J

Janet Dawson

Bestselling Author • 8 Series • 36 Books

8
Series
36
Books
8
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books
Start with: Kindred Crimes (1990)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Jeri Howard Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: Candles on the Corner (2011)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of California Zephyr Mystery Books
Start with: Death Rides the Zephyr (2013)

About Janet Dawson

Janet Dawson is an American mystery and thriller author best known for the Jeri Howard Mystery series and the California Zephyr Mystery series. Janet was born and raised in Colorado. She would go to the University of Colorado where she studied and graduated with a degree in journalism. She would then work as a newspaper reporter in Colorado before she quit to join the US Navy. As a journalist in the military, she was in charge of features and news for the public affairs offices of the Navy in Pensacola, Florida and a brief stint in Guam. She also worked in the San Francisco Bay area, which she so loved that she would later make it her new home. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books series, Janet Dawson 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 Janet Dawson

Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books
14 books 1990–2023
1

Kindred Crimes

The investigation intensifies in Kindred Crimes, as this installment of the Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Janet Dawson's creation.

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1990
2

Till the Old Men Die

Till the Old Men Die continues the Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books story arc with Janet Dawson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1993
3

Take a Number

Take a Number is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Janet Dawson have come to expect.

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1993
4

Don't Turn Your Back On The Ocean

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books with Don't Turn Your Back On The Ocean, another outstanding contribution from Janet Dawson.

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1994
5

The Missing Child / Nobody's Child

The Missing Child / Nobody's Child continues the Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books story arc with Janet Dawson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1995
6

A Credible Threat

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books with A Credible Threat, another outstanding contribution from Janet Dawson.

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1996
7

Witness to Evil

Witness to Evil is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Janet Dawson have come to expect.

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1997
8

Where the Bodies Are Buried

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books with Where the Bodies Are Buried, another outstanding contribution from Janet Dawson.

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1998
9

A Killing at the Track

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Killing at the Track as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books series showcases Janet Dawson's mastery of suspense.

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2000
10

Bit Player

Bit Player continues the Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books story arc with Janet Dawson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
11

Cold Trail

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books with Cold Trail, another outstanding contribution from Janet Dawson.

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2015
12

Water Signs

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books with Water Signs, another outstanding contribution from Janet Dawson.

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2017
13

The Devil Close Behind

The Devil Close Behind is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Janet Dawson have come to expect.

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2019
14

The Things We Keep

The Things We Keep continues the Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books story arc with Janet Dawson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2023
Publication Order of Jeri Howard Short Stories/Novellas
4 books 2011–2011
1

Candles on the Corner

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Jeri Howard Short Stories/Novellas with Candles on the Corner, another outstanding contribution from Janet Dawson.

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2011
2

Little Red Corvette

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Jeri Howard Short Stories/Novellas with Little Red Corvette, another outstanding contribution from Janet Dawson.

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2011
3

Slayer Statute

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Jeri Howard Short Stories/Novellas with Slayer Statute, another outstanding contribution from Janet Dawson.

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2011
4

Blue Eyes

Blue Eyes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Jeri Howard Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Janet Dawson have come to expect.

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2011
Publication Order of California Zephyr Mystery Books
4 books 2013–2020
1

Death Rides the Zephyr

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death Rides the Zephyr as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of California Zephyr Mystery Books series showcases Janet Dawson's mastery of suspense.

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2013
2

Death Deals a Hand

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death Deals a Hand as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of California Zephyr Mystery Books series showcases Janet Dawson's mastery of suspense.

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2016
3

The Ghost in Roomette Four

The Ghost in Roomette Four continues the Publication Order of California Zephyr Mystery Books story arc with Janet Dawson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
4

Death Above the Line

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death Above the Line as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of California Zephyr Mystery Books series showcases Janet Dawson's mastery of suspense.

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2020
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
2 books 2012–2021
1

What You Wish for

What You Wish for is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Janet Dawson have come to expect.

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2012
2

The Sacrificial Daughter

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Sacrificial Daughter, another outstanding contribution from Janet Dawson.

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2021
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
8 books 2002–2018
1

Voice Mail

Voice Mail is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Janet Dawson have come to expect.

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2002
2

Pack Rat

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Pack Rat, another outstanding contribution from Janet Dawson.

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2011
3

By The Book

By The Book continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Janet Dawson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
4

Invisible Time

Invisible Time continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Janet Dawson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
5

Mrs. Lincoln's Dilemma

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Mrs. Lincoln's Dilemma, another outstanding contribution from Janet Dawson.

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2011
6

What The Cat Dragged In

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with What The Cat Dragged In, another outstanding contribution from Janet Dawson.

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2011
7

Witchcraft

Magic takes center stage in Witchcraft, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series that expands the enchanting world created by Janet Dawson.

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2011
8

But Not Forgotten

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with But Not Forgotten, another outstanding contribution from Janet Dawson.

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2018
Publication Order of Collections
1 books 2002–2002
1

Scam and Eggs

Scam and Eggs continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Janet Dawson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2002
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
1 books 2019–2019
1

Hit the Books!

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Hit the Books!, another outstanding contribution from Janet Dawson.

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2019
Publication Order of Anthologies
2 books 1998–2009
1

Once Upon a Crime

The investigation intensifies in Once Upon a Crime, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Janet Dawson's creation.

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1998
2

San Francisco Noir 2

San Francisco Noir 2 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Janet Dawson have come to expect.

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2009

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Janet Dawson?

Janet Dawson is a bestselling author known for 8 book series containing over 36 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books, Publication Order of Jeri Howard Short Stories/Novellas, Publication Order of California Zephyr Mystery Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Janet Dawson series to start with?

For readers new to Janet Dawson's work, the Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 14 books. Begin with Kindred Crimes to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Janet Dawson written?

Janet Dawson has written over 36 books across 8 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Janet Dawson books in order?

Yes, reading Janet Dawson'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 Janet Dawson write in?

Janet Dawson writes primarily in fiction. With 8 series across 36 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Janet Dawson's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Janet Dawson'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 Janet Dawson's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Janet Dawson's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Jeri Howard Mystery Books series. The first book, Kindred Crimes, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.