Where to Start the Bone Island Series
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to start with the first full-length novel, Ghost Shadow. Although the prequel novella, Ghost Memories, takes place first chronologically, it is best enjoyed as a companion story after you have already introduced yourself to the main cast and Key West's modern-day hauntings. Starting with the main trilogy allows the central mysteries to unfold exactly as the author intended.
Bone Island Books in Publication and Chronological Order
Heather Graham released the entire series in rapid succession in 2010. Below, you will find the recommended publication order as well as the chronological timeline breakdown.
Publication Order
- Ghost Memories (Prequel Novella) – Published June 2010
- Ghost Shadow (Book 1) – Published June 2010
- Ghost Night (Book 2) – Published July 2010
- Ghost Moon (Book 3) – Published August 2010
Chronological Order and Caveats
If you prefer to read the series strictly in chronological order, you would start with the prequel novella: Ghost Memories, followed by Ghost Shadow, Ghost Night, and Ghost Moon.
However, keep in mind that Ghost Memories acts as a historical backstory explaining the origin of Bartholomew Miller—the 19th-century privateer whose ghost plays a recurring role throughout the main books. Reading it first provides historical context for the curse, but reading it after the main trilogy offers a fun look back at the pirate's tragic mortal life.
Crossovers and the Expanded Universe
While the Bone Island series is a self-contained trilogy, it exists in the same supernatural universe as Heather Graham's other famous series. Specifically, characters from the final book, Ghost Moon—Kelsey Donovan and Liam Beckett—cross over into the long-running Krewe of Hunters series, making a notable appearance in the 26th book, Echoes of Evil. If you love the paranormal investigative vibe of Bone Island, the Krewe of Hunters is the natural next step for your reading list.