If you’re a fan of heart-pounding thrillers, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and complex characters, Alex Kava’s books are a must-read. This New York Times bestselling author has captivated millions with her gripping crime novels, particularly the Maggie O’Dell and Ryder Creed series. Whether you’re new to her work or a longtime fan, this guide lists all of Alex Kava’s books in order, helping you dive into her thrilling world of FBI profilers, K9 heroes, and chilling mysteries. Let’s explore her books, why they’re so addictive, and the best way to read them!
Why Read Alex Kava’s Books?
Alex Kava, born Sharon M. Kava in Silver Creek, Nebraska, has a knack for crafting suspenseful stories that blend psychological depth with fast-paced action. Her novels, set primarily in the Midwest, draw you into the minds of killers, investigators, and even search-and-rescue dogs. With over six million copies sold worldwide, her books have earned critical acclaim and awards like the Florida Book Award and Nebraska Book Award.
Kava’s Maggie O’Dell series follows a brilliant FBI profiler tackling serial killers, while the Ryder Creed series introduces a former Marine and his K9 unit, often crossing paths with Maggie. Both series, along with Kava’s standalone novels, deliver tight plots, relatable characters, and unexpected twists that keep readers hooked. Ready to start? Here’s the complete list of Alex Kava books in publication and chronological order.
List of Alex Kava books in order
| Year | Title | Series/Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | A Perfect Evil | Maggie O’Dell #1 |
| 2001 | Split Second | Maggie O’Dell #2 |
| 2002 | The Soul Catcher | Maggie O’Dell #3 |
| 2003 | At the Stroke of Madness | Maggie O’Dell #4 |
| 2004 | One False Move | Standalone Novel |
| 2006 | A Necessary Evil | Maggie O’Dell #5 |
| 2007 | Whitewash | Standalone Novel |
| 2008 | Exposed | Maggie O’Dell #6 |
| 2009 | Black Friday | Maggie O’Dell #7 |
| 2010 | Damaged | Maggie O’Dell #8 |
| 2011 | Hotwire | Maggie O’Dell #9 |
| 2011 | A Breath of Hot Air | Short Story/Novella (co-authored with Patricia Bremmer) |
| 2012 | Fireproof | Maggie O’Dell #10 |
| 2012 | Slices of Night | Novella (co-authored with J.T. Ellison and Erica Spindler) |
| 2013 | Stranded | Maggie O’Dell #11 |
| 2013 | Storm Season | Collection (co-authored with J.T. Ellison and Erica Spindler) |
| 2014 | Breaking Creed | Ryder Creed #1 |
| 2015 | Silent Creed | Ryder Creed #2 |
| 2016 | Reckless Creed | Ryder Creed #3 |
| 2017 | Before Evil | Maggie O’Dell #0 (Prequel) |
| 2017 | Off the Grid | Maggie O’Dell Collections (Short Stories) |
| 2018 | Lost Creed | Ryder Creed #4 |
| 2019 | Desperate Creed | Ryder Creed #5 |
| 2020 | Hidden Creed | Ryder Creed #6 |
| 2022 | Fallen Creed | Ryder Creed #7 |
| 2023 | Midnight Creed | Ryder Creed #8 |
| 2025 | Chasing Creed | Ryder Creed #9 (upcoming, no specific date confirmed) |
Maggie O’Dell Series in Order
The Maggie O’Dell series is Kava’s flagship, featuring FBI profiler Maggie O’Dell as she solves chilling cases across the U.S. This series is best read in chronological order to follow Maggie’s personal growth and evolving relationships, though each book can stand alone for its main plot.
- Before Evil (2017) – A prequel novella introducing Maggie’s early days profiling serial killers from her Quantico office. A sadistic murderer, Albert Stucky, taunts her, setting the stage for the series.
- A Perfect Evil (2000) – Maggie heads to Platte City, Nebraska, to profile a serial killer. Sheriff Nick Morelli joins her as they uncover a chilling pattern of murders. This debut novel became an international bestseller.
- Split Second (2001) – Maggie faces a copycat killer linked to her past cases, testing her profiling skills and personal resilience.
- The Soul Catcher (2002) – A cult-related murder case pulls Maggie into a web of psychological manipulation and danger.
- At the Stroke of Madness (2003) – Maggie investigates a series of bizarre killings, uncovering a killer with a twisted motive.
- A Necessary Evil (2006) – A string of priest murders leads Maggie to a conspiracy that hits close to home.
- Exposed (2007) – A deadly virus outbreak forces Maggie to confront a bioterrorism threat.
- Black Friday (2009) – A mall bombing during the holiday season puts Maggie on the trail of a domestic terrorist.
- A Breath of Hot Air (2011) – A novella (part of Off the Grid) where Maggie tackles a case tied to a natural disaster. Co-authored with Patricia Bremmer.
