Read Gregg Olsen Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on April 8, 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.

Gregg Olsen is a name that resonates strongly within the genre of true crime and psychological thrillers. His ability to delve into the darkest corners of the human mind and meticulously uncover the twisted stories behind some of the most chilling real-life events has earned him a loyal following of readers. Whether you’re a true crime aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, his works are captivating, often disturbing, but always meticulously researched and thrilling. As his extensive bibliography continues to expand, new readers often wonder where to begin. Should they tackle his books in order? Or are his stories more loosely connected, allowing readers to dive in at any point?

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Gregg Olsen’s books, including the series reading order, what makes them so compelling, and ultimately, whether you should read his works in order. So, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in his dark and intricate world of crime, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through his compelling stories.

List Of Gregg Olsen Books In Order

More On Gregg Olsen Books In Chronological Order

1. Clueless (2004)

This is a fast-paced, nail-biting thriller that introduces us to the disturbing world of a twisted, methodical killer. The novel’s main character, a detective, is trying to piece together the puzzle of a young woman’s death, but there’s more to this case than meets the eye. Gregg Olsen really pulls you in from the get-go, with dark suspense and a few twists that’ll keep you up well past bedtime.

2. The Girl in the Mirror (2007)

In this one, the action is centered around a missing girl and a detective named Rachel, who’s digging through the skeletons in the closets of some very dangerous people. Gregg Olsen’s mastery of weaving suspense and emotional drama together makes this a gripping read. You’ll find yourself second-guessing everyone’s motives while racing through the pages, wondering where the truth hides.

3. A Cold Dark Place (2009)

A true psychological crime thriller! This book follows the chilling story of an investigative journalist who gets entangled in a complex case involving an unsolved disappearance from years ago. As the story unfolds, secrets about small-town life start spilling out. Gregg Olsen’s ability to combine both personal drama and gripping suspense makes this a book you won’t want to put down.

4. Victim Six (2011)

Talk about creepy! This book is all about a serial killer who’s targeting women, and it’s up to a tough, determined detective to figure out what’s going on before it’s too late. The cat-and-mouse game between the detective and the killer is intense, with twists that make your jaw drop. Gregg Olsen really knows how to make you feel the tension and keep you on the edge of your seat.

5. The Sound of Rain (2015)

Set in the beautiful, mysterious Pacific Northwest, this book is about a murder investigation that turns into something far more twisted. The detective, in this case, is grappling with a case that takes him into deep, uncomfortable territory. The atmosphere is so richly built, and it has a way of making you feel like you’re right there in the rain-soaked streets alongside the characters.

6. Beneath the Ashes (2016)

A truly devastating crime story that dives deep into the shadows of a small town. When a fire reveals a set of disturbing clues, a woman’s secrets come to light. As always, Olsen blends mystery with emotional depth in a way that makes you care just as much about the characters as the plot itself. With every page, you uncover more secrets, and you’ll probably guess the outcome… but it’s always so much darker than you expect.

7. If I Can’t Have You (2018)

This one is a psychological thriller with a love gone wrong at its core. It’s all about obsession and the lengths someone will go to for love, or the illusion of it. Olsen’s ability to dive into the minds of his characters is on full display here. It’s a wild ride with shocking moments that will have you questioning how well you really know the people around you.

8. Lying Next to Me (2019)

Gregg Olsen takes a deep dive into the dangerous world of secrets and lies in this one. The book is a mix of domestic thriller and psychological crime, focusing on two characters who are forced to confront their past. The pacing is fast, and the tension between the characters feels real. It’s definitely one of those books where you’re not sure who to trust.

9. The Last Thing She Ever Did (2020)

This is a rollercoaster of a book that has it all: suspense, twisted motives, and unforgettable characters. A woman with a dark past is thrown into a mystery when someone close to her ends up dead. As the story unfolds, secrets about her past start to surface, and you’ll be hooked wondering how it all ties together. As usual, Olsen’s twists are superb!

Background On Gregg Olsen Books

Gregg Olsen is an American author and journalist who has made a name for himself by writing about true crime, often focusing on real-life cases that are deeply personal and emotionally charged. His books often explore the intersection between the public and private lives of criminals, bringing to light the details of their crimes, their motives, and the devastating impact they have on their victims.

