How to Read Julie Mellon’s Tip of the Spear Series
Julie Mellon’s Tip of the Spear series is a high-octane mix of romantic suspense, dangerous conspiracies, and ex-military heroes who find themselves fighting for their lives and their hearts. Set in a gritty world of private investigations and deep-seated loyalties, the series follows six former soldiers—from the Army, Navy, and Marines—who establish the Tip of the Spear detective agency to take down criminals operating outside the law.
Because the overarching narrative, the agency’s setup, and character relationships develop incrementally, we highly recommend reading the series in its original publication order. This sequence matches the chronological timeline perfectly and allows you to watch the agency expand as each operative finds love amidst the chaos.
Tip of the Spear Recommended Reading Order
Here is the recommended reading order for the main series:
- In the Shadows (2015) – Focuses on Jason Powell, a partner at the agency, and Jessica Ross, a doctor-to-be fleeing a dangerous ex-boyfriend.
- In the Dark (2015) – Focuses on Avery Powell (Jason's sister), who is stalked by a mysterious threat, and Jeremy McCall, her brother's best friend.
- In the Wind (2016) – Centers on Joe Weber as he goes on a high-stakes mission to find his missing daughter.
- In the Game (2017) – Follows operative Mark Cousins as he risks everything to rescue the missing Raina King.
- In the Light (2018) – Follows Dylan Jackson and Deputy Darcy Coleman as they unravel an art forgery and disappearance case.
- In the System (2019) – Focuses on Cody, who discovers an unconscious woman on the agency's doorstep, leading into a conspiracy involving missing foster children.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
Unlike some sprawling suspense sagas with prequels and side stories, the chronology of the Tip of the Spear series is straightforward. The books were written and published in chronological order, starting in 2015 and concluding in 2019. Readers do not need to worry about confusing time jumps or backstories published out of order. Reading from Book 1 to Book 6 ensures you experience the growth of the agency and the team's camaraderie as the author intended.
Crossovers with the Katie Freeman Mysteries
For dedicated readers looking to expand their experience, Julie Mellon's work features a significant crossover with her longer-running Katie Freeman Mysteries. Katie Freeman is an FBI Special Agent navigating complex investigations in Middle Tennessee alongside her partner, Michael Powell.
While the Tip of the Spear books can be read independently of the Katie Freeman series, the recurring presence of the Powell family links the two universes. Reading the Katie Freeman Mysteries (which began in 2014 with Free to Kill) offers deeper context into the broader law enforcement and investigative network that the Tip of the Spear operatives frequently interact with.
Practical Reader Advice
- Can the books be read as standalones? Yes. Each book features a self-contained mystery and concludes with a definitive romantic resolution (Happily Ever After) for the featured couple. However, the agency's overarching backstory and the relationships between the operatives are best appreciated when read in sequence.
- Where should I start? The absolute best starting point is the first book, In the Shadows. It establishes the founding of the agency, the character dynamics, and the signature high-stakes suspense that defines the rest of the series.
- Tone and Themes: Expect a fast-paced blend of gritty action, protective ex-soldiers, strong-willed heroines, and steamy romance. While the suspense elements are central, the romantic chemistry between the leads is highly emphasized.