C

Charles Martin

Bestselling Author • 5 Series • 23 Books

5
Series
23
Books
5
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Awakening Books
Start with: The Dead Don't Dance (2004)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Murphy Shepherd Books
Start with: The Water Keeper (2020)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Wrapped in Rain (2005)

About Charles Martin

Charles Martin married his wife Christy in 1993, with whom he has three sons with; the family of five live in Jacksonville, Florida together. Charles has known and loved Christy for over half of his life. Hobbies of Martin’s include, working out (this includes different things such as Fight Fit- which is a kind of martial art, and a mix of different old school type stuff), bow hunting, and Tae Kwon Do. Martin also likes to fish with his sons, works in his yard with his wife, coach T-ball, and prays with his sons at their beds before they go to sleep. In 2012, he earned his black belt despite not being very flexible, and his sons are all better at it. Martin believes however, that he enjoys it much more than they do. He earned a B.A. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Awakening Books series, Charles Martin has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Charles Martin

Publication Order of Awakening Books
2 books 2004–2006
1

The Dead Don't Dance

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Dead Don't Dance as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Awakening Books series showcases Charles Martin's mastery of suspense.

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2004
2

Maggie

Maggie is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Awakening Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Charles Martin have come to expect.

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2006
Publication Order of Murphy Shepherd Books
4 books 2020–2025
1

The Water Keeper

The Water Keeper is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Murphy Shepherd Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Charles Martin have come to expect.

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2020
2

The Letter Keeper

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Murphy Shepherd Books with The Letter Keeper, another outstanding contribution from Charles Martin.

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2021
3

The Record Keeper

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Murphy Shepherd Books with The Record Keeper, another outstanding contribution from Charles Martin.

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2022
4

The Keeper

The Keeper continues the Publication Order of Murphy Shepherd Books story arc with Charles Martin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2025
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
12 books 2005–2023
1

Wrapped in Rain

Wrapped in Rain is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Charles Martin have come to expect.

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2005
2

When Crickets Cry

When Crickets Cry is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Charles Martin have come to expect.

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2006
3

Chasing Fireflies

Chasing Fireflies is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Charles Martin have come to expect.

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2007
4

Where the River Ends

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Where the River Ends, another outstanding contribution from Charles Martin.

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2008
5

The Mountain Between Us

The Mountain Between Us is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Charles Martin have come to expect.

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2010
6

Thunder and Rain

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Thunder and Rain, another outstanding contribution from Charles Martin.

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2012
7

Unwritten

Unwritten is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Charles Martin have come to expect.

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2013
8

A Life Intercepted

A Life Intercepted continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Charles Martin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
9

Water from My Heart

Water from My Heart explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Charles Martin.

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2015
10

Long Way Gone

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Long Way Gone, another outstanding contribution from Charles Martin.

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2016
11

Send Down the Rain

Send Down the Rain continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Charles Martin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
12

The Last Exchange

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Last Exchange, another outstanding contribution from Charles Martin.

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2023
Publication Order of Religious Books
4 books 2019–2024
1

What If It's True?

What If It's True? is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Religious Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Charles Martin have come to expect.

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2019
2

They Turned the World Upside Down

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Religious Books with They Turned the World Upside Down, another outstanding contribution from Charles Martin.

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2021
3

Son of Man: Retelling the Stories of Jesus

Son of Man: Retelling the Stories of Jesus continues the Publication Order of Religious Books story arc with Charles Martin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2023
4

It Is Finished

It Is Finished is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Religious Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Charles Martin have come to expect.

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2024
Publication Order of Anthologies
1 books 2021–2021
1

As We Were Saying: Sewanee Writers on Writing

As We Were Saying: Sewanee Writers on Writing is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Charles Martin have come to expect.

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2021

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Charles Martin?

Charles Martin is a bestselling author known for 5 book series containing over 23 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Awakening Books, Publication Order of Murphy Shepherd Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Charles Martin series to start with?

For readers new to Charles Martin's work, the Publication Order of Awakening Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 2 books. Begin with The Dead Don't Dance to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Charles Martin written?

Charles Martin has written over 23 books across 5 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Charles Martin books in order?

Yes, reading Charles Martin's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Charles Martin write in?

Charles Martin writes primarily in fiction. With 5 series across 23 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Charles Martin's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Charles Martin's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Charles Martin's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Charles Martin's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Awakening Books series. The first book, The Dead Don't Dance, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.