How to Start: The Best Way to Read the Hagen Series
If you are diving into the world of Kay Hooper’s Hagen series (frequently cataloged as the Hagan series), the best approach is to read the books in their publication order. While each book features a standalone romance with a self-contained mission and a satisfying resolution, the overarching influence of Director Hagen and the subtle character connections build a cohesive picture of the agency over time.
If you prefer to start at the absolute beginning of the agency's timeline, you should begin with In Serena's Web. However, due to variations in distribution and publication lists, some databases and libraries catalog the order starting with The Fall of Lucas Kendrick. Both starting points work perfectly because of the standalone nature of the individual novels, but starting with In Serena's Web allows you to watch the character dynamics unfold in the order Kay Hooper originally intended.
The Dual Reading Orders: Author List vs. Catalog Order
Depending on where you look, you will find two slightly different publication lists for the Hagen series. The first is the official list from Kay Hooper's website, and the second is the common library database order (which is also reflected in our system's database). Both listings are presented below so you can check off the books regardless of which system your local library or e-book seller uses.
1. Official Author Publication Order
According to Kay Hooper's official bibliography, the books were released in this sequence:
- In Serena's Web (1987)
- Raven on the Wing (1987)
- Rafferty's Wife (1987)
- Zach's Law (1987)
- The Fall of Lucas Kendrick (1987)
- Unmasking Kelsey (1988)
- Outlaw Derek (1988)
- Shades of Gray (1988)
- Captain's Paradise (1988)
- It Takes a Thief (1989)
- Aces High (1989)
2. Alternative Database / Library Catalog Order
Many online bookstores and tracking databases list the series in this order, which places the fifth book first in sequence:
- The Fall of Lucas Kendrick (1987)
- In Serena's Web (1987)
- Rafferty's Wife (1987)
- Raven on the Wing (1987)
- Zach's Law (1987)
- Captain's Paradise (1988)
- Outlaw Derek (1988)
- Shades of Gray (1988)
- Unmasking Kelsey (1988)
- Aces High (1989)
- It Takes a Thief (1989)
Understanding the Hagen vs. Hagan Spelling Discrepancy
One minor detail that frequently trips up readers is the spelling of the series name. In the text of the novels, the mastermind behind the secretive government intelligence agency is named Director Hagen (with an 'e'). However, due to typographical variations in early publishing runs and cataloging errors, the series is widely known, indexed, and sold online as the Hagan series. When searching for physical copies or digital editions, it is best to search for both spelling variants to ensure you find all available listings.
What to Know Before You Start: Tone and Context
For readers who discovered Kay Hooper through her massively popular, modern Bishop/Special Crimes Unit (SCU) series, the Hagen books will offer a distinct change of pace. Published between 1987 and 1989 under Bantam's famous Loveswept line, these novels are classic category romances of the late 1980s.
Rather than the dark, gritty, and psychologically intense thrillers Hooper writes today, the Hagen books are lighter, faster-paced, and heavily focused on romantic tension, banter, and international espionage tropes. They are fun, high-stakes capers where the love story takes center stage, and the suspense is balanced by the classic charm and humor of the era.
The Bishop/SCU Connection: An Early Prototype
While there is no direct plot crossover between the Hagen books and the Bishop/SCU universe, fans of Hooper's later works will find a fascinating piece of creative evolution here. Kay Hooper has noted in interviews that several characters from her early romantic suspense series served as prototypes for her later thriller leads.
Most notably, the character of Josh Long, who debuts in In Serena's Web and stars in Raven on the Wing, was an early creative incarnation of the archetype that eventually became Noah Bishop. Seeing the seeds of Bishop’s intense, commanding presence in Josh Long makes the Hagen series a delightful read for Hooper completionists.
Book-by-Book Breakdown
In Serena's Web (1987)
Serena Jameson (referred to in some editions as Serena Smyth) tries to target notorious playboy Joshua Long. To do this, she recruits industrialist Brian Ashford to teach her the art of seduction. Instead, Serena and Brian spark an intense attraction of their own while trying to evade a dangerous conspiracy threatening her father.
Raven on the Wing (1987)
Raven Anderson hides her true identity and secrets from Josh Long, whose protective instincts and growing love threaten to expose her high-stakes undercover role. This book is particularly beloved by fans for containing the character prototype that inspired Noah Bishop.
Rafferty's Wife (1987)
Sarah Cavell, a brilliant cryptographer, and her partner Rafferty Lewis are forced to pose as newlyweds for a dangerous undercover mission. Playing husband and wife quickly blurs the lines between professional duty and genuine passion.
Zach's Law (1987)
When Teddy Tyler’s car breaks down in the Rocky Mountains, she inadvertently wanders into a dangerous stakeout run by security specialist Zach Steele. To keep his operation secure, Zach holds her captive, leading to an unexpected romance in the wilderness.
The Fall of Lucas Kendrick (1987)
Rebel daughter Kyle Griffon has spent years distracting herself with dangerous hobbies after her heart was broken by Lucas Kendrick. When Lucas returns as an undercover agent needing her help to catch an art thief, Kyle must decide if she can trust the man who walked away.
Unmasking Kelsey (1988)
Undercover agent Kelsey arrives in a small town to investigate a suspicious corporation. He gets sidetracked by Elizabeth Conner, a woman raising her sisters, which forces the shape-shifting spy to confront his true identity and emotions.
Outlaw Derek (1988)
On the run after asking dangerous questions, Shannon Brown crosses paths with the mysterious Derek Ross. Derek agrees to help her escape, throwing the pair into a suspenseful game of cat and mouse.
Shades of Gray (1988)
Set on the South American island of Kadeira, the ruler Andres Sereno abducts Sara Marsh to shield her from danger. Andres is determined to convince the guarded Sara that they belong together, even if he has to hold her captive to do it.
Captain's Paradise (1988)
Robin Stuart is rescued from a raging storm at sea by Michael Siran, a man accustomed to dangerous international games. Their meeting on his ship changes the course of both of their lives.
It Takes a Thief (1989)
A second-generation gentleman thief is caught by the agency and given a choice: face a prison cell or put his skills to work for the government. He chooses the agency, leading to a high-stakes heist and romance.
Aces High (1989)
Katrina Keller was recruited straight out of college to gather intelligence. When her cover is compromised and the federal agent she loves believes she has turned traitor, she must clear her name while completing her final mission.