Read Joy Ellis Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on May 29, 2026

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Joy Ellis is a celebrated British author, known for her gripping psychological thrillers and intricately woven crime novels. With a keen eye for suspense and a deft touch when it comes to character development, Ellis has gained a loyal following of readers who are consistently drawn to her atmospheric storytelling. Her works often revolve around deeply flawed yet compelling characters, rich settings, and intricate mysteries that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Her books are particularly appreciated for their ability to blend detailed crime investigations with elements of personal drama, all set against the backdrop of an emotionally charged narrative.

For anyone considering diving into the world of Joy Ellis, understanding the books in her series and the best way to approach reading them can enhance the experience. Below, we’ll explore her books in detail, explain the reading order, and provide insight into why her novels have garnered such a dedicated fan base.

List Of Joy Ellis Books In Order

More On Joy Ellis Books In Chronological Order

1. The Murderer’s Son (2014)

In this gripping debut, detective Jackman and his partner, Carter, face an emotionally charged case when a young woman is found brutally murdered. The twist? The prime suspect is the son of a notorious serial killer. It’s a thrilling ride that dives into the dark complexities of family, guilt, and redemption as Jackman struggles to separate personal feelings from his duty to seek justice.

2. The Girl Under the Ice (2015)

Things take a chilling turn when a body is found frozen under the ice in a remote lake. Detective Jackman and his partner, Carter, face a web of lies, deceit, and buried secrets that all seem to point back to the small community surrounding the lake. With tense investigation and personal stakes, this story offers a strong sense of atmosphere and an unpredictable ending that will leave you breathless.

3. The Secret Sister (2016)

When a body is discovered in a seemingly peaceful, remote house, it sets off a chain of investigations into a family with a lot of skeletons in their closets. This one’s a real page-turner, combining personal and professional challenges for the detectives as they dig deeper into the story of a missing sister, the past, and the secrets that refuse to stay hidden.

4. The Shadow in the Water (2017)

As you can probably guess, this one’s dripping with suspense. When a body is found in the water, Detective Jackman and Carter are dragged into a world of cold-hearted murders tied to the victim’s past life. With the case getting murkier by the minute, you’ll find yourself questioning who’s friend, who’s foe, and just how many dark secrets lurk beneath the surface of the peaceful town.

5. The Fourth Victim (2018)

This time around, the case is even more complex than before. A seemingly random murder links back to a string of mysterious disappearances. Jackman and Carter are thrown into a high-stakes game where the truth is buried deep, and the clock is ticking. The tension throughout the novel is palpable, and every step forward feels like another twist, keeping you guessing until the very end.

6. The Death of Mrs. Westaway (2019)

What begins as a routine investigation of an elderly woman’s death spirals into a labyrinth of dark secrets and hidden treasures. Jackman and Carter need to untangle a complex story that involves a fortune, deceitful relatives, and dangerous games. The pacing is intense, and the mix of suspense and personal drama makes this one a standout in the series.

7. The Killing Tide (2020)

In this one, a fisherman’s body is discovered, and the investigation reveals something much darker than anyone could have anticipated. As the investigation progresses, the characters are confronted with the harsh realities of a community driven by revenge, loyalty, and crime. It’s a deep dive into human emotions and the dangers of not letting go of the past.

8. The Death of the Detective (2021)

A police officer is found dead, and it seems to be the work of someone close to the victim. Detective Jackman and Carter are back at it, trying to untangle the mystery behind the death of one of their own. There are plenty of twists and turns, along with an eerie, tense atmosphere that builds up throughout the book. If you love a good cat-and-mouse chase, this one’s a must-read.

9. The Cold House (2022)

This one pulls you into a tale of missing persons, cold cases, and chilling discoveries. As always, Jackman and Carter dive into a complex mystery, but the coldness of the case and the eerie setting seem to heighten the stakes. The tension builds with every page, and as you reach the end, the culmination is as shocking as it is satisfying.

10. The Murderer’s Daughter (2023)

In this heart-stopping tale, the detectives investigate the murder of a young woman, whose killer has a very personal connection to the team. As they dig deeper, they uncover more disturbing details, revealing that the case is much more than just a random act of violence. This one’s all about the emotional toll that personal connections can take on a case – and it’s packed with twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Background On Joy Ellis Books

Joy Ellis is best known for her Nikki Galena and Jackman and Evans series, both of which have contributed significantly to her rise in the crime fiction genre. The Nikki Galena series, which is set in the picturesque yet often dark landscapes of the Lincolnshire Fens, follows the complex investigations of Detective Nikki Galena and her team. The atmosphere of the Fens is critical to the tone of the series, with its desolate, eerie surroundings providing the perfect setting for suspense-filled mysteries.

In parallel, the Jackman and Evans series has garnered a lot of attention, starring a pair of detectives-Nikki Galena’s partner, DCI Jackman, and his colleague, DS Evans. While the two series are separate, they share a consistent narrative style, with multiple characters crossing over between the two worlds. What makes Joy Ellis’s books particularly captivating is her ability to craft stories that are rich in detail and grounded in emotional realism. Her writing is known for its meticulous attention to forensic detail, its layered characters, and the chilling atmosphere that permeates her books.

