Books On Board
series Reading Order

Cryptid Hunters Books in Order

4 Books
2004 – 2014 Published
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Reading order
01
Cryptid Hunters / Jungle Hunters
Cryptid Hunters / Jungle Hunters
2004
Amazon
02
Tentacles
Tentacles
2009
Amazon
03
Chupacabra
Chupacabra
2013
Amazon
04
Mutation
2014
Amazon

The Recommended Reading Order

Unlike many long-running adventure sagas, the Cryptid Hunters series (often referred to as the Marty and Grace series) follows a single, linear storyline. Because the overarching plot relies heavily on character development, evolving family secrets, and ongoing conflicts with the antagonist Noah Blackwood, it is highly recommended to read the books in the exact order they were published.

  1. Cryptid Hunters (2004/2005) – Also published under the title Jungle Hunters in the UK.
  2. Tentacles (2009)
  3. Chupacabra (2013)
  4. Mutation (2014)

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

There is no difference between the publication order and chronological order for the Cryptid Hunters series. The events of each book flow directly into the next, starting with the twins' first meeting with Uncle Wolfe in the Congo, moving to a marine expedition in New Zealand, and culminating in genetic revelations and rescues. Reading them out of order is not recommended, as you will encounter major spoilers regarding the characters' family histories and the fates of various cryptids.

A Quick Title Alert: Cryptid Hunters vs. Jungle Hunters

If you are tracking down copies online, you might come across a book titled Jungle Hunters. Don't worry about buying a fifth book: this is simply the title under which the first novel, Cryptid Hunters, was published in the United Kingdom. Aside from the title change, the text and story remain identical.

A Look Inside the Series and Connections

The series is written by Roland Smith, a former zookeeper whose real-world biology background shines through in the detailed descriptions of animal behaviors and habitats. While Smith has written other popular adventure books for young readers, such as Peak and the I, Q series, those series operate in separate universes and do not feature any crossovers with Marty and Grace O'Hara.

Frequently Asked

QIn what order should you read the Cryptid Hunters books?

You should read the series in its publication order: Cryptid Hunters, Tentacles, Chupacabra, and finally Mutation. The story is a continuous narrative, so reading them out of order will spoil major plot points and family secrets.

QIs 'Jungle Hunters' a different book from 'Cryptid Hunters'?

No, they are the same book. Jungle Hunters is the title used for the UK edition of the first book, Cryptid Hunters. If you have already read one, you do not need to buy the other.

QAre there any spin-offs or crossovers in the Cryptid Hunters series?

No, the series is a self-contained four-book saga focusing entirely on Grace and Marty O'Hara. While Roland Smith has written other adventure series, they do not cross over with this story.

QWhat age group is the Cryptid Hunters series for?

The series is aimed at middle-grade readers and young adults (ages 8 to 14). However, its fast-paced plot and elements of cryptozoology make it a fun, nostalgic read for adults who enjoy light adventure and science fiction.

QWho is the main villain in the Cryptid Hunters series?

The primary antagonist is Noah Blackwood, a wealthy and ruthless collector who poaches rare and cryptid animals for his personal gain, posing a constant threat to Wolfe and the twins.

QWill there be a fifth book in the Cryptid Hunters series?

No, the story officially concludes with the fourth book, Mutation (2014), which wraps up the primary character arcs and family secrets.