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series Reading Order

Cycle of Violence Books in Order

3 Books
2016 – 2019 Published
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Reading order
01
The Motive
The Motive
2016
Amazon
02
Obsessed
2018
Amazon
03
Justice
2019
Amazon

Recommended Reading Order for Cycle of Violence

The Cycle of Violence series, officially known as the Curtis Chronicles, is a tight, sequential thriller saga. Because each book builds directly on the events, character growth, and unresolved conflicts of the last, the recommended reading path is to follow the publication order:

  1. The Motive (2016)
  2. Obsessed (2018)
  3. Justice (2019)
  4. Soulless (2025)

The Progression of the Curtis Chronicles

1. The Motive (2016)

The series kicks off with The Motive, which won the 2016 Tony Hillerman Prize for Best Fiction Book of the Year. We are introduced to Matt Curtis, a former Army veteran turned orthopedic surgeon based in Albuquerque. When his sister Susan dies under suspicious circumstances in Honolulu, Matt's military instincts kick in. Joining forces with Susan's friend Renee Drummond and his ex-Special Forces comrade Esteban Maldonado, Matt uncovers a vicious human trafficking and organized crime network led by the ruthless Lonnie Jackson. This debut sets a gritty, fast-paced tone for the entire series.

2. Obsessed (2018)

In the second book, Obsessed, the stakes become deeply personal. Having survived their initial encounter, Matt Curtis and Renee Drummond find themselves hunted by their old nemesis Lonnie Jackson, who is consumed by revenge. The action expands internationally, taking readers from New Mexico to Rio de Janeiro and across the U.S.-Mexico border in a high-voltage game of cat and mouse.

3. Justice (2019)

The third installment, Justice, takes Matt and Renee to Costa Rica, where they hope to find peace but instead run straight back into Jackson's crosshairs. This novel dives deeper into the international networks of human trafficking. Crucially, this book introduces two pivotal allies: Eddie Parnall, a retired CIA operative, and Tatiana Borodvic, a former Bulgarian Special Operator, whose tactical expertise proves invaluable.

4. Soulless (2025)

Although the author was actively writing the manuscript in 2023, Soulless was officially published in November 2025. This book marks a narrative shift in the series: while Matt Curtis remains part of the universe, the central focus transitions to the formidable duo of Eddie Parnall and Tatiana Borodvic as they take lead roles in dismantling a global human trafficking ring.

What to Know Before You Start

Author Joseph Badal uses his real-world experiences as a decorated U.S. Army veteran to bring authentic military details, tactical maneuvers, and intense realism to the page. The series deals with mature and heavy subject matter—including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and police corruption—making it best suited for fans of raw, authentic suspense thrillers.

Because the first three books form a continuous arc focusing on the conflict with Lonnie Jackson, reading them out of order will spoil major plot points. Start with The Motive to fully appreciate the characters' evolution and the bonds forged through their shared trials.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended starting point for the Cycle of Violence series?

You should definitely start with the first novel, The Motive. The narrative and character arcs are highly sequential, making it difficult to jump in later without missing crucial background details.

QIs Cycle of Violence the official name of the series?

While frequently referred to as the Cycle of Violence series due to its themes, the series is officially titled the Curtis Chronicles.

QDoes the main character change in the fourth book, Soulless?

Yes. While the first three books focus primarily on orthopedic surgeon Matt Curtis, the fourth book, Soulless, shifts the spotlight to retired CIA agent Eddie Parnall and former Bulgarian Special Operator Tatiana Borodvic.

QWhen was the fourth book, Soulless, released?

Soulless was officially published on November 11, 2025 by Black Range Publishing, after being developed and written by Joseph Badal starting in 2023.

QAre there other book series by Joseph Badal?

Yes, Badal has written other thriller series, including the Bob Danforth Saga (a military/spy thriller series) and the Lassiter/Martinez Case Files (which follows two Albuquerque homicide detectives).

QCan the books in the Cycle of Violence series be read as standalones?

It is not recommended. The overarching conflict with antagonist Lonnie Jackson spans across the first three books, and the main characters of the fourth book are introduced in the third, making sequential reading essential.