Maximum Security Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Order

Kat Martin's Maximum Security series centers on the operatives and cases of a premier Dallas-based private investigation and security firm known as The Max. The series is unique because it blends full-length novels with substantial companion novellas that serve as bridges between major releases. To get the complete experience, follow the chronological order of release, which places the novellas as half-steps between the numbered novels.

1. Wait Until Dark (2018): This series prequel introduction (Book 0.5) follows April Vale, a campaign manager who is accused of murder but has no memory of the event. She turns to Jonah Wolfe, a private investigator at Maximum Security, who helps her uncover the truth while fighting a growing attraction.
2. After the Sunrise (2018): Another crucial prequel novella (Book 0.75), this short thriller revolves around an active shooter situation at St. Andrew's church. Kurt Layton steps up as the congregation's protector, rescuing Erin McCallum from the path of the gunman.
3. The Conspiracy (2019): The first full-length novel in the series (originally titled Until Midnight). When Harper Winston's brother goes missing in the Caribbean, she hires Chase Garrett, the owner of Maximum Security. Together, they unravel a dark web of human trafficking while exploring a fiery romance.
4. Shadows at Dawn (2019): This novella (Book 1.5) focuses on Mindy Stewart, a receptionist at the firm who is targeted in an attempted kidnapping. Former Navy SEAL and private detective Jax Ryker steps in as her personal bodyguard, forcing them to confront their mutual feelings.
5. The Deception (2019): The second full-length novel. Bounty hunter Jason Maddox teams up with Kate Gallagher to hunt down her sister's killer, diving deep into the dangerous world of corporate greed and trafficking.
6. Before Nightfall (2020): In this novella (Book 2.5), private investigator Lissa Blayne is determined to rescue her friend's kidnapped son. She is forced to work with Colt Wheeler, a former Army Ranger, leading them on a dangerous rescue mission into Mexico.
7. The Ultimate Betrayal (2020): The third full-length novel (pre-published under the working title The Betrayal). Bodyguard Brandon 'Bran' Garrett is hired to protect investigative journalist Jessie Kegan as she digs into her father's suspicious death.
8. Come Midnight (2021): This high-stakes novella (Book 3.5) features Derek Stiles, a former Navy fighter pilot and VP at Garrett Resources, and Breanna Winters, the daughter of a tech billionaire. The two must cooperate to survive after their plane is hijacked in the Honduran jungle.
9. The Perfect Murder (2021): The fourth and final full-length novel. The story follows Reese Garrett, the eldest brother and oil tycoon, as he investigates a suspicious helicopter crash with the help of his executive assistant, Kenzie.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

For the Maximum Security series, the publication order and the internal chronological timeline are identical. Kat Martin designed the series to flow naturally from one release to the next. The five novellas were published in between the four full-length novels to keep readers engaged and provide deeper insights into the supporting members of the Dallas firm. Reading the books out of order will not ruin the individual mysteries, but it may spoil the minor subplots and the relationship developments of recurring characters.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving in, there are a few practical pointers to keep in mind. First, every book in this series functions as a standalone romance with a definitive happily-ever-after. The primary connection between them is the Maximum Security agency itself. Operatives who star in one book will often show up as supportive teammates in another. If you prefer long-form character development, starting from the beginning is best. However, if you are only interested in full-length novels, you can skip the novellas without losing track of the core plotlines.

Understanding the Alternate Titles

Several books in the series were marketed or listed under working titles prior to their publication, which frequently confuses readers trying to complete their collections. The first novel, The Conspiracy, was originally announced and listed in early bibliographies as Until Midnight. Similarly, the third novel, The Ultimate Betrayal, was widely publicized as The Betrayal before its official release. Keep these titles in mind to avoid purchasing duplicate copies of the same story.

The Core Characters of the Garrett Family

While the private investigators at Maximum Security are diverse, the narrative backbone of the series belongs to the Garrett brothers. Chase Garrett is the founder and owner of the security firm, setting the tone for the agency's protective, client-first mission. Brandon Garrett works closely as an operative, bringing his specialized bodyguard skills to high-risk protection details. Finally, Reese Garrett, the eldest brother, runs the family's oil and gas corporation, Garrett Resources, representing the corporate and financial side of the family's Dallas empire. Following the brothers' respective romances and professional crossovers provides the most satisfying reading experience.