Branches Where Formed From the Roots Authors of MyTree
I started recording the books I read in 1987. By the early 2000s, that record-keeping became essential—mainly because I was reading so many mystery series that I needed a way to keep track.
The ten authors below have been a constant part of my reading life since the early 2000s, and I still look forward to each new book in their respective series.
Rather than trying to pick a single favorite—which is impossible—my “favorite” is usually the one I’m currently reading. So, I’ve listed them here based on the number of their books I’ve read.
And yes, I was surprised when C.J. Box came out on top!
A Few Thoughts on These Authors
- As pure descriptive writers, I think James Lee Burke, William Kent Krueger, and Peter May are at the top of the list.
- As a series builder, no one has done more with their world and characters than Karin Slaughter. While I will never forgive her for that one decision, I understand and accept it. (William Kent Krueger—you’re forgiven too!)
- For character depth, Michael Robotham’s Joe O’Loughlin is one of the best in crime fiction—flawed, oh yes—but the suspense in every book is heart-pounding.
The Authors and Their Series
C.J. Box
📚 31 Books — Read from 2004–2025
Series: Joe Pickett (23), The Highway Quartet (4)
| First Read: Savage Run #2 | Most Recent: Battle Mountain (#25) |
James Lee Burke
📚 28 Books — Read from 1990–2025
Series: Dave Robicheaux (23), Hackberry Holland (2)
| First Read: Neon Rain (#1) | Most Recent:Clete ( #24) |
Harlan Coben
📚 25 Books — Read from 2002–2021
Series: Myron Bolitar (9), Win (1) + 15 standalones
| First Read: Tell No One | Most Recent: Win |
James Rollins
📚 22 Books — Read from 2005–2024
Series: Sigma Force
| First Read: Map of Bones (Sigma Force #2) | Most Recent: Tides of Fire (Sigma Force #17) |
Alex Kava
📚 21 Books — Read from 2003–2024
Series: Maggie O’Dell – Ryder Creed
| First Read: A Perfect Evil (Maggie O’Dell #1 | Last Read: Midnight Creed (Ryder Creed #8) |
Linwood Barclay
📚 20 Books — Read from 2007–2023
| First Read: Bad Move (Zack Walker #1) | Most Recent: I Will Ruin You |
William Kent Krueger
📚 18 Books — Read from 2003–2022
Series: Cork O’Connor
| First Read: Purgatory Ridge (Cork O’Connor #3 | Most Recent: Apostle’s Cove |
Karin Slaughter
📚 18 Books — Read from 2002–2020
Series: Grant County, Will Trent
| First Read: Kisscut (Grant County #2) | Most Recent: After That Night (Will Trent #11) |
Michael Robotham
📚 15 Books — Read from 2004–2020
Series: Joe O’Loughlin, Cyrus Haven
| First Read: Suspect (Joe O’Loughlin #1) | Most Recent: Storm Child (Cyrus Haven #4) |
Peter May
📚 11 Books — Read from 2006–2025
Series: The Lewis Trilogy, China Thrillers, plus standalones
| First Read: The Firemaker (China Thrillers #1) | Most Recent: The Black Loch |
