Books On Board

Judge Wilhelmina Carson Books in Order

  • 11 Books
  • 2011 – 2019 Published

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Reading order
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How to Read the Hunt for Justice Series

Diane Capri’s popular Hunt for Justice series centers on the sharp-witted and relentless Tampa federal judge, Wilhelmina 'Willa' Carson. Known for her stubborn commitment to finding the truth, Willa frequently steps off the bench to solve complex crimes, uncover high-level conspiracies, and protect her loved ones. The series also introduces spin-off characters like young attorney Jenny Lane, keeping the legal thriller stakes consistently high.

To get the most out of Willa’s character development, her marriage to resort-owner George, and the evolving team around her, it is highly recommended to read the books in order of publication.

1. The Recommended Reading Path (Publication Order)

Many of the early books in the series were originally published under character-focused, alliterative titles before being re-released with the unified 'Justice' naming convention. Both titles are provided below to help you identify the correct books:

  • Due Justice (2011) – Originally published as Carly's Conspiracy. This is the ideal starting point, where Willa is drawn into a murder case involving her 'little sister' Carly.
  • Twisted Justice (2011) – Originally published as George's Game. Willa must bend the rules when her husband George is arrested for the murder of a Supreme Court nominee.
  • Secret Justice (2011) – Originally published as Harper's Hell. Set against the backdrop of Tampa's Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Willa tackles art theft and deep-seated corruption.
  • Wasted Justice (2011) – Originally published as Kate's Killing. Willa digs into a cold case to prove an innocent woman's innocence.
  • Raw Justice (2011) – Originally published as Annabelle's Attack. This book pivots to focus on young lawyer Jenny Lane, though it remains firmly embedded in the series chronology.
  • Mistaken Justice (2013) – Originally published as Darla's Deceit. Another fast-paced installment featuring attorney Jenny Lane.
  • Cold Justice (2014) – A novella where Willa and George travel to Michigan and find themselves entangled in a suspicious local death.
  • False Justice (2017) – A novella focusing on Willa's journalist friend, Ursula Westfield, who uncovers court corruption.
  • Fair Justice (2017) – A novella where a young reporter uncovering secrets in a small Florida town runs into trouble.
  • True Justice (2017) – A novella where a night out to hear Willa's staff member Ginny sing jazz ends in murder.
  • Night Justice (2019) – The eleventh installment, returning to high-stakes legal suspense in Willa's world.

2. Crucial Companion Works and Crossovers

If you are a fan of Diane Capri's broader thriller universe, you won't want to miss the notable crossovers that tie Willa Carson to other popular series:

  • Justice is Served (2017): This anthology collects the four standalone novellas (Cold Justice, False Justice, Fair Justice, and True Justice) into a single volume, making it a convenient read between the main novels.
  • Jack in the Green: In this crossover novella from Capri's Hunt for Jack Reacher series, Judge Willa Carson teams up with investigative reporter Jess Kimball and FBI Special Agent Kim Otto to solve a case at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.

3. Reader Tips & What to Know Before You Start

Before you dive in, keep these helpful tips in mind to navigate the series smoothly:

  • Can they be read as standalones? Yes. Each book features a self-contained mystery that is resolved by the end. However, the recurring cast, Willa's personal relationships, and references to past events build on one another, making chronological reading the most satisfying experience.
  • The Jenny Lane Transition: Do not be confused by books five and six. While they are marketed as part of the Hunt for Justice series, they shift focus to Jenny Lane rather than Judge Willa Carson herself.
  • Tone and Setting: Expect a blend of high-stakes legal thriller and lighthearted Florida charm. Willa's quirky Labrador retrievers, Harry and Bess, and her wealthy husband, George, bring warmth and humor to stories that otherwise deal with dark crimes.

Frequently Asked

What is the best book to start with in the Willa Carson series?

You should start with the first novel, Due Justice (originally published as Carly's Conspiracy), which establishes Willa Carson's character and her Tampa setting.

Are the books featuring Jenny Lane part of the same series?

Yes, both Raw Justice and Mistaken Justice are numbered as books 5 and 6 in the Hunt for Justice series, though they focus on attorney Jenny Lane instead of Willa Carson.

What is the 'Justice is Served' collection?

Justice is Served is a 2017 anthology containing four of Diane Capri's Hunt for Justice novellas: Cold Justice, False Justice, Fair Justice, and True Justice.

Does Willa Carson cross over with other Diane Capri characters?

Yes, Willa Carson teams up with reporter Jess Kimball and FBI Agent Kim Otto in the crossover novella Jack in the Green, which is part of the Hunt for Jack Reacher series.

Why do some of the Hunt for Justice books have two different titles?

Diane Capri originally published the first six books under alliterative, character-specific titles (like George's Game) before re-releasing them with unified 'Justice' titles (like Twisted Justice) to match the rest of the series.