Where to Start Reading Elijah R. Freeman
For readers diving into the raw, adrenaline-fueled street tales of Elijah R. Freeman, the absolute best starting point is his breakout trilogy, the Triggadale Series. Starting with Triggadale: Shots Fired introduces you to the high-stakes, fast-paced world of Riverdale, Georgia (reimagined as the trigger-happy "Triggadale"), and establishes the core themes of loyalty, street survival, and moral consequences that define Freeman's signature style.
If you prefer a standalone introduction to his writing before committing to a series, his debut novel, To Live With No One To Love (later released or adapted as The Hottest Summer Ever), offers an excellent entry point. It showcases his ability to write compelling, resilient characters navigating deadly circumstances outside of a multi-book continuity.
The Triggadale Trilogy Reading Order
The Triggadale series is Freeman's flagship work, focusing on Huncho, a trigger-happy young hustler, and the Southside Mafia as they navigate a brutal gang war and struggle for dominance. This series must be read in its chronological/publication order to understand the character development and overarching plot:
- Triggadale: Shots Fired (2019) – The explosive introduction where Huncho's actions ignite a violent turf war in Riverdale.
- Triggadale 2: Huncho's Way (2019) – A deeper look at Huncho as he tries to play a smarter, more calculated game to maintain his grip on power.
- Triggadale 3: Always Us, Never Them (2020) – The dramatic conclusion to the trilogy, raising the stakes on loyalty and betrayal.
Murda Was the Case Series
Moving away from the Triggadale crew, Freeman's next major series focuses on the "Young Boss" gang and members like Flip, J-Bo, and Ken. It explores the harsh realities of street life and the tight-knit bonds needed to survive it. Follow this order:
- Hush Money (2021) (also known as Murda Was the Case: Hush Money) – Introduces the crew and the financial temptations of the game.
- Never Forget Loyalty (2022) (also known as Murda Was the Case 2: Never Forget Loyalty) – Tests the trust and alliances within the crew as pressures mount.
Wet Dreams On Lockdown Series
A departure from standard street wars, this series focuses on forbidden relationships, intimacy, and power dynamics within a prison facility. Freeman has authored and collaborated on several titles in this setting. The key books include:
- The Unit Manager (2024) – A tense look at professional and personal boundaries inside the facility.
- The Nurse (2024) – Focuses on the dangerous attraction between staff and inmates.
Standalone Novels & Short Stories
When you want to take a break from the multi-part dramas, Freeman has several companion works and short stories that fill in the gaps of his gritty literary universe:
- To Live With No One To Love / The Hottest Summer Ever (2017) – Freeman's debut novel. It follows Kush, a fiercely independent protagonist seeking survival and answers after her father's murder.
- Tales 4rm Da Dale (2020) – A collection of short stories diving into various street-smart characters in Riverdale, featuring themes of redemption, such as the standout story "Ma Dukez."
- Love: Dark Drabbles #7 (2020) – A microfiction anthology containing a 100-word story contribution.
What to Know Before You Start
Elijah R. Freeman writes from direct personal experience, having spent time "behind the wall" and establishing his independent publishing brand, URBAN AINT DEAD. His writing is characterized by authentic slang, real-world struggles, and a deliberate refusal to write generic "hood tales." Instead, his stories carry subtle moral lessons and messages of resilience. Readers should expect raw language, graphic street violence, and intense emotional conflict, balanced by a strong sense of community and hope.