How to Read the Avery Black Mysteries in Order
The Avery Black Mysteries series is written by bestselling author Blake Pierce and follows Avery Black, a brilliant former defense attorney who becomes a Boston homicide detective seeking redemption. Because Avery's personal redemption arc, family struggles, and career recovery develop progressively throughout the series, the books should be read in order of publication.
- Cause to Kill (2016) – Avery is assigned to a high-profile serial killer case targeting college girls, forcing her to confront the public's hatred and her own guilt over her past legal career.
- Cause to Run (2016) – A new serial killer emerges, leaving complex puzzles and personal threats that target Avery directly.
- Cause to Hide (2017) – Avery must untangle a series of murders occurring on the outskirts of Boston, pushing her brilliant mind to its limits.
- Cause to Fear (2017) – A sinister killer strikes in Boston's elite social circles, challenging Avery's investigative prowess and her ability to navigate local politics.
- Cause to Save (2017) – Avery is put to the test when a new predator begins taking victims, forcing her to race against the clock to prevent more deaths.
- Cause to Dread (2018) – The final installment brings Avery's personal and professional struggles to a head as she matches wits with a lethal adversary and confronts her deepest demons.
Chronological vs. Publication Order
For the Avery Black Mysteries, the chronological storyline matches the publication order exactly. There are no prequels or time-skips outside of the chronological flow of the main series, making the reading order straightforward.
Connections to Other Blake Pierce Series
While Blake Pierce is known for establishing long-running thriller series with similar themes (such as the Riley Paige Mysteries or the Keri Locke series), the Avery Black Mysteries is entirely standalone. There are no direct character crossovers or plot tie-ins with Pierce's other series, meaning you do not need to have read any other books to fully enjoy Avery's story.