Books On Board

Samuel Craddock Mysteries Books in Order

  • 11 Books
  • 2013 – 2024 Published

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Reading order
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The Recommended Reading Order

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Samuel Craddock Mysteries in publication order. While each mystery is self-contained and can be enjoyed as a standalone, the overarching character development, interpersonal relationships, and community dynamics of Jarrett Creek evolve significantly from book to book. Following the order in which Terry Shames wrote them allows you to appreciate the growth of Samuel Craddock and the recurring town characters.

However, if you are a stickler for timeline continuity, you also have the option of a chronological order. Below, we break down both paths so you can choose the best way to dive into this acclaimed Texas mystery series.

Samuel Craddock Books in Publication Order

Here is the complete list of the Samuel Craddock Mysteries in order of publication, including the latest releases:

  1. A Killing at Cotton Hill (2013) - The award-winning debut introduces Samuel Craddock, a retired police chief in Jarrett Creek, Texas. When his friend Dora Lee Parjeter is murdered, Samuel must step in to investigate, uncovering family secrets and land disputes.
  2. The Last Death of Jack Harbin (2014) - Craddock is asked to investigate the murder of a local Gulf War hero, Jack Harbin. The investigation forces him to confront long-standing small-town grudges, veteran struggles, and bitter family rivalries.
  3. Dead Broke in Jarrett Creek (2014) - When the town treasury is depleted by an unscrupulous developer, the town council appoints Samuel as temporary police chief. He is quickly thrust into a murder investigation that highlights the town's financial desperation and greed.
  4. A Deadly Affair at Bobtail Ridge (2015) - A controversial drilling project dividing Jarrett Creek turns deadly when an opponent of the drilling is found murdered. Samuel must navigate environmental tensions and local politics to find the culprit.
  5. The Necessary Murder of Nonie Blake (2016) - The murder of a troubled local woman, Nonie Blake, reveals a complex web of town secrets stretching back decades, forcing Craddock to delve deep into the town's history.
  6. An Unsettling Crime for Samuel Craddock (2017) - Although published sixth, this novel serves as a historical prequel, taking readers back to a younger Samuel Craddock tackling a racially charged case early in his career.
  7. A Reckoning in the Back Country (2018) - Craddock investigates when a body is discovered on a property run by a mysterious cult-like group in the Texas back country, dealing with suspicious locals and deep-seated fears.
  8. A Risky Undertaking for Loretta Singletary (2019) - When local resident Loretta Singletary goes missing, Craddock is hired to find her, leading him on a trail of secrets, internet dating dangers, and unexpected crime.
  9. Murder at the Jubilee Rally (2022) - Jarrett Creek is overrun by a massive motorcycle rally, and chaos turns to tragedy when a prominent local citizen is killed. Samuel must restore order and find the killer amid the crowd.
  10. Guilt Strikes at Granger's Store (2023) - A beloved local business owner is found dead in his store. Samuel uncovers a trail of embezzlement, hidden motives, and family betrayals.
  11. The Troubling Death of Maddy Benson (2024) - Craddock is called to investigate the suspicious death of a local woman, uncovering long-simmering domestic conflicts and hidden personal agendas in Jarrett Creek.
  12. The Curious Poisoning of Jewel Barnes (2025) - Dealing with personal heartbreak, Samuel is approached by a woman claiming her twin sister is trying to poison her. When the sister is indeed found dead of cyanide poisoning, Samuel must unravel family blackmail and illegal waste-dumping schemes.

The Chronological Timeline and Prequel Guidance

If you prefer to follow the strict chronological timeline of Samuel Craddock's career, you should start with the sixth book, An Unsettling Crime for Samuel Craddock, before proceeding to the rest of the series in publication order:

  • An Unsettling Crime for Samuel Craddock (Prequel - set during Samuel's early days as Police Chief)
  • A Killing at Cotton Hill (Book 1)
  • The Last Death of Jack Harbin (Book 2)
  • Dead Broke in Jarrett Creek (Book 3)
  • A Deadly Affair at Bobtail Ridge (Book 4)
  • The Necessary Murder of Nonie Blake (Book 5)
  • A Reckoning in the Back Country (Book 7)
  • A Risky Undertaking for Loretta Singletary (Book 8)
  • Murder at the Jubilee Rally (Book 9)
  • Guilt Strikes at Granger's Store (Book 10)
  • The Troubling Death of Maddy Benson (Book 11)
  • The Curious Poisoning of Jewel Barnes (Book 12)

The prequel, An Unsettling Crime for Samuel Craddock, deals with a racially charged cold case involving the deaths of five Black youths in the town's past, providing crucial context for the racial and social tensions that run under the surface of the fictional Texas town.

Practical Reader Advice

Where Should You Start?

The absolute best starting point is A Killing at Cotton Hill. It establishes Samuel's retired status, his grief over the loss of his wife Jeanne, and his reluctant return to the role of investigator. Reading the books in publication order allows you to follow his personal emotional recovery and the changing face of Jarrett Creek.

Can the Books Be Read as Standalones?

Yes. Terry Shames writes the mysteries so that the core crime in each book is fully resolved by the final page. You will not find cliffhangers regarding the main investigations. However, Samuel's personal relationships, his relationship with the local sheriff's department, and the lives of recurring town residents like Loretta Singletary build upon previous installments, making sequential reading much more rewarding.

What is the Tone of the Series?

While the series features a cozy small-town setting with authentic Texas dialogue, local diner gossip, and community ties, the mysteries themselves carry a slightly grittier and more realistic edge than typical cozy mysteries. Shames frequently tackles serious social issues, including the struggles of returning war veterans, systemic racism, local political corruption, and environmental hazards like toxic dumping and fracking. The balance of warm community spirit and realistic external pressures makes the series uniquely engaging.

Frequently Asked

What is the best starting point for the Samuel Craddock series?

The recommended starting point is the first published book, A Killing at Cotton Hill, which introduces Samuel's background, his home town of Jarrett Creek, and his investigative style.

Where does the prequel fit into the reading order?

The sixth published book, An Unsettling Crime for Samuel Craddock, is a prequel set early in Samuel's career. You can read it first chronologically, or read it in publication order for context on his past.

Are the Samuel Craddock books cozy mysteries or police procedurals?

The series blends elements of both. It features the warm community feel and amateur-sleuth charm of a cozy mystery alongside the realistic investigations and social issues of a police procedural.

How many books are in the Samuel Craddock series?

As of late 2025, there are 12 novels in the series, ending with The Curious Poisoning of Jewel Barnes.

Can the books in the series be read out of order?

Yes, each book contains a self-contained mystery that is resolved by the end. However, reading them in publication order is recommended to fully appreciate the character development and changing town dynamics.