Reading Order List — Book Series Reading Order Guide

Terry Shames Reading Order

3 series · 16 books

Mystery & Thriller

Terry Shames is an American mystery writer known for her crime fiction set in Texas, drawing on her deep familiarity with the state's landscape and communities. She has built a substantial body of work across three series—the Samuel Craddock Mystery novels, the Jessie Madison series, and various anthologies—publishing sixteen books since 2013. Her stories blend traditional mystery elements with authentic regional character and atmosphere.

Anthologies Series

Complete

2 books (2015–2019)

Start with We'd Rather Be Writing and read in order.

Start this series with We'd Rather Be Writing

Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
Cover of We'd Rather Be Writing
We'd Rather Be Writing
2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2
Cover of Malice Domestic 14: Mystery Most Edible
Malice Domestic 14: Mystery Most Edible
2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

Jessie Madison Series

Ongoing

2 books (2024–2025)

Start with Perilous Waters and read in order.

Start this series with Perilous Waters

Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
Cover of Perilous Waters
Perilous Waters
2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2

Samuel Craddock Mystery Series

Ongoing

12 books (2013–2025)

Start with A Killing at Cotton Hill, the first of 12 books in the Samuel Craddock Mystery series.

Start this series with A Killing at Cotton Hill

Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
Cover of A Killing at Cotton Hill
A Killing at Cotton Hill
2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2
Cover of Dead Broke in Jarrett Creek
Dead Broke in Jarrett Creek
2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3
Cover of The Last Death of Jack Harbin
The Last Death of Jack Harbin
2014Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4
A Deadly Affair at Bobtail Ridge
2015Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
5
Cover of The Necessary Murder of Nonie Blake
The Necessary Murder of Nonie Blake
2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
6
Cover of An Unsettling Crime for Samuel Craddock
An Unsettling Crime for Samuel Craddock
2017Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
7
Cover of A Reckoning in the Back Country
A Reckoning in the Back Country
2018Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
8
Cover of A Risky Undertaking for Loretta Singletary
A Risky Undertaking for Loretta Singletary
2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
9
Murder at the Jubilee Rally
2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
10
Guilt Strikes at Granger's Store
2023Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
11
The Troubling Death of Maddy Benson
2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
12
The Curious Poisoning of Jewel Barnes
2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books has Terry Shames written?
Terry Shames has written 16 books across 3 series. Their published works span from 2013 to 2025.
What is the first book in each Terry Shames series?
Here are the first books in Terry Shames's series: Anthologies: We'd Rather Be Writing; Jessie Madison: Perilous Waters; Samuel Craddock Mystery: A Killing at Cotton Hill.
What order should I read Terry Shames's books?
We recommend reading Terry Shames's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
Is Terry Shames still writing new books?
Yes, Terry Shames has 2 ongoing series: Jessie Madison, Samuel Craddock Mystery.

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