How to Start Joanne Walker’s Journey
If you are stepping into the mystical, rain-slicked streets of Seattle for the first time, there is really only one place to start: Urban Shaman. Unlike some urban fantasy series where the early books can be read as loose standalones, C.E. Murphy builds a highly serialized narrative. Joanne Walker’s evolution from a reluctant, beat-cop mechanic to a full-fledged shaman is a continuous character arc. Skipping books or reading out of order will leave you highly confused about her relationships, her growing magical abilities, and the overarching threat of the antagonist known as the Master.
We highly recommend following the chronological reading order. While the publication order is very close, reading the short stories and novellas where they fit chronologically helps smooth out the timeline. For example, reading the novella Banshee Cries right after Urban Shaman provides critical early character development before the high-stakes action of Thunderbird Falls kicks off.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
For the most part, C.E. Murphy wrote the Walker Papers in a linear fashion. However, several short stories, anthologies, and crossovers were published out of sequence or re-released years later. This can create confusion, especially with the novella Banshee Cries (which takes place early on but was republished individually later) and the crossover novella Easy Pickings.
The Standard Publication Order
If you prefer to read the books exactly as they were released to the public, here is the order to follow:
- Urban Shaman (2005)
- Thunderbird Falls (2006)
- Coyote Dreams (2007)
- Walking Dead (2009)
- Demon Hunts (2010)
- Spirit Dances (2011)
- Raven Calls (2012)
- Easy Pickings (2012) - Crossover novella co-authored with Faith Hunter.
- Mountain Echoes (2013)
- Rabbit Tricks (2014) - Supplemental short story.
- Shaman Rises (2014)
- Banshee Cries (2020) - Standalone ebook release (originally published in the 2005 Winter Moon anthology).
The Recommended Chronological Order
To experience Joanne’s life as it unfolds chronologically—integrating the side stories, crossovers, and collections naturally—use this order instead:
- Urban Shaman (Book 1)
- Banshee Cries (Book 1.5) - Set immediately after the events of the first book.
- Thunderbird Falls (Book 2)
- Coyote Dreams (Book 3)
- Walking Dead (Book 4) - Also published under the title Cauldron Borne in some markets.
- Demon Hunts (Book 5)
- Spirit Dances (Book 6)
- Raven Calls (Book 7)
- Mountain Echoes (Book 8)
- Shaman Rises (Book 9)
- Easy Pickings (Book 9.5) - Crossover featuring Jane Yellowrock, set late in the timeline.
- Rabbit Tricks - Supplemental story that can be read as a fun coda to the main series.
Deep Dive: The Nine Core Novels
The core of the Walker Papers is a nine-book epic. In Urban Shaman, Joanne Walker is a Seattle cop who, during a flight back from her mother’s funeral, witnesses a murder from the air and finds herself thrust into a magical world she never knew existed. She must quickly learn to harness Cherokee shamanic magic and Celtic mythology to survive the Wild Hunt. Thunderbird Falls and Coyote Dreams build on this foundation, introducing more complex Native American spirit guides (like Coyote) and forcing Joanne to deal with the deadly consequences of her awakening magic.
As the series progresses into Walking Dead (alternatively titled Cauldron Borne) and Demon Hunts, the stakes escalate from local Seattle issues to threats that span the shamanic Lower World. Joanne faces serial killers, ancient Celtic deities, and personal losses that shape her resolve. By the time readers reach Spirit Dances, Raven Calls, and Mountain Echoes, the series enters its endgame phase, dealing directly with the machinations of the Master. The saga reaches its dramatic conclusion in Shaman Rises, which wraps up Joanne's major character arc and resolves the central conflict.
The Side Stories, Crossovers, and Collections
C.E. Murphy expanded the Walker Papers universe beyond the novels through several key pieces of short fiction. Understanding where these fit will enrich your reading experience:
- Banshee Cries: Originally appearing in the 2005 anthology Winter Moon (alongside stories by Mercedes Lackey and Tanith Lee), this story deals with a banshee in Seattle. Chronologically, it bridges the gap between books one and two, showing Joanne adjusting to her new dual life.
- Easy Pickings: This 2012 crossover novella is a treat for urban fantasy fans. Co-authored by Faith Hunter, it features Joanne Walker crossing paths with Jane Yellowrock. It is a fun, action-packed collision of two major urban fantasy universes.
- No Dominion (2012/2013): This collection focuses heavily on Gary Muldoon, the sarcastic taxi driver who becomes Joanne’s loyal ally. It explores his tragic backstory, including the loss of his wife Annie, and features a series of short stories and 'Garrison Reports' that build out the broader lore of the universe.
- Rabbit Tricks: Initially released online, this quick short story offers another glimpse into the mystical challenges surrounding Joanne and her friends, providing a lighthearted break from the heavy main storyline.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the series, it is helpful to understand its unique flavor. The Walker Papers was launched during the mid-2005 urban fantasy boom, but it distinguished itself by moving away from traditional vampire and werewolf tropes. Instead, C.E. Murphy weaves a complex tapestry of Cherokee shamanism and Celtic paganism. Joanne's dual heritage (Cherokee and Irish) serves as the perfect thematic bridge for these two rich mythological traditions.
The tone of the books is fast-paced, snarky, and deeply rooted in its Seattle setting. Expect a lot of local flavor, from the damp Pacific Northwest weather to the gritty underbelly of the city's police departments. While the series deals with dark themes and high-stakes magic, Joanne’s practical, blue-collar cop attitude keeps the narrative grounded and highly entertaining.