How to Read the CSI Reilly Steel Series
The CSI Reilly Steel series, written by the husband-and-wife duo Melissa and Kevin Hill under the pseudonym Casey Hill, follows a brilliant, Quantico-trained forensic investigator who relocates from California to Dublin, Ireland. Joining the Garda Forensic Unit, Reilly Steel tackles complex cases that merge cutting-edge forensic science with psychological suspense.
Because the books have been published under different names in US, UK, and Irish markets, tracking them down can be confusing. Below is the recommended reading path and the complete chronological list, including all known alternate titles.
Recommended Reading Order
We recommend reading the series in chronological order so you can watch Reilly's character and personal life evolve. This order begins with the prequel novella:
- Crime Scene (also published as Quantico) — Prequel Novella (2014)
- Taboo (also published as Serial) — Book 1 (2011)
- Inferno (also published as Victim or Torn) — Book 2 (2012)
- Hidden (also published as The Perfect Life) — Book 3 (2013)
- The Watched — Book 4 (2014)
- Trace (also published as One Little Mistake) — Book 5 (2014/2015)
- Aftermath (also published as Pretty Guilty Secrets) — Book 6 (2015)
- Endgame (also published as The Perfect Lie) — Book 7 (2017)
- Last Girl Alive (also published as Fallout) — Book 8 (2022)
- The Profiler — Book 9 (2026)
Chronological vs. Publication Order
For the best narrative flow, reading chronologically is recommended. The only variance from the publication order is the prequel novella Crime Scene (also sold as Quantico). It was published in 2014, but details Reilly's early training years at Quantico before the events of Taboo. If you want to jump straight into the main action, starting with Taboo works perfectly, and you can read the prequel later as a flashback.
Regional Title Differences
Depending on where you buy the books, the titles may vary. Keep these regional changes in mind to avoid purchasing duplicates:
- Taboo is sold as Serial in some digital markets.
- Inferno is also published as Victim or Torn.
- Hidden is sometimes associated with the title The Perfect Life.
- Trace is also sold under the title One Little Mistake.
- Aftermath is also known as Pretty Guilty Secrets.
- Endgame has been published as The Perfect Lie.
- Last Girl Alive was released in some markets as Fallout.