Kathleen Kent Reading Order
5 series · 129 books
Kathleen Kent is an American crime and historical fiction author whose career spans multiple decades and over a hundred published works. Her novels explore dark historical moments and contemporary mysteries with equal skill, earning her an Edgar Award nomination for her contributions to the genre. She is best known for her Detective Betty Rhyzyk crime series and her acclaimed historical novel set during the Salem witch trials, as well as her contributions to various noir and thriller anthologies.
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Akashic Noir Series
Ongoing121 books (2002–2025)
The Akashic Noir series is an ongoing collection of 121 mystery and thriller anthologies that explore noir fiction across different cities and regions worldwide. Beginning with San Francisco Noir in 2002 and continuing through 2025, each standalone volume features original stories set in a specific geographic location, from Brooklyn and Chicago to Dublin and London. Readers should follow publication order to experience how this ambitious literary project has expanded geographically over more than two decades. The series blends historical fiction elements with contemporary noir sensibilities, offering diverse perspectives on crime and urban life across multiple cultures and time periods.
Start with San Francisco Noir, the first of 121 books in the Akashic Noir series.
Start this series with San Francisco Noir
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Anthologies Series
Complete1 book (2024–2024)
Carrier Series
Complete2 books (2008–2010)
Kathleen Kent's Carrier series comprises two historical mystery thrillers published between 2008 and 2010. The complete duology should be read in publication order, beginning with The Heretic's Daughter followed by The Wolves of Andover (also titled The Traitor's Wife). These interconnected novels blend historical fiction with suspenseful storytelling set against the backdrop of early American history.
Start with The Heretic's Daughter and read in order.
Start this series with The Heretic's Daughter
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleDetective Betty Series
Likely Complete3 books (2017–2021)
Kathleen Kent's Detective Betty series comprises three mystery thrillers published between 2017 and 2021, following publication order. The trilogy, which appears to be complete, begins with The Dime, continues with The Burn, and concludes with The Pledge. This historical mystery series should be read sequentially from the first book.
Start with The Dime and read in order.
Start this series with The Dime
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleStandalone Novels Series
Likely Complete2 books (2013–2023)
Kathleen Kent has written two standalone mystery thrillers blending historical and contemporary settings, published a decade apart in 2013 and 2023. While each novel stands independently, readers should approach them in publication order beginning with The Outcasts. The series appears to be complete, though each book features its own distinct narrative and characters rather than following an ongoing storyline.
Start with The Outcasts and read in order.
Start this series with The Outcasts
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleFrequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Kathleen Kent written?
- Kathleen Kent has written 129 books across 5 series. Their published works span from 2002 to 2025.
- What is the first book in each Kathleen Kent series?
- Here are the first books in Kathleen Kent's series: Akashic Noir: San Francisco Noir; Carrier: The Heretic's Daughter; Detective Betty: The Dime.
- What order should I read Kathleen Kent's books?
- We recommend reading Kathleen Kent's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Kathleen Kent still writing new books?
- Yes, Kathleen Kent has 1 ongoing series: Akashic Noir.