In addition to these primary series, Ellis has authored a number of standalone novels and short stories, further cementing her place in the crime fiction arena. The universes she creates are deeply immersive, and the stories within these universes are often filled with unexpected twists, emotional depth, and morally complex characters.

Reading Order Explained

While each series by Joy Ellis can generally be enjoyed as a standalone novel, there is a deliberate reading order that can enhance the experience of following the development of the characters and story arcs. Below is an explanation of how to approach reading Joy Ellis’s most well-known series:

The Nikki Galena Series

1. Hunted (Book 1)

   The series starts with Nikki Galena’s arrival in the Lincolnshire Fens, where she takes on a case that begins to unravel secrets buried in the community. Hunted introduces readers to Nikki’s personal struggles and the tensions within the force. The book sets the tone for the entire series, highlighting Nikki’s resilience, vulnerability, and the complex dynamics with her team.

2. The Stranger’s Secret (Book 2)

   In this second installment, Nikki is again plunged into a case that is more personal than it seems, dealing with a missing girl and uncovering shocking secrets. This book further explores the personal lives of Nikki’s colleagues, adding depth to the team’s relationships.

3. The Darkness Within (Book 3)

   This third book in the series delves deeper into the emotional undercurrents of Nikki’s life and her unresolved past. The investigation of a series of brutal murders is intertwined with Nikki’s own psychological battle, creating a tense, multilayered narrative.

The Nikki Galena series has more than ten books, and each installment builds on the previous ones, with recurring themes of family, trust, and the psychological toll of the work. As the series progresses, Nikki’s character evolves in complex ways, making the continued reading experience all the more satisfying.

The Jackman And Evans Series

1. The Fourth Victim (Book 1)

   This series kicks off with a case that brings together DCI Jackman and DS Evans. While the investigation is a focal point, the relationship between the two detectives is at the heart of the story. Their different investigative styles create an intriguing dynamic that carries through all the books in this series.

2. The Secret Keeper (Book 2)

   This book delves deeper into the personal lives of both detectives, as well as the increasing complexity of their partnership. As Jackman and Evans continue to work together, they begin to face not only the criminals they pursue but also the strains their work places on their personal lives.

3. The Family Secret (Book 3)

   The third book raises the stakes, as the detectives uncover a dark family secret that threatens to tear lives apart. The investigation takes a sharp turn when a deep connection to the case is discovered within their own team.

The Jackman and Evans series, much like the Nikki Galena series, explores how the characters’ personal lives intersect with their professional duties. The development of Jackman and Evans’s relationship is a core element that drives the suspense and intrigue in these books.

Cross-Series Storylines

One of the interesting aspects of Ellis’s writing is how characters from both series occasionally interact or cross paths. This gives readers who enjoy one series an additional incentive to explore the other. However, the two series are still distinct, with each focusing on different teams of investigators and cases.

What I Like About The Series?

There are several compelling aspects to Joy Ellis’s work that make her books stand out in the crime fiction genre.

1. Strong, Relatable Characters

   At the core of Joy Ellis’s books are complex, multi-dimensional characters. Whether it’s the hard-nosed yet vulnerable Nikki Galena or the quietly determined DCI Jackman, Ellis excels at writing characters that feel real, flawed, and relatable. Readers become invested in their emotional journeys, which makes the mysteries they unravel all the more engaging.

2. Atmospheric Writing

   Ellis has a talent for creating an immersive atmosphere. The Lincolnshire Fens, with its fog-filled mornings and remote landscapes, becomes almost a character in itself, enhancing the eerie tension in the stories. The desolate, often bleak environment adds layers of suspense to the mysteries.

3. Gripping Plotlines

   Each book is a finely crafted mystery, with plots that unfold in unexpected ways. The puzzles presented are not simple whodunnits but layered cases that require attention to detail, psychological insight, and careful investigation. Ellis’s ability to create twists and turns that catch even seasoned mystery readers off-guard is a testament to her skill.

4. Emotional Depth

   Unlike many crime thrillers that focus solely on the mystery, Ellis’s books also delve deep into the emotional impact of crime on both the investigators and the victims. This emotional depth allows readers to connect with the characters and become more invested in their outcomes.

Should You Read Joy Ellis Books In Order?

While it’s possible to enjoy Joy Ellis’s books as standalones, reading them in order significantly enhances the experience. The character development is one of the key strengths of her series, and reading in order allows you to witness the gradual evolution of relationships and personal growth.

The Nikki Galena series, for example, reveals important details about Nikki’s past and her internal struggles over the course of several books. Starting with the first book allows you to understand her motivations and vulnerabilities fully. Similarly, reading the Jackman and Evans series in order helps you appreciate the growing complexity of the relationship between the two detectives and the increasing stakes in their personal lives.

Though the books can be read independently, starting from the beginning of either series allows you to see the slow-burn development of both the overarching storylines and individual character arcs. This is particularly rewarding for long-term readers who enjoy seeing the characters grow and change over time.