Jonathan Stride Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Jonathan Stride books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

About the Jonathan Stride Series

If you’re a fan of psychological suspense that goes deep into the hearts and minds of its characters, the Jonathan Stride series by Brian Freeman is a journey you won’t want to miss. This gripping crime fiction series introduces us to Lieutenant Jonathan Stride, a dedicated and deeply haunted homicide detective based in Duluth, Minnesota—a city painted vividly through the chilling winds off Lake Superior. These books are not just murder mysteries; they are emotional rollercoasters, filled with dark secrets, moral dilemmas, and unforgettable characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page.

Brian Freeman, a master storyteller and one of America’s most acclaimed psychological suspense authors, launched the series in 2005 with Immoral, a novel that immediately made waves in the literary world. It didn’t just receive praise—it won the Macavity Award for Best First Novel and was also a finalist for the prestigious Edgar Award. Freeman didn’t just write a thriller; he crafted a haunting narrative that blends crime, emotion, and psychology in a way few writers manage to do. His ability to dig into the psychology of his characters, particularly the complex and often tormented Stride, gives the series its unique heartbeat.

At the heart of the series is Jonathan Stride himself—a man marked by loss, driven by justice, and constantly battling his own inner demons. He’s not the kind of detective who simply solves crimes; he lives them. He breathes them. And often, they consume him. Alongside him, we meet Maggie Bei, his loyal partner, and Serena Dial, Stride’s lover and fellow investigator, who brings her own strength and insight into their cases. The relationships between these three characters are not just subplots—they’re emotional landscapes that evolve throughout the series, filled with tension, passion, and deep vulnerability.

Each book in the series offers a new crime to unravel, but they are also pieces of a larger puzzle. You watch the characters grow, make mistakes, heal, and break again. The series doesn’t follow a formula—it evolves organically, always keeping readers on edge. From snowy Minnesota towns to the dazzling heat of Las Vegas, the settings in the Stride novels add another layer of atmosphere. Freeman is known for capturing the soul of a place, making the environment almost a character in itself.

What truly sets this series apart is its ability to blend fast-paced suspense with real human emotion. These are not cold, procedural mysteries. Every plot twist hits harder because it matters to the people involved. Freeman writes about obsession, betrayal, loss, and the thin line between justice and revenge. And somehow, amid all the darkness, there’s still space for love, redemption, and second chances.

The Jonathan Stride series currently includes seven novels, beginning with Immoral and followed by Stripped, each one building on the last. These books are known for their intricate plots, shocking twists, and a depth of storytelling that keeps readers hooked from the very first page. Whether you’re new to crime fiction or a longtime fan, this series offers something special—a story that keeps pulling you in, book after book.

Another remarkable aspect of this series is its global reach. Freeman’s books have been published in 17 languages and sold in 46 countries. That’s not just a testament to good writing—it’s a sign that these stories resonate with people from all walks of life. Readers everywhere can connect with the emotions, the suspense, and the humanity in these novels. And thanks to their wide availability in bookstores, libraries, and online platforms, getting your hands on a copy has never been easier.

If you’re looking for a series that combines gripping suspense with real emotional depth, the Jonathan Stride books are exactly what you need. Each novel will leave you breathless, yet hungry for more. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself binge-reading well into the night. This is not just crime fiction—it’s storytelling at its finest. Dive in, and let Jonathan Stride take you on a journey you won’t forget.