Ellie Jordan Books in Order

Where to Start Reading the Ellie Jordan Series

If you are ready to dive into the haunted streets of Savannah, Georgia, the best starting point is the very first novel, Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper. J.L. Bryan has structured the series with an ongoing, linear character arc. The personal lives of Ellie, her apprentice Stacey, and their colleagues evolve significantly from book to book, as does the complexity of the supernatural threats they encounter. Reading the books out of order will spoil key character developments, relationships, and the shifting dynamics of their ghost-hunting business.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

Fortunately for readers, there are no complicated timelines or prequel series to navigate here. The chronological order of the Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper series matches the publication order exactly. The narrative flows forward in time, starting with Ellie taking on a new apprentice and gradually building up her team and refining her ghost-trapping technology. Following the publication order is the easiest and most satisfying way to experience the series.

The Complete Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper Reading List

Below is the complete chronological and publication order of J.L. Bryan's series, incorporating the latest releases and announced titles:

1. Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper (2014) - The debut novel introduces Ellie, a veteran ghost hunter working in Savannah, who takes on a fresh, eager apprentice named Stacey Tolbert. Their first case involves a historic mansion haunted by a malevolent spirit targeting a family's young daughter.
2. Cold Shadows (2014) - Ellie and Stacey investigate a mansion with a tragic history, dealing with a dangerous poltergeist and restless child spirits that test Ellie's resolve.
3. The Crawling Darkness (2015) - The stakes rise as the team faces a shapeshifting entity that feeds on fear and manifests its victims' worst nightmares.
4. Terminal (2015) - Set in a cursed suburban development, Ellie and Stacey must track down and neutralize a banshee before its deadly wails claim more lives.
5. House of Whispers (2015) - A dark case at the historic Lathrop Grand Hotel leads Ellie and Stacey into cult philosophy and eerie human experiments.
6. Maze of Souls (2016) - A seasonal autumn corn maze becomes a literal trap when ghosts run wild and attempt to pull the living into the spirit realm.
7. Lullaby (2016) - Ellie investigates a haunting involving creepy children's toys and a cursed lullaby that drives people to madness.
8. The Keeper (2016) - A coastal lighthouse case brings the team face-to-face with a stubborn spirit guarding a long-lost secret.
9. The Tower (2017) - The investigation moves to an old high-rise building where the ghosts of former residents refuse to leave.
10. The Monster Museum (2018) - A local roadside attraction featuring creepy oddities is plagued by actual supernatural occurrences.
11. Fire Devil (2019) - Ellie tackles a pyrokinetic spirit capable of conjuring deadly supernatural fires.
12. The Necromancer's Library (2020) - A mysterious collection of ancient books attracts dark magical forces and dangerous entities.
13. The Trailwalker (2020) - The team heads into the Georgia wilderness to track a spirit haunting a popular hiking trail.
14. Midnight Movie (2021) - An old movie theater is haunted by spirits tied to a cursed film reel, blurring the line between fiction and reality.
15. The Lodge (2021) - A secluded mountain lodge becomes a trap when a winter storm locks Ellie in with a group of survivors and an aggressive ghost.
16. Cabinet Jack (2022) - Ellie investigates a haunted antique cabinet housing a mischievous and increasingly violent spirit.
17. Fallen Wishes (2022) - A case involving cursed objects that grant wishes with horrific consequences.
18. Sunset House (2023) - The team is called to a retirement home where the elderly residents are being terrorized by spirits of the past.
19. The Funtime Show (2023) - An abandoned television studio is haunted by the ghosts of a children's show cast.
20. Miracle Mountain (2024) - Ellie and Stacey investigate a remote community known for spiritual healings that hides a dark, supernatural secret.
21. Mortuary Manor (2025) - The team tackles a sprawling estate that once served as a funeral home, uncovering layers of historical spirits.
22. Robber's Road (2025) - Ellie and Stacey investigate local legends surrounding a ghostly vehicle that terrorizes a lonely Georgia backroad.
23. Evermore Plantation (2026) - Stacey is forced to confront her own family history and face a powerful spirit at the cursed, abandoned Evermore estate.

What to Know Before You Start

Savannah as a Character

The city of Savannah, Georgia, serves as more than just a setting; its historic squares, weeping Spanish moss, and layered history are central to the series' atmosphere. J.L. Bryan draws heavily on real Savannah folklore and local landmarks, adding a sense of place that makes the ghost stories feel grounded and authentic.

Tech vs. Folklore

Ellie's ghost hunting is a mixture of modern technology and classic folklore. The team uses EMF meters, thermal cameras, and specialized trapping devices alongside historical research to figure out the identity and weaknesses of the spirits. This gives the books a fun, procedural detective feel that balances the horror elements.

No Big Crossovers

While J.L. Bryan has written other popular supernatural series, such as The Paranormals, the Ellie Jordan books are self-contained. You do not need to read any of Bryan's other books or series to understand the plot or characters of the ghost-trapper saga.

The Audiobook Experience

For fans of audiobooks, the series is highly regarded due to the narration by Carla Mercer-Meyer. She narrates the entire run of the series, providing consistent and distinct voices for Ellie, Stacey, and the supporting cast, making it an excellent way to experience these spooky mysteries.