Secret McQueen Books in Order

How to Read the Secret McQueen Series

Step into the thrilling world of Secret McQueen, a half-vampire, half-werewolf bounty hunter navigating the dangerous supernatural factions of New York City. Written by Canadian author Sierra Dean (the pen name for Kate Wiley), this urban fantasy series is celebrated for its snarky, action-packed narrative, deep supernatural lore, and complex romantic relationships. Spanning twelve main novels and multiple companion novellas, keeping track of the timeline can be tricky. Below, we outline the recommended reading path to ensure you experience Secret’s journey exactly as intended.

The Recommended Chronological Reading Order

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the chronological path. While the main numbered novels form the backbone of the story, Sierra Dean's novellas (often designated with decimal numbers) contain critical character developments, relationship shifts, and plot points that bridge the main books. Skipping them might leave you confused about how certain alliances or feelings changed between the major installments.

Here is the recommended chronological reading order for the Secret McQueen universe:

1. The Secret Guide to Dating Monsters (Book 0.5) — Published in 2011. This prequel novella introduces Secret as she navigates her first steps in the dangerous supernatural scene and outlines the rules of her hybrid existence.
2. Something Secret This Way Comes (Book 1) — Published in 2011. The official start of the series, introducing Secret's job as a bounty hunter for the vampire council and her complicated ties to werewolf king Lucas Rain.
3. A Bloody Good Secret (Book 2) — Published in 2011. Secret deals with a forced psychic bond to the vampire Holden Chancery while investigating a bizarre, monster-infested amusement park.
4. Secret Santa (Book 2.5) — Published in 2011. A holiday novella that adds crucial emotional context to Secret's personal life and relationships.
5. Deep Dark Secret (Book 3) — Published in 2012. Secret goes on the hunt for a missing were-ocelot, uncovering deep-seated secrets about her own hybrid heritage and forgotten memories.
6. Keeping Secret (Book 4) — Published in 2012. A transitional novella that deals directly with the fallout of the previous book and sets the stage for the next major conflict.
7. Grave Secret (Book 5) — Published in 2013. The stakes rise as Secret is caught in the middle of escalating supernatural politics and personal betrayal.
8. Secret Unleashed (Book 6) — Published in 2013. Secret must unleash the full extent of her hybrid powers to protect those she loves from an imminent threat.
9. Cold Hard Secret (Book 7) — Published in 2014. A winter-themed novella detailing the emotional aftermath of the battles in the previous books.
10. A Secret to Die For (Book 8) — Published in 2014. The original story arc reaches an explosive, high-stakes finale as Secret faces off against necromancy and her own inner demons.
11. Secret Lives (Book 9) — Published in 2018. Following a publishing hiatus, the series returns with Secret living a changed life, dealing with new responsibilities and lingering threats.
12. A Wicked Secret (Book 10) — Published in 2020. Secret faces new supernatural complications that challenge her loyalties.
13. Deadly Little Secret (Book 11) — Published in 2022. The tension builds to a peak as old enemies return to threaten Secret's fragile peace.
14. One Last Secret (Book 12) — Published in 2024. The final book in the series. Working with a new FBI unit in St. Louis, Secret hunts a supernatural serial killer and confronts death itself to decide the ultimate fate of all supernatural kind.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

For the most part, Sierra Dean released the Secret McQueen books in chronological order. However, the prequel novella, The Secret Guide to Dating Monsters, was published shortly after the first novel. While you can read it first as a chronological entry, starting with Something Secret This Way Comes (Book 1) is also a popular choice, as it does a fantastic job of introducing the world and the core mystery of Secret's background before you jump back to her earlier adventures.

The Genie McQueen Spin-Off Series

If you love the Secret McQueen universe, you don't have to leave it behind once you finish the main series. Sierra Dean wrote a dedicated spin-off series focusing on Secret’s younger sister, Genie McQueen. Genie is a werewolf/witch hybrid, and her story takes place in a world where the existence of supernatural beings has been exposed to the human public.

The Genie McQueen spin-off should ideally be read after Book 8 (A Secret to Die For) of the main series to avoid major spoilers regarding the McQueen family dynamic and world-altering events. The spin-off books include:

• Bayou Blues (2015)
• Black Magic Bayou (2016)
• Black-Hearted Devil (2018)
• Blood in the Bayou (2022)

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving in, readers should prepare for a classic urban fantasy ride. Secret McQueen is a hybrid—half-vampire, half-werewolf—which makes her an outcast in both communities. The series blends gritty detective work and bounty hunting with a central, slow-burning romantic conflict. Secret finds herself torn between Lucas Rain, the powerful werewolf king, his loyal second-in-command Desmond, and the witty, charming vampire Holden Chancery. Sierra Dean balances this romantic tension with fast-paced action, supernatural politics, and a heavy dose of snarky, first-person humor.