Christopher Greyson Books in Order

How to Read the Detective Jack Stratton Series

The Detective Jack Stratton series is Christopher Greyson's signature work, blending detective mystery, pulse-pounding action, and lighthearted humor. When it comes to diving into Jack Stratton's world, readers have two primary paths to choose from: Publication Order and Chronological Order.

Option 1: Publication Order (Recommended)

For most readers, starting with the book that launched Greyson's career is the best approach. Reading in publication order allows you to experience the evolution of Jack's relationship with his partner, Alice (Jill), and how the author's writing style develops over time. In this order, the prequel is read later as a flashback that fills in crucial backstories.

1. Girl Jacked (2013)
2. Jack Knifed (2013)
3. Jacks Are Wild (2014)
4. Jack and the Giant Killer (2014)
5. Data Jack (2015)
6. And Then She Was Gone (Prequel - 2016)
7. Jack of Hearts (2017)
8. Jack Frost (2018)
9. Jack of Diamonds (2019)
10. Captain Jack (2021)
11. Jack of Spades (2022)
12. Jack & Jill and the Blue Light Killer (2024)

Option 2: Chronological Reading Order

If you prefer to follow Jack's life in a straight line from the very beginning, you should start with the prequel. This book details the formative, tragic event of Jack's past before he becomes the seasoned investigator we meet in the main series.

1. And Then She Was Gone (Prequel - 2016)
2. Girl Jacked (2013)
3. Jack Knifed (2013)
4. Jacks Are Wild (2014)
5. Jack and the Giant Killer (2014)
6. Data Jack (2015)
7. Jack of Hearts (2017)
8. Jack Frost (2018)
9. Jack of Diamonds (2019)
10. Captain Jack (2021)
11. Jack of Spades (2022)
12. Jack & Jill and the Blue Light Killer (2024)

The Girl Who Lived Series

Faith Winters is one of Greyson's most beloved and complex protagonists. The first novel in this psychological thriller series won major accolades, including the IPPY Award. It follows Faith as she struggles with trauma and the search for the killer who took her family.

• The Girl Who Lived (2017)
• The Girl Who Lived 2 (2024)

Kiku - Yakuza Assassin Series

For readers who enjoy international action, this series delivers high-octane thrills. It centers on Kiku Inuzuka, an orphan raised by the Yakuza who is trained to become a deadly assassin but fights to protect the innocent.

1. A Beautiful Place to Die (2022)
2. Kindle the Fires of War (2022)
3. Dance of Death (2022)

The Adventures of Finn and Annie Books

This series features shorter, cozy mystery cases centering on Finn, a veteran turned investigator, and Annie, a deaf videographer. The books are quick, lighthearted puzzles that should be read in order of release to appreciate their relationship growth.

1. The Case of the Attic Door (2019)
2. The Case of the Dropped Groceries (2019)
3. The Case of the Wayward Ride (2019)
4. The Case of the Phantom Pet (2019)
5. The Case of the Disappearing Diamond (2019)
6. The Case of Raining Nails (2019)
7. The Case of a Mouse in my Soup (2019)
8. The Case of the Missing Gift (2019)
9. The Case of The Slippery Dog (2019)
10. The Case of Lightning Strikes Twice (2020)
11. The Case of the Hot Car (2021)
12. The Case of the Fast Crook (2022)
13. The Case of the Lost Toys (2023)
14. The Case of the Murder at the Zoo (2023)

The Dark Series

A post-apocalyptic mystery series detailing the struggles of survivors in a world where modern technology has collapsed overnight.

1. The Dark 1 (2023)
2. The Dark 2 (2023)
3. The Dark 3 (2024)

Standalone Novels

If you want a complete, self-contained thriller or mystery without committing to a full series, Christopher Greyson has written several standalone titles:

• Pure of Heart (2015)
• One Little Lie (2021)
• The Woman Beneath the Stairs (2024)

What to Know Before You Start

Christopher Greyson's books feature a signature blend of suspense, warmth, and tight pacing. While the Jack Stratton mysteries can technically be read as standalones since each book resolves its main crime, the overarching relationship between Jack and Jill develops significantly. Readers who skip around will miss this key character progression. Additionally, the author has noted that his universes are loosely connected, with characters occasionally crossing over or referencing events in other books.