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Cass Leary Legal Thriller Books in Order

14 Books
2018 – 2025 Published
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Reading order

How to Read the Cass Leary Legal Thriller Series

For the best reading experience, we highly recommend following the series in publication order. While each book features a self-contained mystery and legal trial, Cass Leary's personal relationships, family dynamics, and the overarching evolution of her legal practice develop chronologically from book to book.

You can begin with the prequel novella, Crown of Thorne, which is available as a free bonus for joining the author's newsletter, before diving into the first novel, Burden of Truth.

Cass Leary Publication and Reading Order

Here is the chronological order of publication for the Cass Leary series:

  1. Crown of Thorne (Prequel Novella, 2018)
  2. Burden of Truth (Book 1, 2018)
  3. Silent Witness (Book 2, 2019)
  4. Devil's Bargain (Book 3, 2019)
  5. Stolen Justice (Book 4, 2019)
  6. Blood Evidence (Book 5, 2019)
  7. Imminent Harm (Book 6, 2020)
  8. First Degree (Book 7, 2020)
  9. Mercy Kill (Book 8, 2021)
  10. Guilty Acts (Book 9, 2021)
  11. Cold Evidence (Book 10, 2022)
  12. Dead Law (Book 11, 2023)
  13. Seasonable Doubt (Book 12, 2023)
  14. The Client List (Book 13, 2024)
  15. Deadly Defense (Book 14, 2024)
  16. Code of Secrets (Book 15, 2025)
  17. The Best Lawyer (Book 16, 2026)

Where to Start

The ideal starting point is Burden of Truth. This book introduces Cass Leary as a former Chicago mob lawyer who returns to her small lakeside hometown of Delphi, Michigan. She is forced to defend a young woman accused of murdering a beloved high school coach, setting the stage for the recurring characters and town dynamics. Reading the prequel, Crown of Thorne, first is also a fantastic way to understand Cass's family background and Irish Catholic roots before her return home.

Spin-Offs and the Robin James Universe

Robin James is the sole author of the Cass Leary books, meaning there are no co-authored entries. However, she has written other legal thriller series that share the same literary universe:

  • Mara Brent Legal Thrillers: This series follows a sharp prosecutor handling homicide cases and political corruption, beginning with Time of Justice (2020).
  • Mercy Gale Thrillers: A separate suspense series focusing on another strong female protagonist.

While readers might occasionally spot familiar locations or minor crossover cameos between the series, they are independent and do not need to be read in any strict order to enjoy Cass's journey.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended reading order for the Cass Leary series?

It is recommended to read the series in publication order, starting with either the prequel novella Crown of Thorne or the first full-length novel, Burden of Truth.

QHow many books are in the Cass Leary series?

As of 2026, there are 16 full-length novels and one prequel novella (Crown of Thorne) in the series.

QCan the Cass Leary books be read as standalones?

While the courtroom cases and criminal investigations are resolved in each book, the main character development, Cass's personal life, and town history carry over. Reading them in sequence is highly encouraged.

QHow can I read the prequel, Crown of Thorne?

Crown of Thorne is a prequel novella offered as a free bonus to readers who subscribe to Robin James's official email newsletter on her website.

QIs the Cass Leary series connected to the Mara Brent series?

Yes, both series are written by Robin James and exist in the same universe, occasionally featuring small references or brief character cameos, but they can be read independently.

QWho writes the Cass Leary Legal Thriller series?

The series is written entirely by Robin James, a former practicing attorney and law professor who uses her professional experience to bring real-world legal authenticity to the books.