J.A. Jance Books In Order
Book links take you to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn money from qualifying purchases.Publication Order of J.P. Beaumont Books
Publication Order of Joanna Brady Books
Publication Order of Ali Reynolds Books
Publication Order of Walker Family Mysteries Books
| Hour of the Hunter | (1991) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Kiss of the Bees | (1993) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Day of the Dead | (2004) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Queen of the Night | (2010) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Dance of the Bones | (2015) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Blessing of the Lost Girls | (2023) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
| After the Fire | (1984) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Midnight Louie Books
| Catnap / Cat in an Alphabet Soup | (1992) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Pussyfoot / Cat in an Aqua Storm | (1993) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat On A Blue Monday | (1994) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a Crimson Haze | (1995) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a Diamond Dazzle | (1996) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat with an Emerald Eye | (1997) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a Flamingo Fedora | (1997) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a Golden Garland | (1997) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat on a Hyacinth Hunt | (1998) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Midnight Louie's Pet Detectives | (1998) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in an Indigo Mood | (1999) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a Jeweled Jumpsuit | (1999) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a Kiwi Con | (2000) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a Leopard Spot | (2001) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a Midnight Choir | (2002) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a Neon Nightmare | (2003) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Midnight Louie In Something Fishy | (2003) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in an Orange Twist | (2004) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a Hot Pink Pursuit | (2005) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a Quicksilver Caper | (2006) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a Red Hot Rage | (2007) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a Sapphire Slipper | (2008) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a Topaz Tango | (2009) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in an Ultramarine Scheme | (2010) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a Vegas Gold Vendetta | (2011) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Fruit of the Tomb | (2012) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a White Tie and Tails | (2012) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in an Alien X-Ray | (2013) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a Yellow Spotlight | (2014) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in a Zebra Zoot Suit | (2015) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Cat in an Alphabet Endgame | (2016) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
+ Show All Books in this Series | ||||
| If you are reading the Midnight Louie series in chronological order, you will want to read the Cat and a Playing Card series prior to the Midnight Louie series. However, this is not required. | ||||
Publication Order of The MatchUp Collection Books
| Honor & ... | (2017) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Deserves to Be Dead | (2017) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Getaway | (2017) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Midnight Flame | (2018) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Short Story | (2019) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Past Prologue | (2019) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Faking a Murderer | (2019) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Dig Here | (2019) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Taking the Veil | (2019) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Rambo on Their Minds | (2019) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
| Footloose | (2019) | Description / Buy at Amazon | ||
+ Show All Books in this Series | ||||
Publication Order of Anthologies
Judith ‘J.A.’ Jance is a prolific American author who has captivated readers with multiple mystery series. She doesn’t just follow one detective but has created a number of distinct investigative worlds. For instance, one series centers on a retired Seattle police detective, while another follows an Arizona county sheriff. Then there’s also a series featuring a former Los Angeles news anchor who finds herself solving crimes, just to name a few.
For dedicated fans, a special pleasure occurs when these separate worlds collide. The Seattle detective and the Arizona sheriff have joined forces in more than one novel. This crossover creates a richer experience for those who follow all of Jance’s work, connecting different storylines into a broader, shared universe.
Her process involves crafting characters who possess depth and face relatable challenges. Readers are drawn to these authentic figures and the engaging situations they navigate. The compelling nature of her narratives stems from this careful balance of character and plot. It is a straightforward yet effective formula for creating entertaining books.
Looking ahead, J.A. Jance’s writing journey seems far from over. Her established rhythm of creating new books points to more to come. This ongoing work suggests fresh adventures for her well-known characters are on the horizon. For those who enjoy her mysteries, the story appears set to continue.
Early and Personal Life
Born on the 27th of October, 1944, Judith Ann ‘J.A.’ Jance grew up in the American Southwest, a region that would later become the setting for some of her popular novels. Her academic path led her to earn a degree in education and a subsequent master’s in library science. These early experiences in learning and literature provided a strong foundation for her future career.
Her professional life before writing was diverse, including work as a teacher and a school librarian. The publishing industry initially presented challenges, leading her to adopt the pen name J.A. Jance. Despite this, her perseverance and dedication to storytelling eventually led to widespread recognition for her contributions to crime fiction.
Jance’s success has also enabled her to support charitable causes generously. At her book signings, she often arranges for a portion of the event’s proceeds to be donated. Over the years, these efforts have resulted in a significant amount of money raised for various organizations, reflecting her commitment to giving back.
Writing Career
J.A. Jance’s writing career began in 1985 with the first J.P. Beaumont mystery. She has since authored numerous novels in that series, alongside the Joanna Brady and Ali Reynolds books. Her work also includes the Walker Family mysteries and a poetry collection published early in her career.
Her prolific output demonstrates a long and consistent dedication to her craft. Jance continues to expand these series with new installments, including recent publications. This ongoing productivity confirms that more stories from this author are still to come for her readers.
Taking the Fifth
J.A. Jance’s mystery novel ‘Taking the Fifth’ was published in the year 1987. The book was released by the publisher Avon Books. This particular title is the fifth installment in the author’s ongoing series featuring the Seattle based homicide detective J.P. Beaumont.