- Damaged (2010) – A hurricane in Florida reveals a gruesome discovery, pulling Maggie into a case involving body trafficking.
- Hotwire (2011) – Maggie investigates mysterious teen deaths in Nebraska, uncovering a sinister experiment.
- Fireproof (2012) – A serial arsonist brings Maggie dangerously close to the flames in Washington, D.C.
- Stranded (2013) – Maggie and her partner Tully discover a serial killer’s burial site, introducing Ryder Creed and his K9 unit, bridging the two series.
Note: The Off the Grid collection (2016) includes A Breath of Hot Air and other Maggie O’Dell short stories like Goodnight, Sweet Mother (2017). Read these between the main novels for a complete experience.
Ryder Creed Series in Order
The Ryder Creed series is a spin-off from Maggie O’Dell, featuring ex-Marine Ryder Creed and his K9 search-and-rescue dogs. This series is perfect for dog lovers and thriller fans, with Maggie O’Dell appearing as a supporting character. Reading in order enhances the character arcs, especially Ryder’s backstory.
- Breaking Creed (2015) – Ryder’s K9 unit uncovers a human trafficking ring, putting him and his dog Grace in danger. Maggie O’Dell joins the case.
- Silent Creed (2015) – A landslide in North Carolina reveals a secret facility, and Ryder teams up with Maggie to investigate.
- Reckless Creed (2016) – Ryder and his dogs face a bioterrorism threat while searching for a missing person.
- Lost Creed (2018) – Ryder digs into his sister’s disappearance from years ago, uncovering a trafficking network.
- Desperate Creed (2019) – A tornado in Alabama leads Ryder and Maggie to a deadly conspiracy.
- Hidden Creed (2020) – Ryder’s dogs uncover a serial killer’s dumping ground in Nebraska’s Black Hills.
- Fallen Creed (2022) – An early snowstorm traps Ryder and his dogs, turning a search mission into a fight for survival.
- Midnight Creed (2023) – Ryder faces unseen threats to protect his dogs in a high-stakes mission.
- Chasing Creed (2025) – The upcoming ninth book, set for release in summer 2025. Expect more K9 action and suspense
Standalone Novels and Collaborations
Alex Kava’s standalone novels and novellas offer unique stories outside her main series, perfect for readers wanting a quick, thrilling read.
- One False Move (2004) – A con woman, her son, and her ex-convict brother botch a bank heist, leading to a deadly chase. This novel won the 2006 One Book One Nebraska award.
- Whitewash (2007) – Scientist Sabrina Galloway uncovers a conspiracy at an alternative fuel research plant, with toxic consequences.
- Storm Season (2014) – A novella collection with J.T. Ellison and Erica Spindler, featuring three thrilling tales set during a massive storm. Includes A Breath of Hot Air.
- Slices of Night (2011) – A novella co-authored with J.T. Ellison and Erica Spindler, focusing on a serial killer case.
Why Read Alex Kava’s Books in Order?
Reading Alex Kava’s books in chronological order enhances your experience by following the character development and subtle connections between the Maggie O’Dell and Ryder Creed series. For example, Ryder’s introduction in Stranded sets up his spin-off series, and Maggie’s recurring appearances in Ryder Creed books tie the two together. However, each novel’s main plot is self-contained, so you can jump in anywhere if you’re eager to start
Fans love Kava’s ability to weave real-world issues—like bioterrorism, human trafficking, and serial killers—into her stories, grounded by her extensive research. Her Midwest settings, especially Nebraska, add authenticity, as she draws from her own small-town roots. Plus, the Ryder Creed series stands out for its focus on K9 heroes, inspired by Kava’s love for dogs.
Tips for New Readers
- Start with A Perfect Evil: It’s the gateway to Maggie O’Dell’s world and a great introduction to Kava’s style.
- Love dogs? Try Breaking Creed: The Ryder Creed series is a must for fans of K9 thrillers.
- Want a quick read?: Check out One False Move or the Off the Grid collection for standalone thrills.
- Stay updated: Follow Alex Kava’s website or BookNotification.com for news on releases like Chasing Creed (2025).
Where to Find Alex Kava’s Books
You can grab Alex Kava’s books at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local library (ask for them via Ingram or Overdrive). For signed copies, check out her webshop at alexkava.com.
Join the Alex Kava Fan Community
Once you’re hooked, share your thoughts! Which Alex Kava book is your favorite? Drop a comment below or join discussions on platforms like Goodreads, where fans rave about Maggie’s grit and Ryder’s dogs. If you’re in Omaha or Silver Creek, Nebraska, you might feel extra connected to Kava’s settings, as many readers do. We recommend you other famous author books such as Dav Pilkey Books, Laura Nowlin Books and more.
Happy reading, and get ready for a thrilling ride with Alex Kava’s unforgettable stories!
