How to Read Andrew G. Nelson’s Books
Andrew G. Nelson’s background as a retired NYPD sergeant and 9/11 first responder infuses his mystery and crime thrillers with a level of realism and detail that few authors can match. His two primary fictional series—the James Maguire books and the Alex Taylor books—take place within a shared universe, with characters crossing over between NYPD precincts and New England settings. To get the absolute most out of the overarching character development and world-building, we recommend reading his fiction by series, starting with his debut.
The Recommended Starting Path
The best place to start is with the James Maguire Series, beginning with Perfect Pawn (2013). This novel serves as the author's debut and establishes the foundational NYPD universe that Nelson builds upon in subsequent series. Because James Maguire is the former police partner of Alex Taylor, starting here provides the necessary context for their dynamic and Taylor's history when she eventually spins off into her own series.
If you prefer a change of scenery from the concrete streets of New York to the quiet, eerie landscapes of New England, you can start with the Alex Taylor Series, beginning with Small Town Secrets (2014). While you will miss some of the early back-story involving her partner, the series is designed to stand on its own as a gripping police procedural.
For readers who enjoy bite-sized, fast-paced procedural investigations, the Detective Angelo Antonucci Cold Case Series, beginning with The Katherine White Murder (2015), offers excellent standalone novellas that require no prior knowledge of the other series.
James Maguire Series in Publication Order
The James Maguire series follows a former Navy SEAL and retired NYPD detective who finds himself drawn back into investigative work. The series is characterized by its chess-themed titles and high-stakes suspense. Reading them in publication order is highly recommended to follow the main character's personal arc and changing relationship with the NYPD.
- Perfect Pawn (2013) – Maguire returns to his hometown to search for a missing high school sweetheart, only to uncover a web of local corruption and secrets.
- Queen's Gambit (2014) – The stakes rise as Maguire is pulled into a deadly game of strategy and survival.
- Bishop's Gate (2015) – A complex investigation that tests Maguire's connections within law enforcement and his tactical Navy SEAL training.
- Knight Fall (2016) – Maguire faces a relentless adversary in a race against the clock.
- Glass Castle (2019) – A deeper dive into corporate and political conspiracy where the lines between ally and enemy blur.
- Shadow Strike (2024) – The latest entry, bringing Maguire back to face his most personal and dangerous threat yet.
Alex Taylor Series in Publication Order
Following a seasoned NYPD officer who moves to the seemingly quiet Adirondacks and New Hampshire area to escape her personal demons, the Alex Taylor series blends rural suspense with hard-boiled police procedure. James Maguire occasionally assists her, making this series a natural companion to the Maguire books.
- Small Town Secrets (2014) – Taylor relocates to New England, but her hope for a quiet life is shattered when a local murder forces her to use her NYPD training.
- Little Boy Lost (2015) – A tense investigation involving a missing child that tests Taylor's resilience and local alliances.
- Brooklyn Bounce (2017) – Taylor is drawn back to her old stomping grounds in New York City, bridging the rural and urban settings of Nelson's universe.
- The Killing Game (2022) – A deadly confrontation that pushes Taylor to the brink of her professional and personal limits.
Detective Angelo Antonucci Cold Case Series
This series consists of shorter novellas focusing on Detective Angelo Antonucci, a dedicated investigator with the NYPD's Cold Case Squad. These stories focus heavily on the procedural details of solving long-buried crimes under intense political and public scrutiny.
- The Katherine White Murder (Case #13-098) (2015) – Antonucci is tasked with re-investigating the decade-old murder of a politically connected woman, challenging the official story of a serial killer's work.
- The Rosary Bead Murders (Case #14-102) (2018) – A haunting investigation into a series of ritualistic, unsolved killings that stretch back years.
- The Crazy 8 Cowboys (Case #15-003) (2021) – Antonucci tackles a complex cold case involving a notorious gang and hidden criminal enterprises.
Supernatural & Anthological Departures
Aside from his gritty, realistic police procedurals, Nelson has occasionally experimented with speculative and supernatural elements.
The Crystal Coven Saga
With Awakening (2020), Nelson takes a step into the paranormal. The story follows Detective Karl Sigurdsson, whose routine homicide investigation takes a dark, fantastical turn when his girlfriend becomes the prime suspect. Sigurdsson is pulled into a secret world of vampires and ancient power struggles, blending classic procedural investigation with dark fantasy.
Anthology Contributions
The anthology Dark Magic: Witches, Hackers, & Robots (2016) is a collection of speculative fiction stories. While some online databases attribute this work to Andrew G. Nelson, it is important to note that this is a sci-fi/fantasy collection edited by Emma Nelson and Hannah Stiles Smith. Andrew G. Nelson's crime thriller catalog is distinct from this speculative anthology, though it is sometimes listed among his publications on various book tracking sites.
Non-Fiction Works
For readers interested in the real-world experiences that inspire Nelson's fiction, his non-fiction books provide an invaluable look into the NYPD and the impact of 9/11.
- Uncommon Valor: Insignia of the NYPD Emergency Service Unit (2015) – A comprehensive history and visual guide to the insignia of the elite NYPD ESU.
- Uncommon Valor II: Challenge Coins of the NYPD Emergency Service Unit (2017) – A follow-up volume focusing on the collecting culture and history of ESU challenge coins.
- Where Was God? An NYPD First Responder's Search for Answers Following the Terror Attack of September 11th, 2001 (2018) – A deeply personal reflection on the spiritual and emotional toll of serving as a first responder during and after the 9/11 attacks.
What to Know Before You Start
Because Andrew G. Nelson spent two decades in the NYPD—including time in the Intelligence Division—his procedurals contain accurate terminology, realistic administrative hurdles, and authentic investigative techniques. Unlike many thriller protagonists who operate entirely outside the law, Nelson's detectives must navigate the realistic constraints of modern policing, giving the books a unique, grounded feel. If you enjoy authors like Michael Connelly, Ed McBain, or Harry Bosch's procedural realism, you will appreciate Nelson's attention to detail.