Where to Start Reading Al Roker
For most readers, the best place to start is with Al Roker's fiction debut, The Morning Show Murders (2009). This book introduces Billy Blessing, a charismatic celebrity chef and New York City restaurant owner who finds himself caught up in a high-profile murder investigation. Because the fictional mysteries build slightly on Billy's personal and professional relationships, reading them in order of publication provides the most rewarding narrative arc.
If you prefer narrative non-fiction, you should start with The Storm of the Century (2015). This meticulously researched book tells the dramatic true story of the 1900 Galveston hurricane, widely considered the deadliest natural disaster in United States history. It highlights Roker's talent for combining historical research with compelling, human-centered storytelling.
The Billy Blessing / Morning Show Mysteries Series
Co-authored with veteran mystery writer Dick Lochte for the first three installments, and later with Matt Costello for the fourth, this cozy mystery series blends insider television knowledge with culinary themes. The protagonist, Billy Blessing, handles the heat in both the kitchen and the criminal underworld.
1. The Morning Show Murders (2009)
Billy Blessing is the popular food segment host on a network morning show. When a network executive is poisoned by a dish sent from Billy's restaurant, Billy becomes the prime suspect. To clear his name, he must investigate the dark side of television broadcasting and find the real killer.
2. The Midnight Show Murders (2010)
In this second installment, Billy is invited to help launch a late-night talk show in Los Angeles. Before long, a veteran Hollywood press agent is murdered, and Billy is drawn back into sleuthing, navigating the superficial and dangerous culture of West Coast show business.
3. The Talk Show Murders (2011)
The mystery moves to the daytime talk show circuit. When a controversial host is killed live on air, Billy is once again at the center of the storm. He must unravel a complex web of studio politics, ratings wars, and old grudges to stop a clever murderer.
4. Murder on Demand (2024)
Following a thirteen-year hiatus, the series returned in 2024 with a new co-author, Matt Costello. Billy Blessing has relocated to the quiet coastal town of Greenport, Long Island, seeking a peaceful life running a local bistro. However, when a local developer is murdered and the town's dark secrets begin to surface, Billy is pulled out of retirement to solve a new case.
The Hallmark TV Adaptations
In 2018, the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel adapted the books into the popular Morning Show Mysteries television movie franchise. The films star Holly Robinson Peete as the main character, who was adapted into a female protagonist named Billie Blessings. Al Roker served as an executive producer for the series and made several cameo appearances as himself. The films took significant creative liberties with the plots of the novels, meaning readers can enjoy both the books and the movies as distinct experiences.
Al Roker's Non-Fiction and Memoirs
Roker's non-fiction works are diverse, spanning historical accounts, personal reflections, parenting advice, and wellness books. They offer a direct window into his life, career, and personal interests.
Disaster Histories
- The Storm of the Century (2015): A detailed, narrative history of the Great Gulf Hurricane of 1900 that devastated Galveston, Texas, exploring the meteorology of the storm and the survival stories of the residents.
- Ruthless Tide (2018): This book covers the Johnstown Flood of 1889, focusing on the human errors, elite negligence at the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, and the heroic rescue efforts that followed the disaster.
Memoirs and Personal Growth
- Don't Make Me Stop This Car! (2000): Roker's humorous and touching reflections on fatherhood, family life, and raising children in the public eye.
- Big Shoes (2005): A collection of essays and stories from various contributors, compiled by Roker, honoring the influence of fathers and father figures.
- Never Goin' Back (2012): A candid memoir tracking Roker's lifelong struggle with weight, his decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery, and his journey toward maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Been There, Done That (2016): Co-written with his wife, ABC News journalist Deborah Roberts, this book shares their perspectives on marriage, careers, parenting, and balancing family commitments.
- You Look So Much Better in Person (2020): A collection of career advice, personal anecdotes, and lessons Roker learned over decades in television, structured around the power of saying "yes."
Cookbooks and Lifestyle Guides
As a passionate home cook and food enthusiast, Roker has authored several books sharing his favorite family recipes and hosting tips.
- Al Roker's Big Bad Book of Barbecue (2002): A guide to outdoor grilling, featuring recipes for meats, sauces, sides, and Roker's personal grilling secrets.
- Al Roker's Hassle-Free Holiday Cookbook (2003): A collection of stress-free recipes designed for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other major celebrations.
- Made With Love: The Meals On Wheels Family Cookbook (2012): An anthology compiled by Roker, containing recipes and stories from various celebrities and volunteers supporting the Meals on Wheels program.
- Al Roker's Recipes to Live By (2024): Co-authored with his daughter Courtney Roker Laga, this cookbook features treasured family recipes, comforting dishes, and stories from the Roker family kitchen.
Practical Reader Advice
The Billy Blessing books are straightforward cozy mysteries. While they can be read as standalones, it is recommended to read them in publication order to appreciate Billy's career progression and personal relationships. If you want to sample Roker's historical writing, The Storm of the Century and Ruthless Tide are completely independent of one another and can be read in any order. For fans of celebrity memoirs, Been There, Done That offers a balanced look at media careers and family life, while Never Goin' Back provides inspirational health advice.