
Michael Connelly Reading Order
16 series · 289 books · Born 1956-07-21
Michael Connelly is a bestselling crime fiction author known for creating interconnected Los Angeles-based mysteries that span multiple detective protagonists and legal perspectives. His most iconic character, LAPD Detective Harry Bosch, anchors a sprawling universe that also includes criminal defense attorney Mickey Haller and other memorable investigators, with storylines that frequently interweave across novels. A prolific writer since the early 1990s with works translated into dozens of languages, Connelly has earned widespread critical acclaim and served as president of the Mystery Writers of America, establishing himself as one of contemporary crime fiction's most influential voices.
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Akashic Noir Series
Ongoing121 books (2002–2025)
The Akashic Noir series is an ongoing collection of noir anthologies spanning 121 volumes, each focusing on crime and mystery stories set in different cities around the world. Beginning with San Francisco Noir in 2002 and continuing through 2025, the series expands geographically from American cities like Brooklyn, Chicago, and Miami to international locations including Dublin, London, and beyond. Each anthology is a standalone collection edited by Michael Connelly and other guest editors, featuring short fiction from various authors. Readers should follow publication order to experience the series as it developed across two decades.
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
Ongoing25 books (2002–2025)
Michael Connelly has contributed to 25 mystery and crime anthologies since 2002, with the series remaining ongoing through 2025. These collections should be read in publication order, beginning with Measures of Poison and continuing through the most recent entries. The series spans two decades of curated crime stories, including entries in the Best American Mystery Stories series and themed collections exploring topics from gambling crime to demolition. Readers interested in Connelly's work within broader anthology contexts will find this chronological approach reflects the evolution of crime fiction collections over this period.
Start with Measures of Poison, the first of 25 books in the Anthologies series.
Start this series with Measures of Poison
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Bosch Universe Series
Ongoing47 books (1992–2027)
Michael Connelly's Bosch Universe spans 46 books published from 1992 to 2026, following multiple interconnected crime investigations across Los Angeles. The series is ongoing and should be read in publication order, beginning with The Black Echo. These mystery and thriller novels feature detective Harry Bosch and related characters as they navigate complex cases throughout the city, with later entries introducing additional perspectives through characters like defense attorney Mickey Haller.
Start with The Black Echo, the first of 46 books in the Bosch Universe series.
Start this series with The Black Echo
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Detective Stilwell Series
Ongoing2 books (2025–2026)
Michael Connelly launches the Detective Stilwell mystery series with two books released in 2025 and 2026, with more installments planned. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Nightshade followed by Ironwood. This ongoing series is ideal for fans of contemporary mystery and thriller fiction.
Start with Nightshade and read in order.
Start this series with Nightshade
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleHarry Bosch Series
Ongoing28 books (1992–2026)
Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series comprises 28 books published from 1992 to 2026, with the saga still ongoing. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Black Echo and continuing through subsequent titles including The Black Ice, The Concrete Blonde, The Last Coyote, and beyond. This mystery and thriller series follows the detective across decades of cases in Los Angeles, with new installments continuing to expand the character's story.
Start with The Black Echo, the first of 28 books in the Harry Bosch series.
Start this series with The Black Echo
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Harry Bosch Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete4 books (2010–2014)
Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch Short Stories/Novellas series comprises four novellas published between 2010 and 2014, now complete. These stories should be read in publication order, beginning with Blue on Black and continuing through Angle of Investigation, Suicide Run, and The Crooked Man. Each novella features the detective protagonist in concentrated cases that complement the longer novels in the broader Harry Bosch universe.
Start with Blue on Black, the first of 4 books in the Harry Bosch Short Stories/Novellas series.
Start this series with Blue on Black
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleJack McEvoy Series
Complete3 books (1996–2020)
Michael Connelly's Jack McEvoy series comprises three mystery thrillers published between 1996 and 2020, following the investigative journalist protagonist across multiple decades. The series is complete and should be read in publication order: The Poet, The Scarecrow, and Fair Warning. Each installment builds on the character's experience and past cases, making sequential reading essential to fully appreciate the story arcs.
Start with The Poet and read in order.
