Carolyn Wheat Books In Order

Publication Order of Cass Jameson Books

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Carolyn Wheat

As an American author of mystery novels, Carolyn Wheat is very much her own writer, really capturing a distinct tone and atmosphere. Her voice is unsurpassed, making her books entirely idiosyncratic to her and her alone, setting her apart completely from other writers within her field. A true master of suspense and tone, she speaks in a style that is both direct and to the point, really understanding her the mystery genre works. Continually making sure readers are kept guessing, she knows exactly what to write and when, choosing each and every word with careful precision.

Maintaining an air of tension and suspense, she captures a real feeling of trepidation building throughout each of her novels. Not only that, but she has plenty of light-hearted moments too, really allowing the readers to have fun with all of her stories. Over time this has seen her become one of the most successful authors currently working within her field and genre to date. Becoming a household name and a permanent fixture on the bookshelves of many, her work has reached readers far and wide.

Knowing her characters well too, Wheat writes with a real sense of confidence, as she writes each of her mysteries articulately and coherently. Over time this has proven to be a hugely successful formula, winning her not only scores of readers, but plenty of awards as well. Many of her characters have also made their mark on her audience, particularly that of Cass Jameson, who she would write many mysteries about. As more and more readers discover her work every day, she continues to make a name for herself, as readers from around the world appreciate her books.

Early and Personal Life

Born in San Diego in 1946 on the 1st of January, Carolyn Wheat grew up in the United States with a real passion for the written word. Nurturing this interest over time, she would focus herself on her craft, finding her own distinctive voice as an author. Sharpening and refining her skills, she would develop her style as a writer, taking much of her inspiration from her own life.

Later on she would come to win awards for her work, as her writing proved to be extremely authentic and grounded. Working as both an attorney and as an editor, she would use her experiences within the legal field to inspire her own writing. She’s a renowned writer who will continue to find an audience, working and writing regularly, as her name and profile carries on growing.

Writing Career

Starting her career with the novel ‘Dead Man’s Thoughts,’ Carolyn Wheat would publish her first book in 1983. This novel would also be the first in her ‘Cass Jameson’ series of novels, following different mysteries for the eponymous defence attorney to solve. Over the following years she would come to write six mystery novels in the series, charting the different investigations of Cass.

She’d also write alongside fellow authors, such as for the novel ‘The Sunken Sailor’ in 2004, where mystery authors would each write a chapter. She would also edit some anthologies, along with writing the non-fiction book ‘How to Write Killer Fiction’ in 2003. Winning awards for her legal mysteries, she’s won an Anthony, a Shamus, and Macavity award, just to name a few of them.

Troubled Waters

First published in 1997 on the 1st of August, this would come out through the ‘Berkley Hardcover’ publishing imprint. Marking the fifth title in the ongoing ‘Cass Jameson Legal Mysteries’ series of novels, it would carry on with another self-contained mystery. Not needing to be read in any particular order as such, it continues in much the same vein as before, providing another stand-alone story.

Back in 1969 Cass Jameson was idealistic, protesting the poisoning of a child migrant worker, ultimately landing her in jail. Now she’s an attorney, while her brother who protested with her, Ron, returned from Vietnam in wheelchair, before going on to help refugees crossing the Canadian border with his girlfriend Jan. Following them being apprehended by an agent, the agent wound up dead, and Jan fled, only to return fifteen years later implicating Ron in the murder. Can his sister Cass now help him to prove his innocence in court, is he still in love with Jan, and how will they navigate these troubled waters?

It’s a fun and engaging mystery, as the story really compels the reader to keep reading, constantly turning the page. There’s so much happening, and it’s definitely a must not only for fans of Wheat as an author, but for fans of the genre as a whole. With constant twists and turns throughout, there’s a surprise with every page turn, all while developing Cass Jameson as a character.

Sworn to Defend

Originally arriving on the literary scene in 1998 on the 1st of August, this would be the sixth novel in the long-running ‘Cass Jameson’ mystery series. Continuing on from the previous books, she would carry on in a similar tone to before, while also making it its own distinct story. Another stand-alone mystery novel set in the same world as before, it would also be released through the ‘Berkley’ publishing house.

Working in Brooklyn as a criminal lawyer, Cass Jameson is finally given the case of an innocent client, as she must defend Keith Jernigan. That’s when Cass realizes Keith has done something far worse than what he was originally tried for, in that he stalked and disfigured his ex-girlfriend Tobie. Looking to warn her as he’s about to be released from jail, Cass then finds her divorce client Nellis Cartwright is hit by a bullet meant for her. Can Cass find the killer before it’s too late, what became of Nellis’s ex-husband and how is he implicated, and just who is Cass being sworn to defend?

The book is an intricate thriller that continually manages to surprise the reader once again, with Wheat doing what she does best. The world she creates is also wholly authentic and real, as everything feels like it really comes to life upon the page. Further establishing the arcs of the characters, allowing them to feel realistic and grounded, it’s another perfect example of the mystery genre at its best from Carolyn Wheat.