Where to Start with Carolyn McCray
Carolyn McCray (the pen name for Cristyn West) is a prolific author who writes across a wide range of subgenres, including historical action-adventure, techno-thrillers, paranormal romance, and gritty serial killer mysteries. Because her catalog is so diverse, the best starting point depends heavily on your preferred genre flavor:
- For Historical Thriller Fans: Start with 30 Pieces of Silver, the first full-length novel in the Betrayed series. It features a fast-paced blend of ancient conspiracies, archaeology, and military action, perfect for fans of James Rollins or Dan Brown.
- For Techno-Thriller Fans: Start with the prequel short story Hacked or the first novel Encrypted in the Robin Hood Hacker series, featuring a digital robin hood stealing from corrupt corporations.
- For Gritty Police Procedurals: Start with 9th Circle, the first book in the Darc Murders series (co-authored with Ben Hopkin), which follows a serial killer recreating Dante's circles of Hell.
The Betrayed Series
The Betrayed series is McCray's most famous and expansive work. It follows a paleo-archaeologist and a Special Forces soldier as they investigate revisionist historical conspiracies and ancient mysteries. The series structure is uniquely divided into narrative 'cycles' that group books, novellas, and companion stories together.
Cycle One Reading Order
- Ambush (2012) - A prequel novella that sets up the high-stakes action.
- 30 Pieces of Silver (2012) - The breakout novel that officially kicks off the main storyline.
- Shiva (2012) - A fast-paced sequel continuing the archaeological race.
Cycle Two & Cycle Three Extensions
As the universe expanded, McCray added further cycles and spin-off stories. The list below represents the key milestones and entry points for the continuation of the universe:
- Collision (2014) - The primary entry point for Betrayed: 3rd Cycle.
- Caught (2014) - Kicks off the Bull's Eye Sniper Chronicles, a focused sniper military spin-off set within the same universe.
The Robin Hood Hacker Series
For readers who prefer computer hacking, corporate intrigue, and FBI chases, the Robin Hood Hacker series is a lighter, highly entertaining ride. It follows a hacker named Ronnie who diverts corporate funds to charities, and the FBI Special Agent, Zachary Hunt, who is tasked with hunting her down. The recommended order integrates the short bridge stories that connect the main novels:
- Hacked (2013) - The prequel story introducing Ronnie's early exploits.
- Encrypted (2013) - The official first novel.
- Binary (2013) - A short story bridge.
- Cipher (2013) - The second full-length novel.
- Zeroes (2013) - The next short story bridge.
- Code (2013) - The third novel in the main trilogy.
The Darc Murders Series
Co-authored with Ben Hopkin, this hard-boiled mystery series is darker and grittier than McCray's other works. It is built around complex psychological profiling and twisted crimes. The series is best read in publication order:
- 9th Circle (2012) - The debut mystery investigating a serial killer inspired by Dante's Inferno.
- Deceived (2012)
- Devious (2013)
- 7th Sin (2013)
- Carnal (2013)
- 5th Pentagram (2013)
- Sinister (2013)
- Devolved (2014) - Part of the Darc Murder Mysteries: 2nd Cycle.
The Nursery Rhyme Murders
Also co-authored with Ben Hopkin, this series consists of quick-read short stories that twist childhood nursery rhymes into macabre crimes. They were released in rapid succession and are frequently read as a single collection:
- Mary, Mary Quite Contrary (2014) - The prequel story.
- Humpty Dumpty (2013/2014)
- Old Woman in a Shoe (2014)
- All Fall Down (2014)
- Eenie, Meenie, Moe (2014)
- Jack & Jill (2014)
- Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater (2014)
Praxis: Blood Magic Series
This series showcases McCray's versatility, pivoting into paranormal romance and urban fantasy. It centers around Dr. Salista Calon and a world of magical bloodlines. Follow the chronological order to keep up with the lore:
- Blood Oath (2013) - Prequel short story.
- HeartsBlood (2010) - The first full novel in the series.
- Blood Ties (2013)
- Deadblood (2013)
- Blood Lines (2013) - A bridge story.
- Liveblood (2013)
- Blood letting (2013)
Other Series, Standalones, and Collections
Beyond her main thriller series, Carolyn McCray has written several shorter series, standalones, and targeted anthologies:
- Apex Predator Series: A creature-feature style thriller sequence starting with Bullies (2013) and continuing with Salechii (2013).
- Rapid Response: Action-heavy international thrillers including Turkmenistan Take-Down (2014) and Insurgency (2014).
- Standalone Novels: McCray's standalone novels offer distinct breaks from her serial stories. Notable works include the historical mystery Indian Moon (2008), the thriller Fated (2011), the holiday mystery A Christmas Tail (2013), and the historical thriller Mayflower Murders (2013).
- Harbinger Mystery Series: This includes the psychological thriller Plain Jane: Brunettes Beware (2010), originally published under the pen name Cristyn West, and its follow-up Anatomy (2013).