Recommended Reading Order
The Code of Honor series by Irene Hannon is best read in its publication order. Because the characters share a tight-knit history and their relationships progress across the books, reading them chronologically will give you the most satisfying experience.
- Dangerous Illusions (2017) – Trish Bailey & Detective Colin Flynn
- Hidden Peril (2018) – Kristin Dane & Detective Luke Carter
- Dark Ambitions (2019) – Rick Jordan & Private Investigator Heather Shields
Can You Read the Books as Standalones?
Yes. Irene Hannon structured each novel in the Code of Honor trilogy with a self-contained romantic relationship and a resolved mystery. If you happen to pick up one of the later books first, you will not be lost, as the key childhood connections between the main characters (Trish, Kristin, and Rick) are gently recapped in each story. However, starting with Dangerous Illusions ensures you witness the full arc of their lives and romances as they develop.
The Connection to Other Irene Hannon Universes
While the Code of Honor books form a distinct trilogy set in and around St. Louis, Missouri, they share the hallmarks of Hannon's other popular romantic suspense series. The characters represent the 'Treehouse Gang'—a group of childhood friends who vowed as teenagers to make a positive impact on the world. This thematic connection highlights the integrity, faith, and moral fortitude shared by all the protagonists in the series.