Read J T Ellison Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!
By Kathy | Last Updated on May 28, 2026
Note: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.
J.T. Ellison is a prominent figure in the world of psychological thrillers and crime fiction, known for weaving complex characters, intricate plots, and heart-pounding suspense into her novels. With a knack for capturing the darkest corners of the human psyche, she’s built a loyal following of readers who are captivated by her ability to craft stories that not only entertain but also challenge the boundaries of moral ambiguity and human psychology. Ellison’s books often take readers on a rollercoaster of twists and turns, with characters facing dilemmas that are as unpredictable as the mysteries they are trying to solve.
This exploration will dive into J.T. Ellison’s body of work, offering a detailed overview of her books, the reading order of her series, and an analysis of what makes her writing so compelling. If you’re new to her work or seeking a more structured approach to tackling her collection, this guide will provide all the insights you need to decide whether to dive into her literary world-and in which order.
Contents
List Of J T Ellison Books In Order
| All the Pretty Girls (2007) | Details |
| 14 (2008) | Details |
| The Cold Room (2009) | Details |
| The Sixth Day (2010) | Details |
| Where All the Dead Lie (2011) | Details |
| The Last Noel (2012) | Details |
| Edge of Black (2012) | Details |
| Teardrop Shot (2019) | Details |
| Good Girls Lie (2020) | Details |
| The Death of Mrs. Westaway (2018) | Details |
More On J T Ellison Books In Chronological Order
1. All the Pretty Girls (2007)
This debut novel introduces us to Taylor Jackson, a tough-as-nails detective in Nashville who’s hunting down a serial killer who’s leaving a trail of pretty young girls behind. The case hits close to home when she realizes the killer is targeting women that resemble her. It’s got all the ingredients of a great psychological thriller: tension, action, and a mystery that keeps you turning pages like there’s no tomorrow. Plus, Taylor’s got some serious personal demons she’s dealing with, making her even more relatable.
2. 14 (2008)
In this second book, we follow Taylor and her team as they work on a chilling case involving a young woman found murdered in a house with a disturbing number 14 on the wall. The deeper they dig, the more they uncover about the strange, twisted history of the house-and its previous inhabitants. This book is one of those spine-tinglers where you don’t know who’s going to get it next and leaves you questioning how much darkness can be packed into one place.
3. The Cold Room (2009)
Taylor’s back in this third book, but things have taken a darker turn in her personal life. As she struggles with her relationship with her boyfriend, her job is just as challenging. She’s hunting down a killer who’s using the same modus operandi as a murderer from her past. The real kicker? This killer is messing with her mind, taking her through a maze of old wounds and secrets that she wishes she’d left buried. It’s a nail-biting read, with twists that you don’t see coming!
4. The Sixth Day (2010)
This is a more complex, layered story where the murder of a young girl sends Taylor and her team deep into the investigation, uncovering a tangled web of revenge, greed, and shocking secrets. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, especially because Taylor is really pushed to her limits in this one. The tension is high, and just when you think you have it figured out, Ellison pulls the rug out from under you with a twist you won’t believe!
5. Where All the Dead Lie (2011)
A book that’s as much about digging up past secrets as it is about solving a current crime. A body is found in an abandoned house, and Taylor Jackson has to navigate through a complicated investigation involving family ties, old grudges, and a shocking connection to a case from her past. The suspense is relentless, and Ellison’s talent for weaving personal stakes with a chilling mystery shines through here.
6. The Last Noel (2012)
This one brings us a bit of a holiday twist! The story takes place during Christmas when a murder occurs, and Taylor and her team are called in. As much as you might expect a little holiday cheer, this one is full of dark twists and creepy vibes. A killer with a sick obsession, a high-stakes investigation, and just enough holiday tension to make you keep reading all through the night.
7. Edge of Black (2012)
This book is the launch of a new series within Ellison’s universe, starring Dr. Samantha Owens, a former medical examiner. When she’s called in to investigate a death in the world of high-profile politicians, she uncovers a conspiracy that’s deeper and more dangerous than she ever imagined. With a lot of heart-pounding moments, plenty of twists, and a main character with a complex emotional background, it’s a great start to a new storyline. If you’re craving some smart, intense crime-solving, this is your jam.
8. Teardrop Shot (2019)
This one’s a bit of a departure from her usual fare, diving into the world of professional sports. A famous basketball player is under suspicion after a woman is found dead. Ellison does a fantastic job exploring the world of fame, ambition, and the price of success, with a surprising level of depth. If you’ve ever wondered what lies beneath the shiny surface of athletes’ lives, this book gives you a gritty peek at the dark side.
9. Good Girls Lie (2020)
Set in an elite boarding school, this psychological thriller pulls you into the lives of privileged young women with dark secrets. The main character, a scholarship student named Ash, is thrust into a web of deception, bullying, and murder. As tensions rise, the book paints a chilling portrait of ambition and betrayal. It’s a twisty, engaging story where the line between who’s good and who’s bad gets blurrier with each page.
