Yeah, there are a few—like The Christmas Guest and Manhunt. They’re fun, but not essential. Think of them as bonus episodes between seasons. You can read them after Book 5 without spoilers. Or skip them entirely. I won’t judge. Much.
One pro tip: the series gets darker around Gone (Book 6). Bennett’s wife dies, and he basically becomes a single dad grim reaper. It’s less “light crime” and more “gritty trauma.” If you prefer your detectives with quips, maybe start with Step on a Crack—it’s the only one with a Pope joke.
But Wait—Is It Worth Reading in Order?
Honestly? Yes. But here’s the ironic part: I read Book 10 (Haunted) first, and loved it. Then I went back and saw Bennett’s kids age from toddlers to moody teens. Made the later books richer. So if you’re desperate, start anywhere—but you’ll lose the subplot about his daughter’s chess championship, which is surprisingly dramatic.
Also, a warning: Patterson and Ledwidge love cliffhangers. Blindside ends with a reveal that made me drop my phone in soup. If you start at Book 12, you’ll be Googling “who is the man in the cabin?” for hours. Save yourself the soup-loss.
