The Recommended Reading Order
The Forgotten Files series, penned by USA Today bestselling author Mary Burton, is a trilogy of romantic suspense novels set against the moody, atmospheric backdrop of Virginia. While each novel is a self-contained story focusing on a different set of investigators and a unique case, they are connected by a shared tone, a focus on cold case investigations, and the psychological scars of their protagonists. To get the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the trilogy in its publication order.
- The Shark (Published: 2016)
- The Dollmaker (Published: 2016)
- The Hangman (Published: 2017)
What to Know Before Starting the Forgotten Files
Mary Burton is known for her meticulous attention to forensic detail and police procedures, drawing from her real-life research at firing ranges and forensic science seminars. The Forgotten Files series is no exception, offering gritty, high-stakes investigations that are grounded in realistic forensic science. Each book features a strong, capable heroine who has survived past trauma and must face a new, terrifying threat alongside a dedicated male investigator. The romance in each novel is deeply intertwined with the suspense, providing an emotional anchor as the characters navigate dark crime scenes and race against the clock to catch sadistic serial killers.
Exploring the Trilogy: Book-by-Book Breakdown
1. The Shark (2016)
The trilogy opens with The Shark, which introduces readers to Virginia State Trooper Riley Tatum. A decade ago, Riley was abducted and left for dead by a serial killer known as "The Shark." Though she survived, she was left with no memory of the attack and a deep-seated determination to protect others. When the body of a teenage girl is discovered with markings that match Riley's old wounds, she is forced to confront her past. She teams up with FBI Special Agent Clay Bowman, a former flame, to track down the killer before he can claim Riley as his final victim. The book establishes the high-stakes, fast-paced formula of the series, blending psychological thrills with a rekindled romantic spark.
2. The Dollmaker (2016)
The second book, The Dollmaker, shifts the spotlight to forensic pathologist Dr. Tessa McGowan and FBI Special Agent Dakota Sharp. Tessa is haunted by her own survival story after escaping a killer years ago. When a killer begins leaving victims posed like elaborate, grotesque dolls, Tessa is called in to examine the forensic evidence. Dakota Sharp, who has his own reasons for wanting this killer caught, is assigned to the case. As they work closely together, the professional tension between them builds into a deep personal connection. The novel is widely praised for its eerie atmosphere, detailed medical autopsies, and the intense chemistry between the two leads.
3. The Hangman (2017)
The final book in the trilogy, The Hangman, centers on Richmond police officer Julia Vargas. Julia is obsessed with solving the case of "The Hangman," a serial killer who terrorized Virginia thirty years prior. The case is deeply personal; her father, Jim Vargas, was the lead investigator on the original case before his mysterious suicide, and rumors still linger that he may have been the killer himself. When human remains are found in a historic basement alongside a photograph of a young Julia and her father, the investigation reignites. Julia must work with homicide detective Tobias Novak, with whom she shares a complicated, steamy past, to unmask the true Hangman and clear her father's name.
Can the Books Be Read as Standalones?
Yes, each book in the Forgotten Files series can be read as a standalone. Because each installment features a completely different central couple, a different main detective, and a separate serial killer case that is fully resolved by the end of the book, you will not find any cliffhangers or unresolved plotlines carrying over between novels. However, reading them in order is still the best approach, as it allows you to appreciate the thematic progression and the recurring atmospheric elements of the Virginia setting.
Where to Go Next: Similar Series by Mary Burton
If you have finished the Forgotten Files and are looking for more gripping romantic suspense, Mary Burton has a vast catalog of interconnected thrillers. Consider checking out these series next:
- The Morgans of Nashville Series: A four-book series that follows a family of law enforcement professionals tackling high-profile cases in Tennessee.
- The Criminal Profiler Series: Focused heavily on FBI profilers, forensic science, and psychological investigations.
- The Texas Rangers Series: Sets the high-stakes investigative thrillers against a rugged Texas backdrop.