James Lee Burke Reading Order
9 series · 69 books
James Lee Burke is an acclaimed American crime novelist whose atmospheric thrillers are rooted in the landscapes and moral complexities of the American South, particularly Louisiana and Texas. His most celebrated creation is detective Dave Robicheaux, a recurring protagonist whose investigations anchor a sprawling interconnected universe that includes the Billy Bob Holland and Hackberry Holland series. A multiple Edgar Award winner and recipient of the Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master Award, Burke has published nearly seventy novels that blend literary sophistication with the tension and momentum of classic mystery fiction.
Anthologies Series
Complete7 books (1990–2014)
Start with Louisiana Stories, the first of 7 books in the Anthologies series.
Start this series with Louisiana Stories
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Billy Bob Holland Series
Complete4 books (1997–2004)
Start with Cimarron Rose, the first of 4 books in the Billy Bob Holland series.
Start this series with Cimarron Rose
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Dave Robicheaux Series
Ongoing25 books (1987–2026)
Start with The Neon Rain, the first of 25 books in the Dave Robicheaux series.
Start this series with The Neon Rain
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Hackberry Holland Series
Ongoing7 books (1971–2025)
Start with Lay Down My Sword and Shield, the first of 7 books in the Hackberry Holland series.
Start this series with Lay Down My Sword and Shield
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Holland Family Universe Series
Ongoing14 books (1971–2025)
Start with Lay Down My Sword and Shield, the first of 14 books in the Holland Family Universe series.
Start this series with Lay Down My Sword and Shield
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Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete1 book (1992–1992)
Short Story Collections Series
Ongoing3 books (1985–2024)
Start with The Convict and the Other Stories and read in order.
Start this series with The Convict and the Other Stories
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Standalone Novels Series
Likely Complete6 books (1965–2023)
Start with Half of Paradise, the first of 6 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with Half of Paradise
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Weldon Holland Series
Complete2 books (2014–2016)
Start with Wayfaring Stranger and read in order.
Start this series with Wayfaring Stranger
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleFrequently Asked Questions
- How many books has James Lee Burke written?
- James Lee Burke has written 69 books across 9 series. Their published works span from 1965 to 2026.
- What is the first book in each James Lee Burke series?
- Here are the first books in James Lee Burke's series: Anthologies: Louisiana Stories; Billy Bob Holland: Cimarron Rose; Dave Robicheaux: The Neon Rain; Hackberry Holland: Lay Down My Sword and Shield; Holland Family Universe: Lay Down My Sword and Shield.
- What order should I read James Lee Burke's books?
- We recommend reading James Lee Burke's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is James Lee Burke still writing new books?
- Yes, James Lee Burke has 4 ongoing series: Dave Robicheaux, Hackberry Holland, Holland Family Universe, Short Story Collections.