Are you a fan of heart-pounding romantic suspense and gripping mystery thrillers? If so, Lisa Jackson is an author you need on your radar. With over 85 novels, including bestselling series like New Orleans and To Die/Montana, plus captivating standalone novels, Lisa Jackson has built a massive global following. Her books, translated into over 20 languages with more than 20 million copies in print, blend romance, suspense, and chilling twists that keep readers hooked. Whether you’re new to her work or a longtime fan, this guide to Lisa Jackson books in order will help you navigate her extensive catalog and dive into her thrilling worlds.
Who Is Lisa Jackson?
Lisa Jackson, born Susan Lisa Jackson in 1952 in Molalla, Oregon, is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author renowned for her romantic suspense and mystery thriller novels. Initially writing contemporary and historical romances, often with her sister Nancy Bush, Jackson found her true calling in suspense, crafting stories filled with complex characters, dark secrets, and edge-of-your-seat tension. Her knack for weaving intricate plots and exploring the minds of both killers and victims has made her a favorite among readers who crave suspense with a touch of romance.
In this blog post, we’ll break down Lisa Jackson’s books by series and standalone novels, provide a printable checklist, and share tips on where to start. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some SEO-friendly elements to ensure you find exactly what you need to embark on your Lisa Jackson reading journey!
Why Read Lisa Jackson’s Books in Order?
Reading Lisa Jackson’s series in publication or chronological order enhances your experience, especially for interconnected stories like the New Orleans or Savannah series, where character arcs and mysteries unfold across multiple books. While her standalone novels can be read in any order, series books often reference past events, making it rewarding to follow the intended sequence. Below, we’ve organized her books by series and publication order, with key details to help you decide where to begin.
Complete List of Lisa Jackson Books In Order of Series
Below is a comprehensive table listing all of Lisa Jackson’s book series in publication order, including series titles, book titles, publication years, and key details. This table focuses exclusively on her series, as requested, and excludes standalone novels and anthologies unless they are part of a series. The information is sourced from reliable references to ensure accuracy.
| Series Name | Book Title | Publication Year | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maverick Series | He’s a Bad Boy / Dangerous Revelations | 1985 | Set in Gold Creek, a steamy romance with suspense elements. |
| He’s Just a Cowboy / Breathless Innocence | 1993 | Focuses on rekindled love and second chances. | |
| He’s the Rich Boy / First Love | 1993 | Explores passion and past promises. | |
| He’s My Soldier Boy / Tender Absolution | 1994 | Concludes with a tale of redemption and romance. | |
| Historical Trilogy (as Susan Lynn Crose) | Enchantress | 1993 | Medieval romance set in Wales with magical elements. |
| Kiss of the Moon | 1994 | Features a strong heroine and forbidden love. | |
| Outlaw | 1995 | Concludes with adventure and romance. | |
| Love Letters Series | A Is for Always | 1994 | Set in Rimrock, Oregon, with family secrets and romance. |
| B Is for Baby | 1994 | Explores love and betrayal in a small town. | |
| C is for Cowboy | 1994 | Focuses on the powerful McKee family. | |
| D is for Dani’s Baby | 1995 | Concludes with a tale of unexpected love. | |
| Dark Jewels Trilogy | Dark Ruby | 1998 | Historical romance with a forbidden love story. |
| Dark Emerald | 1999 | Features betrayal and a mysterious child. | |
| Dark Sapphire | 2000 | Concludes with passion and danger. | |
| Forever Family Series | A Family Kind of Guy | 1998 | Set in Bittersweet, Oregon, about three sisters. |
| A Family Kind of Gal / A Family Kind of Girl | 1998 | Focuses on family secrets and romance. | |
| A Family Kind of Wedding | 1998 | Concludes with a heartwarming family reunion. | |
| The Cahills / San Francisco Series | If She Only Knew | 2000 | Romantic suspense with the wealthy Cahill family. |
| Almost Dead | 2007 | Features Detective Anthony Paterno. | |
| You Will Pay | 2017 | Explores dark family secrets. | |
| You Betrayed Me | 2020 | Concludes with intense suspense and betrayal. | |
| The McCaffertys Series | Thorne / Best-Kept Secrets | 2000 | Montana-based series about the McCafferty siblings. |
| Matt | 2001 | Focuses on rekindled romance. | |
| Slade | 2002 | Explores family loyalty and love. | |
| Randi / Best-Kept Lies | 2004 | Concludes with a gripping mystery. | |
