These are the top 12 series from which I read at least one book this year.
1. Harry Bosch by Michael Connelly
I love everything about this detective series…the stories, the narration and Harry. I’m just wild about him. He’s old school, unapologetic and often in trouble. Now that there’s a TV series? There’s just more to love.
2. Gaslight Mystery by Victoria Thompson
I fell for this series at the first book. Set in the late 1890s New York City, it combines historical fiction and mystery. Every book offers a nugget of history new to me. And the two main characters, Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy and midwife Sarah Brandt, are the proverbial odd couple that makes it work. I’m reading it with a group and we are united in our fandom.
3. Cork O’Connor by William Kent Krueger
I took a leap of faith and started this series at a friend’s insistence. I loved the first book but thought I might eventually tire of the setting so I put it on the back burner until it was selected as a group read. We’ve caught up to the end and each book is rated 4 or 5 stars. I’m in for as long as the author continues to write the stories. I’ve never been bored.
4. Angie Pallorino by Loreth Anne White
This is another series that is deeply atmospheric, set in British Columbia where the surroundings are as much a part of the stories as the characters. Detective Angie Pallorino will certainly test you but you’ll not be able to give up on her. The stories are gritty and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Nothing at all predictable about this series.
5. In Death by J. D. Robb
This one’s my heart. You know it has to be given that I’m current in a series with over 50 books (including novellas). And, it’s the only one I’ve ever reread…3 times when it was at a paltry 35 books. Set in the year 2058, it centers around New York Security & Police Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her team of detectives, friends and makeshift family. What makes this series special is the nuanced character development over the course of the books. I’ve not seen anything like it before. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s okay to read it out of order…you’ll regret it.
6. Rizzoli & Isles by Tess Gerritsen
I read the first two books a few years ago and recently reread them when the series was selected as a group read. I’m 9 books in and all the stories are really, really good. Detective Jane Rizzoli and Medical Examiner Maura Isles team to solve homicides but their personal lives round out the frame. It’s seriously good but not for the faint of heart.
7. Amos Decker by David Baldacci
This unusual man is a former detective now assigned to an FBI special task force investigating cold or unusual cases. He’s got skills that make him singularly well suited for the job. I’ve also listened to the entire series, which uses the duet method for narration and I’m loving it!
8. Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine
I received a deal on the first book in this series, the only reason I bought it. However, the series was selected to read by one of my groups so I gave it a shot and was blown away. If you’re up for something different and completely unpredictable, pick this.
9. Colorado Mountain by Kristen Ashley
I am so hooked on this series. I’ve two more books to go and each is a listening marathon (over 20 hours). KA isn’t for everyone and I’m never quite sure what is the magic but once I start one of these, I hate putting it down.
10. Fatal by Marie Force
This is another favorite romantic suspense series featuring Washington D. C. Homicide Lieutenant Samantha (Sam) Holland who is married to a high profile politician, Nick Cappuano. The issues are endless and includes a well developed cast of secondary characters. She’s tough and he respects her career. I’m a die-hard fan.
11. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas 
I would never have begun this series without the group read. However, this fantasy series really captured my imagination. I got behind but I really am anxious to get back to it.
12. The Bourbon Kings by J. R. Ward 
I had no idea how much I’d love this series until I got started. I listened to all three books and enjoyed all the soapy drama and outrageous characters. It just worked for me
I’ve read the first Sarah J. Maas book but none of the others. Thanks for the suggestions.
You’re welcome!
I, too,was blown away by the Stillhouse series! It was super. Have not read any of the others, but a new year is fast approaching. Time for my reading fun!
Wasn’t that a great surprise?
I’ve been wanting to read Stillhouse Lake!!! You’ve sold me on it 💕💕
Yay! I don’t think you’ll regret it.
The J D Robb is intriguing. Is that Nora Roberts writing under a different name?
yes! It’s an amazing series.
She started this series in 1995 and hid the pseudonym for about three years.
Okay that’s a long running series!
Over 50 books!
Really? Incredible and are they still good?
Yes, very! She’s created a robust group of secondary characters that’s she’s developed quite nicely. The mysteries and procedural are still quite good.
That’s fantastic I’ll have to see if I can find them in the library.
You should find them there. And, it is essential to read them in order.
okay!
Here’s my impressive and inspiring series friend! So much inspiration here, especially! Wonderful post, Jonetta. I’ll be bookmarking it. ♥️
Lol! That’s me, series girl😏 Thanks, Jennifer.
Well I have read or want to read these all pretty much. I owe my new Cork O’Connor love to you. I knew I’d seen The Drowned Girls somewhere and it’s on a sale at Audible right now. Baldacci and Connelly are ones I haven’t read but have definitely wanted to read for awhile. Thanks for sharing. Anne – Books of My Heart
I’m so happy you’re loving Cork O’Connor, Anne! I saw that sale for Drowned Girls and while I didn’t listen to the books, I’ve heard good things about the audio version. I’m a big Connelly fan and am getting there with Baldacci.
Great list! I’ve read books in four of these series, and some of the others are on my radar. 😊
Thank you, Darinda! More we have in common.
Oh, I love ToG series! And I have read Ward’s other series, but I tend to have a lot of fun with her books, so I will check that one out. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Monika! Hope you enjoy.
You already know how I feel about Harry 🙂 but you have some series listed here that I’ve either let slide or meant to start and never did. I’m making a list now and WILL get to them – or back to them – in 2019! Thanks!!
You’re welcome! I stand behind all of them☺️
Love this list! I really need to catch up on so many series!💕💕
So do I, Berit!
It is the downside of reading so many different genres! You just want to get your hands on everything!
Nice choices, Jonetta. I loved The Bourbon Kings series as well. So scandalous! Xx
Thanks, Zoe! But it was great fun, wasn’t it?
Great list! Stillhouse Lake is one of my absolute favorites and I really enjoyed the Throne Of Glass series as well up until book five.
Thanks, Yvo! What a sleeper Stillhouse Lake turned out to be. Did you fall out of like after #5 in Throne Of Glass?
Yeah I wasn’t a fan of Empire Of Storms at all… I’m still probably going to read the other two books, although I’m not in any hurry. 😉
I’ve heard really great things about the Colorado Mountain Series but I haven’t started it yet.
If you’re a KA fan, you’ll definitely love this one!
These will be my first of her books, actually!
I just finished the first Throne of Glass book last week so I’m happy to see this series made your best of list.
Have you read the novellas? They make a big difference.
I’ve been eyeing Sarah J. Maas series. I still haven’t started the J.D. Robb series (sigh).
If you decide to start the Maas series, be sure to start with those novellas. Whatcha waiting for on the J. D. Robb series?😏
I’ve not tried any of these series. Stillhouse Lake is high on my TBR I hope to start it in 2019. So many books, so little time.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
You’ve not started the In Death series??? Melanie, you’d love it!