How to Read the Katherine 'Kitty' Katt Series
Gini Koch’s Katherine 'Kitty' Katt series (often referred to simply as the Alien series) is best read in publication order. Because the books follow a tight, linear chronological timeline with continuous character arcs, evolving romantic relationships, and escalating political and galactic conspiracies, skipping books or reading them out of order will lead to major spoilers and confusion. The main story begins with Kitty Katt's unexpected transition from an ordinary marketing manager to a fierce alien hunter in Touched by an Alien and continues through a succession of high-stakes adventures.
The Main Reading Order
Below is the complete list of the main novels in the series in their recommended reading order:
- Touched by an Alien (2010) – The series opener where Kitty Katt encounters her first alien monster and joins the secret Agency.
- Alien Tango (2010) – Kitty deals with clone conspiracies and new extraterrestrial threats.
- Alien in the Family (2011) – Introduces deep family dynamics and Alpha Centaurion culture.
- Alien Proliferation (2011) – High-stakes action as anti-alien hate groups threaten peace.
- Alien Diplomacy (2012) – Galactic politics take center stage as Kitty serves as a diplomat.
- Alien vs. Alien (2012) – Planetary conflicts escalate both on Earth and in space.
- Alien in the House (2013) – Kitty navigates the murky waters of Washington, D.C. politics.
- Alien Research (2013) – The team investigates mysterious facilities and hidden agendas.
- Alien Collective (2014) – Galactic alliances are tested as new factions emerge.
- Universal Alien (2014) – The stakes go cosmic as Kitty takes on threats beyond Earth's solar system.
- Alien Separation (2015) – Emotional and physical distances test Kitty and Jeff's bond.
- Alien in Chief (2015) – Leadership changes and impending threats shake the Agency.
- Camp Alien (2016) – A diplomatic retreat turns into a battle for survival.
- Alien Nation (2016) – Kitty serves as a key diplomat for alien asylum seekers on Earth.
- Alien Education (2017) – Kitty deals with academy training, new recruits, and sudden invasions.
- Aliens Abroad (2018) – The adventure goes international and interplanetary.
- Aliens Like Us (2024) – Kitty returns to face modern cosmic threats (originally scheduled earlier, released in 2024).
- Aliens Like Them (2026) – The latest high-octane installment in the long-running series.
Short Stories, Novellas, and Companion Collections
Alongside the main novels, Gini Koch has published several short stories and novellas that expand the lore of the Kitty Katt universe. While most of these are optional, they offer excellent context for hardcore fans:
- Alien on the Runway (Book 0.5): A prequel short story originally published in 2014. It details the very first meeting between a superhero and the aliens, setting the stage for the events of the first novel. It can be read first as an introduction, or after book 1 for context.
- The Alien Collection: The First Companion to the Alien/Katherine 'Kitty' Katt Series (2025): A comprehensive compilation containing beloved short stories, side adventures, and in-character interviews. It includes fan-favorite shorts like A Clockwork Alien, Alien Time Warp, Alien Epilogue, Alien Capers, and stories featuring Missy the Were-Pomeranian. It is best read after finishing at least the first dozen books in the main series to appreciate all character references.
What to Know Before You Start
The Katherine 'Kitty' Katt series is a unique blend of fast-paced science fiction action, steamy romance, and campy humor. Think Men in Black meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer with a healthy dose of romantic comedy. The books are written from Kitty's first-person perspective, which is packed with pop-culture references, sassy internal monologues, and a deep love for music. To fully enjoy the series, readers should embrace the lighthearted, over-the-top tone and be prepared for complex, fast-moving plots involving extensive casts of characters.
Are Other Gini Koch Series Connected?
Gini Koch is a prolific writer who also publishes under various pseudonyms. However, her other popular series, such as The Martian Alliance Chronicles, the Necropolis Enforcement Files, the Alexander Outland: Space Pirate series (written as G.J. Koch), and her mystery collaborations with Bebe Bayliss (like the Fall's Girl Mysteries and Santa Paloma Mysteries) are not narratively connected to the Katherine 'Kitty' Katt universe. They can be read completely independently.