| New Orleans Series | Hot Blooded | 2001 | Features detectives Rick Bentz and Reuben Montoya. |
| Cold Blooded | 2002 | Gritty suspense in New Orleans. | |
| Shiver | 2006 | Intense thriller with chilling twists. | |
| Absolute Fear | 2007 | Deepens the series’ dark atmosphere. | |
| Lost Souls | 2008 | Explores a serial killer’s mind. | |
| Malice | 2009 | High-stakes investigation. | |
| Devious | 2011 | Complex plot with shocking reveals. | |
| Never Die Alone | 2015 | Continues the intense detective saga. | |
| The Last Sinner | 2023 | Latest in the series with a climactic mystery. | |
| Medieval Trilogy | Impostress | 2003 | Historical romance with deception and passion. |
| Temptress | 2004 | Features a strong heroine in medieval times. | |
| Sorceress | 2007 | Concludes with magic and romance. | |
| Savannah Series | The Night Before | 2003 | Features detective Pierce Reed and journalist Nikki Gillette. |
| The Morning After | 2004 | Suspenseful mystery in Savannah, Georgia. | |
| Tell Me | 2013 | Continues the thrilling investigations. | |
| The Third Grave | 2021 | Latest in the series with a dark twist. | |
| West Coast Series | Deep Freeze | 2005 | Suspenseful tales set along the West Coast. |
| Fatal Burn | 2006 | Intense romantic suspense. | |
| After She’s Gone | 2015 | Concludes with a gripping mystery. | |
| Selena Alvarez/Regan Pescoli Series (To Die/Montana Series) | Left to Die | 2008 | Montana-based series with detectives Alvarez and Pescoli. |
| Chosen to Die | 2009 | Chilling serial killer hunt. | |
| Born to Die | 2011 | Deepens the suspense and character arcs. | |
| Afraid to Die | 2012 | High-stakes investigation in Montana. | |
| Ready to Die | 2013 | Continues the thrilling saga. | |
| Deserves to Die | 2014 | Intense and twist-filled. | |
| Expecting to Die | 2016 | Features personal and professional challenges. | |
| Willing to Die | 2019 | Concludes with a dramatic showdown. | |
| Colony Series (with Nancy Bush) | Wicked Game | 2009 | Also known as the Wicked Series, filled with suspense. |
| Wicked Lies | 2011 | Continues the dark and thrilling narrative. | |
| Something Wicked | 2013 | Explores hidden secrets and danger. | |
| Wicked Ways | 2014 | Deepens the series’ suspenseful tone. | |
| Wicked Dreams | 2022 | Latest in the series with intense twists. | |
| Wyoming Series (with Nancy Bush and Rosalind Noonan) | Sinister | 2013 | Suspenseful mysteries set in Wyoming. |
| Ominous | 2017 | Concludes with a chilling investigation. | |
| Mercy Series | Without Mercy | 2010 | Short but intense suspense series. |
| The Life and Death of Lauren Conway | 2011 | Concludes with a fast-paced mystery. | |
| Montana Mavericks: Wed In Whitehorn | Lone Stallion’s Lady | 2000 | Contribution to a multi-author romance series. |
| Fortune’s Children Series | The Millionaire and the Cowgirl | 1996 | Contribution to a multi-author romance series. |
Notes
- Publication Order: The table lists books in publication order, as this is the recommended reading order for most series to follow character development and plot arcs.
- Pseudonym: Books under the Historical Trilogy were published as Susan Lynn Crose.
- Co-Authored Works: The Colony and Wyoming series were co-authored with Nancy Bush, and the Wyoming series also includes Rosalind Noonan.
- Series Focus: The table excludes standalone novels and non-series anthologies, focusing solely on series as per the request.
- Sources: Data compiled from reputable sources like BookSeriesInOrder.com and MysterySequels.com for accuracy.
This table provides a clear, organized guide to Lisa Jackson’s series, making it easy to navigate her extensive catalog. For a printable checklist including both series and standalone novels, visit sites like readbooksinorder.com.
Lisa Jackson’s Book Series in Order

Lisa Jackson’s novels span multiple series, each with its own unique setting and characters. Here’s a comprehensive list of her series, including publication order and brief descriptions to spark your interest.
Maverick Series
Set in Gold Creek, this early romance series focuses on second chances and rekindled love, perfect for readers who enjoy steamy, emotional stories.
- He’s a Bad Boy / Dangerous Revelations (1985)
- He’s Just a Cowboy / Breathless Innocence (1993)
- He’s the Rich Boy / First Love (1993)
- He’s My Soldier Boy / Tender Absolution (1994)
Historical Trilogy (as Susan Lynn Crose)
Written under her pseudonym, this medieval romance series set in Wales features fierce heroines and forbidden love.
- Enchantress (1993)
- Kiss of the Moon (1994)
- Outlaw (1995)
Love Letters Series
Set in Rimrock, this romance series explores four couples torn apart by circumstance but drawn back together by fate.
