Ace Atkins Books in Order: A Guide to the Quintessential Southern Noir
Ace Atkins, the acclaimed author of the highly-regarded Quinn Colson and Robert B. Parker's Spenser series, has captivated readers with his gritty crime novels set in the heart of the American South. If you're a fan of southern noir, or just love a good mystery, then Ace Atkins is an author you need to check out.
Here's a comprehensive guide to reading his books in order, ensuring you don't miss a beat in the captivating world he's created:
Quinn Colson Series:
This series follows Quinn Colson, a Mississippi native turned private investigator, as he unravels the secrets of the Deep South.
In chronological order:
- The Closest of Kin (2006): This is where it all began! Quinn Colson, a former soldier haunted by his past, returns to his hometown and gets tangled in a case involving a missing girl.
- The Red Devil (2007): Colson finds himself facing a chilling mystery involving a string of murders connected to a legendary outlaw's past.
- The Sinners (2008): Colson's search for a missing woman leads him to a dangerous cult, forcing him to confront his own beliefs and face a ruthless enemy.
- The Long Shadow (2009): Colson investigates the disappearance of a young woman who was last seen with a charismatic but troubled politician.
- The Justice of the Dead (2010): Colson returns to his hometown once again, this time to uncover the truth behind a series of violent crimes that have plagued the community.
- Infamous (2011): This fast-paced story sees Colson investigating a former blues musician's murder, only to find himself caught in the crosshairs of a dangerous conspiracy.
- The Revelations (2012): Colson faces a heart-wrenching investigation when a woman is found murdered on the Mississippi River, leading him on a trail of secrets and betrayal.
- The Ranger (2013): Colson takes on a new case involving a missing woman, but quickly finds himself immersed in a complex world of political intrigue and organized crime.
- The Whole Truth (2014): Colson's latest case involves a missing boy and the investigation leads him to a dark secret buried deep within the community.
- The Broken Ground (2015): Colons is forced to confront his past when a cold case surfaces, bringing him face-to-face with a killer he thought he'd left behind.
- The Lost Ones (2016): Colson faces a formidable foe in the form of a powerful and ruthless drug lord, who holds the key to finding a missing child.
- The Dark Past (2017): Colson investigates the murder of a popular businessman, only to discover that the victim's past holds a terrifying secret.
- The Last One (2018): This gripping finale sees Colson facing his ultimate challenge as he uncovers a shocking conspiracy that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.
Robert B. Parker's Spenser Series:
Ace Atkins took over the reins of the iconic Spenser series after the passing of Robert B. Parker.
In chronological order:
- Wonderland (2014): Spenser returns to Boston to investigate a case involving a missing woman and a web of deceit.
- The Magician's Daughter (2015): Spenser gets involved in a case involving a powerful attorney and a family torn apart by betrayal.
- Angel Eyes (2016): Spenser is drawn into a dangerous world of corruption and violence as he investigates a brutal murder.
- The Godwulf Manuscript (2017): Spenser finds himself in the middle of a treasure hunt that leads him to a hidden world of secrets and danger.
- Ironhorse (2018): Spenser is forced to confront a past he thought he'd left behind when a new case brings him face-to-face with a ruthless enemy.
- Burn Notice (2019): Spenser takes on a case that involves a missing man and a dangerous conspiracy that threatens to expose a dark secret.
- The Last Shot (2020): This final entry in the Spenser series sees the iconic private investigator facing his greatest challenge yet, as he uncovers a deadly plot that puts him in the crosshairs of a ruthless criminal.
Enjoy the journey!
Ace Atkins's books are a captivating mix of suspense, intrigue, and the gritty realism of the South. Prepare to be drawn into his world of flawed heroes, complex mysteries, and unexpected twists and turns.