How Many Books Are in Jack Reacher, Alex Cross, In Death and Other Long-Running Series?

Long-running series are some of the most popular books in the world, but their sheer size makes them intimidating. How many are there now? Do you have to start at the beginning? Here are the current counts for the big ones, as of October 2026, and our honest advice on order for each.

In Death by J.D. Robb: 63 Books

Nora Roberts, writing as J.D. Robb, has published about two In Death novels a year since 1995, following Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her husband Roarke through a near-future New York. The latest is Fury in Death (2026).

Do you need to read in order? For the mysteries, no: each case is self-contained. But Eve and Roarke's relationship develops across the whole series, so the early books are worth reading first. Start with Naked in Death. Full list: In Death reading order.

Alex Cross by James Patterson: 34 Books

Washington detective and psychologist Alex Cross has headlined thrillers since Along Came a Spider in 1993. The most recent is Return of the Spider (2025), which revisits the case that started it all.

Do you need to read in order? Mostly, for the early books, which build Cross's family life and his feuds with recurring villains. Later entries stand alone more easily. Full list: Alex Cross reading order.

Jack Reacher by Lee Child: 30 Books

Former military policeman Jack Reacher drifts across America, fixing problems with his fists and his brain. Lee Child wrote the first 24 books alone; since The Sentinel (2020) he has co-written the series with his brother, Andrew Child. The latest is Exit Strategy (2025).

Do you need to read in order? Not really. Reacher has no fixed home or cast, and each book is a standalone adventure. Many fans still suggest starting with Killing Floor, since it introduces him. Full list: Jack Reacher reading order.

Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward: 23 Books

A paranormal romance series about a brotherhood of vampire warriors in Caldwell, New York. Each book centers on a different couple, but the war against the Lessening Society runs through all of them. The most recent we list is Lover Forbidden (2025), with Lover Enthroned due in October 2026.

Do you need to read in order? Yes. Side characters later get their own books, and the overarching plot matters. Start with Dark Lover. Full list: Black Dagger Brotherhood reading order.

October Daye by Seanan McGuire: 19 Books

Urban fantasy about a half-fae knight and private investigator in a magical San Francisco. The most recent is Silver and Lead (2025).

Do you need to read in order? Absolutely. This is one continuous story. Start with Rosemary and Rue. Full list: October Daye reading order.

The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher: 18 Books

Chicago's only professional wizard, Harry Dresden, takes on supernatural cases. Twelve Months (2026) picks up after the battle for Chicago.

Do you need to read in order? Yes. The early books are episodic, but the series builds into one long story. Start with Storm Front, and if it doesn't grab you, keep going to Grave Peril or Summer Knight, where most readers say it hits its stride. Full list: Dresden Files reading order.

A Simple Rule of Thumb

If a series is built around one case or adventure per book, like Jack Reacher and most of In Death, you can sample freely. If it's built around a world or a relationship that changes, like Dresden, October Daye and Black Dagger Brotherhood, read it in order. Whatever you pick, our guide to tackling a 20-book series will help you keep going.