Tracers Books in Order

Where to Begin Your Delphi Center Investigations

If you love the forensic detail of crime scene investigations blended with high-octane romance, Laura Griffin’s bestselling Tracers series is a must-read. Set against the gritty backdrop of Austin, Texas, the series revolves around the fictional Delphi Center—a state-of-the-art private forensic lab staffed by top-tier experts in DNA, ballistics, computer forensics, and anthropology. While the books are designed to work as standalone mysteries focusing on a new central couple, they exist in a tightly knit, shared universe. Reading them in order helps you trace the subtle evolution of the Delphi Center and catch recurring character cameos.

We highly recommend starting with the very first book, Untraceable (2009). It establishes the premise of the Delphi Center, introduces key investigators, and perfectly captures the series' signature mix of smart procedural science and romantic tension. However, if you happen to pick up a later book, you won't be lost; each mystery stands on its own and wraps up cleanly by the final page.

Option 1: Publication Order

Following the publication order is the most straightforward way to read the series. This allows you to experience the Delphi Center’s technology and team grow organically as Laura Griffin wrote them. Note that the novella Unstoppable was published in 2012 but takes place chronologically earlier in the series timeline.

1. Untraceable (2009) — Follows private investigator Alexandra Lovell and Austin PD detective Nathan Devereaux as they search for a missing woman tied to a corrupt police force.
2. Unspeakable (2010) — Pairs novice FBI profiler Elaina McCord with a roguish true-crime writer, Troy Harrison, to hunt down a serial killer targeting Austin.
3. Unforgivable (2010) — Focuses on DNA specialist Mia Carina and detective Marcus Higgins as they look into a murder case linked to Mia's past.
4. Snapped (2011) — Features defense attorney Sophie Barrett and forensic investigator/ballistics expert Jonah Novak in a high-stakes standoff situation.
5. Unstoppable (2012) — A novella introducing DNA analyst Kelsey Warren and security expert Mitch Stone as they protect a target under fire.
6. Twisted (2012) — Follows rookie FBI agent Allison Vance and Delphi Center digital forensics expert Mark Vance working a cold case.
7. Scorched (2012) — Centers on database expert Kelsey Warren and local sheriff Gage Brewer as they unravel a historic crime scene.
8. Exposed (2013) — Focuses on FBI photographer Maddie Fitzpatrick and detective Dan Vance as they search for a missing witness.
9. Beyond Limits (2015) — Follows FBI agent Elizabeth Bailey and forensic pathologist Derek Collier investigating a murder in a state park.
10. Shadow Fall (2015) — Pairs forensic anthropologist Tara Lockhart with security contractor Liam Wolfe, which sets up the Wolfe Security spin-off.
11. Deep Dark (2016) — Follows computer forensic investigator Laney McLeod and detective Mark Brennan chasing a cyber-criminal.
12. At Close Range (2017) — Pairs homicide detective Daniele Segovia with ballistics expert Scott Vance during a serial shooter case.
13. Touch of Red (2017) — Features trace evidence expert Brooke Porter and Austin detective Sean Byrne investigating a brutal murder.
14. Stone Cold Heart (2019) — Follows forensic anthropologist Sara Lockhart and detective Nolan Vance digging up secrets in a local cold case.

Option 2: Chronological Reading Order

For readers who want to experience the timeline exactly as it unfolds in-universe, the chronological order is identical to the publication order, with one major exception: the novella Unstoppable (Book 2.5) slides in between Unspeakable and Unforgivable. Reading it here ensures you follow the timeline of DNA specialist Kelsey Warren correctly.

1. Untraceable (2009)
2. Unspeakable (2010)
3. Unstoppable (Novella, 2012)
4. Unforgivable (2010)
5. Snapped (2011)
6. Twisted (2012)
7. Scorched (2012)
8. Exposed (2013)
9. Beyond Limits (2015)
10. Shadow Fall (2015)
11. Deep Dark (2016)
12. At Close Range (2017)
13. Touch of Red (2017)
14. Stone Cold Heart (2019)

Spin-Offs and the Shared Delphi Universe

Laura Griffin’s suspenseful world extends beyond the Tracers series. If you want to expand your reading list, look out for these official spin-offs and related series that share characters, locations, and tones:

The Wolfe Security Series

This direct spin-off grew out of the events of the ninth Tracers book, Shadow Fall, which introduced Liam Wolfe and his private security firm. The series moves away from the Delphi Center’s forensic labs to focus on private protection and tactical operations. The books include:

• Desperate Girls (2018) — Focusing on defense attorney Miranda Beckman and Wolfe Security bodyguard defense expert.
• Her Deadly Secrets (2019) — Following private investigator Kira Vance as she teams up with Wolfe Security.

The Texas Murder Files Series

While not a direct spin-off, the Texas Murder Files series is set in the same broad geographic and atmospheric universe. These books follow homicide detectives and investigators solving crimes across the Austin area, offering the same page-turning blend of forensic science and romance.

What to Know Before You Start

Here are a few quick tips to help you get the most out of your visit to the Delphi Center:

• Procedural Accuracy: Laura Griffin is a former journalist and puts significant research into the forensics featured in her books, meaning the science feels highly authentic rather than exaggerated.
• Sensory Heat Level: The romance elements are prominent, featuring solid chemistry and steam, but they remain balanced alongside the high-stakes crime procedural plots.
• Standalone Nature: If a particular premise grabs you (such as cyber forensics in Deep Dark or forensic anthropology in Stone Cold Heart), feel free to dive straight in. The author provides enough context for new readers to follow along without reading previous installments.