How to Read the Trace Series: The Recommended Reading Path
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Trace series in its original publication order. Although the novels feature self-contained detective cases, Devlin Tracy’s personal life, his drinking habits, his finances, and his rollercoaster relationship with his girlfriend, Chico, progress and evolve from book to book. Starting with the first book allows you to fully appreciate the character development and the running jokes that Warren Murphy masterfully builds over the years.
However, before you jump straight into the first official Trace book, you have a decision to make. You can start with the precursor Digger series from 1982, which features the exact same protagonist under a different name. Alternatively, you can start directly with the award-winning 1983 novel, Trace. Both paths are detailed below to help you choose the best entry point for your tastes.
The Precursor: The Julian "Digger" Burroughs Novels (1982)
In 1982, Warren Murphy introduced the world to Julian "Digger" Burroughs, a cynical, vodka-loving insurance investigator operating out of Las Vegas. Due to a change in publishers, Murphy had to change the protagonist's name to Devlin "Trace" Tracy when the series was picked up by Signet. The first four novels are slightly harder-edged than the later Trace books, but they feature the exact same sarcastic humor and high-stakes insurance cases. Here is the reading order for these precursor books:
- Smoked Out (1982) – The debut of Digger Burroughs, establishing his chaotic lifestyle and his knack for solving insurance fraud.
- Fool's Flight (1982) – Digger handles a high-stakes case involving aviation insurance and double-crosses.
- Dead Letter (1982) – Digger finds himself tangled up in a dangerous, fast-moving scheme involving mail fraud and blackmail.
- Lucifer's Weekend (1982) – A wild case that serves as the final book under the "Digger" moniker before the series transformed.
The Trace Books in Publication Order (1983–1987)
Once the series moved to Signet, Julian Burroughs became Devlin Tracy, and the tone shifted to highlight Murphy's signature comedic style. This era of the series consists of seven novels that represent the peak of Murphy’s solo P.I. writing. Here is the publication order of the Trace books:
- Trace (1983) – Devlin Tracy investigates a suspicious death at a sanitarium, introducing his sharp-witted blackjack dealer girlfriend, Chico.
- And 47 Miles of Rope (1984) – Trace navigates a bizarre and complex insurance fraud case filled with eccentric suspects and snappy dialogue.
- When Elephants Forget (1984) – Trace leaves his comfort zone of Las Vegas for Manhattan’s cocaine-fueled, dangerous crime scene.
- Pigs Get Fat (1985) – The award-winning fourth novel, where a missing real estate mogul leads Trace to San Francisco on a web of seduction and murder.
- Once a Mutt (1985) – Trace is back in action, dodging threats and solving cases with his typical alcohol-fueled brilliance.
- Too Old a Cat (1986) – A high-octane mystery that highlights the growing strain and affection in Trace and Chico's relationship.
- Getting Up with Fleas (1987) – The final entry in the series, taking Trace into the sleazy underbelly of Hollywood.
Chronological Order and Continuity Caveats
There are no chronological trick plays in the Trace series. The chronological order matches the publication order exactly, beginning with the 1982 Digger books, transitioning to the 1983 Trace reboot, and running through to 1987's Getting Up with Fleas.
The biggest caveat for readers is the transition between publishers. Because of the publisher swap, characters' names and backstories were slightly altered. However, the tone, setting, and personality of the main characters remain remarkably consistent. If you are a completionist, starting with the Digger books offers a fascinating look at the character's origins. If you want the most refined version of Murphy's comedic P.I. writing, you can safely skip the Digger books and start directly with the 1983 novel Trace.
What to Know Before You Start
Warren Murphy is legendary in the action-adventure genre for co-creating the massive, long-running The Destroyer series. With Trace, he wanted to create a more intimate, humorous, and character-driven private eye series. Unlike typical hardboiled detectives who are brooding and solemn, Devlin Tracy is loud, sarcastic, lazy, and highly motivated by a quick payday and a cold glass of vodka.
His relationship with Chico is the heart of the series. Chico is not a passive damsel in distress; she is a sharp blackjack dealer who frequently calls Trace out on his nonsense, keeping the books grounded in realistic human dynamics. The novels are relatively short and fast-paced, making them excellent choices for quick, entertaining weekend reads.
The Television Adaptation: Murphy's Law
The popularity of the Trace books caught the attention of television producers. In 1988, ABC premiered Murphy's Law, a crime drama television series loosely based on Warren Murphy's Trace and Digger novels. The show starred George Segal as Daedalus Patrick "D.P." Murphy, a recovering alcoholic and insurance investigator trying to get his life back on track in Los Angeles, alongside Maggie Han as his roommate and girlfriend, Kimiko Fannuchi. While the show changed many details from the books—including the protagonist's name and location—it successfully captured the lighthearted, witty tone of the source material before its cancellation in 1989 after 13 episodes.