The Recommended Reading Order
If you want to experience Kate Connor’s journey from a retired Level Five demon hunter back into the thick of battle, the best path is the chronological storyline order. Julie Kenner (who also writes as J. Kenner) has crafted a seamless mix of suburban comedy and supernatural action, but a quick chronological adjustment with a key novella will give you the most satisfying experience.
Here is the recommended reading path for the main series:
- Carpe Demon (2005) — The book that started it all. Kate’s quiet life in San Diablo is shattered when a demon crashes through her kitchen window.
- California Demon (2006) — Kate is back on duty, investigating suspicious goings-on at a local retirement home while hiding her secret identity.
- Demons Are Forever (2007) — The stakes rise as Kate's daughter Allie begins to notice her mother's strange behavior, and an ancient threat looms.
- Deja Demon (2008) — Kate has to handle ancient curses, dark magic, and a preschooler’s schedule all at the same time.
- The Demon You Know (2011 / Book 4.5) — A crucial novella focusing on Allie’s first major brush with the supernatural. Read this before the fifth novel to understand the evolving mother-daughter dynamic.
- Demon Ex Machina (2009) — The fifth full-length novel, where Kate faces a tech-savvy demonic force.
- Pax Demonica (2014) — A high-stakes adventure where Kate tries to broker peace while keeping her family safe.
- Day of the Demon (2021) — A dramatic return after a long hiatus. Kate must deal with a terrifying possession threat that hits far too close to home.
- How to Train Your Demon (2022) — Kate deals with new recruits, domestic challenges, and an influx of hellspawn.
- The Demon’s In the Details (2026) — The latest installment that finds Kate navigating the complexities of older children and even craftier demonic enemies.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
For the most part, the publication order of the novels matches their internal timeline. However, there are two important distinctions to keep in mind when navigating the list:
- The Allie Connor Novella Shift: The Demon You Know was published in 2011 (originally appearing in the anthology Those Who Hunt Monsters), which was after the 2009 publication of Demon Ex Machina. Despite this, the events take place chronologically between Deja Demon and Demon Ex Machina. Reading it as Book 4.5 is highly recommended because it bridges the gap regarding Allie's sudden awareness of the supernatural world.
- The Omnibus Box Set: You might see The Trouble with Demons listed as a 2014 release in some databases. This is not a standalone novel; it is a compilation box set containing the first five novels of the series (Books 1 through 5).
Detailed Book-by-Book Breakdown
Carpe Demon (2005)
Kate Connor is a retired Level Four Demon Hunter who wants nothing more than to enjoy her quiet, suburban life in San Diablo, California. She’s busy with PTA meetings, minivan carpools, and caring for her toddler, Timmy, and teenager, Allie. But when a demon crashes through her kitchen window, Kate is forced to dust off her holy water and fight back, all while keeping her husband Stuart completely in the dark.
California Demon (2006)
After the events of the first book, Kate realizes retirement is officially over. She is tasked with investigating a local retirement community that has become a hotspot for demonic activity. Between dodging suspicion from a handsome new high school teacher and trying to prevent a demonic apocalypse, Kate’s domestic juggling act gets even more precarious.
Demons Are Forever (2007)
The supernatural threat intensifies, and so does the drama at home. Kate’s daughter Allie starts asking questions, and a powerful demonic leader is on the verge of being unleashed. Kate must find a way to stop the ritual without exposing her secret life to her family—or worse, getting them killed.
Deja Demon (2008)
Kate is forced to confront her past head-on when a mysterious stranger arrives in town with news of an ancient curse. Balancing toddler tantrums, suburban gossip, and a literal ancient plague of demons makes this one of Kate's most chaotic weeks yet.
The Demon You Know (2011 / Book 4.5)
This shorter story is a vital transition point. It shifts focus slightly to Kate's daughter, Allie, who finds herself targeted by demons. Kate has to step in to protect her daughter, marking a turning point where the family secrets begin to unravel. It was first published in the anthology Those Who Hunt Monsters.
Demon Ex Machina (2009)
Demons go high-tech. When a new threat utilizes technology to spread corruption and influence, Kate must adapt to the digital age of demon hunting. It challenges her old-school training and forces her to rely on new allies.
Pax Demonica (2014)
Kate tries to establish a truce between the human and demonic worlds, but peace is fragile. Betrayal from within the hunter ranks forces her to make difficult choices to protect her husband and children.
Day of the Demon (2021)
After a multi-year publishing break, Julie Kenner returned to the series with a darker, more emotional story. A demonic entity targets Kate's family directly, threatening her children and forcing her to push her hunting abilities to their absolute limit.
How to Train Your Demon (2022)
Kate is back to her signature blend of humor and action. She must deal with a new generation of demon hunters who need guidance, all while keeping San Diablo from falling into hell's hands.
The Demon’s In the Details (2026)
The latest entry continues Kate's journey as her kids grow up and the demonic threats become more insidious. Kenner brings back the witty banter and fast pacing that fans have loved since 2005.
What to Know Before You Start
Julie Kenner’s series is often described as Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Desperate Housewives. It is lighthearted, funny, and full of action, but it also carries genuine emotional weight regarding the struggles of motherhood. If you enjoy urban fantasy with strong female leads who have lives outside of the supernatural, this is a perfect fit. The books are highly episodic but feature a continuous character arc, meaning you should definitely read them in order to appreciate the growth of Kate's family and allies.