The Recommended Reading Order
For the ultimate experience, readers should follow the series in chronological order, starting with the very first Rockton novel. Because the overall narrative, character growth, and romantic relationships build continuously across books, jumping in midway will spoil major plot points and mysteries from previous entries.
Phase 1: The Rockton Series
The saga begins in the secret Yukon sanctuary town of Rockton. In this complete seven-book series, Casey Duncan acts as the resident detective alongside Sheriff Eric Dalton.
- City of the Lost (2016) – Casey Duncan arrives at the off-grid town of Rockton to hide from a violent past, only to be thrust into a murder investigation.
- A Darkness Absolute (2017) – A harsh Yukon winter sets in, and Casey discovers a woman who has been held captive in a hidden cave for years.
- This Fallen Prey (2018) – Rockton's council sends a notorious serial killer to the town as a test, forcing Casey and Eric to keep him safe from vigilante justice.
- Watcher in the Woods (2019) – When a resident's past catches up to them, Casey must deal with a hostile group of outsiders tracking someone in the wilderness.
- Alone in the Wild (2020) – The discovery of an abandoned baby in the woods leads Casey to a double homicide outside Rockton's boundaries.
- A Stranger in Town (2021) – A hostile newcomer threatens to expose Rockton's existence, forcing the townspeople to prepare for an inevitable evacuation.
- The Deepest of Secrets (2022) – The town of Rockton begins to fall apart as secrets are exposed, leading to a dramatic final case and the dismantling of the town.
The Bridge Novella
- Dead Letter Days (2023) – This novella is told from Sheriff Eric Dalton's perspective. It acts as a direct bridge (Book 7.5 or Book 0.5) showing Casey, Eric, and their friends living at a temporary wilderness lodge while looking for a location to build their next town.
Phase 2: The Haven's Rock Series
After the fall of Rockton, Casey and Eric build a brand new sanctuary town called Haven's Rock. While this spin-off is billed as a fresh starting point, reading the original Rockton books is highly recommended to understand the characters' deep histories.
- Murder at Haven's Rock (2023) – During the construction of the new town, two crew members disappear into the forest, prompting Casey and Eric to investigate.
- The Boy Who Cried Bear (2024) – A young resident of the newly settled Haven's Rock claims to have seen a bear, but a search reveals human remains instead.
- Cold as Hell (2025) – Casey and Eric face dangerous winter conditions and a cold-blooded killer inside the developing town limits.
- First Sign of Danger (2026) – A suspicious new arrival and escalating sabotage threaten to compromise the secrecy of Haven's Rock.
- Last Resort at Haven's Rock (2027) – The sanctuary faces its ultimate challenge as external forces threaten to dismantle everything Casey and Eric have built.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
The publication order matches the chronological timeline perfectly. Because the timeline is straightforward, we strongly recommend following the release dates starting with City of the Lost. You can skip the novella Dead Letter Days if you only want the full-length novels, but it provides excellent insight into Dalton's mind and bridges the location transition beautifully.