Where to Start Your J.J. Graves Journey
For readers diving into the dark, humorous, and romantic world of Dr. J.J. Graves, the best place to start is at the very beginning with Dirty Little Secrets. Because the series features a continuous narrative arc detailing J.J.'s personal history, her evolving relationship with Sheriff Jack Lawson, and the overarching secrets of their small town, jumping in mid-series will spoil major character developments and plot twists.
J.J. Graves Books in Recommended Reading Order
Below is the complete reading order for the J.J. Graves series, which follows the publication order. This sequence allows you to experience the character growth, romantic tension, and mystery reveals exactly as Liliana Hart intended.
Dirty Little Secrets (2011)
The book that started it all. Dr. J.J. Graves is the coroner of Bloody Mary, Virginia, who faces death daily but keeps her sanity through sharp wit. When a serial killer begins targeting the town and a mystery writer arrives, J.J. must team up with Sheriff Jack Lawson to solve a grisly string of murders.
A Dirty Shame (2012)
J.J. is forced to confront the ghosts of her past when a new wave of murders hits Bloody Mary. The tension between her and Jack rises as the crimes get closer to home.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrel (2013)
This installment shifts focus toward Sheriff Jack Lawson's dark history. When members of his former SWAT team are targeted one by one, J.J. works to protect the man she has grown to love while investigating a killer with a personal vendetta.
Down and Dirty (2014)
As the stakes escalate in Bloody Mary, J.J. and Jack must navigate a complex web of lies. The romantic suspense reaches a tipping point as external threats continue to test their partnership.
Dirty Deeds (2015)
Commonly referred to as Book 4.5 or Book 5, this novella fits neatly between the main novels, offering a compact mystery that keeps the momentum going without derailing the main character arcs.
Dirty Laundry (2018)
Secrets are exposed when a local gossip columnist is murdered. J.J. and Jack must sift through the dirty laundry of Bloody Mary's elite to find the killer before their own secrets are laid bare.
Dirty Money (2019)
Money, greed, and corruption take center stage in this mystery. J.J. has to trace a complex financial trail that has left a trail of bodies in its wake.
A Dirty Job (2019)
J.J. and Jack head to a funeral directors' convention on a remote South Carolina island. When a hurricane hits and cuts off the island, a killer begins targeting the attendees based on the seven deadly sins, leaving the couple to solve the murders while trapped.
Dirty Devil (2020)
A fresh case tests J.J.'s forensic skills to the limit as she and Jack unravel a conspiracy that stretches far beyond the borders of Virginia.
Playing Dirty (2020)
The danger becomes highly personal as J.J. and Jack find themselves playing a deadly game against an opponent who knows their weaknesses all too well.
Dirty Martini (2021)
A high-stakes thriller that blends classic mystery tropes with Hart's signature romantic suspense. J.J. balances her professional responsibilities with the chaotic reality of her personal life.
Dirty Dozen (2021)
A fast-paced mystery where J.J. and Jack face a complex countdown. Twelve suspects, twelve clues, and a race against time to stop a tragedy.
Dirty Minds (2022)
Dr. J.J. Graves uses her forensic expertise to delve into the mind of a twisted killer who is playing mind games with the Bloody Mary sheriff's department.
Dirty Weekend (2024)
What was supposed to be a relaxing getaway for J.J. and Jack quickly turns into a crime scene, proving that trouble follows the coroner wherever she goes.
Dirty Looks (2024)
When public perception and reality clash, J.J. must look past appearances to solve a murder that has the local community divided.
Dirty Liars (2025)
Confronting a web of deceit, J.J. and Jack find that everyone in their orbit has something to hide, and the truth might carry a high cost.
Dirty Valentine (2025)
Investigating a brutal murder in historic Bloody Mary, J.J. and Jack find ties to a chilling mystery dating back to the Revolutionary War, forcing them to unravel centuries-old secrets.
Understanding Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
Fortunately for readers, there is no major divergence between the chronological order of events and the publication order. The main novels and novellas are written in a linear fashion. The novellas (such as Dirty Deeds) are best read in their publication spots, as they contain minor references to the ongoing relationship status of J.J. and Jack. Skipping them won't prevent you from understanding the main mystery of the next novel, but reading them in order ensures you don't miss out on any character moments.
The Shared Universe: Crossovers and Spin-offs
Liliana Hart has built a broad universe of interconnected series. While the J.J. Graves series can be read entirely on its own, fans will find delight in how it connects to other corners of Hart's writing:
- Addison Holmes Series: Hart's comedic mystery series featuring the quirky private investigator Addison Holmes has a major crossover appeal. Addison appears as a character in the later J.J. Graves books, bringing her signature chaotic energy into J.J.'s more grounded, forensic world.
- The MacKenzie Family Universe: Hart has written several crossover stories under her MacKenzie Family banner (such as the novella Spies & Stilettos). These stories serve as crossover hubs where characters from the MacKenzie Family, J.J. Graves, and Addison Holmes universes cross paths and work together.
What to Know Before You Start
Before you dive in, it is helpful to understand the tone of the series. While J.J. Graves is technically a cozy mystery setting due to its small-town charm and humorous dialogue, the actual crimes are often graphic and dark, dealing with serial killers and ritualistic murders. It fits firmly in the romantic suspense genre, meaning the romance between J.J. and Jack is a primary plot line that runs throughout the entire series. If you prefer mysteries where the detective remains completely detached or single, this series might not be your cup of tea—but if you love a mix of forensic science, witty banter, and a slow-burn romance that blossoms into a strong partnership, you will feel right at home in Bloody Mary.