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series Reading Order

Bruce Kohler Books in Order

10 Books
2008 – 2016 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start with Bruce Kohler

For the best experience, you should read the Bruce Kohler series in chronological publication order. The series is deeply character-driven, focusing on Bruce's ongoing journey through addiction recovery, sobriety, and his changing relationships with his friends Jimmy (a tech-savvy fellow AA member) and Barbara (a codependent therapist). Starting from the beginning allows you to see these characters grow and change together.

Your starting point must be the debut novel, Death Will Get You Sober, which establishes how Bruce begins his recovery on Christmas Day in a Bowery detox facility and stumbles into his first murder investigation.

The Main Novels and Novellas in Order

While the local publication list mixes novels, novellas, and short stories, the core storyline is told across four full-length novels and one novella. Here is the recommended order for the main books:

  1. Death Will Get You Sober (2008) — The debut novel where Bruce begins his recovery and sleuths in NYC.
  2. Death Will Help You Leave Him (2009) — The second novel, also published under the title Dead Wrong, dealing with domestic abuse and toxic relationships.
  3. Death Will Extend Your Vacation (2012) — The third novel, which moves the action to a Hamptons sober house.
  4. Death Will Save Your Life (2013) — An e-book novella featuring Bruce at a quirky spiritual retreat.
  5. Death Will Pay Your Debts (2016) — The fourth full-length novel, continuing Bruce's recovery journey and investigations.

The Bruce Kohler Short Stories

In addition to the main books, Elizabeth Zelvin has written several short stories featuring Bruce Kohler. These stories add color and quick mysteries to his world. Most of these short stories are compiled in the comprehensive e-book collection, Death Will Keep You Sober: The Big Book of Bruce Kohler Short Mysteries. The individual stories include:

  • Death Will Tie Your Kangaroo Down (2011)
  • Death Will Trim Your Tree (2011)
  • Death Will Clean Your Closet (2013)
  • Death Will Tank Your Fish (2013)
  • Death Will Fire Your Therapist (2015)
  • Death Will Relieve Your Hunger
  • Death Will Help You Imagine
  • Death Will Finish Your Marathon
  • Death Will Walk the High Line
  • Death Will Stream Your Game
  • Death Will Give You A Reason

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best order to read the Bruce Kohler books?

The best way to read the series is in chronological publication order, starting with Death Will Get You Sober (2008). This ensures you follow Bruce's personal journey of sobriety and character growth in the correct sequence.

QAre the Bruce Kohler short stories necessary to understand the novels?

No, the short stories are optional standalone mysteries. You can enjoy the main novels without reading them. However, they provide fun extra cases and are easily accessible in the collection Death Will Keep You Sober: The Big Book of Bruce Kohler Short Mysteries.

QIs 'Dead Wrong' a separate book in the series?

No, Dead Wrong is an alternative title for the second novel in the series, Death Will Help You Leave Him (2009).

QWhere are the Bruce Kohler mysteries set?

The series is primarily set in the neighborhoods of New York City, ranging from the Bowery to East Harlem, with the third novel, Death Will Extend Your Vacation, taking a detour to the Hamptons.

QWho wrote the Bruce Kohler series?

The series is written by Elizabeth Zelvin, a real-life New York City psychotherapist and addiction specialist. Her clinical expertise brings an authentic, empathetic depth to the portrayal of 12-step recovery.