Kate Reid Books in Order

How to Read the Kate Reid Series in Order

Robin Mahle’s gripping Kate Reid series follows a resilient protagonist who transforms her traumatic past into a powerful weapon for justice. Spanning 18 books, this series blends psychological depth, procedural realism, and heart-pounding suspense. To experience Kate's full emotional growth, professional evolution, and changing dynamics with her partner Nick Scarborough, it is highly recommended to read the books in order of publication.

Kate Reid Publication and Chronological Reading Order

Because the character arcs and overarching plotlines develop continuously from one book to the next, the chronological order matches the publication order. Here is the complete list of the Kate Reid novels:

1. All the Shiny Things (2013) – Originally published under the title Redwood Violet. The story introduces Kate as she uncovers a traumatic childhood abduction that sets her on a path to confront a dark presence from her past.
2. Law of Five (2014) – Kate tackles a complex serial killer case with FBI Agent Nick Scarborough, forcing her to balance personal vengeance with professional duty.
3. Gone Unnoticed (2015) – Kate delves into small-town secrets and a dark web of human trafficking.
4. Blackwaters (2015) – Thrust into a solo investigation in Florida's dark rivers, Kate begins to establish her independence as a profiler.
5. Endangered (2016) – The stakes rise as Kate must navigate a dangerous game of survival when a simple assignment turns deadly.
6. The Pretty Ones (2017) – Kate investigates a series of murders targeting young women, forcing her to confront the dark psychology of killers.
7. Last Word (2017) – A suspenseful case that challenges Kate's analytical abilities and puts her team in direct danger.
8. Deadly Reckoning (2018) – Personal secrets and professional duties clash in this high-tension installment.
9. To the Bone (2019) – A gritty mystery that digs deep into the psychological scars of both the victims and the investigators.
10. The Kill Season (2019) – Special Agent Kate Reid faces threats from within her own ranks during a dangerous investigation set partly in Rio de Janeiro.
11. Edge of Mercy (2020) – Kate works to navigate the professional and personal fallout of internal mistakes within the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit.
12. See You Again (2020) – A fast-paced investigation that demands everything Kate has learned about profiling.
13. His Good Deeds (2021) – Kate pursues a highly manipulative criminal whose deceptive nature challenges the entire FBI team.
14. Her Only Crime (2022) – Set in San Antonio, this installment forces Kate to untangle gruesome cases and navigate small-town secrets.
15. Every Last One (2022) – A chilling case that tests Kate's endurance and highlights her dedication to solving cold-blooded crimes.
16. The Forgotten Ones (2023) – Kate uncovers buried truths that lead to a dangerous web of lies.
17. These Silent Bones (2024) – A complex investigation where past and present collide in a deadly game.
18. The Final Confession (2026) – The eighteenth entry in the series, continuing Kate's gritty pursuit of justice against elusive criminals.

Critical Caveat: The Redwood Violet Title Change

If you are looking to start the series, keep in mind that the very first book, All the Shiny Things, was originally published in 2013 under the title Redwood Violet. They are the exact same book. Be careful not to purchase both copies, as the content is identical. Most modern listings use the name All the Shiny Things to align with the rest of the series branding.

What to Know Before You Start

The Kate Reid books are built on a solid foundation of criminal profiling and FBI procedural elements. While each novel presents a self-contained primary investigation—such as a specific serial killer or a trafficking ring—the emotional backbone of the series lies in Kate's personal healing and development. She begins the series as a survivor confronting her own trauma and gradually climbs the ranks to become a Supervisory Special Agent in the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU).

Readers who enjoy slow-burn relationship dynamics will appreciate Kate’s partnership with Senior Agent Nick Scarborough. Their bond starts as a professional mentorship and slowly shifts into a deep, essential trust that anchors the series through its darkest moments.

Standalone Appeal vs. Continuous Narrative

While you can read individual books for their standalone crime mysteries, skipping around will spoil major character developments. Crucial milestones—such as Kate's entry into the FBI, changes in leadership, and the shifting dynamics of her relationship with Nick—occur progressively. For the most satisfying experience, start with All the Shiny Things and follow the journey book by book.

About the Author and Wider Universe

Robin Mahle is a prolific suspense author based in the United States. While she is well known for her gritty crime fiction, she also collaborates with author Elle Madison on popular fantasy and fairy tale retellings. However, those fantasy books are set in entirely different universes and do not connect to the realistic, contemporary world of Kate Reid. The Kate Reid series is completely written by Mahle alone, maintaining a consistent, suspenseful voice throughout all 18 novels.