If you’re a fan of gripping police procedurals, serial killer hunts, and strong female protagonists, the Taylor Jackson series by J.T. Ellison is a must-read. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Nashville, Tennessee, this series follows Lieutenant Taylor Jackson, a tough and determined homicide detective who tackles some of the most chilling crimes imaginable. With intricate plots, psychological depth, and a touch of romance, these books keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
J.T. Ellison, a New York Times bestselling author, crafts stories that blend suspense, forensics, and personal drama seamlessly. The series also features recurring characters like FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin (Taylor’s love interest) and medical examiner Dr. Samantha Owens, adding layers of complexity and continuity.
Whether you’re new to the series or a longtime fan looking to revisit, reading the Taylor Jackson books in order is highly recommended to fully appreciate the character development and overarching story arcs—especially the intense battle with the serial killer known as the Pretender.
List Of Taylor Jackson Books In Order
The Taylor Jackson series is a thrilling police procedural featuring Nashville homicide detective Lieutenant Taylor Jackson. For the best reading experience, start with the prequel Field of Graves, then follow the chronological order below. This includes all full-length novels, novellas, and notable short stories tied to the series (as of December 2025—no new books announced beyond The Wolves Come at Night in 2023).
Main Novels (Recommended Chronological Order)
| Order | Title | Publication Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Field of Graves | 2016 | Prequel – Taylor’s early career and origin of her scar |
| 1 | All the Pretty Girls | 2007 | Series debut – The Southern Strangler case |
| 2 | 14 | 2008 | Copycat killer mimicking famous murders |
| 3 | Judas Kiss | 2009 | Brutal family murder with media scrutiny |
| 4 | The Cold Room | 2010 | The Conductor – necrophiliac serial killer |
| 5 | The Immortals | 2010 | Occult-themed murders targeting teens |
| 6 | So Close the Hand of Death | 2011 | The Pretender escalates with accomplices |
| 7 | Where All the Dead Lie | 2011 | Taylor recovers from trauma in Scotland |
| 8 | The Wolves Come at Night | 2023 | Long-awaited return – ties to Taylor’s past |
Novellas and Short Stories
These are side stories that fit into the series timeline and feature Taylor Jackson.
| Title | Publication Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Sugar Baby | 2015 | Quick case involving mysterious wounds after a protest (also in anthology Slices of Night with other authors) |
| Whiteout | 2015 | Taylor faces an assassin during a blizzard conference (also in anthology Storm Season with other authors) |
| Crossed | 2015 | Short story bridging events (sometimes bundled with novellas) |
Enjoy diving into this gripping series full of suspense, forensics, and character growth! If you’re binge-reading, many are available in collections or audiobooks.
Recommended Reading Order for Taylor Jackson Books
The series includes full-length novels, a prequel, and a few novellas. For the best experience, start with the prequel (Field of Graves), which was written early but published later, then proceed chronologically. Here’s the complete Taylor Jackson books in order:
- Field of Graves (2016) – The prequel that introduces Taylor’s early career, her iconic scar, and her first meeting with John Baldwin. A serial killer is staging apocalyptic murders in Nashville, pulling Taylor into a dark investigation.
- All the Pretty Girls (2007) – The official series starter. A vicious killer dubbed the Southern Strangler leaves severed hands at crime scenes, forcing Taylor to team up with Baldwin in a multi-state hunt.
- 14 (2008) – A copycat killer revives old horrors by mimicking infamous serial murders, including the Snow White Killer. Taylor races against time as the body count rises.
- Judas Kiss (2009) – A brutal family murder with media frenzy puts Taylor under scrutiny. Secrets from the victim’s life unravel, threatening Taylor’s career and relationships.
- The Cold Room (2010) – Taylor faces the perverse “Conductor,” a necrophiliac killer who starves victims in glass coffins. This one dives deep into dark psychology.
- The Immortals (2010) – A killer targets teens in a Gothic ritual, leaving symbols tied to witchcraft and mysticism. Taylor uncovers a web of occult secrets.
- So Close the Hand of Death (2011) – The Pretender returns with accomplices, mimicking famous killers. This high-stakes installment escalates the danger for Taylor and her team.
- Where All the Dead Lie (2011) – After a traumatic injury, Taylor struggles with aphasia while investigating murders in a Scottish castle. A haunting, emotionally intense read.
- The Wolves Come at Night (2023) – The long-awaited return! Years later, Taylor is pulled back into a case tied to her past, proving old wolves never truly die.
Bonus: Novellas and Short Stories
These fit between the main books and add extra thrills:
- Blood Sugar Baby (2015) – A quick case involving a high-profile death after a protest.
- Whiteout (2015) – Taylor steps in for Baldwin at a conference, only to face an assassin in a blizzard.
- There are also anthology contributions like Slices of Night (with other authors), featuring Taylor in crossover stories.
Why Read the Taylor Jackson Series?
What sets this series apart is Taylor herself—a flawed, resilient heroine who commands respect while battling personal demons. The Nashville setting feels authentic, with vivid descriptions of Music City that immerse you in the action. Ellison’s background in research shines through in the forensic details, making the crimes feel eerily real.
Fans often compare it to works by Karin Slaughter, Lisa Gardner, or John Sandford for its blend of procedural accuracy and heart-pounding suspense. If you love strong character arcs (watch Taylor and Baldwin’s relationship evolve!), recurring villains, and twists that keep you guessing, this series delivers.
Tips for New Readers
- Start with Field of Graves for backstory—it’s the perfect entry point.
- The books build on each other, especially around books 5-7, so avoid skipping ahead if possible.
- Many are available in ebooks, audiobooks, or box sets for binge-reading.
Dive into the Taylor Jackson books in order today and discover why J.T. Ellison’s series has captivated thriller lovers for years. Which book will you start with? Happy reading!
