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series Reading Order

Clearwater Journals Books in Order

50 Books
2014 – 2015 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

For the best experience, readers should follow the Publication Order of the Clearwater Journals (also known as the Joe "Doc" Holiday series). The series follows a continuous character arc, tracing Joe's transition to his new life in Florida, his partnership and developing romance with Mia, and the growth of their investigations. Reading them in order ensures you won't spoil the personal histories, recurring jokes, and shifting dynamics of the beachside community.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

Because the novels are set in real time relative to when they were written, the publication order matches the chronological storyline. There are no prequels or complex timeline jumps. You should start directly with the first book, Clearwater Journals, where Joe first meets Mia and begins investigating her sister's cold case.

The Complete Clearwater Journals Book List

  • 1. Clearwater Journals (2011)
  • 2. Clearwater Diaries (2011)
  • 3. Clearwater Ambush (2012)
  • 4. Clearwater Abduction (2012)
  • 5. Clearwater Heat (2012)
  • 6. Clearwater Kissoff (2012)
  • 7. Clearwater Showdown (2012)
  • 8. Clearwater Magic (2012)
  • 9. Clearwater Intrigue (2013)
  • 10. Clearwater Danger (2013)
  • 11. Clearwater Predator (2013)
  • 12. Clearwater Extortion (2013)
  • 13. Clearwater Killer (2013)
  • 14. Clearwater Oops (2013)
  • 15. Clearwater Crazy (2013)
  • 16. Clearwater Undercover (2015)
  • 17. Clearwater Hunter (2015)
  • 18. Clearwater Justice (2015)
  • 19. Clearwater Skip Trace (2015)
  • 20. Clearwater Assault (2015)
  • 21. Clearwater Folly (2015)
  • 22. Clearwater Homesick (2015)
  • 23. Clearwater Hustle (2015)
  • 24. Clearwater Stake Out (2015)
  • 25. Clearwater Fit (2015)
  • 26. Clearwater Double Cross (2015)
  • 27. Clearwater Vice (2015)
  • 28. Clearwater Escape (2015)
  • 29. Clearwater Bubba (2016)
  • 30. Clearwater Betrayal (2016)
  • 31. Clearwater Penalty (2016)
  • 32. Clearwater Deception (2016)
  • 33. Clearwater Confession (2016)
  • 34. Clearwater Promises (2016)
  • 35. Clearwater Nemesis (2017)
  • 36. Clearwater Glitz (2017)
  • 37. Clearwater Mirage (2017)
  • 38. Clearwater Witness (2017)
  • 39. Clearwater Cowboy (2017)
  • 40. Clearwater Retirement (2018)
  • 41. Clearwater Gun Thug (2018)
  • 42. Clearwater Flip Flop (2018)
  • 43. Clearwater Spring Break (2018)
  • 44. Clearwater Kidnap (2019)
  • 45. Clearwater Seduction (2019)
  • 46. Clearwater Rescue (2019)
  • 47. Clearwater Blackmail (2019)
  • 48. Clearwater Princess (2019)
  • 49. Clearwater Hope (2020)
  • 50. Clearwater Birthday (2020)
  • 51. Clearwater Mona Lisa (2020)

Spin-Offs and Other Works

While the Clearwater Journals is Al Rennie's most extensive work, he also authored the Riverview series. The Riverview series includes titles like L.A. Escape, Vengeance, and Blessed are the Children. These books feature distinct characters and locations, meaning you can enjoy the Clearwater Journals without needing to read his other works first.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Clearwater Journals?

You should start with the very first book, Clearwater Journals, to understand how retired cop Joe Holiday meets Mia and gets pulled into his first Florida case.

QWho is the main protagonist in the series?

The main protagonist is Joe "Doc" Holiday, a retired homicide detective from Toronto who moves to Florida for warmer weather but constantly stumbles into trouble.

QHow many books are in the Clearwater Journals series?

There are 51 books in the main series, concluding with Clearwater Mona Lisa, which was published in late 2020.

QAre there any crossover books or spin-offs?

No, there are no direct crossovers. Al Rennie also wrote the Riverview series, but it features separate storylines and can be read independently.

QCan the books be read as standalones?

While each book resolves its main mystery, the overarching story of Joe's relationship with Mia, his partner Coop, and his neighbors evolves progressively. It is highly recommended to read them in order.

QWhy do some listings show different publication years?

The first books were originally self-published on Kindle starting in 2011 and 2012. Many catalog systems and websites display reissue dates from 2014 when books were updated or repackaged.