Seattle Homicide Detective J.P. Beaumont encounters a murder scene that is uniquely disturbing. The victim was killed by a woman’s shoe with a stiletto heel, a weapon now stained with blood. This brutal evidence suggests a level of violence not typically associated with a female perpetrator. The investigation pulls Beaumont into a dangerous world connected to drugs and corruption, revealing a deadly reality behind a seemingly glamorous facade.
It’s a novel that provides a truly gripping mystery from its very first page. Readers will find the central crime uniquely unsettling and creatively conceived. The investigation pulls them into a tense and dangerous world that is difficult to leave. It is a compelling story for any fan of the genre.
Remains of Innocence
J.A. Jance released the suspenseful mystery ‘Remains of Innocence’ in 2014. The book was published by William Morrow. For fans of the author’s work, this novel marks the sixteenth major adventure for the beloved Arizona sheriff, Joanna Brady.
In Great Barrington, Liza Machett finds a hidden fortune while clearing the home of her late mother, a reclusive hoarder. After a stranger’s warning at the funeral, a frightened Liza flees on a cross-country trip that brings her to Cochise County, Arizona.
There, Sheriff Joanna Brady is already investigating two local puzzles: the death of a developmentally disabled man found in a cave and the mutilation of neighborhood pets. The sheriff’s work intensifies when a shocking murder connected to Liza and the money lands in her jurisdiction, demanding her immediate attention.
This time round Jance masterfully weaves two separate storylines into a single, engaging narrative. Readers are taken on a tense cross-country journey before the threads converge in a compelling Arizona setting. The dual mysteries present a challenging and satisfying puzzle. It is a complex and absorbing tale that will hold a reader’s attention completely.
Left for Dead
J.A. Jance’s mystery thriller ‘Left for Dead’ hit shelves in 2012. It was brought to readers by Gallery Books. For those following the series, this book is the seventh exciting chapter in the adventures of Arizona former news anchor Ali Reynolds.
The violent drug wars of Mexican cartels spill into Arizona, leading to the shooting of Deputy Sheriff Jose Reyes, an old friend of Ali Reynolds. Although initially seen as a random casualty, the investigation reveals a more complex situation, casting suspicion on both Reyes and his wife. Feeling a personal debt to the injured man, Ali travels to his hospital bedside where she also encounters a nun advocating for a separate, brutalized victim. With the body count rising, Ali commits to finding the truth, even as the source of the threat remains dangerously unclear.
Jance once again delivers another solid thriller, this time featuring a complex and timely plot centered on cross-border crime. The story skillfully connects a personal mission with a larger, dangerous conspiracy. Readers will find the protagonist’s determination to uncover the truth both compelling and relatable. It is a gripping and expertly paced mystery from start to finish.
Book Series In Order » Authors »
Any issues with the book list you are seeing? Or is there an author or series we don’t have? Let me know!
Love your books.
Just finished “Unfinished Business”, excellent as usual! Why are Carol Nelson Douglas and the dual author books listed along with Jance’s?
Because they wrote in Midnight Louie’s Pet Detectives which is part of that series.
I have read almost all of J.A.Jance’s books and I have enjoyed them very much. I have been privileged to meet her at an event at a library in the Cleveland area.
I have loved every J A Jance book I have read. I have read almost all but the newest. Always my go to author. Thank you for all the books you have written.
Especially loved the mystery located in Whitman Co, as I live here.
I listen to audio books while driving, working outside and while doing house work. J A Jance is one of my favorite authors. I saw her when she came to the Monroe, OR library. That was a treat to hear talk about her novels. I have listened to most of her books and have a collection of many of the hard back and soft back books. I have 61 of the incredible novels. J A Jance is the best!
“Found” Jance books several years ago. Have read all but the newest Beaumont and all but the latest three of Brady. Very enjoyable!!!!
I have come to the end of my list, too, BUT I just discovered that there are new J.A. Jance books, and another new one out in 2025. Yea!!
I have read and enjoyed many of JA Jance books. Love both Brady series and Beaumont series. Thank you for the hours of enjoyment.
I am having vision problems so listen to recorded books dàily. Love the J.A. Jance books but very sad that I hàve come to the end of the list. Whatever will I do now?
If you enjoy J.A. Jance books, you should try Micheal Connelly. His Bosch series is good as well as the Micky Haller and Renee Ballard series.
I’ve read and loved every book she has written and wait impatiently for each new one!
I would like you to know Ms Jance that I have been reading all the JP Beaumont books in order. Love him, love him. He is so human with faults, warts and all. I also especially enjoy Gene Engene thoroughly as the narrator. Thank you for keeping him throughout the series. Thank you, thank you.
Re: JA Jance = attended a lecture by this author in Avalon NJ tonight -delightful -but she never answered the question of how she sold her first novel at 38. I was interested in the process, rejection letters, edit woes, etc. I was struck by what a kind woman she appears to be. Maybe, a longtime friend from college you meet up with occasionally over the years, and realize you still like each other. Nice evening.