If you’re a fan of gripping young adult mysteries, heart-pounding thrillers, or intricate plots filled with twists, Jennifer Lynn Barnes is an author you need on your radar. Known for her addictive storytelling and complex characters, Barnes has crafted a remarkable catalog of over 20 novels, including the wildly popular The Inheritance Games series and The Naturals. Whether you’re new to her work or a longtime fan, this guide will walk you through Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ books in order, both by publication and series, to help you dive into her captivating worlds. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to enjoy her stories to the fullest!
Who Is Jennifer Lynn Barnes?
Before we jump into the book list, let’s get to know the mastermind behind these page-turners. Jennifer Lynn Barnes, often called “Jen,” is a #1 New York Times bestselling author born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With a Ph.D. in cognitive science from Yale University, she brings a unique psychological depth to her characters and plots. Her background as a professor, combined with her love for puzzles and mysteries, shines through in her writing, making her stories perfect for readers who love a challenge. From The Inheritance Games’ puzzle-filled mansions to The Naturals’ FBI-inspired profiling, her books are a blend of suspense, romance, and intrigue.
Why Read Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ Books in Order?
Barnes’ series are best enjoyed in order, as her stories often build on character arcs, plot twists, and interconnected mysteries. Reading in publication or series order ensures you catch every clue and avoid spoilers. Below, we’ve organized her books by series and publication date, with standalone novels and tips for new readers.
Jennifer Lynn Barnes Books in Publication Order
Here’s the complete list of Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ books in publication order, as of July 2025. This includes her series and standalone novels, perfect for tracking her evolution as a writer.
- Golden (2006) – A YA fantasy about a girl with a unique ability to see auras.
- Platinum (2007) – The sequel to Golden, diving deeper into supernatural secrets.
- The Squad: Perfect Cover (2008) – A fun, action-packed story about cheerleaders who are secretly government operatives.
- The Squad: Killer Spirit (2008) – The thrilling conclusion to The Squad duology.
- Tattoo (2008) – A paranormal YA novel about friends who gain temporary psychic powers.
- Fate (2009) – The sequel to Tattoo, wrapping up the supernatural adventure.
- Raised by Wolves (2010) – A werewolf story about a human girl raised in a pack.
- Every Other Day (2011) – A standalone about a girl who alternates between being human and a demon-hunter.
- Trial by Fire (2011) – The second book in the Raised by Wolves trilogy.
- Taken by Storm (2012) – The epic finale of the Raised by Wolves trilogy.
- Nobody (2013) – A standalone thriller about two teens who are “Nobodies” with extraordinary abilities.
- The Naturals (2013) – The first book in a gripping YA mystery series about teens with profiling skills.
- Killer Instinct (2014) – The second Naturals book, diving deeper into the team’s investigations.
- All In (2015) – The third Naturals book, set against a backdrop of Las Vegas murders.
- The Fixer (2015) – A political YA thriller about a teen fixing scandals in Washington, D.C.
- Bad Blood (2016) – The intense fourth book in The Naturals series.
- The Long Game (2016) – The sequel to The Fixer, concluding the duology.
- Twelve (2017) – An e-novella in The Naturals series, bridging books 4 and 5.
- Little White Lies (2018) – The first in the Debutantes series, a Southern mystery with high stakes.
- The Lovely and the Lost (2019) – A standalone about a girl trained in search-and-rescue missions.
- Deadly Little Scandals (2019) – The second Debutantes book, packed with family secrets.
- The Inheritance Games (2020) – The blockbuster first book in a puzzle-filled mystery series.
- The Hawthorne Legacy (2021) – The second Inheritance Games book, raising the stakes.
- The Final Gambit (2022) – The thrilling conclusion to the original Inheritance Games trilogy.
- The Brothers Hawthorne (2023) – A spin-off focusing on Grayson and Jameson Hawthorne.
- The Grandest Game (2024) – The first book in a new Inheritance Games spin-off series.
- The Same Backward as Forward (2025) – A deluxe limited edition novel with dual perspectives, releasing November 2025.
Jennifer Lynn Barnes Books by Series
For fans who love diving into a series, here’s how to read Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ books by series, ensuring you follow the narrative arcs as intended.
The Inheritance Games Series
This Knives Out-meets-One of Us Is Lying series follows Avery Grambs, a teen who inherits a billionaire’s fortune and must navigate puzzles, secrets, and a complicated family. With over 5 million copies sold, it’s a must-read
- The Inheritance Games (2020)
- The Hawthorne Legacy (2021)
- The Final Gambit (2022)
- The Brothers Hawthorne (2023) – A spin-off focusing on the Hawthorne brothers.