10. The Death of Mrs. Westaway (2018)
A twisty, gothic mystery, this book centers on the intriguing, strange life of a woman named Hal, who’s not exactly thrilled to receive a letter telling her she’s inherited a fortune from her late grandmother. The only problem? She’s not the right person! With a complex mix of mystery, secrets, and a bit of family drama, this one will pull you into a foggy world of hidden truths that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Background On J T Ellison Books
J.T. Ellison’s career as a writer began in 2007 with the release of All the Pretty Girls, which introduced her to the world of crime fiction. The book is the first in her Taylor Jackson series, featuring the eponymous Nashville homicide detective. This novel was a hit, quickly gaining attention for its gritty portrayal of crime, its fascinating lead character, and its fast-paced, pulse-pounding plot. All the Pretty Girls set the tone for Ellison’s future works, establishing her trademark blend of psychological depth, riveting suspense, and multifaceted characters.
Over the years, J.T. Ellison expanded her repertoire with a mix of standalone novels and series, most notably the Taylor Jackson series and the Nashville novels. The Taylor Jackson series, in particular, has become a hallmark of her writing, with Ellison exploring the intricate relationships between law enforcement and criminals, as well as the inner struggles faced by her main character, Detective Jackson.
Ellison’s writing is often praised for its rich characterization, immersive settings, and the way she slowly unravels mysteries, making her readers feel like they’re part of the investigation. Her ability to blend character-driven narratives with intense psychological thrills has earned her comparisons to other great crime writers such as Karin Slaughter and Lisa Gardner.
Her work extends beyond psychological thrillers; J.T. Ellison has also ventured into romantic suspense and the co-authorship of the A Brit in the FBI series with Catherine Coulter, expanding her readership even further. This collaboration allows Ellison to merge her distinctive writing style with a more international and espionage-driven angle.
Reading Order Explained
For readers interested in diving into J.T. Ellison’s world, understanding the correct reading order can be important to fully appreciating the development of her characters and the progression of major story arcs. Most of Ellison’s series are interconnected, and reading them in order can help you see the evolution of her protagonists and their relationships with each other.
Taylor Jackson Series
The Taylor Jackson series follows the journey of Nashville homicide detective Taylor Jackson and her battle to solve brutal murders while coping with the darkness of her own past. The recommended reading order for the Taylor Jackson series is as follows:
- All the Pretty Girls (2007)
- 14 (2008)
- The Immortals (2009)
- Judas Kiss (2010)
- The Cold Room (2011)
- So Close the Hand of Death (2012)
- When Shadows Fall (2013)
- Edge of Black (2014)
Note: The Taylor Jackson series is complete with eight novels, but some of the later books include appearances of secondary characters, whose stories are explored further in Ellison’s Nashville novels.
Nashville Series
The Nashville series is a more recent endeavor by J.T. Ellison and offers a broader scope of characters and settings, all while maintaining her signature suspenseful tone. The books in this series follow a variety of characters, including police officers, detectives, and civilians, all caught up in mysterious and often deadly situations. This series can be enjoyed as standalone novels, but certain references to Taylor Jackson and other recurring characters make it more enjoyable for those who have read her earlier books.
- The Last Lie (2018)
- Good Girls Lie (2019)
- Lie to Me (2020)
Standalone Novels
Ellison has also penned standalone novels that depart from her series but still exemplify her ability to create engrossing psychological thrillers. These books include:
- No One Knows (2016)
- LIE TO ME (2020)
While these works don’t follow the same characters or ongoing story arcs as her series, they still deliver the same gripping narrative twists and dark explorations of human nature.
What I Like About The Series?
There are numerous aspects of J.T. Ellison’s books that make them stand out in the crowded world of crime fiction. One of the most notable elements is her ability to write multifaceted and deeply human characters. Taylor Jackson, the series’ central figure, is an intelligent, driven detective, but she is also deeply flawed and wrestling with personal demons. Ellison’s portrayal of Jackson-and other characters in the Taylor Jackson and Nashville series-is one of vulnerability and strength in equal measure, which makes them feel real and relatable.
Ellison also excels in creating intricate, unpredictable plots. Her mysteries are not just about solving a crime; they are psychological puzzles that delve into the minds of both the victims and perpetrators. She excels at layering tension, keeping readers on edge until the very end. The twists and turns in her novels are carefully executed, often leading to shocking reveals that feel earned rather than contrived.
Another standout feature of Ellison’s books is her atmospheric settings. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Nashville or the haunting, remote locations in her standalone thrillers, she has a talent for making the setting feel like a character in itself, enhancing the mood and building tension.
Lastly, Ellison is skilled at combining various subgenres-crime, psychological thriller, and even romance-into one cohesive narrative. Her books often explore complicated relationships between characters, making them more than just crime-solving tales; they are examinations of human emotions, trauma, and redemption.
Should You Read J T Ellison Books In Order?
The short answer is yes, if you’re starting with the Taylor Jackson series. The character development across the books is substantial, with recurring themes of psychological trauma, personal growth, and changing dynamics between characters. For example, Taylor Jackson evolves from a rookie detective in All the Pretty Girls to a seasoned and emotionally complex professional by the time you reach the later books in the series.
For the Nashville series, it’s not as crucial to read the books in order, as each installment features a new set of characters and cases. However, you may find more enjoyment if you’ve read Taylor Jackson first, as some characters overlap and references to past events are made.
Standalone novels can be read independently of the series, so you can jump into those at any time.