop and defense attorney, Dismas Hardy.

Hardy was a celebrated lawyer with a glittering career in his younger years. Still, after several setbacks, he lost it all and worked the night shifts in a local bar.

But one day, a brand new case falls at his feet, and fate brings him a second chance. Suddenly he has the opportunity to reinvent himself, and he soon becomes a formidable force for truth and justice.

This popular character has an unusual name; author John Lescroart explains its origins on his website. In Roman Catholic theology, Saint Dismas, nicknamed ‘the good thief,’ is the patron saint of thieves and murderers.

Dismas was crucified on Calvary next to Jesus himself, and there on the cross, he recognized his wrongdoings and accepted his punishment with wisdom and grace. And so, Lescroart decided it was a very fitting name for his honest, humble, and justice-seeking protagonist.

Throughout the series, Dismas Hardy works alongside his good friend, Abe Glitsky, a homicide detective dedicated to bringing down San Francisco’s most notorious criminals. And in more recent installments, he teams up with Wyatt Hunt, a private investigator who runs his own agency.

Abe and Wyatt are fascinating characters in their own right, and they each star in their own spin-off series, which you can find more details about later in this post.

The Dismas Hardy Books in Publication And Reading Order

To get the most out of the Dismas Hardy series, it’s best to read the books in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. Dead Irish (1989)
  2. The Vig (1990)
  3. Hard Evidence (1993)
  4. The 13th Juror (1994)
  5. The Mercy Rule (1998)
  6. Nothing but the Truth (2000)
  7. The Hearing (2000)
  8. The Oath (2002)
  9. The First Law (2003)
  10. The Second Chair (2004)
  11. The Motive (2004)
  12. Betrayal (2008)
  13. A Plague of Secrets (2009)
  14. The Ophelia Cut (2013)
  15. The Keeper (2014)
  16. The Fall (2015)
  17. Poison (2018)
  18. The Rule of Law (2019)
  19. The Missing Piece (2021)

The Abe Glitsky Books

A Certain Justice
Check Latest Price

This popular spin-off series stars Dismas Hardy’s crime-fighting counterpart, Lieutenant Abe Glitsky, an African American Jewish cop working on the mean streets of San Francisco.

Like Dismas, Glitsky has a strong sense of right and wrong and is determined to serve justice to some of the city’s most dangerous and deadly criminals.

But at the start of the series, as a man stands accused of a horrific murder he didn’t commit, he’s forced to question his faith in the legal system he’s fought so long and hard to uphold.

And so, with many of his most trusted and respected colleges turning a blind eye, Glitsky puts his career on the line to ensure that another innocent man doesn’t die in vain.

The Abe Glitsky Books in Publication And Reading Order

John Lescroart’s Abe Glitsky books were published chronologically; however, there is one slight caveat. Book two delves deeper into the story told in book one, offering additional insight into the gripping murder trial of Mark Dooher.

And so, the author describes his follow-up novel, Guilt, as both a prequel and a sequel to the series debut, A Certain Justice.

With this in mind, you should begin with Guilt before reading A Certain Justice. But whichever reading order you choose, both books complement each other and provide the perfect jumping-off point for the rest of the series.

  1. A Certain Justice (1995)
  2. Guilt (1997)
  3. Damage (2011)

The Wyatt Hunt Books

John Lescroart
Check Latest Price

Wyatt Hunt first appeared as a supporting character in John Lescroart’s smash hit Dismas Hardy series. Still, now, he’s taken center stage in his own three-part trilogy.

Hunt is a San Francisco-based private investigator who runs his own agency, The Hunt Club.

At the start of the series, he’s working as a one-person band tackling dangerous and difficult cases alone. But as the story progresses, he forms a team of like-minded seekers of truth and justice who work to protect the innocent and bring down some of the most notorious criminals in California.

The Wyatt Hunt Books in Publication And Reading Order

To get the most out of the Wyatt Hunt series, it’s best to read these books in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. The Hunt Club (2006)
  2. Treasure Hunt (2010)
  3. The Hunter (2012)

John Lescroart’s Standalone Novels

Sunburn
Check Latest Price

Alongside his popular series, Lescroart has also penned several gripping standalone titles, including his first-ever novel, the 1981 historical thriller, Sunburn.

