Where to Start: The Two Reading Paths
David Archer's Sam and Indie series occupies a unique space in the thriller genre. It is both a self-contained paranormal mystery series and a direct continuation of Archer's massive, bestselling Sam Prichard thrillers. Depending on what kind of reader you are, there are two distinct paths you can take to dive into their adventures.
Path 1: The Supernatural Shift (Start with Aces and Eights)
If you are primarily interested in fast-paced detective mysteries with a paranormal twist, you can jump straight into the first book under the dedicated Sam and Indie banner: Aces and Eights (2017). Starting here allows you to skip the pure, non-supernatural action-thriller phase of Sam's career and get straight to the spooky cases. David Archer writes these books with enough background explanation that new readers won't feel lost, making Aces and Eights an excellent entry point.
Path 2: The Complete Sam Prichard Saga (Start with The Grave Man)
For readers who want to appreciate the full character arcs, relationship milestones, and the transition from a gritty retired-cop thriller to supernatural detective cases, the recommended path is to start at the very beginning of the parent series with The Grave Man (2015). Sam Prichard's original run spans 11 novels before officially transitioning into the Sam and Indie branding with Book 12 (which is Aces and Eights). Reading from the beginning shows you exactly how Sam, a former Denver cop forced into retirement after a shooting, first meets Indiana "Indie" Perkins—a brilliant, tech-savvy computer hacker who eventually becomes his wife.
Publication Order of Sam and Indie Books
While the overall Sam Prichard saga is extensive, the dedicated Sam and Indie era consists of 13 books published between 2017 and 2021. The chronological order of events aligns perfectly with the publication order, meaning you should read the books in the following sequence:
- Aces and Eights (2017) – Sam stumbles into private investigation and teams up with the brilliant hacker Indie to find a missing child, uncovering a deadly conspiracy.
- Fact or Fiction (2017) – The supernatural elements take center stage when Sam investigates a ghostly figure named Beauregard, who warns of danger threatening his descendants.
- Close to Home (2017) – Sam and Indie face a highly personal threat as they try to balance their growing PI business with family life.
- Brave New World (2018) – The duo takes on high-stakes corporate espionage and digital threats that test Indie's hacking skills to their limit.
- Innocent Conspiracy (2018) – Sam must clear a client caught in a web of government conspiracies and covert operations.
- Unfinished Business (2018) – Past cases return to haunt Sam, requiring both old-school detective work and modern digital tracking.
- Live Bait (2018) – Sam and Indie are targeted by an old adversary, turning a routine investigation into a dangerous game of survival.
- Alter Ego (2018) – The team investigates a complex case of identity theft and murder where nothing is as it seems.
- More Than It Seems (2019) – A mysterious client brings a case that blends digital corruption with physical danger.
- Moving On (2019) – The couple relocates to the sunny shores of Florida, where they must unravel a deadly bioterrorism plot with the assistance of their ghostly allies.
- Worst Nightmare (2020) – Sam faces his most terrifying case yet when a local threat directly targets his family and home.
- Chasing Ghosts (2020) – Sam and Indie track down historical secrets and spectral clues to solve a cold case that refuses to stay buried.
- Serial Superstition (2021) – The chills reach a fever pitch as the duo faces the angry ghost of a serial killer determined to complete his unfinished death list.
What to Know Before You Start: The Supernatural Element
The most important thing for new readers to understand is the genre shift. The first 11 books in the Sam Prichard series are grounded, action-packed crime thrillers. However, starting with the Sam and Indie era, David Archer introduces explicit paranormal elements.
The focal point of this supernatural twist is Beauregard, a Civil War-era ghost who communicates with Sam. While Beauregard's presence adds a lighthearted, sometimes humorous dynamic, he also provides crucial, otherworldly clues that help Sam solve complex mysteries. Later, when the family relocates to Florida in Moving On, they are joined by another spectral helper named Grace. If you prefer strictly realistic police procedurals, this transition might catch you off guard, but fans of paranormal cozy mysteries and supernatural thrillers will find the blend of Indie's high-tech hacking and Sam's ghostly conversations highly entertaining.
Continuity and Reading Guidance
Can you read these books as standalones? Yes. Each book features a self-contained mystery that is resolved by the final page. However, the overarching plot—including Sam and Indie's relationship, their marriage, their move from Denver to Florida, and their interactions with recurring characters like their daughter Kenzie—develops chronologically. To get the most enjoyment out of their personal journey, we strongly recommend reading them in order. Additionally, because the books are fast-paced, quick reads, sticking to the publication order ensures you won't miss any of the subtle running jokes or character growth.