The Recommended Reading Order for the Kate Reilly Series
For the best experience, you should follow the publication order of the Kate Reilly Mystery series. Tammy Kaehler structured the books chronologically, allowing readers to watch Kate's career progress from an aspiring, fill-in driver to a seasoned racer tackling some of the most legendary tracks in the world. Reading the books in order ensures you don't miss the subtle character development, relationship growth, and the realistic sponsor politics that define Kate's journey through the motorsports industry.
Here is the recommended reading order for the series:
- Dead Man's Switch (2011)
- Braking Points (2013)
- Avoidable Contact (2014)
- Red Flags (2016)
- Kiss the Bricks (2017)
The High-Octane Lineup: Book-by-Book Breakdown
1. Dead Man's Switch (2011)
In the debut novel of the series, Kate Reilly is a talented driver fighting to secure a permanent seat in the prestigious American Le Mans Series (ALMS). Her big break arrives under tragic and suspicious circumstances: hours after discovering the dead body of a fellow driver, she is offered his seat in a Corvette racecar. The opportunity of a lifetime quickly morphs into a nightmare when the police label her their prime suspect. To clear her name and keep her seat, Kate must navigate the tight-knit paddock at Lime Rock Park, dealing with suspicious crew members, rival drivers, and a killer hiding in plain sight.
2. Braking Points (2013)
Kate is back behind the wheel, but the stakes are higher and the pressure is intense. Set at the historic Road America track in Wisconsin, Kate faces a terrifying crash, hostile online harassment from internet trolls, and the sudden murder of a close friend. As she struggles to find her footing and maintain her career, she must figure out who is targeting her and her team before she hits her own braking point. This book won the American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association's (AARWBA) Best Motorsport Book award, cementing Kaehler's reputation for authentic racing detail.
3. Avoidable Contact (2014)
This installment takes Kate to the legendary 24 Hours of Daytona, one of the most grueling endurance races in motorsports. The physical and mental exhaustion of a 24-hour race is complicated by a hit-and-run incident and the suspicious death of a prominent motorsports reporter. As the clock ticks down, Kate is caught in a web of secrets that could destroy her team's chances at victory. Like its predecessor, this novel was named the Best Motorsport Book by the AARWBA, praised by fans and racing professionals alike for its realistic portrayal of the physical demands of endurance racing.
4. Red Flags (2016)
Set during the famous Grand Prix of Long Beach in California, Kate's career is at a major turning point. She has secured a lucrative new sponsorship from a bank owned by her estranged father's family, bringing her closer to an IndyCar test drive and her ultimate dream of racing in the Indy 500. However, her cousin Billy is found dead with Kate's business card in his pocket. Reluctantly pulled into the investigation by local police and sponsors, Kate must balance mentoring a famous Hollywood actress for a celebrity race, dodging family drama, and finding a killer, all while performing under the watchful eyes of the media and the FBI.
5. Kiss the Bricks (2017)
The series reaches its peak at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the world-famous Indianapolis 500. Kate has achieved her dream of qualifying for the race, but history casts a long shadow over the event. Decades earlier, a pioneering female driver named PJ Rodriguez committed suicide just before the race, sparking rumors and controversy that linger to this day. When PJ's family asks Kate to help uncover the truth behind her death, Kate is drawn into a historical mystery that connects past prejudices with modern-day racing threats. Kate must untangle the truth if she wants to safely cross the finish line and kiss the bricks.
Reading Order Caveats & Continuity
Because there are no spin-offs, novellas, or prequel short stories, navigating the Kate Reilly universe is wonderfully straightforward. The series follows a linear timeline. Each book represents a new racing season or major event in Kate's career, and the emotional and professional threads carry over directly from one book to the next. For example, the sponsorship deals and family revelations introduced in Red Flags build the direct foundation for Kate's entry into the Indy 500 in Kiss the Bricks. Trying to read the books out of order will spoil major developments regarding her career trajectory, romantic interests, and familial relationships.
What to Know Before You Start
Tammy Kaehler did not start out as a motorsports insider; she fell in love with the racing world while working a corporate marketing gig. That outsider perspective allowed her to write books that explain the complex mechanics and politics of racing without overwhelming readers who have never watched a race. However, her dedication to research—including interviews with mechanics, crew chiefs, and professional female drivers like IndyCar racer Pippa Mann—ensures that die-hard racing fans will appreciate the technical accuracy.
The series sits in a unique space between the cozy mystery and the traditional thriller. While it features the amateur detective elements, tight-knit community feel, and lack of graphic gore typical of cozies, it also boasts high-octane pacing, professional career stakes, and action-packed sequences that appeal to thriller fans. It is an ideal read for anyone who enjoys strong female protagonists, sports fiction, or traditional whodunits with a highly specialized setting.