Step into the cozy yet thrilling world of Jordan Poteet, where small-town Texas charm meets murder and mystery! Penned by Jeff Abbott, the Jordan Poteet series follows a reluctant librarian-turned-sleuth navigating eccentric locals, family drama, and deadly secrets in Mirabeau, Texas. With its blend of humor, heart, and suspense, this award-winning series is a hidden gem for mystery lovers.
Jordan Poteet, a former big-city book editor, trades urban chaos for a quieter life, only to find that Mirabeau’s sleepy streets hide dark secrets. Through four novels, Abbott crafts a world where quirky characters and intricate plots keep readers hooked, proving that even librarians can become heroes in the face of danger.
How Jordan Poteet Began
In 1994, Jeff Abbott, a Texas native with a knack for storytelling, launched his writing career with Do Unto Others, the first Jordan Poteet novel. Inspired by his love for Southern settings and classic mysteries, Abbott created a protagonist who’s both relatable and resourceful. A Rice University graduate, he drew on his Austin roots to craft Mirabeau, a fictional town brimming with personality. The debut novel’s success, earning Agatha and Macavity Awards for Best First Novel, cemented Abbott’s place in the mystery genre and set the stage for three more books.
The Heart of Jordan Poteet
The series kicks off with Do Unto Others (1994), where Jordan returns to Mirabeau to care for his ailing mother and takes a job as the town librarian. His clash with a fanatical local over library censorship spirals into a murder mystery when she’s found dead, with Jordan as the prime suspect. In The Only Good Yankee (1995), mysterious explosions rock Mirabeau, and Jordan’s ex-girlfriend stirs trouble with a shady land deal, leading to another murder he must solve. Promises of Home (1996) digs into a decades-old tragedy as Jordan’s childhood friends are targeted by a killer, while Distant Blood (1996) thrusts him into a wealthy Texas dynasty’s dark secrets after discovering his biological father.
Abbott’s novels blend cozy mystery staples—small-town quirks, amateur sleuthing—with thriller-like suspense, creating a unique tone. Themes of family, loyalty, and hidden pasts run deep, set against Mirabeau’s steamy Southern backdrop. Jordan’s wit and determination, paired with Abbott’s sharp dialogue and twisty plots, make each book a page-turner that balances humor and menace.
Why Jordan Poteet Resonates
Though only four books long, the Jordan Poteet series left a mark on the mystery genre, particularly for fans of Southern-set whodunits. Its Agatha and Macavity wins for Do Unto Others highlighted Abbott’s fresh voice, blending traditional mystery with a modern edge. Readers praise the series for its well-drawn characters and avoidance of Texan stereotypes, offering a nuanced portrayal of small-town life. While Abbott later shifted to thrillers like the Sam Capra series, Jordan Poteet remains a beloved early work, with fans still hoping for a revival. Its charm lies in its ability to feel both timeless and grounded, capturing the messy, heartfelt dynamics of community and kin.
- Publication Years: 1994–1996
- Number of Books: 4
- Awards: Agatha and Macavity Awards for Do Unto Others (1994)
- Setting: Mirabeau, Texas
Grab Do Unto Others and dive into Jordan Poteet’s world of mystery, where small-town secrets pack a big punch!