Olsen’s writing style is intense and gripping, as he meticulously researches each case and brings it to life with a combination of factual detail and narrative storytelling. He doesn’t just report on crime; he dissects it, providing readers with a front-row seat to the complexity of human behavior, the psychology of criminals, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

His books often deal with themes like the darker side of family relationships, the psychological profile of serial killers, and the impact of crime on entire communities. While many of his works are non-fiction, Olsen has also ventured into fiction, penning a number of novels that are equally dark and twisted, exploring psychological depth in a way that reflects his expertise in true crime.

One of Olsen’s most well-known works is If I Can’t Have You, a true crime book that details the story of a teen’s mysterious disappearance and the subsequent investigation. His narrative nonfiction works are often lauded for their depth of research and the sensitivity with which he handles the real-life tragedy and trauma involved. However, it’s his series of novels featuring female protagonists in psychological thrillers that have truly cemented his place as a bestselling author.

Reading Order Explained

Gregg Olsen’s books can be divided into two distinct categories: true crime nonfiction and fiction. While the nonfiction books often stand alone, there are several fiction series that should be read in a specific order to get the most out of the experience. For readers looking to dive into his fictional works, understanding the reading order is crucial.

The Detective Jen Harman Series

One of Gregg Olsen’s most popular fictional series revolves around Detective Jen Harman. This series mixes police procedural with psychological thriller elements and features a smart, tough, and empathetic female detective who grapples with personal demons while solving complex crimes.

• A Cold Dark Place (2013)
• Victim Six (2015)
• The Girl in the Moss (2016)
• The Next to Die (2017)

The Detective Jen Harman series is best read in order to fully understand the development of the main character and her evolving relationship with the other characters. Starting from A Cold Dark Place introduces readers to Harman’s world and sets the stage for the subsequent books.

The Lacey Fitzpatrick And Sam Firecloud Series

This series centers around the characters Lacey Fitzpatrick, a former police officer turned private investigator, and Sam Firecloud, a Native American ex-homicide detective. Together, they solve cold cases with a supernatural twist, often delving into Native American lore and the mysteries that surround it.

• The Bone Field (2016)
• The Girl with the Crystal Eyes (2017)
• The Girl in the Trees (2018)

The Lacey Fitzpatrick and Sam Firecloud books are also intended to be read in order. The chemistry between the two main characters builds with each book, and the investigations take on new layers as they confront more dangerous and supernatural elements.

Standalone True Crime And Thriller Books

In addition to his series works, Gregg Olsen has also published standalone books, many of which are based on real-life criminal investigations or fictionalized versions of true crimes. Books like If I Can’t Have You, Starvation Heights, and The Deep Dark Dead stand apart from his series and can generally be read at any time. These books are often more investigative in nature and offer a deep dive into the darkest parts of human behavior.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the standout features of Gregg Olsen’s books is his ability to create compelling and complex characters. Whether it’s a hard-nosed detective like Jen Harman or a former cop like Lacey Fitzpatrick, Olsen’s protagonists are multifaceted and believable. They’re not just there to solve a crime-they’re fully realized characters with their own emotional baggage, flaws, and personal stakes. This adds layers of depth to the stories that keep you invested not just in the mystery but in the characters’ journeys.

Moreover, Olsen’s research is second to none. His true crime books often feel like you’re sitting with a seasoned investigator, piecing together the details of a case. He doesn’t just skim the surface; he dives deep into the nuances of each story, creating a rich, detailed narrative that goes beyond the crime itself to explore the psychological aspects, the cultural implications, and the ripple effects on everyone involved.

His writing is also fast-paced and gripping. Olsen knows how to keep the tension high, whether it’s through thrilling plot twists, unexpected developments, or shocking revelations. The pacing ensures that even though his books often explore complex themes, they never feel slow or bogged down by unnecessary detail.

Finally, the settings in his books are vividly painted. Whether he’s exploring the misty forests of the Pacific Northwest or a remote town in Alaska, Olsen has a talent for creating atmospheric backdrops that feel like characters in themselves. The landscapes in his stories are often as haunting as the crimes they’re involved in, adding to the eerie tension and sense of foreboding.

Should You Read Gregg Olsen Books In Order?

Whether you should read Gregg Olsen’s books in order depends on which type of reader you are and which books you’re interested in. For his fiction series, reading in order is crucial. The progression of the characters and the development of the storylines across the books is best experienced from start to finish. Jumping in at the middle might leave you confused or detached from the emotional arcs of the characters.

However, if you’re interested in his true crime books, you can pick them up in any order. While many of these books delve into the same genre-investigating horrific crimes and delving into the minds of criminals-each book stands alone, providing a self-contained narrative. There’s no overarching storyline, so you can choose any case that intrigues you without needing to follow a strict order.