Reed Ferguson Mystery Books in Order

The Reed Ferguson Reading Order: Where to Start?

If you are ready to jump into the cases of Denver's most film-obsessed private investigator, the best place to begin is at the very beginning with the debut novel, This Doesn't Happen in the Movies (2011). Because the series is deeply character-driven, starting here is essential for understanding Reed's journey. At the start of the series, Reed is not a seasoned professional; he is an amateur sleuth who is obsessed with Humphrey Bogart and classic film noir, attempting to live out his cinematic dreams in modern-day Colorado. Watching him transition from a passionate amateur into a capable, street-smart investigator is one of the most rewarding aspects of the series.

Reading the books in order also ensures you get to know the recurring cast of characters as they are introduced. You will see how Reed forms his alliance with Cal, his tech-savvy computer assistant, and how his humorous relationship develops with his eccentric, well-meaning neighbors, Ace and Deuce (better known to fans as the Goofball Brothers). Reading out of order will spoil character milestones, relationship developments, and the evolving stakes of Reed's private investigation business.

Complete Reed Ferguson Mystery Books in Order

Here is the complete list of the Reed Ferguson Mystery books, including novels, novellas, and short stories, organized by their original publication order. Follow this path to experience the mysteries exactly as Renee Pawlish wrote them:

• This Doesn't Happen In The Movies (2011) – The novel that starts it all. Reed takes on a case for a classic femme fatale to find a missing husband.
• Reel Estate Rip-Off (2011) – Reed investigates a suspicious death tied to a real estate scam in the Colorado mountains.
• The Maltese Felon (2012) – A hilarious and suspenseful case where Reed is hired to find a stolen show dog.
• Elvis And The Sports Card Cheat (2012) – A fun short story featuring an Elvis impersonator and sports memorabilia fraud.
• Farewell, My Deuce (2013) – The stakes become personal when one of the Goofball Brothers, Deuce, goes missing.
• Out of the Past (2014) – Reed dives into a cold case to uncover secrets that someone is desperate to keep buried.
• Torch Scene (2014) – A fast-paced mystery involving arson, danger, and classic noir atmosphere.
• The Lady Who Sang High (2014) – Reed is hired to investigate a singer's death, leading him deep into Denver's music scene.
• Sweet Smell of Sucrets (2015) – A quirky, suspenseful case that tests Reed's deductive skills and humor.
• The Third Fan (2015) – A mystery involving baseball, fans, and dark secrets.
• Back Story (2015) – Reed investigates a decades-old murder, beautifully weaving past and present.
• Night of the Hunted (2015) – A thrilling race against time as Reed finds himself hunted by dangerous criminals.
• The Postman Always Brings Dice (2015) – A high-stakes mystery involving gambling, debts, and local crime figures.
• Road Blocked (2016) – Reed goes on a road trip that quickly turns hazardous.
• A Gun for Hire (2016) – A quick-hitting short story focusing on the dangers of the PI profession.
• Small Town Focus (2016) – Reed leaves the big city of Denver to investigate a case in a small Colorado town.
• Ace in the Hole (2016) – A short story focusing on Ace, one of the Goofball Brothers.
• Nightmare Sally (2017) – A dark, psychological mystery involving a woman with a troubled past.
• Cool Alibi (2017) – A quick, breezy short story case.
• The Damned Don't Die (2017) – A gritty case that pays strong homage to classic hardboiled detective fiction.
• The Big Steal (2017) – A short story focusing on a heist and Reed's efforts to solve it.
• The Wrong Woman (2017) – A short case of mistaken identity and deception.
• Double Iniquity (2018) – Reed faces double the trouble in a complex web of lies and greed.
• The Lady Rambles (2019) – A puzzle-like mystery that keeps readers guessing until the final pages.
• Walk Softly, Danger (2020) – A suspenseful novella that fills in some of the gaps between major cases.
• A Killing (2020) – Reed tackles a straightforward but highly dangerous murder investigation.
• Dangers on a Train (2021) – A classic locomotive mystery setting that pays tribute to suspense films.
• In a Lowly Place (2022) – A gritty, atmospheric case that tests Reed's resolve.
• Shadow of a Snout (2023) – Another lighthearted and humorous investigation that fans of the early books will love.
• Scene of the Lie (2024) – A modern classic in the series, filled with lies, cinema references, and Denver charm.

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order Caveats

For the Reed Ferguson series, the chronological timeline matches the publication order very closely. The primary novels follow a linear progression of Reed's life, his evolving detective skills, and his relationships. However, readers should note the role of the short stories and novellas. Pieces like Elvis and the Sports Card Cheat, A Gun for Hire, Ace in the Hole, Cool Alibi, The Big Steal, and The Wrong Woman are shorter vignettes. While they fit chronologically around the novels they were published next to, they are largely standalone and focus on quick, self-contained cases. If you want a streamlined experience focused entirely on the main narrative arcs, you can skip the short stories, though reading them in their publication slots offers delightful extra flavor and character comedy.

What to Know Before You Start: Tone, Style, and Setting

Before diving into Reed's adventures, it helps to understand the unique blend of styles Renee Pawlish employs. The series is a loving parody of, and tribute to, the classic noir films of the 1940s and 1950s. Reed frequently quotes Humphrey Bogart, references movies like The Maltese Falcon and The Big Sleep, and tries to maintain a tough, cynical detective persona. However, the tone is decidedly modern, lighthearted, and humorous. It bridges the gap between cozy mysteries and classic hardboiled detective fiction. The setting of Denver, Colorado is also central to the books. Pawlish utilizes the contrast between Denver's urban neighborhoods and the rugged, snowy terrain of the nearby Rocky Mountains to create a vivid backdrop for Reed's cases.

Spin-Offs and Companion Series

If you fall in love with the classic detective vibes of the Reed Ferguson series, you will want to check out Renee Pawlish's companion series, the Dewey Webb Historical Mysteries. Beginning with Web of Deceit, this series is set in Denver during 1949 and follows a gritty, authentic noir investigator named Dewey Webb. While Reed Ferguson lives out his noir fantasies in the modern day with a comedic twist, the Dewey Webb series is a straight, atmospheric historical mystery series that provides a perfect contrast for readers looking to experience a true post-WWII Denver noir.