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Michael Nava

Bestselling Author • 5 Series • 16 Books

5
Series
16
Books
5
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of The Henry Rios Mysteries Books
Start with: Lay Your Sleeping Head / The Little Death (1986)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Unlived Lives (1997)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: Street People (2017)

About Michael Nava

Michael Nava is an American lawyer turned thriller, mystery, and gay fiction author. He is best known for the “Henry Rios Mystery” series of novels featuring the lead character Henry Rios, an openly gay criminal defense attorney. His novels have earned him critical acclaim in the Latino and LGBT Communities and been the recipients of the Lambda Literary Awards six times. Michael was raised in Sacramento California, in a predominantly working class Mexican suburb that looked more like a Mexican village than an American neighborhood. He first got interested in writing aged only 12, which was also the time, that he realized that he was gay. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of The Henry Rios Mysteries Books series, Michael Nava 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 Michael Nava

Publication Order of The Henry Rios Mysteries Books
9 books 1986–2021
1

Lay Your Sleeping Head / The Little Death

A gripping mystery unfolds in Lay Your Sleeping Head / The Little Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of The Henry Rios Mysteries Books series showcases Michael Nava's mastery of suspense.

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1986
2

Goldenboy

Goldenboy continues the Publication Order of The Henry Rios Mysteries Books story arc with Michael Nava's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1988
3

Howtown

Howtown is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Henry Rios Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Nava have come to expect.

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1990
4

The Hidden Law

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Henry Rios Mysteries Books with The Hidden Law, another outstanding contribution from Michael Nava.

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1992
5

The Death of Friends

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Death of Friends as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of The Henry Rios Mysteries Books series showcases Michael Nava's mastery of suspense.

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1996
6

The Burning Plain

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Henry Rios Mysteries Books with The Burning Plain, another outstanding contribution from Michael Nava.

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1997
7

Rag and Bone

Rag and Bone is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Henry Rios Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Nava have come to expect.

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2001
8

Carved in Bone

Carved in Bone is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Henry Rios Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Nava have come to expect.

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2019
9

Lies With Man

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Henry Rios Mysteries Books with Lies With Man, another outstanding contribution from Michael Nava.

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2021
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
2 books 1997–2014
1

Unlived Lives

Unlived Lives is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Nava have come to expect.

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1997
2

The City of Palaces

The City of Palaces is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Nava have come to expect.

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2014
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
1 books 2017–2017
1

Street People

Street People continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Michael Nava's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2017
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
1 books 1994–1994
1

Created Equal

Created Equal continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Michael Nava's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
Publication Order of Anthologies
3 books 1989–2017
1

Finale

Finale continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Michael Nava's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
2

The Letter Q

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Letter Q, another outstanding contribution from Michael Nava.

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2012
3

Equality: What Do You Think About When You Think of Equality?

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Equality: What Do You Think About When You Think of Equality?, another outstanding contribution from Michael Nava.

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2017

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Michael Nava?

Michael Nava is a bestselling author known for 5 book series containing over 16 books. Popular series include Publication Order of The Henry Rios Mysteries Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Michael Nava series to start with?

For readers new to Michael Nava's work, the Publication Order of The Henry Rios Mysteries Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 9 books. Begin with Lay Your Sleeping Head / The Little Death to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Michael Nava written?

Michael Nava has written over 16 books across 5 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Michael Nava books in order?

Yes, reading Michael Nava'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 Michael Nava write in?

Michael Nava writes primarily in fiction. With 5 series across 16 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Michael Nava's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Michael Nava'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 Michael Nava's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Michael Nava's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of The Henry Rios Mysteries Books series. The first book, Lay Your Sleeping Head / The Little Death, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.