A.J. Aalto Books in Order

Where to Start Reading A.J. Aalto's Books

If you are new to the quirky, spooky, and highly addictive world of Canadian author A.J. Aalto, the absolute best starting point is Touched (2011), the first novel in The Marnie Baranuik Files. This series follows Marnie Baranuik, a forensic psychic and certified DaySitter who helps the FBI solve complex, supernatural crimes. Because the series features continuous character growth, evolving relationships, and overarching plotlines—particularly involving Marnie's partnership with the enigmatic vampire Lord Guy Harrick—reading the books in sequence is highly recommended.

While Aalto has written a standalone thriller, her primary focus is the supernatural adventures of Marnie. To get the complete narrative experience, you will want to weave her full-length novels with her "Between the Files" novellas and short stories, which expand on the characters' histories and bridge the gaps between major cases.

The Marnie Baranuik Files: Recommended Reading Order

Although the publication order closely aligns with chronological events, the introduction of several novellas means a hybrid reading order is the most satisfying way to experience the saga. Reading the shorter stories in their chronological slots prevents minor spoilers and keeps the timeline of Marnie's personal development intact.

Here is the recommended reading path for the Marnie Baranuik Files:

1. Touched (2011) – Novel #1
2. Death Rejoices (2013) – Novel #2
3. Cold Company (2013) – Novella (Book 2.5)
4. Dirt Nap (2013) – Novella (Book 2.6)
5. Last Impressions (2014) – Novel #3
6. Deadhead (2016) – Novella (Book 3.5)
7. Wrath & Bones (2015) – Novel #4
8. Blightmare (2017) – Novel #5
9. Stiff Competition (2017) – Novella (Book 5.5)
10. Kindred Spirits (2021) – Novel #6
11. Grave Mistakes (2022) – Novella / Short Story
12. Grave Dealings (2022) – Novella / Short Story
13. Dear Departed (2024) – Novella / Short Story

Detailed Breakdown of the Marnie Baranuik Files

The Main Novels

• Touched (2011): The book that started it all. Readers meet Marnie Baranuik, an abrasive, brilliant forensic psychic who has dual talents. Exiled to a quiet lodge in Colorado after a disastrous encounter in her past, Marnie is dragged back into active duty by the FBI when a serial killer with supernatural ties starts making waves. Here, we are also introduced to Guy Harrick, an ancient vampire who becomes a core figure in Marnie's chaotic life.
• Death Rejoices (2013): Marnie's skills are put to the test when she is called to investigate a series of bizarre murders in a snowy mountain community. She must deal with a rising body count, local hostility, and the increasingly complicated demands of her supernatural associates.
• Last Impressions (2014): Following the dramatic events of the second book, Marnie struggles with physical and mental trauma. Despite her precarious state, she has to navigate a deadly web of political intrigue within the supernatural community while dealing with ghosts, ghouls, and personal betrayals.
• Wrath & Bones (2015): Taking a darker turn, this novel plunges Marnie into a dangerous conflict that threatens her allies. As the magical stakes escalate, she has to make difficult choices about who to trust and how far she is willing to go to protect those she loves.
• Blightmare (2017): The fifth novel sees Marnie facing a massive threat that targets both the mortal and immortal realms. Filled with Aalto's trademark snark and high-octane magic, this installment accelerates the series' overall story arc.
• Kindred Spirits (2021): After a long wait, Marnie returns to face old enemies and resolve long-standing mysteries. The novel deepens the lore of the DaySitters and explores the long-term consequences of Marnie's choices.

The "Between the Files" Novellas and Stories

• Cold Company (2013) & Dirt Nap (2013): These short stories take place in the immediate aftermath of Death Rejoices. They offer quick, fun mysteries that flesh out Marnie's day-to-day operations and her evolving dynamic with her companions.
• Deadhead (2016): Set between Last Impressions and Wrath & Bones, this story provides essential transition context, showing how Marnie handles the fallout of her previous cases.
• Stiff Competition (2017): Placed after Blightmare, this novella provides a lighthearted yet action-packed bridge before the events of Kindred Spirits.
• Grave Mistakes (2022) & Grave Dealings (2022): Published back-to-back, these stories continue Marnie's adventures in the wake of the major shifts that occurred in Kindred Spirits.
• Dear Departed (2024): The latest entry in the shorter fiction collection, keeping fans connected to Marnie's supernatural investigations.

A.J. Aalto's Standalone Works

For readers who want to experience A.J. Aalto's writing style outside of the Marnie Baranuik universe, she has penned a few standalone pieces:

Closet Full of Bones (2017)

Unlike her urban fantasy books, Closet Full of Bones is a standalone thriller. It highlights Aalto's background in criminal psychology and biology, offering a grounded, suspenseful mystery that showcases her narrative versatility. It is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy psychological suspense and forensic investigation without paranormal elements.

Serving One's Guests At Shaw's Fist (2016)

Subtitled A Gentleman's Secrets, this is a standalone short story that exists outside the main Marnie timeline. While shorter and less prominent than her novels, it highlights her gift for witty dialogue and engaging character interactions.

What to Know Before You Start

A.J. Aalto's style is characterized by a balance of gritty horror and laugh-out-loud snark. Marnie is not a traditional, polite protagonist; she is sarcastic, deeply flawed, and frequently acts before she thinks. However, her fierce loyalty to her friends and her vulnerability make her incredibly endearing.

Readers should be prepared for explicit humor, violence, and romantic tension that builds slowly across multiple books. The magic system is unique, blending traditional folklore with Aalto's custom terminology, such as the concept of "DaySitters" (mortals who manage and protect vampires during daylight hours).