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Marty Singer Mystery Books in Order

8 Books
2012 – 2021 Published
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Reading order

Recommended Reading Order for Marty Singer

The Marty Singer Mystery series, written by Matthew Iden, follows a retired Washington, D.C. homicide detective who navigates life with a cancer diagnosis, a rocky love life, and a stubborn commitment to justice. To get the full experience of Marty's personal journey, health struggles, and evolving relationships, we highly recommend reading the books in publication order. The only exception is the free novella The Guardian, which fits perfectly between books five and six.

The Marty Singer Mystery Books in Order

Here is the recommended reading path for the series, matching their chronological progression:

  1. A Reason to Live (2012) - Marty Singer is forced into retirement by a cancer diagnosis, but he is drawn back to work when a killer from a haunted cold case returns to target the victim's daughter.
  2. Blueblood (2012) - Marty investigates a string of cop killings, navigating the dangerous streets of Washington, D.C., and ganglands in Virginia to uncover police corruption.
  3. One Right Thing (2013) - A trip to rural Virginia pulls Marty into a guilt-driven quest after he sees a billboard seeking justice for a murdered ex-con.
  4. The Spike (2013) - After witnessing a businesswoman's murder in D.C. Metro station, Marty is hired by her family and uncovers systemic real-estate and political corruption.
  5. The Wicked Flee (2014) - Marty is dragged into a desperate, fast-paced search for Lucy Rhee, the kidnapped sister of his close friend, Chuck.
  6. The Guardian (2014) - A 60-page novella (Book 5.5) that takes place after the events of The Wicked Flee. Marty is hired to protect a woman fleeing an abusive relationship.
  7. Once Was Lost (2016) - Marty assists a man and his son in vanishing from a dangerous criminal syndicate, introducing former U.S. Marshal Karl Schovasa.
  8. The Bitter Fields (2019) - Visiting a horse farm in Virginia, Marty's peaceful trip with Julie Atwater is disrupted by the murder of a star polo player and deep-seated local vandalism.
  9. Chasing the Pain (2021) - Marty travels to Palm Beach when Karl Schovasa's ex-wife reports him missing, pitting Marty against a corrupt multi-million dollar rehab facility syndicate.

Starting Points & Practical Reader Advice

Can the books be read as standalones?

Yes, each novel features a self-contained mystery that is resolved by the end of the book. However, Marty's cancer prognosis, his adoption of his daughter Amanda, and his romantic relationship with Julie Atwater develop incrementally over the course of the books. Reading out of order will spoil these major life events.

Where does the novella "The Guardian" fit?

The Guardian takes place right after the events of The Wicked Flee. While it is not mandatory to enjoy the main series, it bridges the gap before Once Was Lost. It is typically offered as a free download when readers sign up for Matthew Iden's official newsletter.

Is there a chronological vs. publication order difference?

No, the series flows chronologically in the exact order the books were published. You do not need to worry about complex timelines or prequel novels.

What to Know Before You Start

Marty Singer stands out in the crowded field of fictional detectives. He is not an invincible hero; he is a fifty-something ex-cop dealing with a life-threatening cancer diagnosis. This vulnerability adds a poignant, human layer to the gritty procedural elements. The series' primary setting is the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, ranging from the city's dark alleys to suburban Virginia and Maryland, drawing heavily on author Matthew Iden's local familiarity. Fans of authors like John Sandford, Robert B. Parker, and Michael Connelly will find Marty's dry humor, moral determination, and street-smart investigations highly appealing.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended starting point for the Marty Singer series?

We recommend starting with the first book, A Reason to Live. Starting here introduces Marty Singer's background, his career transition from a D.C. homicide detective to a retired investigator, and his initial cancer diagnosis.

QDo I need to read the novella "The Guardian"?

No, you can understand the main novels without it, but The Guardian (Book 5.5) adds great flavor. It is best read between The Wicked Flee and Once Was Lost and can be obtained for free by subscribing to Matthew Iden's newsletter.

QHow many books are in the Marty Singer series?

There are eight full-length novels and one companion novella in the Marty Singer series.

QIs there a spin-off or crossover series?

No, author Matthew Iden has written other standalone thrillers like The Winter Over, but they do not feature crossovers or spin-offs with the Marty Singer universe.

QWhat is the setting of the Marty Singer books?

The books are primarily set in and around Washington, D.C., including the surrounding suburban areas of Virginia and Maryland, with the eighth book, Chasing the Pain, taking Marty down to Palm Beach, Florida.

QAre the Marty Singer books based on a true story?

No, the series is entirely fictional, though author Matthew Iden draws on his personal experiences living in the Washington, D.C. area to paint a realistic backdrop.