Where to Start with A.J. Kohler
If you are new to A.J. Kohler's writing, your starting point depends heavily on which genre you prefer. Kohler is a versatile author who has written in three distinct areas: grit-and-suspense mysteries, portal fantasy romances, and second-chance paranormal stories. For mystery lovers, the absolute best place to start is with No Third Choice, the debut novel that launched his popular Family series. If you prefer high-concept fantasy with romantic elements, begin with Amaranna, the opening volume of his Tales of the Rhadamantha series. For readers looking for a self-contained story about fate and second chances, the standalone novel Repeat is highly recommended.
The Family Series Reading Order
The Family series is Kohler's signature mystery saga. It blends classic private eye tropes with complex family dynamics, psychological tension, and a touch of action. The early books center on Amy Youngston, a private investigator who frequently gets tangled in the affairs of the powerful, secretive network known simply as the "Family."
We recommend reading these in publication order, as the events and character relationships build on one another:
- No Third Choice (2013): The novel that started it all. Amy Youngston is hired by the patriarch of the Family, Raymond Escarton Fields, to identify who is trying to murder him. As Amy digs deeper, she becomes trapped in a dangerous web of greed, secrets, and betrayal.
- No Other Choice (2014): The direct sequel to the debut. Amy returns to face the fallout of her previous investigation, dealing with higher stakes and even tighter suspense as the Family's internal power struggles escalate.
- Ripped in Two (2014): This installment shifts the focus slightly, following a determined detective named Reesa who is tracking a ruthless killer. It expands the scope of Kohler's mystery universe while maintaining the sharp prose and suspense of the earlier books.
Tales of the Rhadamantha
For readers who want to swap gritty investigator offices for magical realms, Kohler offers a unique portal fantasy series. This series mixes modern procedural elements with ancient magic.
- Amaranna (2020): Volume 1 of the Tales of the Rhadamantha. The story centers on Amaranna, a woman born with rare physical traits—green hair and green eyes—that signify she is a Rhadamantha, possessing innate magical powers that unlock for the first man she consents to be with. When the evil wizard Kallendor kidnaps her to steal this power, she uses her magic to summon help from another dimension, dragging a modern-day police officer named Mike into her cell. The book follows their escape and the clash between Mike's modern, logical mind and the magical world around him.
Standalone Novels and Collaborations
Kohler has also written popular standalone fiction, including collaborations with other authors in the mystery and romance communities:
- Repeat: A Love Story for the Ages (2017): This standalone paranormal romance is widely considered one of Kohler's most emotional works. It follows Paul and Angelina, former college lovers who reconnected later in life, only to suffer tragic losses. Given a miraculous opportunity to return to their youth while retaining all of their adult memories, they must navigate their second chance at life, trying to repair their past mistakes while keeping their love alive.
- The Magician (2023): Co-authored with Susan Lynn Solomon, this novel combines Kohler's signature suspense with Solomon's character-driven storytelling, offering a fresh take on magical realism and mystery.
Short Stories and Anthologies
To get a quick taste of Kohler's style before committing to a full series, you can check out his shorter works and anthology contributions:
- Once More, With Feeling (2016): A romantic novella that touches on themes of memory and second chances, serving as a stylistic precursor to his novel Repeat.
- Starting Over (2018): Another reflective short story focusing on characters rebuilding their lives after dramatic life upheavals.
- Let's Have Fun (2016): This anthology, published by Solstice Publishing, features short fiction from Kohler. Note that in some databases, this collection is also associated with or attributed to author K.C. Sprayberry, but it remains a key part of Kohler's early publishing footprint with Solstice.