Below, I’ll list all of John Lescroart’s standalone titles in the order they were initially published.

  1. Sunburn (1981)
  2. The Suspect (2007)
  3. Silent Hunt: Wyatt Hunt vs. Joe Trona (With: T. Jefferson Parker) (2014)
  4. Fatal (2017)
  5. The Portal (2017)

Conclusion

John Lescroart has written bestselling crime thrillers and mystery novels for over forty years. Even today, at seventy-four, he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

The author has a huge collection of works to explore, from his smash hit Dismas Hardy saga and spin-off series to his gripping standalone titles.

If you’ve never read Lescroart’s books before, I hope this post has helped you to decide where to begin your reading journey.

Are you already a fan of John Lescroart’s work? If so, I’d love to hear your book recommendations and learn about your favorite reads. Drop me a comment in the box below!

The Complete List of Jenny Colgan Books in Order

3

Jenny Colgan is the best-selling Scottish author behind multiple light-hearted and humorous romance novels. Plus, she’s also penned several books in the Doctor Who science fiction series, proving that she’s more than just a one-trick pony.

Colgan began her writing career at the dawn of the new millennium, and since then, she’s delighted readers by releasing new books every single year.

So, whether you love classic feel-good chick-lit or you’re an avid sci-fi fan, you’re bound to enjoy Jenny Colgan’s work.

The Complete List of Jenny Colgan Books in Order

Colgan publishes most of her work under her real name, but she also writes under the pseudonyms Jane Beaton and J. T. Colgan.

Below, I’ll list every book by this prolific author in both reading and publication order.

Sr. No.TitlePublication DatePrint LengthPublisherWhere to Buy
1The Little School by the Sea BooksMarch 29, 2022
304 pages
Avon
Amazon
2The Cupcake Café Books
July 2, 2019
416 pages
Windsor
Amazon
3The Rosie Hopkins Sweet Shop Books
January 1, 2012
416 pages
AudioGO Limited
Amazon
4The Little Beach Street Bakery Books
December 21, 2016
562 pages
Thorndike Press Large Print
Amazon
5The Polly and The Puffin Books
February 26, 2015
Little, Brown Young Readers
Amazon
6The Scottish Bookshop Books
September 20, 2016
368 pages
William Morrow
Amazon
7The Mure Island Books
June 27, 2017
416 pages
William Morrow Paperbacks
Amazon
8Jenny Colgan’s Doctor Who Books
September 3, 2013
320 pages
PENGUIN GROUP (UK)
Amazon
9Jenny Colgan’s Standalone Novels
February 1, 2001
288 pages
Grand Central Publishing
Amazon
10Jenny Colgan’s Short Stories
February 3, 2004
368 pages
Gallery Books
Amazon

The Maggie Adair/ The Little School by the Sea Books (As Jane Beaton)

Welcome to the School by the Sea
Check Latest Price

This captivating series follows the adventures of Maggie Adair. She is a dedicated school teacher who has spent most of her career working at a struggling comprehensive school in an economically deprived area of Glasgow.

She loves her students, but the lack of discipline and limited resources makes each day a battle.

And so, when she sees a teaching position advertised at an upscale boarding school in the English seaside county of Cornwall, she immediately applies. And, to her surprise, she gets the job!

The Maggie Adair/ The Little School by the Sea Books in Publication and Reading Order

There are currently two books in the Maggie Adair series, with a brand-new third installment due to hit the shelves early next year.

To get the most out of the series, it’s best to read these books in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. Class: Welcome to the Little School by the Sea (2008)
  2. Rules: Things are Changing at the Little School by the Sea (2010)
  3. Lessons (expected to be published in March 2023)

The Cupcake Café Books

Meet Me at the Cupcake Café
Check Latest Price

Cupcake Café books follow the life and adventures of Issy Randall.

At the start of the series, Issy is fired from her office job, and suddenly she’s unemployed and miserable, with no clear path forward.

And so, she decides to embrace the one thing she knows she’s good at; baking. Issy’s grandfather was a baker, and she spent many long, happy days throughout her childhood helping him out in his shop.

So, she makes the bold move to open up her own bakery. There are plenty of challenges to overcome, yet slowly but surely, Issy finds success in her new career. Plus, she meets plenty of interesting and endearing characters along the way.

