Mystery series in order, plus guides that help you jump in without spoiling the fun. If you’re here to follow a detective from book one onward, this is the hub.
Only here for reading orders? Head over to my Mystery Books in Order hub for a clean, A–Z directory of every mystery series guide on the site.
The Spenser books in order by Robert B. Parker have received the high accolade of redefining the modern private eye novel and altering the trajectory of the subgenre. The series has withstood the test of time, even following Parker’s passing in 2010.
The books have been around for nearly 50 years, with more than 50 books to date. Despite the …
The Brad Meltzer books in order are a true testament to how vast and varied his writing career has been. One of his biggest endeavors is a motivational and inspirational children’s series, but he cut his teeth in publishing by writing mystery thrillers that also contain historical speculation. He has also written comics for the Detective Comics Universe.
However, his …
The Nancy Drew books in order have been an entry point for millions of mystery fans since the 1930s. Many readers have fond memories of their younger selves cracking open a yellow spine for the first time.
With a series that has grown into such a large franchise as Nancy Drew, it can be overwhelming to know where to …
Most of the Nevada Barr books in order are part of her popular and award-winning Anna Pigeon series. These books about a national park ranger are captivating mysteries with evocative settings in parks across the U.S.
Barr pulls from her own lived experience as a former national park ranger in writing these books which lends a credible, realistic nature. She …
The Donna Andrews books in order are humorous, cozy mysteries that are the perfect escape from reality. Her Meg Langslow books follow the amateur sleuth as she navigates life and investigates murders. Meanwhile, the Turing Hopper series by Andrews features a whip-smart artificial intelligence investigating crimes as well.
But both series by Andrews offer cozy, light-hearted mysteries that will help …
The Miss Julia books in order are cozy, low stakes mysteries that unfold around the titular character. This series by Ann B. Ross is complete with 23 full-length novels and one short story, which makes it a great series to pick up and enjoy.
Julia Springer is an elderly widow whose axis shifts when her late husband’s mistress and his …
The first JD Kirk book only came out in the spring of 2019; a few short years and millions of copies later, there are already 20 other books to explore. If you are just beginning with his books, it is important to read the JD Kirk books in order as the books all take place within the same universe. That …
Karen McManus wrote her debut novel with the 1980s classic movie The Breakfast Club in mind, except with a criminal twist. The result is a bestselling and award-winning novel that has inspired a TV adaptation, so it’s no wonder you’re looking for more books like One of Us Is Lying after racing to the conclusion.
The sequel to One …
The majority of the Angela Marsons books in order are her D.I. Kim Stone books. These popular British crime thrillers take place in the Midlands and the Black Country detective must track down horrific serial killers. However, demons from her past give Kim both a sympathetic outlook, and make her job all the more dangerous.
While …
If you’re trying to read the Paul Doiron books in order, start with the Mike Bowditch novels. Publication order is the cleanest path because Mike’s personal arc builds as the cases go, starting with The Poacher’s Son.
The short stories and collections are optional, but they’re worth reading if you want more of Mike, Charley Stevens, and the Maine …