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Detective Virgil Jones Books in Order

21 Books
2012 – 2024 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order for Detective Virgil Jones

For the ultimate reading experience, the best way to tackle the Detective Virgil Jones series is in publication order. While Thomas Scott crafts each novel as a standalone mystery with its own self-contained case, the overarching character development, relationships, and personal struggles of Virgil and his team evolve significantly from book to book. Starting from the beginning allows you to experience Virgil's battles with addiction, his romance with investigator Sandy Small, his relationships with his brother Murton Wheeler, and the shifting dynamics of Indiana's Major Crimes Unit (MCU) as they are meant to be told.

Primary Detective Virgil Jones Series in Publication Order

Below is the complete sequence of the core novels in the series. Note that the debut novel was originally released under the title Voodoo Daddy in 2012 before being rebranded as State of Anger to match the series' signature naming convention.

  1. State of Anger (originally published as Voodoo Daddy) (2012)
  2. State of Betrayal (2013)
  3. State of Control (2016)
  4. State of Deception (2017)
  5. State of Exile (2018)
  6. State of Freedom (2019)
  7. State of Genesis (2019)
  8. State of Humanity (2019)
  9. State of Impact (2020)
  10. State of Justice (2020)
  11. State of Killers (2021)
  12. State of Life (2021)
  13. State of Mind (2021)
  14. State of Need (2022)
  15. State of One (2022)
  16. State of Play (2022)
  17. State of Qualms (2023)
  18. State of Remains (2023)
  19. State of Suspense (2023)
  20. State of Time (2024)
  21. State of Unity (2024)
  22. State of Vengeance (2024)
  23. State of Wrath (2024)
  24. State of X (2025)
  25. State of Yield (2025)
  26. State of Zen (2025)
  27. Downtime (2025)
  28. Timeless (2025/2026)

Spin-offs and the Extended Universe

In addition to the mainline Virgil Jones novels, Thomas Scott has expanded his literary universe to spotlight recurring side characters. The most notable expansion is the Ross and Rosencrantz subseries, which focuses on Sheriff Tom Rosencrantz and Undersheriff Andrew Ross in Shelby County, Indiana.

  • Fault Line: A Ross and Rosencrantz Novel (2025) – Set in the same universe, this spin-off kicks off when a local tremor unearths a long-buried SUV in a quarry, launching the sheriff and his deputy into a web of local corruption and cover-ups.

What to Know Before You Start

Thomas Scott, a former airline pilot who grew up in Indiana, infuses the series with authentic Midwest flavor. Virgil Jones is not your typical flawless hero; he is a deeply scarred protagonist dealing with past trauma, personal losses, and severe bouts of addiction. The series moves between the bustling streets of Indianapolis, quiet Indiana lakes, and rural quarry towns, bringing a strong sense of place to each investigation.

Scott's writing style is heavily influenced by crime fiction masters like Michael Connelly and John Sandford. If you enjoy gritty police procedurals that balance dark, suspenseful investigations with sharp humor, romance, and themes of redemption, this series is right up your alley.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the difference between Voodoo Daddy and State of Anger?

They are the exact same book. Voodoo Daddy was the original title of the debut novel when it was self-published in 2012. It was later renamed to State of Anger to establish the consistent "State of..." naming convention used for subsequent books in the series.

QDo I have to read the Detective Virgil Jones books in order?

No. Every book features a standalone investigation that resolves by the end of the novel. However, because the characters' personal lives, careers, and relationships develop chronologically, starting with State of Anger is highly recommended for the best experience.

QWhere does the Detective Virgil Jones series take place?

The series is set primarily in Indiana, with key events unfolding in Indianapolis, rural Midwest communities, local lakes, and surrounding county landscapes.

QHow many books are in the Virgil Jones series?

As of early 2026, the core series includes 28 novels, culminating in recent releases like State of Zen, Downtime, and Timeless.

QWhat is Fault Line and how does it connect to the series?

Fault Line (2025) is a spin-off novel starring Sheriff Tom Rosencrantz and Undersheriff Andrew Ross. While it functions as a distinct mystery set in Shelby County, it shares the same universe and tone as the mainline Virgil Jones books.

QWhat authors is this series similar to?

Fans of gritty, character-driven police procedurals and thrillers by John Sandford (Lucas Davenport series), Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch series), and C.J. Box will find a similar blend of suspense, humor, and heartland setting here.