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series Reading Order

Anna Pigeon Books in Order

19 Books
1993 – 2016 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start Reading the Anna Pigeon Series

For the best experience, we recommend starting the series with Track of the Cat (1993). This debut novel introduces Anna Pigeon, a tough-as-nails National Park Service ranger who has escaped city life to find peace in the wilderness. Reading the books in the order they were written allows you to watch Anna's career progress, her personal relationships grow, and her internal struggles unfold naturally.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

The chronological order of the series matches the publication order with exactly one exception: the 17th book, The Rope (published in 2012). This novel is a prequel that takes place in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, depicting Anna's very first case before she became a law enforcement ranger. While you could technically start here, we recommend sticking to publication order, as The Rope was written with longtime fans in mind and benefits from already knowing Anna's character.

The Complete Anna Pigeon Reading Order

Below is the complete list of Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon books in publication order, along with the national park or monument that serves as the setting for each mystery:

  1. Track of the Cat (1993) – Set in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
  2. A Superior Death (1994) – Set in Isle Royale National Park
  3. Ill Wind (1995) – Set in Mesa Verde National Park
  4. Firestorm (1996) – Set in Lassen Volcanic National Park
  5. Endangered Species (1997) – Set in Cumberland Island National Seashore
  6. Blind Descent (1998) – Set in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
  7. Liberty Falling (1999) – Set in Statue of Liberty National Monument
  8. Deep South (2000) – Set in Natchez Trace Parkway
  9. Blood Lure (2001) – Set in Glacier National Park
  10. Hunting Season (2002) – Set in Natchez Trace Parkway
  11. Flashback (2003) – Set in Dry Tortugas National Park
  12. High Country (2004) – Set in Yosemite National Park
  13. Hard Truth (2005) – Set in Rocky Mountain National Park
  14. Winter Study (2008) – Set in Isle Royale National Park
  15. Borderline (2009) – Set in Big Bend National Park
  16. Burn (2010) – Set in New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
  17. The Rope (2012) – Set in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (Prequel)
  18. Destroyer Angel (2014) – Set in Superior National Forest
  19. Boar Island (2016) – Set in Acadia National Park

Spin-offs, Co-authored Books, and Adaptations

Nevada Barr wrote the Anna Pigeon series entirely on her own, without co-authors or short story spin-offs. However, the world of Anna Pigeon is expanding to a new medium: a television series adaptation has been put into development for the USA Network, featuring Tracy Spiridakos as Anna Pigeon.

Frequently Asked

QWhere is the best place to start reading the Anna Pigeon series?

Start with the first published book, Track of the Cat (1993). While The Rope is a chronological prequel, reading in publication order lets you follow Anna's character development and career transfers naturally.

QIs 'The Rope' a prequel, and should I read it first?

Yes, The Rope (2012) is chronologically the first book in the series, set in Glen Canyon before the events of Track of the Cat. However, it is best enjoyed after you are already familiar with Anna's character, as it was written much later.

QAre there any Anna Pigeon spin-offs or short stories?

No, Nevada Barr has not published any official spin-off series, companion guides, or short story collections set in the Anna Pigeon universe.

QIs there an upcoming Anna Pigeon TV show?

Yes, a television adaptation of the Anna Pigeon mystery books is in development for the USA Network, set to star Tracy Spiridakos as the titular park ranger.

QDo the Anna Pigeon books need to be read in order?

While each book features a standalone mystery in a different national park, it is highly recommended to read them in order. Anna's personal life, relationships, and ranger career progress significantly from book to book.

QWhich National Park settings are featured in the series?

The series spans across numerous iconic U.S. National Parks, including Guadalupe Mountains, Isle Royale, Mesa Verde, Carlsbad Caverns, Yosemite, and Acadia, among others.