Dennis Carstens Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Path

For readers diving into the legal thrillers of Dennis Carstens, the best place to start is at the very beginning of his signature series with The Key to Justice. Because the books follow the ongoing lives, relationships, and professional developments of defense attorney Marc Kadella, investigator Maddy Rivers, and streetwise ex-cop Tony Carvelli, reading the series in publication order is highly recommended.

While individual legal cases are wrapped up within each novel, the character growth, shifting dynamics, and overarching narratives build continuously. Starting mid-series might leave you confused about the personal histories of the recurring cast, particularly the evolving dynamic between Marc and Maddy.

The Marc Kadella Legal Mystery Series in Order

The Marc Kadella series is the core of Carstens' library. The books blend authentic courtroom procedures with fast-paced investigations. Below is the complete list of Marc Kadella novels in their recommended reading and publication order:

1. The Key to Justice (2012/2013): The debut novel where Marc Kadella defends a client framed for a serial killer's crimes, exposing corruption within the police department.
2. Desperate Justice (2013): High stakes mount as Marc represents a widely disliked local judge accused of murdering his wife.
3. Media Justice (2014): Inspired by real-life high-profile trials, this entry focuses on the sensationalist media storm surrounding a young mother accused of killing her child.
4. Certain Justice (2015): A case involving powerful local interests testing Marc's resolve and legal limits.
5. Personal Justice (2016): The danger hits home as Marc must protect his closest allies from a vengeful criminal entity.
6. Delayed Justice (2016): A cold case resurfaces, requiring Marc and Maddy to dig up long-buried secrets.
7. Political Justice (2017): Marc is pulled into a high-level conspiracy where courtroom tactics clash with political survival.
8. Insider Justice (2018): A deep dive into corporate espionage, white-collar crime, and financial corruption.
9. Exquisite Justice (2018): Tackling complex societal issues, this novel focuses on police misconduct and the drug trade.
10. Cult Justice (2019): Marc takes on a case involving a dangerous cult, putting himself and his team in the crosshairs.
11. Maddy's Justice (2020): This entry puts investigator Maddy Rivers in the spotlight, highlighting her investigator skills and past.
12. Twisted Justice (2021): A web of lies forces Marc to question the innocence of a client he has sworn to defend.
13. Fortuitous Justice (2022): A complex murder trial where luck and legal maneuvering collide in unexpected ways.
14. Duplicitous Justice (2023): Betrayals and double-dealings test the trust between Marc, Maddy, and Tony.
15. Retributive Justice (2023): Marc defends a client whose motive appears to be cold-blooded revenge, raising deep moral questions.
16. Conspiracy Justice (2024): High-ranking officials attempt to cover up a major crime, forcing Marc to risk everything for the truth.
17. Envious Justice (2024): A case of professional envy turns deadly, leading to a dramatic courtroom showdown.
18. Precise Justice (2025): A meticulously planned crime requires Marc and Maddy to find the smallest oversight to save their client.
19. Reprieved Justice (2025): The nineteenth book in the series, continuing Marc Kadella's legal exploits in the Twin Cities.

Standalone Novels

If you want a break from the courtroom drama of the Twin Cities, Dennis Carstens has penned two standalone novels that explore different eras and genres:

• Swingate: A Novel of London When Britain Stood Alone (2020): A historical fiction novel set during World War II, following the lives and struggles of people living in London during the Blitz.
• Red Star Rising: A Novel of America's Future (2023): A speculative thriller looking at a near-future United States navigating political and global crises.

Non-Fiction Works

Before his fiction career, Dennis Carstens drew on his experiences to write non-fiction. These books show a different side of the author's writing style:

• The IRS Gets An A** Kicking (2013): A guide detailing strategies and stories about confronting tax authorities.
• A Basket of Deplorables: What I Saw Inside the Clinton White House (2020): Co-authored with the late Linda Tripp, this book presents Tripp's behind-the-scenes account of the Clinton administration.

What to Know Before You Start

Dennis Carstens brings real-world credibility to his legal thrillers. Having graduated with a J.D. from the William Mitchell College of Law and worked as a criminal defense attorney in Minneapolis, Carstens ensures that his legal procedures, courtroom dynamics, and defense strategies are accurate. Additionally, his time as an intelligence analyst for the National Security Agency (NSA) and his service in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War era heavily inform the investigative and political elements of his stories.

Readers should expect a gritty, direct tone with realistic depictions of defense work. Marc Kadella is not a flawless superhero; he is a hardworking attorney who often deals with unsavory clients, systemic corruption, and personal vulnerabilities. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul serve as a vibrant, realistic backdrop for the entire series.