How to Read the Petra Connor Books
LAPD Homicide Detective Petra Connor is one of author Jonathan Kellerman's most compelling creations. While she is best known as a key player in Kellerman's massive Alex Delaware universe, she also stars in her own dedicated spin-off series. Because her standalone novels and her appearances in the Alex Delaware books share the same continuity, readers have two primary ways to approach her story.
Option 1: The Standalone Petra Connor Series (Quickest Path)
If you want to focus exclusively on the mysteries where Petra Connor is the main protagonist, you can read her dedicated two-book series in order of publication. This is a fast, high-intensity introduction to her character and her work in the LAPD's Hollywood Division:
- Billy Straight (1998) – Petra is assigned to investigate a brutal murder in Griffith Park. The case grows complicated when she must protect a twelve-year-old runaway, Billy, who witnessed the crime and is being hunted by the killer.
- Twisted (2004) – Petra manages a frustrating drive-by shooting case while collaborating with a brilliant graduate student, Isaac Gomez, who uncovers a pattern of cold cases that all took place on the exact same calendar date.
Option 2: The Complete Universe Order (Recommended Path)
To fully experience Petra's personal and professional growth, it is highly recommended to read her books chronologically alongside the Alex Delaware novels in which she plays a significant role. This path allows you to watch her career advance from a newly introduced detective to a seasoned LAPD veteran cooperating on high-profile investigations:
- Survival of the Fittest (1997) – Alex Delaware Series, Book 12. Petra Connor makes her very first appearance in the Kellerman universe as a supporting detective assisting forensic psychologist Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis.
- Billy Straight (1998) – Petra Connor Series, Book 1. Petra's first standalone book as the lead investigator. Alex Delaware makes a brief guest appearance near the end of the novel.
- A Cold Heart (2003) – Alex Delaware Series, Book 17. A major crossover novel. Petra teams up with Milo Sturgis and Alex Delaware to investigate a series of homicides targeting local artists.
- Twisted (2004) – Petra Connor Series, Book 2. Petra's second standalone novel. She works alongside graduate intern Isaac Gomez and navigates her relationship with love interest Eric Stahl.
- Obsession (2007) – Alex Delaware Series, Book 21. Petra returns as a supporting detective to assist Alex Delaware in solving a cold case with personal ties.
- True Detectives (2009) – Crossover Novel. Though centered on half-brothers and private eyes Moses Reed and Aaron Fox, Petra Connor makes a notable supporting appearance alongside Delaware and Sturgis.
- Open Season (2025) – Alex Delaware Series, Book 40. A recent appearance showing Petra Connor returning to collaborate with Milo Sturgis and Alex Delaware on a fresh investigation.
What to Know Before You Start
Understanding a few key details about Petra Connor and the style of Jonathan Kellerman can enhance your reading experience:
- Psychological Realism: As a former clinical psychologist, Jonathan Kellerman brings deep analytical insights to his characters. Even though Petra is a street-smart LAPD detective rather than a therapist, her books heavily feature the psychological motives, trauma, and complex behaviors of both suspects and victims.
- Gritty LAPD Atmosphere: Unlike cozy mysteries, the Petra Connor novels feature realistic depictions of L.A.'s seedy underbelly, the day-to-day grind of the Hollywood Division, departmental politics, and tight budgets.
- Relatable Personal Life: Petra is far from perfect. Her struggles with office bureaucracy, a rocky romantic life (specifically her relationship with Eric Stahl), and the emotional weight of her job make her highly human and compassionate.
- Crossover DNA: Petra's world is completely shared with Alex Delaware. If you enjoy characters crossing over from other books, reading the Delaware novels listed in the Complete Universe path provides rich background context.