- A Is for Always (1994)
- B Is for Baby (1994)
- C Is for Cowboy (1994)
- D Is for Dani’s Baby (1995)
Dark Jewels Trilogy
Another historical romance series set in medieval Wales, filled with passion, betrayal, and adventure.
- Dark Ruby (1998)
- Dark Emerald (1999)
- Dark Sapphire (2000)
Forever Family Series
Set in Bittersweet, Oregon, this trilogy follows three sisters discovering love and family secrets. Recently republished as Envious.
- A Family Kind of Guy (1998)
- A Family Kind of Gal (1998)
- A Family Kind of Wedding (1998)
The Cahills / San Francisco Series
This romantic suspense series dives into the scandals and secrets of the wealthy Cahill family, blending mystery with romance.
- If She Only Knew (2000)
- Almost Dead (2007)
- Yl Pay (2017)
- You Betrayed Me (2020)
The McCaffertys Series
Following the McCafferty siblings in Montana, this series combines romance with a gripping family mystery.
- Thorne / Best-Kept Secrets (2000)
- Matt (2001)
- Slade (2002)
- Randi / Best-Kept Lies (2004)
New Orleans Series
Featuring detectives Rick Bentz and Reuben Montoya, this series is a fan favorite for its gritty, suspenseful tales set in the sultry streets of New Orleans.
- Hot Blooded (2001)
- Cold Blooded (2002)
- Shiver (2006)
- Absolute Fear (2007)
- Lost Souls (2008)
- Malice (2009)
- Devious (2011)
- Never Die Alone (2015)
- The Last Sinner (2023)
Medieval Trilogy
Another historical romance series with strong heroines and dangerous warriors, set in medieval times.
- Impostress (2003)
- Temptress (2004)
- Sorceress (2007)
Savannah Series
Centered around detective Pierce Reed and journalist Nikki Gillette, this series delivers chilling mysteries in Savannah, Georgia.
- The Night Before (2003)
- The Morning After (2004)
- Tell Me (2013)
- The Third Grave (2021)
West Coast Series
This series blends suspense and romance with thrilling stories set along the West Coast.
- Deep Freeze (2005)
- Fatal Burn (2006)
- After She’s Gone (2015)
Selena Alvarez/Regan Pescoli Series (To Die/Montana Series)
Set in Montana, this series follows detectives Selena Alvarez and Regan Pescoli as they hunt serial killers in gripping, suspense-filled stories.
- Left to Die (2008)
- Chosen to Die (2009)
- Born to Die (2011)
- Afraid to Die (2012)
- Ready to Die (2013)
- Deserves to Die (2014)
- Expecting to Die (2016)
- Willing to Die (2019)
Colony Series (with Nancy Bush)
Co-authored with her sister, this series, also known as the Wicked series, explores dark secrets and suspenseful plots.
- Wicked Game (2009)
- Wicked Lies (2011)
- Something Wicked (2013)
- Wicked Ways (2014)
- Wicked Dreams (2022)
Wyoming Series (with Nancy Bush and Rosalind Noonan)
A suspenseful series with chilling mysteries set in Wyoming.
- Sinister (2013)
- Ominous (2017)
Mercy Series
Short but intense, this series delivers fast-paced suspense.
- Without Mercy (2010)
- The Life and Death of Lauren Conway (2011)
Montana Mavericks: Wed In Whitehorn
Jackson contributed one book to this multi-author romance series.
- Lone Stallion’s Lady (2000)
Fortune’s Children Series
Another multi-author series where Jackson contributed a single romance novel.
