B.J. Bourg Books in Order

Where to Start Reading B.J. Bourg

B.J. Bourg has crafted a rich, atmospheric universe set primarily in the bayous and small towns of Louisiana. Drawing from his real-world experiences as a former police sniper, SWAT officer, and chief investigator, his novels deliver authentic procedures alongside gripping suspense. For readers new to his work, there are three primary paths to choose from depending on your favorite mystery subgenres:

• The Clint Wolf Series: Start with But Not Forgotten. This is Bourg's flagship series, blending small-town mystery, police procedurals, and character-driven drama. It is best read in strict publication order.
• The London Carter Series: Start with James 516. This series is a great fit for readers who prefer high-octane thriller action, centering around a skilled police sniper dealing with high-stakes investigations.
• The Magnolia Parish Series: Start with Hollow Crib. If you want a quick, atmospheric, and psychological introduction to Bourg's writing, this two-book detective series is the perfect entry point.

The Clint Wolf Mystery Series in Order

The Clint Wolf series is set in the fictional, swampy town of Mechant Loup, Louisiana. Clint Wolf is a former detective who traded his high-pressure city job to become the police chief of a seemingly quiet town. Alongside his deputy and eventual romantic partner, Susan Wilson, Clint finds himself solving complex murders and dealing with dark elements creeping into the bayou. Because of the ongoing character progression and overarching relationship storylines, readers should follow the publication order:

1. But Not Forgotten (2015)
2. But Not Forgiven (2016)
3. But Not Forsaken (2016)
4. But Not Forever (2017)
5. But Not For Naught (2018)
6. But Not Forbidden (2018)
7. But Not Forlorn (2018)
8. But Not Formidable (2018)
9. But Not For Love (2019)
10. But Not Forborne (2019)
11. But Not Forewarned (2019)
12. But Not Foreboding (2019)
13. But Not Forespoken (2020)
14. But Not For Blood (2020)
15. But Not Foreknown (2020)
16. But Not Fortuitous (2020)
17. But Not For Fear (2020)
18. But Not Foreseen (2021)
19. But Not For Lust (2021)
20. But Not Forspent (2021)
21. But Not Forsworn (2021)
22. But Not Foregone (2021)
23. But Not For Vengeance (2022)
24. But Not Foregathered (2022)
25. But Not Foredoomed (2022)
26. But Not Foretold (2022)
27. But Not Forfeited (2023)
28. But Not Forearmed (2023)
29. But Not For Fame (2024)
30. But Not Forthcoming (2024)
31. But Not For Justice (2024)
32. But Not For Wrath (2024)
33. But Not For Sacrifice (2025)
34. But Not For Profit (2025)
35. But Not Fordone (2025)
36. But Not For Cruelty (2026)
37. But Not Foreclosed (2026)
38. But Not For Honor (2026)

The London Carter and Magnolia Parish Shared Universe

Bourg’s thriller and mystery titles don’t just share a writer—they share an interconnected world. The Magnolia Parish duology and the London Carter series are closely linked by characters and timelines. While they can be read separately, experiencing them in chronological order maximizes the impact of character crossovers, particularly involving Detective Dawn Luke and police sniper London Carter.

Recommended Chronological Path for the Shared Universe:

1. Hollow Crib (2016) – Introducing Magnolia Parish Detective Brandon Berger as he investigates a chilling case of a missing newborn.
2. Hollow Bond (2016) – Follows Detective Dawn Luke in Magnolia Parish, serving as the direct narrative predecessor to the London Carter series.
3. James 516 (2014) – Though published earlier, the events in this award-winning thriller follow police sniper London Carter four years after the conclusion of Hollow Bond.
4. Proving Grounds (2017) – London Carter faces high-stakes tension when a survival game turns lethal.
5. Silent Trigger (2017) – Carter is targeted by an assassin who knows his every move.
6. Bullet Drop (2017) – A complex sniper investigation that forces Carter to push his tactical limits.
7. Elevation (2017) – Set in the Smoky Mountains, adding geographical variety to the typical Louisiana swamps.
8. Blood Rise (2017) – Originally intended as the conclusion to the original London Carter arc, resolving several major personal plotlines.
9. Rapture (2023) – The revival of the series, picking up with high-intensity sniper action.
10. Murderfield (2023) – Carter is pulled into a dark web of local conspiracies and murder.
11. The Seventh Taking (2015) – A standalone mountain mystery focusing on Abraham Wilson's search for his ex-girlfriend in Tennessee. Readers should read this before the next London Carter book.
12. Fearsome (2024) – The ninth London Carter novel, which directly incorporates plot elements and characters from The Seventh Taking.

Standalone Novels & Short Story Collections

If you need a break from the multi-book storylines of Clint Wolf or London Carter, Bourg offers standalone fiction that delivers the same level of grit and realism:

• The Seventh Taking (2015): A standalone mystery set in the Blue Summit Mountains of Tennessee. While it functions perfectly as an independent thriller, it serves as a critical tie-in for the London Carter series, particularly before reading Fearsome.
• Alive Into Hell (2016): A collection of short crime fiction stories. It showcases Bourg's ability to create fast-paced scenarios where ordinary people are pushed to the brink by extreme circumstances.

What to Know Before You Start

B.J. Bourg's writing stands out because of its commitment to realism. Unlike many crime writers who rely on dramatic license, Bourg draws from 27 years of active duty in law enforcement, including roles as a sniper leader and SWAT officer. This ensures that every tactical movement, firearm handling, and detective procedural detail is grounded in real-world protocols.

While the Clint Wolf series features lighthearted, humorous moments between Clint and Susan, the London Carter books lean heavily into high-octane action and intense psychological pressure. Readers should expect distinct shifts in tone between these series, even though they share the same gritty Louisiana backdrop.