The Cupcake Café Books in Reading and Publication Order

There are two books in the Cupcake Café series, and it’s best to read them in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. Meet Me at the Cupcake Café (2011)
  2. Christmas at the Cupcake Café (2012)

The Rosie Hopkins Sweet Shop Books

Rosie Hopkin's Sweet Shop of Dreams
Check Latest Price

The Rosie Hopkins books are one of Jenny Colgan’s most popular collections to date.

The series kicks off when Rosie leaves the hustle and bustle of London for the charming country village of Lipton to help out her elderly Aunt Lillian. Aunt Lillian owns a sweet shop, and now that she’s getting older, she needs an extra pair of hands.

At first, Rosie expects her new life in the country to be pretty dull, but she soon realizes that Lipton has plenty of excitement in store for her.

Rosie quickly embraces her new job and settles into the village. And to her surprise, she finds much more than a new career; she finds lifelong friendships and even a brand-new love.

The Rosie Hopkins Sweet Shop Books in Publication and Reading Order

There are three books in the Rosie Hopkins Sweet Shop series, and it’s best to read them in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. Welcome to Rosie Hopkins’ Sweetshop of Dreams (2012)
  2. Christmas at Rosie Hopkins Sweetshop (2013)
  3. The Christmas Surprise (2014)

The Little Beach Street Bakery Books

The Little Beach Street Bakery
Check Latest Price

At the start of the Little Beach Street Bakery series, protagonist Polly Waterford’s life is going downhill fast. She’s split up with her long-term boyfriend, and now, she’s lost her business, too.

So, with little money to her name, she has no choice but to move into a crumby little flat above a former bakery in the run-down Cornish town of Polbearne.

At first, Polly hates her new life in Cornwall, and she has little hope for her future. But then, she begins to bake, and slowly, she finds meaning once again.

She experiments with new recipes and soon realizes she has a talent in the kitchen. And, to her surprise, the locals of Polbearne can’t get enough of her delicious baked goods.

Suddenly, Polly has a purpose, and she embraces her new role as the town’s resident baker.

Her contribution to the community leads her to form new bonds with her neighbors, and she discovers she’s not the only one with emotional baggage and burdens to shed.

And so, together with her new friends, she shakes off the painful memories of her past and embraces a bright new future in the little town of Polbearne.

The Little Beach Street Bakery Books in Publication and Reading Order

There are four books in the Little Beach Street Bakery series, and it’s best to read them in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. The Little Beach Street Bakery (2014)
  2. Summer at the Little Beach Street Bakery (2015)
  3. Christmas at the Little Beach Street Bakery (2016)
  4. Sunrise by the Sea (2021)

The Polly and The Puffin Books

Polly and the Puffin
Check Latest Price

In 2015, Jenny Colgan branched out from her usual chick-lit offerings for adults and began writing a series of children’s books for little readers.

These charming stories, illustrated by Thomas Docherty, tell the tale of Polly and her beloved puffin, Neil, and their many adventures together.

And in true Jenny Colgan style, these books have a foody theme, featuring fun and simple recipes to inspire children to get involved in the kitchen at an early age.

The Polly and the Puffin Books in Publication and Reading Order

There are four books in the Polly and the Puffin series, and it’s best to read them in the order they were published, listed below.

  1. Polly and the Puffin (2015)
  2. The Stormy Day (2016)
  3. The New Friend (2017)
  4. The Happy Christmas (2017)

The Scottish Bookshop Books

The Bookshop on the Corner
Check Latest Price

The Scottish Bookshop series is a collection of three novels that are interconnected by the common theme of starting over.

Each story follows a different woman as she leaves her old life behind and crosses the border into the Scottish highlands to begin a brand new adventure.

At first, these women are unsure where their paths will lead, and the problems they’re running from continue to haunt them.

Yet as time passes, and they embrace the slower pace of life in the majestic mountains of Scotland, they each find what they’ve been looking for.

The Scottish Bookshop Books in Publication Order

The books in this series are interconnected by a common theme. However, each one is a standalone title, so you can read them in any order you choose.

  1. The Bookshop on the Corner/ The Little Shop of Happy-Ever-After (2016) 
  2. The Bookshop on the Shore (2019)
  3. 500 Miles from You (2020)

The Mure Island Books

The Cafe by the Sea
Check Latest Price

This six-part series takes us on a captivating journey to the fictional Scottish island of Mure.

