Recommended Reading Order for Travel Writer Mystery
The Travel Writer Mystery series, penned by Jeff Soloway, is a delightful blend of armchair travel, cozy suspense, and self-deprecating humor. The series follows Jacob Smalls, a freelance travel writer who has a knack for finding trouble in some of the world's most spectacular destinations. To get the full experience of Jacob's character arc, relationship struggles, and personal development, it is highly recommended to read the books in order of publication.
Publication Order of the Travel Writer Mystery Series
Since the narrative timeline moves forward chronologically along with the publishing dates, the publication order is also the chronological order. Here is the list of books in the series:
- The Travel Writer (2014) – Jacob Smalls heads to a luxury resort in the Bolivian Andes. Hired by his ex-lover, Pilar Rojas, he is tasked with investigating the mysterious disappearance of a fellow American journalist.
- The Last Descent (2016) – Jacob travels to the Grand Canyon to research a piece, only to find himself embroiled in a murder investigation that he suspects is connected to a mob conspiracy, all while grieving the death of his former girlfriend, Jewel Rider.
- The Ex-President (2018) – Jacob takes to the seas on a Bahamas cruise headlined by a highly controversial ex-politician. When a suspicious death occurs on board, Jacob must navigate high-stakes tension and cruise-ship logistics to find the killer.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Jacob Smalls' adventures, it helps to understand the unique background of the author. Jeff Soloway is a former editor and writer for Frommer’s travel guides, which gave him firsthand experience with the real-world travel industry. He also worked as an executive editor for the Bloom’s Literature database. This background allowed him to write incredibly vivid, authentic descriptions of Bolivian eco-resorts, the dangerous trails of the Grand Canyon, and the ins and outs of travel journalism, while injecting a sharp, literary wit into the narrative.
The series was originally published under Random House's digital-first mystery imprint, Alibi, which was closed in 2021. Despite this, the books remain beloved cult favorites for fans of humorous cozy mysteries and environmental themes. Soloway has also won the Robert L. Fish Memorial Award from the Mystery Writers of America for his short story writing, showing his prowess in crafting tightly wound puzzles.
Can the Books Be Read as Standalones?
Yes, each book in the series features a self-contained mystery that is resolved by the end of the novel. If you happen to pick up The Last Descent or The Ex-President first, you won't be lost regarding the central detective plot. However, Jacob’s personal life, particularly his lingering feelings for his ex-partner and his emotional baggage from past relationships, develops across the three novels. Reading them in order provides a much richer understanding of his character growth and the running jokes that thread through his travel assignments.