Janet Dawson Reading Order
8 series · 36 books
Janet Dawson is a prolific author known for her engaging mysteries and compelling storytelling. With a remarkable collection of 36 books spanning eight series—including the Jeri Howard Mystery and California Zephyr Mystery—she has made a significant mark in the genre from 1990 to 2023. Her most recognized works continue to captivate readers, showcasing her talent in both novels and short stories.
Anthologies Series
Complete2 books (1998–2009)
Start with Once Upon a Crime and read in order.
California Zephyr Mystery Series
Complete4 books (2013–2020)
Start with Death Rides the Zephyr, the first of 4 books in the California Zephyr Mystery series.
Collections Series
Complete1 book (2002–2002)
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Scam and Eggs 2002Buy 🇺🇸 |
Jeri Howard Mystery Series
Likely Complete14 books (1990–2023)
Start with Kindred Crimes, the first of 14 books in the Jeri Howard Mystery series.
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kindred Crimes 1990Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 2 | Take a Number 1993Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 3 | Till the Old Men Die 1993Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 4 | Don't Turn Your Back On The Ocean 1994Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 5 | The Missing Child / Nobody's Child 1995Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 6 | A Credible Threat 1996Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 7 | Witness to Evil 1997Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 8 | Where the Bodies Are Buried 1998Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 9 | A Killing at the Track 2000Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 10 | Bit Player 2011Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 11 | Cold Trail 2015Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 12 | Water Signs 2017Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 13 | The Devil Close Behind 2019Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 14 | The Things We Keep 2023Buy 🇺🇸 |
Jeri Howard Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete4 books (2011–2011)
Start with Blue Eyes, the first of 4 books in the Jeri Howard Short Stories/Novellas series.
Non-Fiction Series
Complete1 book (2019–2019)
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hit the Books! 2019Buy 🇺🇸 |
Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete8 books (2002–2018)
Start with Voice Mail, the first of 8 books in the Short Stories/Novellas series.
Standalone Novels Series
Likely Complete2 books (2012–2021)
Start with What You Wish for and read in order.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Janet Dawson written?
- Janet Dawson has written 36 books across 8 series. Their published works span from 1990 to 2023.
- What is the first book in each Janet Dawson series?
- Here are the first books in Janet Dawson's series: Anthologies: Once Upon a Crime; California Zephyr Mystery: Death Rides the Zephyr; Jeri Howard Mystery: Kindred Crimes; Jeri Howard Short Stories/Novellas: Blue Eyes; Short Stories/Novellas: Voice Mail.
- What order should I read Janet Dawson's books?
- We recommend reading Janet Dawson's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Are Janet Dawson's series complete?
- Janet Dawson has 6 completed series.

