Books On Board

Alton Rhode Mystery Books in Order

  • 12 Books
  • 2013 – 2023 Published

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Reading order
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Recommended Reading Order

The best way to read the Alton Rhode Mystery series is in order of publication. Because Alton’s personal life, injuries, and professional relationships develop chronologically over the course of the series, starting from the beginning provides the best narrative experience.

Alton Rhode Mysteries in Publication Order

Below is the complete list of Alton Rhode novels in their recommended reading sequence:

  1. Capriati's Blood (2013) – Also published under the title The Capriati Conspiracy.
  2. Laura Lee (2013)
  3. Siren's Tears (2013)
  4. Sister (2013) – Sometimes listed as The Sister.
  5. Gunner (2014)
  6. The Elson Legacy (2015)
  7. Turtle Dove (2015)
  8. Shadow of the Black Womb (2017)
  9. Golden Gate (2019)
  10. Barnwell (2020)
  11. The Drone (2022)
  12. Joshua House (2023)
  13. Rest in Peace (2024)

Chronological Caveats and Alternate Titles

The series progresses in a straight chronological line, meaning publication order aligns perfectly with the timeline of Alton's life. However, readers should look out for a couple of title variations. The debut novel, Capriati's Blood, is sometimes sold as The Capriati Conspiracy. Additionally, the fourth book, Sister, is occasionally published with the definite article as The Sister. Aside from these minor naming changes, the story flows seamlessly from one novel to the next.

Spin-Offs and Author Connections

While Lawrence De Maria has written other successful thriller series—most notably the Jake Scarne series and the Cole Sudden CIA books—they do not cross over directly with the Alton Rhode universe. They share the same gritty atmosphere, dark humor, and focus on financial or mob conspiracies, but they can be enjoyed completely independently.

Frequently Asked

Where should I start reading the Alton Rhode series?

You should start with the first novel, Capriati's Blood (also known as The Capriati Conspiracy), which introduces Alton Rhode's background as a wounded veteran and former NYPD officer turned private eye.

Do I need to read the Alton Rhode books in order?

Yes, it is highly recommended to read them in order. While each book features a standalone mystery case, Alton's character development, ongoing injuries, and relationships with recurring characters evolve over the course of the series.

What is the most recent book in the Alton Rhode series?

The 13th and most recent book in the series is Rest in Peace, which was published in June 2024.

Are there any alternate titles in this series?

Yes, the first book is published as both Capriati's Blood and The Capriati Conspiracy. The fourth book, Sister, is sometimes titled The Sister.

Are the Jake Scarne and Alton Rhode books connected?

No. Although both series are written by Lawrence De Maria and feature gritty East Coast private eyes, there are no official crossovers between Jake Scarne and Alton Rhode.

How many books are in the Alton Rhode Mystery series?

As of 2024, there are 13 books in the main series.