The Recommended Reading Order
For the optimal reading experience, we highly recommend following the publication order of the H & W Investigations series. Because the overarching plot involves shifting supernatural alliances, character growth, and ongoing romantic tensions, skipping books will cause you to miss key developments. The main novels and side stories fit together into a cohesive chronology that tracks Shiarra Waynest's evolving status in Manhattan's supernatural underworld.
Here is the complete order of the books and stories set in the H & W Investigations universe:
- Hunted by the Others (2010) — The debut novel that introduces Shiarra Waynest. Struggling to keep her PI firm afloat, she reluctantly accepts a mage's contract to steal back an ancient, powerful artifact from Alec Royce, a dangerous and alluring vampire lord.
- "Spark of Temptation" (2010) — An optional, standalone short story originally published in the Nocturnal anthology. While it shares the same alternate universe, it features a different human protagonist, Sara Halloway, who is dragged into a demon war and forced to work with a charming mage.
- Taken by the Others (2010) — The second full-length novel. Shiarra finds herself trapped in a deadly feud between rival vampire factions, all while her werewolf ex-boyfriend, Chaz, reappears to complicate her life and her safety.
- Deceived by the Others (2011) — The third book. Shiarra agrees to accompany Chaz to a werewolf pack retreat to investigate a series of mysterious events, only to find herself surrounded by pack politics, deception, and deadly supernatural traps.
- Stalking the Others (2012) — The fourth book. Seeking vengeance after a betrayal by her ex-boyfriend that leaves her potentially infected with a werewolf virus, Shiarra uses her wits and an enchanted belt to hunt down the Sunstriker pack.
- Silent Cravings (2013) — A spin-off novella co-authored with E. Blix (sometimes listed as Book 4.5). It shifts focus away from Shiarra to follow Mouse, a mute vampire supporting character, as she claims a werewolf named Christoph. It is also known under the longer title Silent Cravings: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy With Bite.
- Forsaken by the Others (2013) — The fifth book. Shiarra flees East Coast werewolf threats and relocates to Los Angeles at Royce's suggestion, only to get caught up in a bizarre investigation involving zombies attacking local vampires.
- Enslaved by the Others (2014) — The sixth book. Shiarra is captured by Max Carlyle, a ruthless vampire slave trader who attempts to break her spirit. She must navigate supernatural trafficking networks and survive a forced blood bond to orchestrate an escape.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Because the main novels follow a tight, linear timeline, the publication order and the chronological order are nearly identical. The only minor variation lies in where you place the short story and the novella:
- "Spark of Temptation" occurs around the time of the first book but is entirely self-contained. It can be read at any point, though reading it right after Hunted by the Others is standard.
- Silent Cravings takes place chronologically between Stalking the Others and Forsaken by the Others. It provides background on side characters, but because it is a romance-focused spin-off, readers who want to stick strictly to Shiarra's main plot can safely read it later or skip it.
Inside the World of H & W Investigations
What sets Jess Haines' universe apart is its gritty, post-apocalyptic cultural landscape. In this alternate reality, the "coming out" of supernatural beings (vampires, mages, and werewolves, collectively known as "the Others") occurred in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. This timing created a deeply legalistic, highly suspicious society where humans and supernaturals coexist under strict, uneasy laws.
Unlike the protagonists of many contemporary urban fantasies, Shiarra Waynest is fully human. She possesses no magical heritage, vampire speed, or werewolf strength. Instead, she relies on her private investigator training, street smarts, sharp sarcasm, and a specialized enchanted hunter's belt that helps level the playing field. This vulnerability raises the stakes of every confrontation, as she faces beings who could easily overpower her.
Key Characters to Know
Shiarra Waynest
A resilient human private investigator based in New York. Sarcastic, practical, and fiercely independent, she struggles to keep her agency solvent while trying to avoid the dangerous political machinations of the Others.
Alec Royce
A powerful, centuries-old vampire lord in Manhattan. He is sophisticated, manipulative, and dangerous, serving as both a foil and an occasional ally to Shiarra, with whom he shares a complex chemistry.
Chaz
Shiarra's werewolf ex-boyfriend. His loyalties are constantly tested between his feelings for Shiarra and his obligations to his pack, the Sunstrikers, creating significant tension throughout the early books.
Mouse
A mute vampire who becomes a close associate of Shiarra. She is the central protagonist of the spin-off novella Silent Cravings, which explores her romance with a werewolf named Christoph.
What to Know Before You Start
If you are planning to dive into the series, keep the following tips in mind:
- Best Starting Point: You should always start with Hunted by the Others. The book establishes the rules of the world, Shiarra's human limitations, and her initial encounter with Alec Royce, which dictates the plot of the subsequent novels.
- Series Status: Enslaved by the Others (2014) is currently the final book in the series. While Jess Haines originally planned further novels, she has since transitioned to other writing projects, such as her YA fantasy series Blackhollow Academy and the Phoenix Rising trilogy. The series is considered inactive, but the six core novels offer a complete and satisfying arc.
- For Fans Of: If you enjoy the legalistic supernatural politics, gritty detective noir, and romantic tension found in Kim Harrison's Hollows series or Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson books, you will find a similar appeal in H & W Investigations.