Recommended Reading Order
The Okay, But Try Not to Murder Anyone series is a linear, serialized urban fantasy story following Jonah Patterson after he acquires a magical bracelet. Because the plot, character relationships, and overarching mystery of the magical artifacts develop sequentially across each volume, you should read the books in their numerical publication order.
- Okay, But Try Not to Murder Anyone (2021)
- Okay, But Try Not to Murder Anyone 2 (2021)
- Okay, But Try Not to Murder Anyone 3 (2022)
- Okay, But Try Not to Murder Anyone 4 (2022)
- Okay, But Try Not to Murder Anyone 5 (2022)
- Okay, But Try Not to Murder Anyone 6 (2022)
- Okay, But Try Not to Murder Anyone 7 (2023)
- Okay, But Try Not to Murder Anyone 8 (2023)
What to Know Before You Start
This series blends elements of superhero fiction with "HaremLit" (harem literature) tropes. Unlike traditional superhero stories that feature classic capes and secret identities, Jonah's journey is much more grounded in real-world crime and high-stakes survival. His primary ability is absorbing and redirecting kinetic energy, which he must manage alongside a growing roster of female allies—including Israeli military veterans and magical targets.
The narrative also revolves around the lore of ancient artifacts. Over the course of the books, Jonah discovers that his kinetic bracelet is just one of several ancient pieces of jewelry (such as cuffs and rings) that grant extraordinary abilities. This puts him in direct conflict with mobsters, serial killers, and a shadowy network known as the Black Market Group.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
There are no prequels, side novellas, or split-timeline spin-offs in this universe. The chronological order matches the publication order exactly. Reading out of order is not recommended, as key character progressions, romantic developments, and details about the artifact network carry over directly from the end of one book to the beginning of the next.
Practical Reading Advice
- Starting Point: Always start with the first self-titled book, Okay, But Try Not to Murder Anyone. Skipping straight to the later volumes like Book 5 (which moves the action to the Canadian wilderness) or Book 7 (which introduces shape-shifters) will leave you confused about Jonah's team dynamics and how his powers have grown.
- Audiobooks: The series has popular audiobook adaptations available through the Audiobook Guild and other platforms. Many fans highly recommend the audio format for its dual narration, which brings the action and harem dynamics to life.
- Completion Status: The series is officially complete. The story concludes with the release of Book 8, resolving the primary conflicts surrounding Jonah, his relationships, and the magical artifacts.