PAVAD: FB Books in Order

How to Read the PAVAD: FBI Series

The Prevention & Analysis of Violent Acts Division (PAVAD) is a fictional, elite branch of the FBI based in St. Louis, Missouri. Written by romantic suspense author Calle J. Brookes, this series is famous for its fast-paced investigations, tight-knit team dynamics, and steamy romantic pairings. While each book focuses on a different couple and wrapping up a specific case, reading them in order is highly recommended to follow the overarching character development and subplots.

Readers generally choose between two primary paths: the official intended chronological order (which integrates prequel novels and short case files) and the original publication order. Below, we break down both options so you can choose the best starting point for your reading journey.

Recommended Chronological Reading Order

For the most seamless experience, Calle J. Brookes recommends reading the series chronologically. This path places the prequel novels Beginning and Waiting at the very start, setting up the division's origins before diving into the events of the original release, Watching. It also slots the shorter 'PAVAD Case Files' novellas right before the novels they directly set up.

1. Beginning (2015) – Prequel. Features Jasmine Len and Dakon Royal.
2. Waiting (2015) – Prequel. Features Ana Sorin and Fin McLaughlin.
3. Watching (2012) – The original first novel. Features Dr. Georgia Dennis and Michael 'Hell' Hellbrook.
4. "Knocked Down" (PAVAD Case Files #0002) – Prequel novella to Wanting.
5. Wanting (2012) – Features Carrie Sparks and Sebastian Lorcan. (Crossover with the Finley Creek series).
6. Second Chances (2013) – Features Ally Brewster and Dan Reynolds / Marianna Glendower.
7. Hunting (2013) – Features Dr. Julia 'Jules' Bellows and Dr. Malachi Brockman.
8. Running (2013) – Features Alessandra Brockman and Seth Lorcan. (Crossover with Finley Creek).
9. Redeeming (2014) – Features Dr. Payton Asher and Davis 'Luc' Lucas. (Denise Daviess saga starts here).
10. "White Out" (PAVAD Case Files #0004) – Prequel novella to Revealing.
11. Revealing (2014) – Features Paige Daviess and Mick Brockman. (Denise Daviess saga continues).
12. "Knocked Out" (PAVAD Case Files #0001) – Prequel novella to Her Best Friend's Keeper.
13. Stalking (2014) – Features Emma Reynolds and J.T. Thompkins.
14. Ghosting (2015) – Features Dr. Kelly Reynolds and Dr. Joshua Compton.
15. Burning (2015) – Features Merrick Cody and Sinclair Lorcan.
16. "Knocked Around" (PAVAD Case Files #0003) – Prequel novella to Gathering.
17. Gathering (2016) – Features Dr. Leina Howell and Ken Chalmers.
18. Falling (2016) – Features Dr. Mia Ripley and Evan Stephenson.
19. Hiding (2017) – Features Kyra Dillon and Cam Lake.
20. Seeking (2018) – Features Shannon Toliver and Ezra Hahn.
21. Searching (2021) – Features Micah's story.

Original Publication Order

If you prefer to read the series exactly as it was released to the public, you will start with the book that put PAVAD on the map: Watching. Reading in publication order means you will experience the growth of Calle J. Brookes' writing style and discover the prequels later as flashback context. Here is the publication sequence:

1. Watching (2012)
2. Wanting (2012)
3. Second Chances (2013)
4. Hunting (2013)
5. Running (2013)
6. Redeeming (2014)
7. Revealing (2014)
8. Stalking (2014)
9. Beginning (2015)
10. Waiting (2015)
11. Ghosting (2015)
12. Burning (2015)
13. Gathering (2016)
14. Falling (2016)
15. Hiding (2017)
16. Seeking (2018)
17. Searching (2021)

What to Know Before You Start

The Finley Creek Crossovers

Calle J. Brookes has built a massive, interconnected romantic suspense universe. Three of the PAVAD novels—Wanting, Running, and Revealing—serve as direct crossovers with her popular Finley Creek series. If you notice recurring family names like Lorcan and Brockman popping up across both series, that is why! Reading the Finley Creek books alongside PAVAD is not strictly mandatory, but it significantly enriches the reading experience.

The Children of Denise Daviess Saga

One of the most popular subplots running through the author's books is the "Children of Denise Daviess" storyline. This family drama is heavily tied to the PAVAD and Finley Creek series. The saga starts in earnest with Redeeming (Luc's story) and Revealing (Paige's story), before crossing over into Finley Creek novels (such as Rafe, Ariella, and Nikkie Jean's stories) and finally wrapping up in the Small-Town Sheriffs book Hearing Her Cries. If you want to follow this specific arc, make sure to look up the combined reading order checklist on the author's official site.

Standalone vs. Continuous Reading

Can you read these books as standalones? Yes! Each book resolves its main romantic relationship and the core procedural case. However, because the PAVAD agents operate as a tight-knit family, you will encounter major spoilers regarding who ends up with whom if you read them out of order. For the best emotional payoff, stick to the chronological order.