This isolated outpost is situated in the choppy waters of the North Sea, approximately halfway between Scotland and Norway.

Life here is different from the mainland; things move at a slower pace, and everyone knows everyone else’s business. Even visitors from foreign shores quickly become part of the community, and they soon discover that Mure is home to some pretty interesting and unique characters.

The main protagonist of the Mure books is Flora, an island native who left home years ago to embrace a very different life in the big city of London. But eventually, fate draws her back home, and she begins to realize that everything she ever wanted was right here in Mure all along.

The Mure Island Books in Publication and Reading Order

  1. The Café by the Sea/ The Summer Seaside Kitchen (2017)
  2. A Very Distant Shore (2017) (series prequel)
  3. The Endless Beach (2018)
  4. Christmas on the Island/An Island Christmas (2018)
  5. Christmas at the Island Hotel (2020)
  6. An Island Wedding (2022)

Jenny Colgan’s Doctor Who Books

DOCTOR WHO DARK HORIZONS
Check Latest Price

Jenny Colgan is famous for her warm-hearted romance novels, but in 2012, she began penning a very different type of fiction.

Colgan is a lifelong fan of Doctor Who, so when she was asked to write the Eleventh Doctor novel, Dark Horizons, she jumped at the chance.

Since then, she’s written several further Doctor Who novels, as well as multiple short stories which feature in some of Doctor Who’s most beloved fan-favorite collections.

Jenny Colgan’s Doctor Who Books in Publication Order

Colgan’s Doctor Who novels and short stories form part of a much wider collection of work by multiple authors. So, you can read these titles in any order you choose.

Doctor Who Novels

  1. Doctor Who: Dark Horizons (2012) (The Eleventh Doctor) (as J.T Colgan)
  2. Doctor Who: Into the Nowhere (2014) The Eleventh Doctor)
  3. Doctor Who: In the Blood (2016) (The Tenth Doctor)
  4. Doctor Who: The Christmas Invasion (2018) (The Tenth Doctor)

Doctor Who Short Story Collections

Jenny Colgan’s work features in the following short story collections.

  1. Doctor Who: The Triple Knife and Other Doctor Who Stories (2018) (short story collection)
  2. Doctor Who: The Day She Saved the Doctor (2018) (short story collection)
  3. Doctor Who: The Legends of River Song (2016) (short story collection)

Jenny Colgan’s Standalone Novels

Amanda’s Wedding
Check Latest Price

Along with her many popular series, Jenny Colgan has also published a large collection of standalone novels. Here they are in the order they were originally published. 

  1. Amanda’s Wedding (2000)
  2. Talking to Addison/ My Very ’90s Romance (2000)
  3. Looking for Andrew McCarthy (2001)
  4. Working Wonders /Arthur Project (2003)
  5. Do You Remember the First Time?/ The Boy I Loved Before (2004)
  6. Sixteen Again (2004)
  7. Where Have All the Boys Gone? (2005)
  8. West End Girls (2006)
  9. Operation Sunshine (2007)
  10. Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend (2008)
  11. The Good, the Bad and the Dumped (2009)
  12. The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris (2013)
  13. Resistance is Futile (2015) (as J. T. Colgan)
  14. The Little Shop of Happy-Ever-After (2016)
  15. Spandex and the City (2017) (as J. T. Colgan)

Jenny Colgan’s Short Stories

Scottish Girls About Town
Check Latest Price

In 2003, Jenny Colgan teamed up with fellow authors Isla Dewar and Muriel Gray to produce this captivating collection of short stories, all featuring strong, independent Scotswomen.

These relatable tales are as romantic as they are hilarious, and if you’re already a fan of Jenny Colgan’s chick-lit titles, you’re bound to love them all.

  1. Scottish Girls About Town (2003) (short story collection)

Conclusion

Jenny Colgan is a master of humorous and heartwarming romance novels, but she’s also a Doctor Who aficionado who has made huge literary contributions to this popular science fiction series. Plus, she also has a wonderful collection of children’s stories to explore, too.

Have you read any of Jenny Colgan’s work? If so, I’d love to hear about your favorite books; drop me a comment in the box below!