Where to Start with the Larry Macklin Mysteries
If you are planning to dive into the swampy, atmospheric world of Adams County, the best starting point is November's Past, the first full-length novel in the series. While each book features a self-contained mystery that is resolved by the final page, the series relies heavily on character development, recurring relationships, and shifting office politics. Reading the books in order is highly recommended to fully appreciate Larry Macklin's personal evolution and the changing dynamics within the sheriff's office.
For readers who want to experience every piece of the story, you can also start with the prequel novella, Saturday's Gift. This short entry provides early context for Larry's character and his surroundings before the main sequence begins.
Larry Macklin Books in Reading Order
The series follows a unique naming pattern that transitions from months to seasons, holidays, and weekdays. Here is the chronological and publication order of the primary novels based on the author's official releases:
The Monthly Mysteries
- November's Past (2016) - Book 1: Larry investigates the body of a mutilated stranger, leading to an arson case linked to his father's high school days.
- December's Secrets (2016) - Book 2: Cold weather brings a cold-blooded murder case involving local prominent families.
- January's Betrayal (2017) - Book 3: Larry deals with political betrayal and local corruption when a body is found in a sinkhole.
- February's Regrets (2017) - Book 4: A tragic case forces Larry to confront old mistakes while chasing a elusive killer.
- March's Luck (2017) - Book 5: Larry investigates a suspicious death at a hunting camp, testing his survival skills.
- April's Desires (2017) - Book 6: Lust and greed collide in a case involving local land developers.
- May's Danger (2017) - Book 7: Larry faces direct threats as a personal vendetta targets the sheriff's office.
- June's Troubles (2018) - Book 8: Summer heat rises along with the body count when a local dispute turns deadly.
- July's Trials (2018) - Book 9: Courtroom drama and investigative work overlap as Larry struggles to keep a suspect behind bars.
- August's Heat (2018) - Book 10: Sweltering Florida humidity framing a complex homicide that tests the department's resources.
- September's Fury (2018) - Book 11: A hurricane threatens Adams County, forcing Larry to track a killer during the storm.
- October's Fear (2019) - Book 12: A spooky Halloween setting provides the backdrop for a murder with roots in local folklore.
The Seasonal Mysteries
- Spring's Promises (2019) - Book 13: The transition to seasonal titles begins, focusing on renewal and hidden secrets coming to light.
- Summer's Rage (2020) - Book 14: Tempers flare during the hottest months of the year as Larry tackles a gang-related dispute.
- Autumn's Ghost (2020) - Book 15: Larry investigates a cold case that resurfaces when new remains are uncovered.
- Winter's Chill (2021) - Book 16: A rare winter freeze sets the stage for a chilly investigation into a reclusive resident's death.
The Holiday & Weekday Mysteries
- Valentine's Warning (2021) - Book 17: Romance turns sour when a series of threatening cards lead to an actual murder.
- St. Patrick's Cross (2022) - Book 18: Larry investigates a theft and murder connected to local religious artifacts.
- Memorial Day's Escape (2023) - Book 19: Holiday festivities are cut short by a prison break that puts Adams County on high alert.
- Independence Day's Search (2024) - Book 20: Larry spends the Fourth of July searching for a missing teenager under suspicious circumstances.
- Tuesday's Innocence (2024) - Book 21: The start of a weekday-themed cycle, where Larry must clear the name of an unlikely suspect.
Understanding the Naming Conventions & Timeline
Author A.E. Howe structured the series in distinct thematic cycles. The first twelve novels cover a full calendar year month-by-month, allowing readers to track Larry's life over a concentrated twelve-month period. Following this, the author transitioned to seasonal titles (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) and then holiday themes (Valentine's, St. Patrick's, Memorial Day, Independence Day), before moving into weekday titles like Tuesday's Innocence. The internal timeline of the books continues sequentially despite these changes in the naming formula.
What to Know Before You Start
The Larry Macklin Mysteries are classic police procedurals set against the backdrop of rural North Florida. Unlike the sunny tourist beaches often associated with the state, Adams County is fictionalized as a swampy, heavily wooded area where local politics, family histories, and long-held secrets dictate daily life.
The defining element of the series is the relationship between Larry and his father, McKinley "Mack" Macklin. Mack is the Sheriff of Adams County, making him Larry's ultimate boss. This dual dynamic creates constant professional and personal tension, as Larry tries to prove himself as an independent investigator while navigating his father's high expectations and the political pressures of the sheriff's office. Larry is also accompanied throughout his investigations by his loyal Great Dane, Mauser, who serves as a recurring fan-favorite companion.