How to Read the FBI Trilogy: Recommended Reading Path
For readers diving into the chaotic, hilarious, and romantic world of FBI Agent Cadence Jones, the reading order is straightforward but highly satisfying. Known officially as the FBI Trilogy (and frequently referred to by fans as the Cadence Jones Series or the BOFFO Series), this collection consists of one prequel novella and three full-length novels. Because the books follow a tight continuity—detailing an ongoing investigation into a elusive serial killer and the evolution of Cadence's complex personal relationships—reading them in order is essential.
We recommend starting with the prequel novella, Outta the Bag, to understand Cadence's backstory and the quirky operational structure of her FBI department before leaping into the main novels. However, starting with the first full-length novel, Me, Myself, and Why?, is also a highly popular and perfectly viable route.
Recommended Order
- Outta the Bag (Prequel Novella, 2010) — Best read first for chronologically linear backstory, introducing Cadence's psychological conditions and her entry into BOFFO.
- Me, Myself, and Why? (Book 1, 2010) — The first full-length novel where the overarching mystery of the "Threefer Killer" begins.
- Yours, Mine, and Ours (Book 2, 2012) — Continues the serial killer case, introduces new coworkers, and expands Cadence's romantic dilemmas.
- You and I, Me and You (Book 3, 2013) — The final, dramatic conclusion to the trilogy, bringing a resolution to the major mysteries and Cadence's personal arc.
The FBI Trilogy Books in Detail
1. Outta the Bag (2010)
Serving as the prequel novella to the trilogy, Outta the Bag offers a quick, lighthearted look into Cadence's life before the main events of the first book. Here, readers get their first taste of how Cadence manages her Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) while working inside the FBI. It establishes her working relationship with her partner, George, and highlights the bizarre atmosphere of her department. Reading this short story first helps contextualize her "sisters" and the unique tolerance her superiors have for her eccentric methods.
2. Me, Myself, and Why? (2010)
The first full-length entry introduces the core conflict of the series. Cadence Jones works for the Bureau of False Flag Ops (BOFFO), a covert branch of the FBI that hires individuals with unique psychological profiles. Cadence is a brilliant agent, but she also shares her body with two distinct alternate personalities: Shiro (analytical, deadly, and fond of knives) and Adrienne (dramatic, materialistic, and fashion-obsessed). When the "Threefer Killer" begins targeting victims in groups of three and leaving behind mysterious clues, Cadence is assigned to the case. Along the way, she falls for Patrick, a handsome local baker who accepts her complex mental landscape, initiating a sweet and hilarious romance.
3. Yours, Mine, and Ours (2012)
In the second book, the stakes escalate significantly. The plot shifts to the Christmas season, where Cadence's relationship with Patrick is tested by the arrival of the charming Dr. Max Gallo. Furthermore, BOFFO gains a brilliant but highly mysterious new coworker named Emma Jan Thyme, who suffers from mirrored misidentification syndrome. Amidst this domestic and workplace drama, Cadence must hunt down a predator responsible for kidnapping teenagers every June. The narrative expertly balances its wacky humor with genuine, high-stakes suspense.
4. You and I, Me and You (2013)
The trilogy wraps up with You and I, Me and You. Cadence and her alternate personalities have moved in with Patrick, but her mind is still preoccupied with fantasies of Dr. Gallo. The main threat returns in full force as the escaped "Threefer Killers" target Cadence and her sisters directly. The book delivers a fast-paced, action-packed conclusion, forcing Cadence, Shiro, and Adrienne to work in perfect harmony to survive and secure their future. It provides a satisfying wrap-up to the character arcs and overarching mysteries established in the first book.
What to Know Before You Start: The World of BOFFO
Before jumping into MaryJanice Davidson's series, it's helpful to understand that this is not your typical, gritty FBI procedural. The tone is deeply rooted in Davidson’s signature comedic style, combining the fast-paced wit of chick-lit and cozy mysteries with the high-stakes crime of romantic suspense.
Central to the series is BOFFO, which stands for the Bureau of False Flag Ops. Staffed by characters with various mental disorders, the agency weaponizes unconventional psychological traits to solve cases that traditional law enforcement cannot crack. This comedic, highly stylized portrayal of mental health and law enforcement requires a suspension of disbelief, focusing on character charm, snappy banter, and the warm, supportive relationships between the main characters.
Spin-Offs and Author Continuity
While the FBI Trilogy is a self-contained story that concludes with the third book, fans of MaryJanice Davidson's humor will find plenty of similar vibes in her other works. She is best known for her long-running paranormal romance series, the Undead Series (often called the Queen Betsy series), which features a similarly sassy, fashion-conscious heroine navigating bizarre circumstances. While there is no direct universe crossover between Cadence Jones and Queen Betsy, the fast narrative pace, romantic tension, and sharp dialogue are identical, making Davidson’s paranormal catalog the perfect next step for satisfied readers.