Linda Ladd Books In Order

Publication Order of Fire Trilogy Books

Publication Order of White Trilogy Books

Publication Order of Love Books

Publication Order of Claire Morgan Books

Publication Order of Will Novak Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Linda Ladd is a bestselling author known for her suspenseful detective mystery series featuring homicide detective Claire Morgan. Set at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks, the series follows Claire as she investigates brutal serial killings while grappling with her troubled past. Ladd’s passion for crime fiction comes from her love of true crime shows and her admiration for authors like Lee Child, whose works inspired her to explore the thriller genre. Her creativity is also fueled by her love of movies, especially The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. As a dedicated fan of Supernatural, she has joked about wanting to collaborate with producer Eric Kripke.

Before becoming an author, Ladd worked as a teacher and administered developmental tests for preschoolers. She is married to a teacher and carpenter, has two children, and enjoys spending time with her grandsons. Outside of writing, Ladd loves playing tennis, sitting on a swing while enjoying the outdoors, and watching movies. Originally known for her romance novels, she transitioned to suspense thrillers, finding her passion in writing about complex crimes and strong female protagonists. Her fascination with serial killers led her to research psychopaths, which helped her create realistic and chilling portrayals of criminals.

Ladd’s ability to build suspense and weave unexpected twists keeps readers hooked. Her protagonist, Claire Morgan, is a strong and intuitive detective who deals with the emotional and physical toll of her demanding job. With relatable quirks like enjoying McDonald’s, Claire is grounded in everyday life, making her character easy to connect with. Her complicated relationship with Dr. Nicholas Black adds layers of romantic tension, while new characters like Joe McKay bring additional conflict and intrigue. Readers often become deeply invested in Claire’s relationships, hoping for a happy ending despite the obstacles she faces.

Ladd’s vivid descriptions and attention to detail bring her settings and characters to life. Whether depicting the icy chill of a winter night or the eerie stillness of a crime scene, her writing creates an immersive experience that keeps readers turning pages. Although none of her books have been adapted into movies yet, fans eagerly anticipate the possibility of seeing Claire Morgan on the big screen.

Notable Works

Book One: Head to HeadIn Head to Head, Claire Morgan moves from Los Angeles to the Lake of the Ozarks to investigate a chilling murder at a luxury resort owned by Dr. Nicholas Black. A woman is found dead, taped to a chair, and submerged in the lake. As Claire investigates, she is drawn to the enigmatic doctor, unsure whether he is an ally or a suspect. The book’s mix of suspense, surprises, and romantic tension makes it hard to put down.

Book Two: Dark PlacesIn Dark Places, Claire recovers from her last case, only to face an even more disturbing murder. Professor Simon Classon is found poisoned, bleeding from the head, and suspended from a tree near his campus. As Claire investigates, harsh winter weather and mounting threats push her to her limits. The book’s vivid descriptions, suspenseful twists, and high-stakes action keep readers on edge until the final page.

With her gripping storytelling, well-developed characters, and unpredictable plots, Linda Ladd has built a loyal following. Her Claire Morgan series continues to captivate readers, solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in detective fiction.