Starting the Adventure: Where to Begin?
For readers diving into Wayne Stinnett’s sun-drenched, action-packed world of the Florida Keys, the first question is where to cast off. There are two primary schools of thought: publication order or chronological order. The series officially began in 2013 with the publication of Fallen Palm, but Stinnett later went back to write a definitive origin story, Fallen Out (published in 2014 as the fourth book). If you want to watch Jesse McDermitt build his charter boat business from the ground up and encounter his very first major case in Marathon, Florida, starting with Fallen Out is highly recommended. However, reading in publication order allows you to experience the evolution of Stinnett's writing style just as his original audience did.
Jesse McDermitt Caribbean Adventure Series in Publication Order
Following the publication order lets you follow the natural progression of Jesse's career, his compound north of Big Pine Key, and his growing circle of allies. Here is the complete list of the main series books:
- Fallen Palm (2013)
- Fallen Hunter (2013)
- Fallen Pride (2014)
- Fallen Out (2014) - Chronological start of the main series
- Fallen Mangrove (2014)
- Fallen King (2015) - Co-authored with Keah Brown
- Fallen Honor (2015)
- Fallen Tide (2015)
- Fallen Angel (2016)
- Fallen Hero (2016)
- Rising Storm (2017)
- Rising Fury (2017)
- Rising Force (2018)
- Rising Charity (2019) - Major crossover with Charity Styles
- Rising Water (2019)
- Rising Spirit (2019)
- Rising Thunder (2020)
- Rising Warrior (2020)
- Rising Moon (2020)
- Rising Tide (2021)
- Steady As She Goes (2021)
- All Ahead Full (2021)
- Man Overboard (2022)
- Cast Off (2022)
- Fish On! (2023)
- Weigh Anchor (2023)
- Swift and Silent (2024)
- Apalach Affair (2024)
- Dominica Blue (2024)
- Down Island (2025)
- Looted (2025)
- Cursed (2026)
The Chronological Path: Prequels and the Tropical Adventure Series
If you prefer a strict chronological timeline, you need to factor in Jesse's early years. Before Jesse retired to the Florida Keys as a charter boat captain, he was a combat Marine. Stinnett explores this era in his Tropical Adventure prequel series, which features a younger Jesse during his military service and early excursions. While these books were written much later, they take place first chronologically:
- A Seller's Market (2023)
- Bad Blood (2024)
- Cocaine Cowboys (2025)
- Done Deal (2026)
For the ultimate chronological experience, read the Tropical Adventure series first, then transition into the main series starting with Fallen Out, and then proceed with the rest of the Caribbean Adventure novels in order (skipping Fallen Out when you reach its publication spot).
Crossovers: The Charity Styles Universe
Wayne Stinnett's universe expands beyond Jesse McDermitt. His Charity Styles Caribbean Thriller series is set in the exact same world, following a dangerous government assassin. The two characters cross paths multiple times, and their series run parallel. While you can read them completely independently, fans of the universe will get the richest experience by reading them side-by-side or alternating. A key bridging point is Rising Charity (Jesse McDermitt #14), where the plots and characters directly intersect. If you want to follow Charity's standalone adventures, they are published in this order:
- Merciless Charity (2016)
- Ruthless Charity (2016)
- Reckless Charity (2017)
- Enduring Charity (2018)
- Vigilant Charity (2019) - Co-authored with Kimberli A. Bindschatel
- Lost Charity (2021)
- Elusive Charity (2022)
- Liable Charity (2023)
- Indulgent Charity (2024)
Co-Authors and Related Spin-offs
While the Jesse McDermitt books are overwhelmingly penned by Wayne Stinnett alone, he has occasionally collaborated with other writers to flesh out his tropical thriller universe. Within the core series, Fallen King (Book 6) is credited by some retailers as a collaboration with Keah Brown. In the broader universe, Stinnett partnered with Kimberli A. Bindschatel for Vigilant Charity (Charity Styles Book 5) and Stewart Matthews for the Caribbean Mystery Series, which follows Jerry Snyder.
Additionally, Jesse's past employment with Armstrong Research serves as a recurring plot element throughout the series, coming full circle in the 2026 novel Cursed, where he returns to a shipwreck he first explored during those early days.
What to Know Before You Start
Wayne Stinnett's background greatly informs the authenticity of the Jesse McDermitt series. As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, former dive master in Cozumel, Mexico and the Bahamas, and a former truck driver, Stinnett brings real-world experience to his writing. His intimate knowledge of the backcountry of the Florida Keys, marine biology, and boat mechanics shines through on every page. Readers can expect detailed descriptions of navigation, diving procedures, and local geography that elevate the books from standard action fare to highly realistic marine adventures.
Practical Reader Advice
Can these books be read as standalones? Yes, the individual mysteries and action plots in each novel are self-contained. You won't be lost regarding the immediate danger Jesse faces. However, the overarching character growth, Jesse's family dynamics, his friendships with characters like Rusty Thurman and Billy Rainwater, and the development of his island compound evolve significantly. Reading them out of order will spoil major life events and relationships.
Our Recommendation: Start with the prequel novel Fallen Out. It introduces Jesse's post-Marine life, his retirement, and his transition into the charter business. Once you finish Fallen Out, jump back to Fallen Palm (Book 1) and read onward in publication order. Save the Tropical Adventure series for after you've read a few main novels, as they serve as a fun flash-back look at Jesse's origins once you've already grown attached to the character.