- The Grandest Game (2024) – The start of a new spin-off series.
- The Same Backward as Forward (2025) – Releasing November 2025.
Reading Tip: Start with The Inheritance Games for the core trilogy, then read The Brothers Hawthorne and The Grandest Game for extended adventures. Pre-order The Same Backward as Forward for the latest chapter!
The Naturals Series
Perfect for fans of Criminal Minds, this series follows Cassie, a teen with a knack for profiling, as she joins an FBI program to solve cold cases.
- The Naturals (2013)
- Killer Instinct (2014)
- All In (2015)
- Bad Blood (2016)
- Twelve (2017, e-novella)
Reading Tip: Read in order to follow the team’s growth and the unfolding mysteries. Twelve is a short novella best read after Bad Blood.
Raised by Wolves Series
A paranormal trilogy about a human girl raised by werewolves, blending action and emotion.
- Raised by Wolves (2010)
- Trial by Fire (2011)
- Taken by Storm (2012)
Reading Tip: This trilogy is complete, so binge-read for a cohesive werewolf saga.
The Fixer Series
A political thriller series about Tess, a teen who becomes a “fixer” for elite scandals in Washington, D.C.
- The Fixer (2015)
- The Long Game (2016)
Reading Tip: Read both books for the full political intrigue experience.
Debutantes Series
A Southern mystery duology about debutantes, secrets, and family drama.
- Little White Lies (2018)
- Deadly Little Scandals (2019)
Reading Tip: These books are perfect for fans of gossip and betrayal—read in order for maximum impact.
The Squad Series
A lighthearted duology about cheerleaders who are covert government operatives.
- The Squad: Perfect Cover (2008)
- The Squad: Killer Spirit (2008)
Reading Tip: Great for a fun, action-packed read with a touch of humor.
Tattoo Series
A paranormal duology about friends who gain psychic powers from magical tattoos.
- Tattoo (2008)
- Fate (2009)
Reading Tip: A quick, supernatural read for fans of early 2000s YA.
Golden Series
A YA fantasy duology about a girl who sees auras and uncovers secrets.
- Golden (2006)
- Platinum (2007)
Reading Tip: Start here if you want to see Barnes’ early work in fantasy.
Standalone Novels
- Every Other Day (2011) – A unique thriller about a girl who’s human one day and a demonhunter the next.
- Nobody (2013) – A standalone about two teens with unique abilities.
- The Lovely and the Lost (2019) – A standalone about a girl trained in search-and-rescue missions.
Why Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ Books Are So Addictive
Barnes’ novels are known for their intricate plots and shocking twists, carefully planned to keep readers guessing. As a self-described “plotter,” she spends months outlining her stories to ensure every twist lands perfectly. Her background in cognitive science adds psychological realism to her characters, making them relatable and complex. Whether it’s the high-stakes puzzles of The Inheritance Games or the profiling in The Naturals, her books hook readers with:
- Twist-Filled Plots: Expect the unexpected with every chapter.
- Relatable Characters: Teens with unique skills and emotional depth.
- Fast-Paced Action: Perfect for readers who love non-stop suspense.
- Romance and Drama: Subtle romantic threads add heart to the mysteries.
Tips for Reading Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ Books
- Start with a Popular Series: The Inheritance Games or The Naturals are great entry points due to their popularity and accessibility.
- Read Series in Order: Each series builds on previous books, so follow the listed order to avoid missing key plot points.
- Check for Signed Copies: Retailers like Best of Books often have signed copies, but they sell out fast! Pre-order upcoming releases for a special touch.
- Join the Fandom: Follow Barnes on social media (@jenniferlynnbarnes) or visit her website (jenniferlynnbarnes.com) for updates and behind-the-scenes insights.
- Explore Adaptations: The Inheritance Games is being adapted for TV, so now’s the perfect time to catch up
Upcoming Releases to Watch
- The Same Backward as Forward (November 2025): A deluxe limited edition in The Inheritance Games universe, featuring dual perspectives and new secrets. Pre-order now for a collector’s gem
Where to Buy Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ Books
You can find her books at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or independent bookstores like Best of Books, which often stock signed copies. Check availability and pre-order upcoming releases to stay ahead of the game.
Final Thoughts
Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ books are a treasure trove for YA fans who crave mysteries, puzzles, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re solving riddles with Avery in The Inheritance Games or profiling killers with Cassie in The Naturals, there’s a series for every reader. Start with the publication or series order above, and you’ll be hooked in no time. Which book will you read first? Let us know in the comments, and happy reading!
Looking for more book recommendations? Check out our guides to other YA mystery authors like Holly Jackson or Karen M. McManus!
