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Alexandra Destephano Books in Order

8 Books
2013 – 2021 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start Reading the Alexandra Destephano Series

For the best experience, we recommend starting with the series' debut novel, Chaos at Crescent City Medical Center. While Judith Lucci later released a prequel novella, beginning with the first published book allows readers to get swept up in the hospital's fast-paced environment and meet the core cast exactly as the author originally intended.

Alexandra Destephano Books in Recommended Reading Order

Whether you choose to start with the prequel or jump straight into the primary mystery, here is the complete reading path for the series:

  • Alex's Beginnings (2021) – A prequel novella (#0.5) that dives into the background of Alexandra Destephano before she takes on her first major case at Crescent City Medical Center.
  • Chaos at Crescent City Medical Center (2013) – The first full-length novel and the ideal starting point. Alex, working as the hospital's legal counsel, must investigate an attack on the governor's wife during Mardi Gras.
  • The Imposter (2013) – The tension ramps up as a dangerous imposter infiltrates the psychiatric ward, threatening Alex and her colleague Dr. Monique Desmonde.
  • Viral Intent (2014) – A high-stakes bioterrorist plot threatens New Orleans during a presidential visit. This book won the Readers' Favorite Gold Medal for Best Political Thriller in 2017.
  • Toxic New Year: The Day That Wouldn't End (2015) – A thrilling holiday crisis that pushes Crescent City's staff to their absolute limits.
  • Evil: Finding St. Germaine (2017) – Alex faces horrific patient deaths in New Orleans and gets some unexpected help from a crossover character.
  • Run For Your Life (2018) – The sixth main installment, following Alex as she runs from deadly conspiracies.
  • Demons Among Us (2020) – The seventh book, continuing the series' blend of real-world medical suspense and dark New Orleans intrigue.

Crossovers and Broader Universe Connections

If you love a shared universe, keep an eye out for Evil: Finding St. Germaine. This installment features a prominent crossover with Michaela McPherson, the retired Richmond homicide detective and lead protagonist from Judith Lucci's Michaela McPherson, Private Eye mystery series. Michaela and her German Shepherd, Angel, travel to New Orleans to assist Jack Francoise and the NOPD, linking the two series together.

Frequently Asked

QWhere is the best place to start the Alexandra Destephano series?

The recommended starting point is the first published novel, Chaos at Crescent City Medical Center. It introduces the main characters, the hospital setting, and the signature New Orleans atmosphere.

QShould I read the prequel, Alex's Beginnings, first?

You can, but it is not required. Because Alex's Beginnings was published in 2021, long after the initial books, it is best enjoyed as a flashback after you have already read the first few novels.

QIs there a crossover in the Alexandra Destephano series?

Yes. In Evil: Finding St. Germaine, Michaela McPherson (the main character from Judith Lucci's private eye series) crosses over to help investigate a case in New Orleans.

QWho is the main character in the series?

The series revolves around Alexandra 'Alex' Lee Destephano, a former nurse who has transitioned to working as the legal counsel for Crescent City Medical Center.

QAre there other medical thrillers written by Judith Lucci?

Yes. Judith Lucci has also written the Dr. Sonia Amon MD series, which follows a retired Army battlefield surgeon solving medical conspiracies.

QAre the books based on real medical experiences?

While the plots are fictional, author Judith Lucci draws heavily on her real-world background. She has over 25 years of experience as a clinical nurse and academic in the healthcare field.