Start this series with The Poet
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleLincoln Lawyer Series
Ongoing8 books (2005–2025)
Michael Connelly's Lincoln Lawyer series comprises eight books published between 2005 and 2025, with the most recent installment arriving in 2025. The series remains ongoing and should be read in publication order, beginning with The Lincoln Lawyer and continuing through The Brass Verdict, The Reversal, The Fifth Witness, The Gods of Guilt, The Law of Innocence, Resurrection Walk, and The Proving Ground. This mystery and thriller series follows cases handled from the back seat of a Lincoln Continental, blending detective work with courtroom drama across its expanding narrative.
Start with The Lincoln Lawyer, the first of 8 books in the Lincoln Lawyer series.
Start this series with The Lincoln Lawyer
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Mysterious Profiles Series
Ongoing34 books (2022–2025)
Mysterious Profiles is an ongoing series spanning 33 books published between 2022 and 2025, featuring detective and thriller characters from various authors including Jonathan Kellerman, Douglas Preston, Lee Child, and many others. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with the Alex Delaware entry. This collection brings together protagonists from different mystery and thriller franchises, offering readers exposure to multiple acclaimed crime-solving characters across diverse investigative styles and settings.
Start with Alex Delaware(By: Jonathan Kellerman), the first of 33 books in the Mysterious Profiles series.
Start this series with Alex Delaware(By: Jonathan Kellerman)
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Non-Fiction Series
Complete1 book (2004–2004)
Renée Ballard Series
Ongoing6 books (2017–2024)
The Renée Ballard series by Michael Connelly comprises six mystery and thriller novels published between 2017 and 2024, with the series still ongoing. These books should be read in publication order, beginning with The Late Show and continuing through Dark Sacred Night, The Night Fire, The Dark Hours, Desert Star, and The Waiting. The series follows detective Renée Ballard as she navigates cases in Los Angeles while working the late-night shift.
Start with The Late Show, the first of 6 books in the Renée Ballard series.
Start this series with The Late Show
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleShort Stories/Novellas Series
Complete2 books (2012–2014)
Michael Connelly's two-book collection of short works spans 2012 to 2014 and should be read in publication order. The series begins with The Safe Man: A Ghost Story, followed by Red Eye, a collaboration with Dennis Lehane. This complete series offers mystery and thriller stories in shorter format from the acclaimed author.
Start with The Safe Man: A Ghost Story and read in order.
Start this series with The Safe Man: A Ghost Story
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleShort Story Collections Series
Complete1 book (2012–2012)
Standalone Novels Series
Complete2 books (1999–2002)
Michael Connelly's pair of standalone mystery and thriller novels spans from 1999 to 2002 and should be read in publication order. Void Moon was followed by Chasing the Dime, completing this finished two-book collection that stands apart from Connelly's other series work.
Start with Void Moon and read in order.
Start this series with Void Moon
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleTerry McCaleb Series
Complete3 books (1998–2004)
Michael Connelly's Terry McCaleb series comprises three mystery thrillers published between 1998 and 2004, following the retired FBI profiler as he navigates cases that test his skills and resolve. The complete trilogy should be read in publication order, beginning with Blood Work, to experience McCaleb's character development across the arc. The series concludes with The Narrows in 2004 and is now finished, offering readers a self-contained narrative that spans six years of releases.
Start with Blood Work and read in order.
Start this series with Blood Work
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleThe Safe Man Series
Ongoing2 books (2012–2026)
Michael Connelly's The Safe Man series is an ongoing mystery thriller consisting of two books published between 2012 and 2026. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Safe Man followed by The Eternal Realm. New installments continue to be released, making this an active series for fans of suspenseful crime fiction.
Start with The Safe Man and read in order.
Start this series with The Safe Man
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleFrequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Michael Connelly written?
- Michael Connelly has written 289 books across 16 series. Their published works span from 1992 to 2027.
- What is the first book in each Michael Connelly series?
- Here are the first books in Michael Connelly's series: Akashic Noir: San Francisco Noir; Anthologies: Measures of Poison; Bosch Universe: The Black Echo; Detective Stilwell: Nightshade; Harry Bosch: The Black Echo.
- What order should I read Michael Connelly's books?
- We recommend reading Michael Connelly's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Michael Connelly still writing new books?
- Yes, Michael Connelly has 9 ongoing series: Akashic Noir, Anthologies, Bosch Universe, Detective Stilwell, Harry Bosch and 4 more.

