Where to Start Reading the Ali Reynolds Series
The absolute best place to begin is the very first book, Edge of Evil. Unlike standalone mystery novels, the Ali Reynolds series features a continuous overarching narrative where Ali's personal life, professional career, and relationships undergo massive transformations. Starting at the beginning allows you to watch her transition from a grieving, recently fired television newscaster starting a personal blog into a vital investigator working alongside high-tech security professionals.
As you progress, the series evolves from a traditional domestic suspense style into a fast-paced cyber-thriller, introducing recurring characters, organizations (like Highwood Security), and AI components that will not make full sense if read out of order.
Ali Reynolds Books in Order
This is the complete list of J.A. Jance's Ali Reynolds books in their recommended reading sequence. This list follows the publication order, integrating the crucial novellas exactly where they fit in the timeline:
- Edge of Evil (2005) – The series debut introducing Ali as she returns to Sedona and starts her blog.
- Web of Evil (2007) – Ali gets caught up in the investigation of her ex-husband's murder.
- Hand of Evil (2007) – Ali helps an old schoolmate while dealing with threats close to home.
- Cruel Intent (2008) – A case involving online dating and a manipulative serial killer.
- Trial by Fire (2009) – Ali investigates a mysterious woman pullled from a house fire.
- Fatal Error (2011) – The cyber-security elements ramp up as Ali helps a friend accused of cyberstalking.
- Left for Dead (2012) – Ali looks into the brutal attack on a former classmate.
- Deadly Stakes (2013) – A story involving a controversial water pipeline and family secrets.
- Moving Target (2014) – Ali travels to the UK to protect a young man fleeing a dark past.
- A Last Goodbye (2014) – A novella focusing on the backstory of Ali's beloved dog, Bella.
- Cold Betrayal (2015) – Ali deals with a cult and an old friend in desperate need of help.
- No Honor Among Thieves (2015) – A crossover novella pairing Ali with Jance’s other famous protagonist, Sheriff Joanna Brady.
- Clawback (2016) – Ali investigates a financial fraud scheme that turns deadly.
- Random Acts (2016) – A second crossover novella with Sheriff Joanna Brady, dealing with a cyber-bullying case.
- Man Overboard (2017) – A cybersecurity specialist is targeted, pulling Highwood Security into the crosshairs.
- Duel to the Death (2018) – Ali faces off against a vengeful enemy from her past.
- The A List (2019) – Ali is drawn into a mystery involving a cold case and family wealth.
- Taking the Veil (2019) – A crossover short story co-authored with Eric Van Lustbader, teaming Ali up with Bravo Shaw.
- Credible Threat (2020) – Ali protects an archbishop targeted by a dangerous stalker.
- Unfinished Business (2021) – Ali looks into a cold case involving a family tragedy.
- Collateral Damage (2023) – A cyber-thriller where a serial killer targets the staff of Highwood Security.
- OverKill (2025) – The latest release, dealing with advanced technology, AI, and domestic abuse.
Novellas, Crossovers, and Universe Caveats
While you can read the main novels on their own, the novellas add valuable depth to the characters. A Last Goodbye provides heartwarming backstory, while No Honor Among Thieves and Random Acts serve as delightful crossovers with J.A. Jance's Joanna Brady series. These shorter stories are best read in their publication slots to avoid chronological confusion.
The crossover short story Taking the Veil is particularly unique, as Jance teamed up with thriller writer Eric Van Lustbader to match Ali Reynolds with Lustbader's protagonist Bravo Shaw. First published in the 2017 MatchUp anthology, it was later released as a standalone e-book in 2019. It introduces a faster, more action-oriented style, combining religious historical themes with Jance's Southwestern mystery charm.