Aimee Thurlo Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Aimee Thurlo's Novels

For readers new to Aimee Thurlo's expansive catalog of Southwestern mysteries, the best starting point is undoubtedly the Ella Clah Mysteries. Starting with Blackening Song (1995), this series represents the pinnacle of her collaborative writing with her husband, David Thurlo. It provides the perfect introduction to their signature blend of modern law enforcement procedurals and rich Navajo cultural traditions.

If you prefer a lighter, cozy mystery style, begin with the Sister Agatha Mysteries, starting with Bad Faith (2002). For fans of urban fantasy or paranormal romance, the Lee Nez Navajo Vampire series, starting with Second Sunrise (2002), offers a unique supernatural twist on the Southwestern law enforcement procedural.

The Flagship Series: Ella Clah Mysteries

The Ella Clah series is the Thurlos' most famous work, spanning 18 books. The novels follow a former FBI agent who returns to the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico to serve as a special investigator for the tribal police. Throughout the series, Ella must balance modern forensic science with the traditional beliefs of her people, often clashing with traditionalists and modernists alike.

While the books can generally be read as standalone investigations, the overarching character development, family dynamics, and romantic subplots develop sequentially. Therefore, reading them in publication order is highly recommended:

1. Blackening Song (1995)
2. Death Walker (1996)
3. Bad Medicine (1997)
4. Enemy Way (1998)
5. Shooting Chant (2000)
6. Red Mesa (2001)
7. Changing Woman (2002)
8. Plant Them Deep (2003) - Note: This book is a companion novel focusing on Ella's mother, Rose Destea, rather than Ella herself.
9. Tracking Bear (2003)
10. Wind Spirit (2004)
11. White Thunder (2005)
12. Mourning Dove (2006)
13. Turquoise Girl (2007)
14. Coyote's Wife (2008)
15. Earthway (2009)
16. Neverending Snake (2010)
17. Black Thunder (2011)
18. Ghost Medicine (2013)

Cozy Mysteries: Sister Agatha Series

For readers who enjoy classic cozy mysteries with unique protagonists, the Sister Agatha series is an ideal choice. Sister Agatha (formerly Mary Naughton, a journalism professor) is an "extern" nun at Our Lady of Hope monastery in New Mexico. Because she is not cloistered, she acts as the monastery's liaison to the outside world, solving local crimes on her Heritage Classic Harley-Davidson motorcycle accompanied by Pax, a retired police German shepherd. This six-book series should be read in publication order:

1. Bad Faith (2002)
2. Thief in Retreat (2004)
3. Prey for a Miracle (2006)
4. False Witness (2007)
5. The Prodigal Nun (2008)
6. Bad Samaritan (2009)

Supernatural Thrills: Lee Nez (Navajo Vampire) Series

In this four-book urban fantasy series, the Thurlos introduce Lee Nez (also known as Leo Hawke), a Navajo vampire cop who was turned during World War II. Working alongside FBI agent Diane Lopez, Lee protects the Southwest from supernatural threats, skinwalkers, and rogue nightwalkers while keeping his own condition a closely guarded secret. Read them in order:

1. Second Sunrise (2002)
2. Blood Retribution (2004)
3. Pale Death (2005)
4. Surrogate Evil (2006)

Southwestern Suspense and Romantic Series

Aimee Thurlo was incredibly prolific, writing multiple shorter romantic suspense series, many of which were published under Harlequin imprints. These series are typically set in New Mexico and feature law enforcement officers, search-and-rescue teams, and Navajo protagonists.

Brotherhood of Warriors

This series centers on a group of Navajo elite soldiers returning home to face personal and professional challenges. While the publication order starts in 2007, some chronological lists place the fourth book first as a prequel:

• Publication Order:
  1. Council of Fire (2007)
  2. Restless Wind (2007)
  3. Stargazer's Woman (2008)
  4. Navajo Courage (2009)
  5. The Shadow (2009)
• Chronological Order:
  1. Navajo Courage (2009)
  2. Council of Fire (2007)
  3. Restless Wind (2007)
  4. Stargazer's Woman (2008)
  5. The Shadow (2009)

Copper Canyon Series

A romantic suspense series focused on the search-and-rescue personnel and deputies of Copper Canyon, New Mexico:

1. Winter Hawk's Legend (2011)
2. Power of the Raven (2012)
3. Secrets of the Lynx (2012)
4. Falcon's Run (2013)
5. Undercover Warrior (2014)
6. Eagle's Last Stand (2014)

Navajo Rez (Trading Post) Mysteries

This series features Josephine "Jo" Buck, who works at a Navajo Reservation trading post and becomes involved in solving local crimes:

1. A Time of Change (2013)
2. Looking Through Darkness (2017)

Charlie Henry Mysteries

Following a former Army intelligence officer who runs a pawn shop near the Navajo Reservation, this series began as a co-authored project. Following Aimee's passing in 2014, David continued the series solo:

1. The Pawnbroker (2014)
2. Grave Consequences (2015)
3. Rob Thy Neighbor (2016)
4. Kill the Heroes (2017)

What to Know Before You Start

Almost all of Aimee Thurlo's mystery and suspense novels were co-authored with her husband, David Thurlo. David's upbringing in New Mexico and deep connections to the Navajo community provided the rich cultural authenticity that defines their novels, while Aimee's background as an outsider helped make the culture accessible to general readers. Aimee passed away in 2014, after which David completed their remaining joint projects and continued writing standalone stories within their established worlds.