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Terry Shames

Bestselling Author • 3 Series • 16 Books

3
Series
16
Books
3
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Jessie Madison Books
Start with: Perilous Waters (2024)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Samuel Craddock Mystery Books
Start with: A Killing at Cotton Hill (2013)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Anthologies
Start with: We'd Rather Be Writing (2015)

About Terry Shames

Terry Shames was born on the Gulf Coast of Lake Jackson-Texas. She attended Brazosport High, where she was greatly involved in theater, and in the school chorale. She attended the University of Texas – Austin, and worked part-time as a secretary, a waitress, and at Yellowstone National Park to finance her school fees. She later joined the CIA at Langley, Virginia as a computer analyst. Here, she worked for several years before moving to Denver- Colorado and finally settled in San Francisco. Terry felt burned out from the stress of working with computers all day, every day. She wanted to focus on writing. She got her MA in Creative Writing/English from San Francisco University to continue pursuing her passion for writing. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Jessie Madison Books series, Terry Shames 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 Terry Shames

Publication Order of Jessie Madison Books
2 books 2024–2025
1

Perilous Waters

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Jessie Madison Books with Perilous Waters, another outstanding contribution from Terry Shames.

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2024
2

Deep Dive

Deep Dive is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Jessie Madison Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Terry Shames have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2025
Publication Order of Samuel Craddock Mystery Books
12 books 2013–2025
1

A Killing at Cotton Hill

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Killing at Cotton Hill as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Samuel Craddock Mystery Books series showcases Terry Shames's mastery of suspense.

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2013
2

The Last Death of Jack Harbin

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Last Death of Jack Harbin as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Samuel Craddock Mystery Books series showcases Terry Shames's mastery of suspense.

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2014
3

Dead Broke in Jarrett Creek

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Broke in Jarrett Creek as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Samuel Craddock Mystery Books series showcases Terry Shames's mastery of suspense.

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2014
4

A Deadly Affair at Bobtail Ridge

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Deadly Affair at Bobtail Ridge as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Samuel Craddock Mystery Books series showcases Terry Shames's mastery of suspense.

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2015
5

The Necessary Murder of Nonie Blake

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Necessary Murder of Nonie Blake as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Samuel Craddock Mystery Books series showcases Terry Shames's mastery of suspense.

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2016
6

An Unsettling Crime for Samuel Craddock

The investigation intensifies in An Unsettling Crime for Samuel Craddock, as this installment of the Publication Order of Samuel Craddock Mystery Books series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Terry Shames's creation.

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2017
7

A Reckoning in the Back Country

A Reckoning in the Back Country is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Samuel Craddock Mystery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Terry Shames have come to expect.

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2018
8

A Risky Undertaking for Loretta Singletary

A Risky Undertaking for Loretta Singletary continues the Publication Order of Samuel Craddock Mystery Books story arc with Terry Shames's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
9

Murder at the Jubilee Rally

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder at the Jubilee Rally as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Samuel Craddock Mystery Books series showcases Terry Shames's mastery of suspense.

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2022
10

Guilt Strikes at Granger's Store

Guilt Strikes at Granger's Store is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Samuel Craddock Mystery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Terry Shames have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2023
11

The Troubling Death of Maddy Benson

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Troubling Death of Maddy Benson as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Samuel Craddock Mystery Books series showcases Terry Shames's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
2024
12

The Curious Poisoning of Jewel Barnes

The Curious Poisoning of Jewel Barnes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Samuel Craddock Mystery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Terry Shames have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2025
Publication Order of Anthologies
2 books 2015–2019
1

We'd Rather Be Writing

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with We'd Rather Be Writing, another outstanding contribution from Terry Shames.

Buy on Amazon
2015
2

Malice Domestic 14: Mystery Most Edible

Malice Domestic 14: Mystery Most Edible is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Terry Shames have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2019

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Terry Shames?

Terry Shames is a bestselling author known for 3 book series containing over 16 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Jessie Madison Books, Publication Order of Samuel Craddock Mystery Books, Publication Order of Anthologies. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Terry Shames series to start with?

For readers new to Terry Shames's work, the Publication Order of Jessie Madison Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 2 books. Begin with Perilous Waters to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Terry Shames written?

Terry Shames has written over 16 books across 3 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Terry Shames books in order?

Yes, reading Terry Shames'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 Terry Shames write in?

Terry Shames writes primarily in fiction. With 3 series across 16 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Terry Shames's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Terry Shames'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 Terry Shames's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Terry Shames's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Jessie Madison Books series. The first book, Perilous Waters, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.