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Women’s Murder Club Books in Order
Below is the complete list of Women’s Murder Club books in order of publication, which is the recommended reading order for the series by James Patterson....
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Women’s Murder Club Books in Publication Order
By James Patterson, Andrew Gross, Maxine Paetro
- 1st to Die (2000)
(By James Patterson)
Buy on Amazon - 2nd Chance (2002)
(By James Patterson, Andrew Gross)
Buy on Amazon - 3rd Degree (2004)
(By James Patterson, Andrew Gross)
Buy on Amazon - 4th of July (2005)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - The 5th Horseman (2006)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - The 6th Target (2007)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - 7th Heaven (2008)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - The 8th Confession (2009)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - The 9th Judgment (2010)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - 10th Anniversary (2011)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - 11th Hour (2012)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - 12th of Never (2013)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - Unlucky 13 (2014)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - 14th Deadly Sin (2015)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - 15th Affair (2016)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - 16th Seduction (2017)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - The 17th Suspect (2018)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - The 18th Abduction (2019)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - The 19th Christmas (2019)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - The 20th Victim (2020)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - 21st Birthday (2021)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - 22 Seconds (2022)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - The 23rd Midnight (2023)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - The 24th Hour (2024)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - 25 Alive (2025)
(By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro)
Buy on Amazon - 26 Beauties (2026)
(By James Patterson)
Buy on Amazon
Bookshots: Women’s Murder Club Books in Publication Order
By James Patterson, Maxine Paetro
- The Trial (2016)
Buy on Amazon - The Medical Examiner (2017)
Buy on Amazon - 23 1/2 Lies (2023)
Buy on Amazon
About Women’s Murder Club Series
The Women’s Murder Club series by James Patterson is one of the most recognizable crime thriller franchises in modern popular fiction. Set primarily in San Francisco, the books follow a group of four professional women who combine their expertise to solve complex and often brutal crimes. Each member of the club brings a different perspective to investigations, allowing the stories to move across law enforcement, journalism, and the courtroom.
The central figure in the series is Lindsay Boxer, a determined homicide detective with the San Francisco Police Department. She forms the informal “Murder Club” alongside three close friends: medical examiner Claire Washburn, crime reporter Cindy Thomas, and assistant district attorney Jill Bernhardt. Together, they share information, insights, and personal support while confronting cases that often leave official investigations stalled.
The series begins with 1st to Die, which introduces the group and establishes the format that defines the books that follow. A string of shocking murders draws the four women together as they work outside normal institutional boundaries to piece together clues. This collaboration becomes the foundation of the series, with each member contributing specialized knowledge that strengthens the investigation.
Reading the Women’s Murder Club books in publication order shows how the characters’ relationships evolve alongside the increasingly complex cases they encounter. Early novels focus heavily on establishing the dynamic between the four women, while later installments expand their professional responsibilities and personal lives.
Lindsay Boxer serves as the anchor of the series. As a homicide detective, she is often the first to confront the violence at the center of each story. Her dedication to solving cases and protecting victims drives much of the narrative tension. While she is highly capable in the field, the emotional toll of the work is a recurring theme throughout the books.
Claire Washburn provides the forensic expertise that helps uncover crucial evidence. As the city’s chief medical examiner, she analyzes crime scenes and autopsy reports to determine how victims died and what clues may have been overlooked. Her role often bridges the gap between raw crime scene evidence and the broader investigative picture.
Cindy Thomas contributes a journalist’s perspective. As a crime reporter, she has access to information and sources beyond the police department. Her curiosity and determination frequently lead to discoveries that move investigations forward. Cindy’s storyline also explores the ethical challenges of reporting on ongoing criminal cases.
The legal dimension of the group comes through Jill Bernhardt, an assistant district attorney responsible for prosecuting cases once suspects are identified. Her involvement ensures that the club’s work does not stop with solving the mystery; the ultimate goal is securing justice within the legal system.
The setting of San Francisco plays an important role in the series’ atmosphere. Patterson frequently uses the city’s geography and neighborhoods to shape the narrative, from waterfront districts and crowded downtown streets to quieter residential areas. This urban landscape creates a backdrop for crimes that range from serial murders to organized criminal conspiracies.
Over time, the Women’s Murder Club novels explore not only individual cases but also the personal growth of the characters. Their friendships deepen as they face both professional challenges and private struggles. The balance between investigative suspense and character-driven storytelling has helped the series maintain its popularity across many installments.
Following the books in publication order highlights how the collaboration between the four women remains the heart of the series. Each investigation becomes not only a search for answers but also a reflection of their shared commitment to uncovering the truth and protecting the community they serve.
Series: Women's Murder Club