Recommended John Rockne Reading Order
For the best experience, we recommend reading the John Rockne series in its original publication order. Because the narrative timeline matches the publication dates, following this sequence allows you to see John's personal growth, his relationship with his family, and the lingering shadow of his past mistake unfold naturally.
- Dead Wood (2011)
- Hard Rock (2014)
- Cold Jade (2015)
- Killer Groove (2016) – Cooper & Rockne Crossover
- Long Shot (2017)
- Easy Prey (2017)
- Body Blow (2017)
- Deep Lies (2025)
- Full Smoke (2025)
Breaking Down the Core Series
Each novel in Dan Ames' core series takes place in or around Grosse Pointe, Michigan, focusing on different facets of the town's elite and the dark criminal elements hiding just beneath the surface.
Dead Wood (2011)
This debut novel establishes John Rockne as a former Grosse Pointe police officer who was fired from the force after a tragic mistake cost a young boy his life. Now operating as a private investigator, he takes on a case involving the murder of a custom guitar maker. Rockne finds himself navigating a treacherous path populated by a brutal ex-con and a professional hitman who has an unhealthy obsession with the Rolling Stones. It is the perfect introduction to the quick-paced, hard-boiled style of the series.
Hard Rock (2014)
In this second installment, Rockne is hired to look into the brutal murder of a young man. The investigation takes a deeply personal turn as the details of the crime begin to mirror his own tragic history. Haunted by the errors of his past, John must confront corrupt institutional forces and personal demons to bring the killer to justice.
Cold Jade (2015)
A missing persons case forces Rockne to step outside the wealthy neighborhoods of Grosse Pointe. A young woman has vanished, and her trail leads deep into Detroit's underbelly. The search brings John face-to-face with drug rings, human trafficking, and a lethal conspiracy, highlighting the contrast between Michigan's affluent suburbs and urban decay.
Long Shot (2017)
As the fourth book, this mystery turns the lens back onto Grosse Pointe's wealthy elite. When a seemingly straightforward case of corporate espionage and infidelity gets messy, Rockne has to piece together clues that paint a dark picture of greed and family rivalries. The pacing remains fast and the dialogue sharp, cementing Ames' comparison to classic writers like Robert B. Parker.
Easy Prey (2017)
When a respected local doctor dies under highly suspicious circumstances, Rockne is brought in to uncover the truth. The investigation reveals a web of professional jealousy and a cold-blooded killer who targets anyone getting too close to the truth. Rockne must use all his street smarts to avoid becoming the next victim.
Body Blow (2017)
This book delivers another action-packed case that tests Rockne's physical and mental endurance. Dealing with local corruption, black market deals, and professional hitmen, John is pushed to his limits as he tries to protect a client who knows too much.
Deep Lies (2025)
After a multi-year hiatus, Ames returned to the character in 2025. In this book, John is called to investigate the murder of Marcus Tate, a celebrated professional golfer whose body is discovered inside his car at a high-end country club. John finds himself dissecting the private lives of the extremely wealthy, navigating secrets, jealousy, and betrayal in the country club scene.
Full Smoke (2025)
The eighth installment follows Rockne as he is hired by Greta Harrington to investigate a mysterious warehouse fire. When a second fire claims a life and leads to a cryptic confession linked to one of Detroit's most influential families, Rockne must unravel a complex cover-up of corporate power and familial secrets.
The Crossovers and Spinoffs
Dan Ames has expanded his crime-fiction universe beyond John's solo investigations, introducing crossover partners and family spin-offs that share the same gritty, fast-paced atmosphere.
The Cooper & Rockne Crossover
In 2016, Ames published Killer Groove under the Cooper & Rockne Mysteries banner. This novel brings John Rockne together with Mary Cooper, a tough-as-nails private investigator based in Los Angeles. The two find themselves independently hired to search for Zack Hatter, a legendary rock star who has vanished. Their paths collide, forcing them to pool their resources, combine Rockne's Midwest grit with Cooper's West Coast smarts, and go head-to-head with drug cartels. Reading this book between Cold Jade and Long Shot fits perfectly with the publication timeline.
The Ellen Rockne Sister Series
For readers who want to explore more of the Rockne family, Dan Ames created a spin-off series focusing on John's sister, Ellen Rockne. Ellen is the newly appointed Chief of Police in northern Michigan. These books blend local law enforcement procedures with the signature Ames suspense. While John is not the main character, the books expand the family lore and are highly recommended for fans of the universe.
- Murder Lake (2018): Ellen investigates a series of murders in her new jurisdiction, dealing with rural secrets and hostile locals.
- Savage Lake (2018): Ellen faces another high-stakes challenge when a body is discovered in the northern wilderness, exposing a deep criminal network.
Practical Reading Guidance
While the books can technically be read as standalones due to their self-contained mysteries, reading them in order is highly recommended to appreciate the character arc of John Rockne. Ames' writing is lean, quick, and punchy, drawing heavy inspiration from classic noir thrillers while keeping a modern pace.