- The Millionaire and the Cowgirl (1996)
Lisa Jackson’s Standalone Novels
Lisa Jackson’s standalone novels are perfect for readers who want a complete, thrilling story in one book. Here’s a selection of her standalone titles in publication order:
- A Twist of Fate (1983)
- Tears of Pride (1984)
- Pirate’s Gold (1984)
- Dark Side of the Moon (1984)
- Gypsy Wind (1984)
- Devil’s Gambit (1985)
- Midnight Sun (1985)
- Innocent by Association (1985)
- A Dangerous Precedent (1985)
- Zachary’s Law (1986)
- Mystic (1986)
- One Man’s Love (1986)
- Renegade Son (1987)
- Snowbound (1987)
- Summer Rain (1987)
- The Brass Ring (1988, as Susan Lynn Crose)
- Hurricane Force (1988)
- In Honor’s Shadow (1988)
- Aftermath (1989)
- Tender Trap (1989)
- His Bride to Be (1990)
- Obsession (1991)
- Mystery Man (1991)
- Million Dollar Baby (1992)
- A Husband to Remember (1993)
- Treasures / See How She Dies (1994)
- Wishes / Running Scared (1995)
- Intimacies / Final Scream (1995)
- Whispers (1996)
- Twice Kissed (1998)
- Unspoken (1999)
- Wild and Wicked (2002)
- Most Likely to Die (2007, with Beverly Barton and Wendy Corsi Staub)
- You Don’t Want to Know (2012)
- Close to Home (2014)
- One Last Breath (2018, with Nancy Bush)
- Liar, Liar (2018)
- Paranoid (2019)
- Last Girl Standing (2020, with Nancy Bush)
- The Girl Who Survived (2022)
- Retribution (2024)
- Our Little Secret (2024)
- Point of Mercy (2025)
- It Happened on the Lake (2025)
Short Stories and Anthologies
Lisa Jackson has also contributed to various anthologies and short story collections, often with other notable authors:
- Left for Dead (1984)
- A Fortune’s Children Christmas (1998)
- Deck the Halls (2004)
- Thriller 2: Stories You Just Can’t Put Down (2010)
- MatchUp (2017)
- Afraid (2022)
- You’ll Find Out (2025)
Printable Lisa Jackson Books Checklist
To help you keep track of your reading, download our printable Lisa Jackson books checklist (8.5″ x 11″) for a handy reference to mark off each book as you read it. [Insert link to downloadable PDF or Google Sheet here]. This checklist includes all series and standalone novels in publication order, making it easy to plan your reading journey.
Where to Start with Lisa Jackson’s Books
New to Lisa Jackson? Here are some recommendations based on your preferences:
- For Romantic Suspense Fans: Start with The Night Before (Savannah Series) or Hot Blooded (New Orleans Series) for fast-paced mysteries with strong romantic elements.
- For Thriller Lovers: Dive into Chosen to Die (Selena Alvarez/Regan Pescoli Series) for a chilling serial killer hunt.
- For Romance Readers: Try A Family Kind of Guy (Forever Family Series) or The Millionaire and the Cowgirl (Fortune’s Children Series) for heartfelt second-chance romances.
- For Standalone Readers: You Don’t Want to Know (2012) or Paranoid (2019) offer gripping, self-contained suspense stories.
Why Lisa Jackson’s Books Are a Must-Read
Lisa Jackson’s novels stand out for their:
- Complex Characters: From determined detectives to flawed protagonists, her characters feel real and relatable.
- Atmospheric Settings: Whether it’s the sultry streets of New Orleans or the rugged Montana wilderness, her settings enhance the suspense.
- Twist-Filled Plots: Expect shocking revelations and nail-biting climaxes that keep you guessing until the last page.
- Versatile Genres: With a mix of romance, suspense, and historical fiction, there’s something for every reader.
Tips for an SEO-Friendly Reading Experience
To make the most of your Lisa Jackson reading journey, consider these tips:
- Search for Series Synopses: Look up brief summaries of each series to decide which setting or characters intrigue you most.
- Join Online Book Communities: Engage with fans on platforms like Goodreads or X to discover reading tips and recommendations.
- Check for Updates: Lisa Jackson frequently releases new books, so stay updated via her website or BookNotification.com.
- Use a Checklist: Keep track of your progress with a printable checklist to ensure you don’t miss any titles.
FAQs About Lisa Jackson’s Books
Q: Should I read Lisa Jackson’s series in order?
A: For series like New Orleans or Savannah, reading in publication order is recommended to follow character development and plot arcs. Standalone novels can be read in any order.
Q: Does Lisa Jackson use a pen name?
A: Yes, she occasionally writes historical romances under the pseudonym Susan Lynn Crose.
Q: What are Lisa Jackson’s most popular books?
A: Favorites include Shiver (New Orleans Series), Chosen to Die (Selena Alvarez/Regan Pescoli Series), and You Don’t Want to Know (standalone).
Q: Are Lisa Jackson’s books available on Kindle?
A: Yes, most of her books are available on Kindle, often with free trials via Kindle Unlimited or Audible. Check Amazon for details.
Conclusion: Start Your Lisa Jackson Reading Adventure Today!
Lisa Jackson’s books offer a thrilling blend of romance, suspense, and mystery, making her a must-read for fans of gripping stories. Whether you’re drawn to the intense investigations of the New Orleans series or the emotional depth of her standalone novels, this guide provides everything you need to explore her work in order. Download the printable checklist, pick your starting point, and get ready to lose yourself in Lisa Jackson’s captivating worlds. Happy reading!
Have you read any of Lisa Jackson’s books? Share your favorite in the comments below, or let us know which series you’re excited to start!

