Where Should You Start Reading D.W. Ulsterman?
If you are new to D.W. Ulsterman's work, the absolute best starting point is The Writer, the Kindle Scout-winning debut of the San Juan Islands Mystery series. This series is Ulsterman's signature work, showcasing his talent for crafting cozy amateur-sleuth mysteries set against the atmospheric, misty backdrop of the Pacific Northwest. If you prefer high-stakes action and political intrigue over cozy mysteries, you should start with Dominatus, which kicks off the action-packed Mac Walker thriller series.
San Juan Islands Mystery Series Reading Order
This is D.W. Ulsterman's most popular and expansive series. It follows Adele Plank, a young journalist who untangles deadly secrets, murders, and ancient island mysteries. While each mystery is resolved within its respective book, it is highly recommended to read this series in order of publication to follow Adele's personal growth, relationship developments, and the evolving dynamics of the island community.
- The Writer (2016)
- Dark Waters (2016)
- Murder on Matia (2017)
- Rosario's Revenge (2017)
- Roche Harbor Rogue (2019)
- Turn Point Massacre (2020)
- Deadman Island (2021)
- The Truthing Tree (2022)
- The Book of Bloodbone (2023)
- The Walking Ones (2024)
- Anacortes Haunting (2024)
Note: The series continues beyond these releases with later installments, including Roland's Lament (2025), Fear in Fairhaven (2025), and Tilda (2026).
Mac Walker Thriller Series Reading Order
For readers who enjoy military thrillers, black ops, and political suspense, the Mac Walker series is a must-read. The books follow former Navy SEAL Mac Walker as he fights for liberty and survival. Although there are some short stories and companion pieces, the primary novels should be read in this order:
- Dominatus: Liberty. Freedom. Family. (2013)
- Tumultus (2013)
- Mac Walker's Betrayal (2013)
- Mac Walker's Regret (2014)
- Mac Walker's 40,000 Feet (2014)
- Mac Walker's American Jihad (2015)
The Benghazi Tie-in
Alongside the main Mac Walker books, Ulsterman published Mac Walker's Benghazi (2013) as a standalone companion novel. It fits best right after reading Tumultus or can be read as a standalone military adventure.
Bennington P.I. Series Reading Order
The Bennington P.I. books follow the classic investigations of a private investigator. These should be read in chronological publication order:
- The Second Oldest Profession (2013)
- Bonita (2014)
- Take Two and Call Me in The Morgue (2014)
- Illuminati (2014)
Montana Adventures Series Reading Order
The Montana Adventures series deviates from Ulsterman's mystery and thriller roots, delivering sweeping, character-driven dramas set in the heart of Montana. The series begins with the bestselling novel The Irish Cowboy and follows the lives of Hap Wilkes and other memorable local figures:
- The Irish Cowboy (2014)
- Savage (2018)
- Vaughn's Hill (2022)
Other Works and Standalones
If you want to sample Ulsterman's other writing style, he has also penned several other projects:
- Race Wars (Omnibus series): A futuristic, high-concept serialized thriller. Read Omnibus One (Seasons 1-5) (2015) followed by Omnibus Two (Seasons 6-10) (2016).
- The Bowman Boys (The Sultan Saga): Published in 2018, this book is a standalone drama.
- Mr. Diaz's Revenge: A standalone thriller novel published in 2018.
- The Freeze: A dystopian thriller series started in 2023.