The Best Starting Point for New Readers
For the absolute best experience, readers should start at the very beginning with Russian Roulette (2011). This novel introduces Dev Haskell, his questionable work ethic, his love for St. Paul dive bars, and the colorful recurring characters that make up his universe—such as his enforcer-like acquaintance Tubby Gustafson. Starting here allows you to appreciate the slow-burn relationships and running jokes that develop across the series.
However, if you happen to pick up a later book first, do not panic. Author Mike Faricy has repeatedly emphasized that all the Dev Haskell novels are designed to function as standalones. Each book features a self-contained mystery that is fully resolved by the final page. You do not need to have read the previous novels to understand the plot, making it easy to jump in wherever you find a copy.
Dev Haskell Chronology and Reading Caveats
Because the novels are episodic and standalone, the chronological order of the series matches the publication order. However, there are a few nuances and caveats that readers should keep in mind:
- The Prequel Novella (Bang): While the main series begins with Russian Roulette, Faricy wrote a prequel novella titled Bang. This short story features a thirteen-year-old Devlin Haskell, showing that he was a rascal long before he ever earned a PI license. Bang also serves as a bridge to Faricy's Corridor Man series, introducing characters that cross over. It is best read after you have established a familiarity with Dev's adult personality, or as a fun retro flashback.
- Character Continuity and Aging: While the books can be read out of order, reading them in publication order lets you track the subtle shifts in Dev's life, his revolving door of romantic interests, and his ongoing, hilarious struggles with local criminals and client demands. Dev does not age in real-time, allowing the series to remain timeless and lighthearted.
The Complete Dev Haskell Book List in Order
Here is the complete sequence of Dev Haskell novels in their original publication order, as detailed by publisher and library catalogs. This order tracks Dev’s evolution from his first bumbling case to his most recent mishaps:
- Russian Roulette (2011)
- Mr. Swirlee / Mr. Softee (2011)
- Bite Me (2012)
- Bombshell (2012)
- Tutti Frutti (2013)
- Last Shot (2013)
- Ting-A-Ling (2014)
- Crickett (2014)
- Bulldog (2015)
- Double Trouble (2015)
- Yellow Ribbon (2015)
- Dog Gone (2015)
- Scam Man (2016)
- Foiled (2016)
- What Happens in Vegas... (2016)
- Art Hound (2017)
- The Office (2017)
- Star Struck (2018)
- International Incident (2019)
- Guest From Hell (2019)
- Art Attack (2019)
- Mystery Man (2020)
- Bow-Wow Rescue (2020)
- Cold Case (2020)
- Cash Up Front (2020)
- Dream House (2020)
- Alley Katz (2020)
- The Big Gamble (2021)
- Bad to The Bone (2021)
- Silencio! (2022)
- Hit & Run (2022)
- Surprise, Surprise! (2022)
- Suspect Santa (2022)
- P. I. Apprentice (2023)
- Rebel Without a Clue (2023)
- Puppy Love (2023)
- Online Affair (2024)
- House Guests (2024)
What to Know Before You Start
If you love the lighthearted, fast-paced style of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series or the quirky, sun-drenched crime novels of Carl Hiaasen, you will feel right at home in St. Paul. Mike Faricy's writing style is punchy, dialogue-heavy, and relies on comedic timing rather than dense descriptions or graphic violence. While there are murders and criminal schemes, the tone remains firmly in the cozy noir or comic mystery subgenre.
Expect plenty of references to local St. Paul landmarks, dive bars, and the unique culture of Minnesota. Faricy, a St. Paul native, infuses the setting with authentic local flavor, making the city itself a recurring character. The books are quick reads, typically perfect for a weekend or a flight, designed purely for entertainment and escapism.
Crossovers and Other Mike Faricy Series
Mike Faricy is a prolific writer with other interconnected series that share his trademark humor. While Dev Haskell is his flagship character, readers may also enjoy:
- Jack Dillon Dublin Tales: Featuring US Marshal Jack Dillon who gets assigned to Dublin, Ireland. These books share a similar fast-paced, humorous tone.
- The Corridor Man Series: A darker, more cynical series featuring Bobby Custer. As noted, the Dev Haskell novella Bang features characters that cross over into the Corridor Man universe, establishing a loose shared world.