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series Reading Order

Karin Schaeffer Books in Order

6 Books
2010 – 2013 Published
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Reading order

Recommended Reading Path: Chronological vs. Publication Order

For the best reading experience, you have two primary options: chronological order or publication order. Because the novels follow Karin Schaeffer's intense personal journey—from grieving NYPD detective to private investigator trying to rebuild her family—reading the series in order is highly recommended to appreciate her character development.

The Publication Order: This is the path most readers originally took. It starts with the breakout thriller You Are Next, where you learn about the tragedy of the Domino Killer through Karin's immediate struggle to survive his escape. The prequel, The Domino Killer, was released later in 2013 but details the initial murders. Starting with You Are Next allows the mystery of Karin's past to unfold with maximum suspense.

The Chronological Order: If you prefer to witness the timeline exactly as it happens, start with the prequel short story The Domino Killer. This gives you a direct front-row seat to the tragic event that shatters Karin's life before diving into the aftermath in the main novels.

Karin Schaeffer Books in Chronological Order

  1. The Domino Killer (2013) — Prequel Short Story. Karin returns home to find her first husband and daughter murdered by the infamous serial killer.
  2. You Are Next (2010) — Book 1. Years after the tragedy, the killer escapes from prison, and Karin must confront her worst nightmare to survive.
  3. Next Time You See Me (2010) — Book 2. Karin attempts to rebuild her life with a new family, but her peace is shattered when her husband Mac mysteriously vanishes.
  4. Vanishing Girls (2012) — Book 3. Working as private investigators, Karin and Billy Staples plunge into Brooklyn's dark underbelly to investigate a child trafficking ring.
  5. The Gift (2012) — Book 3.5 Novella. Also known as One Special Gift, this Christmas-themed interlude follows Karin and Mac during a holiday that takes an unexpected turn.
  6. The Money Kill (2013) — Book 4. Karin and Mac head to Europe for a lucrative case involving a billionaire, only for their kids to disappear as they get caught in an international conspiracy.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Placement

The publication order mirrors the chronological order almost exactly, with the exception of the prequel short story The Domino Killer. If you prefer publication order, follow this sequence:

  • You Are Next (2010)
  • Next Time You See Me (2010)
  • Vanishing Girls (2012)
  • The Gift (2012)
  • The Money Kill (2013)
  • The Domino Killer (2013)

Regional Title Differences: US vs. UK Editions

When searching for the books online or in libraries, be aware that several of the Karin Schaeffer novels were published under completely different titles in the United Kingdom and other international markets. To avoid buying the same book twice, keep these alternative titles in mind:

  • Book 2: Published as Next Time You See Me in the US, and as Hide and Seek in the UK.
  • Book 3: Published as Vanishing Girls in the US, and as The 12th Victim in the UK.
  • Book 4: Published as The Money Kill in the US, and as Dead Rich in the UK.

What to Know Before You Start

The Karin Schaeffer series is heavily grounded in the gritty atmosphere of Brooklyn, New York, and relies on deep character arcs. Over the course of five books and stories, Karin evolves from a victim of horrific violence into a resilient investigator who learns to trust and love again. Her relationship with her former NYPD partner Seamus "Mac" MacLeary forms the emotional backbone of the later books.

Katia Lief is a seasoned novelist who has written under several names. She published literary fiction under her birth name, Katia Spiegelman, and early suspense thrillers under the pseudonym Kate Pepper (such as Five Days in Summer). Under the name Karen Ellis, she wrote "The Searchers" series (featuring the novels A Map of the Dark and Last Night). While these other works showcase her thriller expertise, they are entirely separate from the Karin Schaeffer universe.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Karin Schaeffer series?

You can start with either the first full-length novel, You Are Next, to experience the suspense in its original publication order, or begin with the prequel short story, The Domino Killer, for the chronological setup.

QAre the Karin Schaeffer books standalones?

While each book solves a specific criminal case, the overarching storyline, character development, and romantic relationships build directly from one book to the next. It is highly recommended to read them in order.

QWhy do some Karin Schaeffer books have different titles?

Several entries in the series were retitled for UK editions. Specifically, Book 2 is also known as Hide and Seek, Book 3 as The 12th Victim, and Book 4 as Dead Rich.

QWhat is 'The Gift' and where does it fit?

Sometimes referred to as One Special Gift, The Gift is a holiday-themed novella that takes place between Vanishing Girls (Book 3) and The Money Kill (Book 4).

QWho is the author of the Karin Schaeffer series?

The series is written by USA Today bestselling author Katia Lief, who has also published novels under her birth name Katia Spiegelman and the pseudonyms Kate Pepper and Karen Ellis.

QIs Karen Ellis's Searchers series connected to Karin Schaeffer?

No. Although both series are written by the same author, "The Searchers" series (featuring FBI Agent Elsa Myers) is a separate universe and does not crossover with Karin Schaeffer.