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series Reading Order

April Woo Books in Order

9 Books
1993 – 2005 Published
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Reading order

How to Read the April Woo Series

The April Woo series, written by journalist and novelist Leslie Glass, consists of nine novels. Because the series features continuous character growth, evolving relationships, and a main storyline that tracks April's career progression within the NYPD, it is highly recommended to read the books in their original publication order.

Fortunately, the publication order matches the chronological story timeline perfectly, so there are no confusing timelines or prequels to worry about. You can read the entire series from start to finish without skipping a beat.

The April Woo Books in Order

  1. Burning Time (1993) – April is introduced as she transfers from Chinatown to the Upper West Side and hunts a serial killer.
  2. Hanging Time (1995) – April investigates a brutal murder in a trendy fashion boutique.
  3. Loving Time (1996) – A high-profile psychological thriller involving obsession and murder.
  4. Judging Time (1998) – April is caught up in a case involving a wealthy defense attorney and racial tensions in New York.
  5. Stealing Time (1999) – April tackles a sensitive kidnapping case that hits close to home in Chinatown.
  6. Tracking Time (2000) – A psychiatrist goes missing in Central Park, sending April on a tense search.
  7. The Silent Bride (2002) – A chilling case involving brides targeted on their wedding days.
  8. A Killing Gift (2003) – April is put to the test when she investigates a murder linked to a wealthy philanthropist.
  9. A Clean Kill (2005) – The final book in the series, featuring a complex investigation that pushes April to her limits.

Where to Start and Reading Guidance

You should absolutely start with the first novel, Burning Time. Starting here introduces you to April's traditional and highly vocal mother (often referred to as the "Skinny Dragon") and establishes the foundation for April’s relationship with fellow detective Mike Sanchez. Their slow-burn, cross-cultural romance is a major subplot that spans the entire nine-book run, making sequential reading highly rewarding.

There are no spin-offs, short story collections, or co-authored books in this series, making it a straightforward, satisfying binge for fans of classic 1990s and early 2000s police procedurals.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended starting point for the April Woo series?

You should start with the first book, Burning Time (1993). Reading the series in order is essential for following the personal growth of April, her relationship with her mother, and her romance with detective Mike Sanchez.

QAre there any April Woo spin-offs or prequels?

No, there are no prequels, spin-offs, or short stories. The series consists strictly of the nine main novels.

QWho is the "Skinny Dragon" in the April Woo books?

The "Skinny Dragon" is the nickname April uses for her traditional, domineering mother, who frequently clashes with April over her career choices and dating life.

QDoes the chronological order of the April Woo series differ from publication order?

No. The chronological timeline of April's life and cases matches the publication order exactly.

QWho is April's main romantic interest in the series?

April's primary romantic interest throughout the series is Mike Sanchez, a Hispanic NYPD detective who partners with her on multiple cases.

QWhen was the last April Woo book published?

The final book in the series, A Clean Kill, was published in 2005.