How to Read the Robert Hoon Thrillers: Standalone vs. Chronological Order
Robert “Bob” Hoon is one of the most memorable characters in modern Scottish crime fiction. Originally introduced as a supporting character (and frequent antagonist) in JD Kirk’s bestselling DCI Jack Logan series, Hoon’s foul-mouthed charm, creative profanity, and uncompromising sense of justice made him a breakout fan-favorite. This popularity led Kirk to spin him off into his own gritty, action-packed thriller series.
When it comes to reading the Robert Hoon Thrillers, you have two primary options depending on how deep you want to dive into the “Kirk-verse” (also known as the Loganverse):
Option 1: The Standalone Robert Hoon Reading Order
If you want a pure, fast-paced action-thriller experience focused solely on Hoon, you can read his books independently of the main DCI Logan series. The core novels in the series follow a strict publication order that also serves as their chronological order:
- Northwind (2021) – Hoon, now disgraced and down on his luck after being dismissed from the police force, is recruited to find a missing girl, leading him into the path of former enemies.
- Southpaw (2022) – The stakes rise as Hoon takes on a powerful criminal organization known as the Loop while dodging their deadly attempts at retaliation.
- Westward (2022) – Hoon returns to his childhood roots in the Scottish Highlands, facing off against elite hitmen in a brutal, personal conflict.
- Eastgate (2022) – A festive nightmare in Inverness. In what plays out like a Scottish Die Hard, Hoon finds himself trapped in a shopping center during a hostile takeover by armed attackers dressed as Santa Claus.
- Stateside (2024) – Hoon travels across the Atlantic to the United States (from the Florida Everglades to Las Vegas) to find a missing MI5 agent, crossing paths with an Elvis-themed private investigator.
Option 2: The Integrated "Kirk-verse" Chronological Order
For the complete narrative experience, it is highly recommended to read the Robert Hoon Thrillers interleaved with the DCI Jack Logan series and the DI Heather Filson spin-offs. Hoon’s character arc begins long before the events of Northwind, and major changes to his life and career occur during the DCI Logan books. Reading them in this combined order ensures you understand all character crossovers, references, and spoilers:
- A Litter of Bones (DCI Logan #1)
- Thicker Than Water (DCI Logan #2)
- The Killing Code (DCI Logan #3)
- Blood and Treachery (DCI Logan #4)
- The Last Bloody Straw (DCI Logan #5)
- A Whisper of Sorrows (DCI Logan #6)
- The Big Man Upstairs (DCI Logan #7)
- A Death Most Monumental (DCI Logan #8)
- A Snowball's Chance in Hell (DCI Logan #9)
- Ahead of the Game (DCI Logan #10)
- An Isolated Incident (DCI Logan #11)
- Northwind (Robert Hoon #1)
- Colder Than the Grave (DCI Logan #12)
- Come Hell or High Water (DCI Logan #13)
- Southpaw (Robert Hoon #2)
- City of Scars (DCI Logan #14)
- Westward (Robert Hoon #3)
- Here Lie the Dead (DCI Logan #15)
- Eastgate (Robert Hoon #4)
- One For the Ages (DCI Logan #16)
- The One That Got Away (DI Heather Filson #1)
- In Service of Death (DCI Logan #17)
- This Little Piggy (DI Heather Filson #2)
- A Dead Man Walking (DCI Logan #18)
- Where the Pieces Lie (DCI Logan #19)
- Stateside (Robert Hoon #5)
- A Killer of Influence (DCI Logan #20)
- A Rock and a Hard Place (DCI Logan #21)
What to Know Before You Start
Before jumping into the series, there are several key elements that readers should keep in mind:
- Who is JD Kirk? JD Kirk is the pen name of award-winning Scottish author Barry Hutchison. He adopted the pseudonym to distinguish his crime fiction from his children's books and science fiction novels.
- The Tone: Unlike the police procedural style of the DCI Logan books, the Robert Hoon novels are high-octane vigilante action thrillers. Think of them as a Scottish version of Jack Reacher mixed with the gritty, profanity-laced humor of a Guy Ritchie film.
- The Language: Hoon is famous for his highly creative, relentless use of expletives and Scottish slang. Kirk’s official website even features a "Bob Hoon Insult Generator" to celebrate this defining trait. If you are sensitive to strong language, this spin-off series may not be for you.
- The Crossovers: Characters frequently cross over between DCI Logan, Robert Hoon, and DI Heather Filson series. In particular, Hoon's sister Berta and ex-army friend Iris play crucial supporting roles in his books.
The Audio Spin-off: The Case of the Missing Clive
In addition to the five main novels, JD Kirk released a special full-cast audio adventure titled The Case of the Missing Clive. Unlike a standard audiobook, this is a six-part dramatized audio experience with voice actors, sound effects, and music. The story follows Hoon, now operating as a private investigator in Inverness, as he searches for a missing man named Clive. It features his sister Berta, Iris, and several other familiar faces from the wider Loganverse, serving as an excellent companion piece for fans of the series.