🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Tom Franklin
Thomas Gerald Franklin, commonly known as Tom Franklin, is a renowned American crime fiction writer from Alabama. Tom Franklin was born on July 7, 1963, in a small town known as Dickinson in southern Alabama. The population of this town is comprised of half-black and half-white. While he was young, Tom Franklin attended Dickinson Baptist church for a short time. Franklin grew up in a family of the hunter, but he was non-hunter. From his childhood, Franklin loved writing, reading, and drawing. In fact, he became the first member of his family to get a decent education. In 1981, Franklin moved to Mobile, Alabama with his family where his father opened a mechanic shop there. Later, he attended the University of South Alabama for undergraduate education where he earned a BA in English. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, Tom Franklin 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 Tom Franklin
Hell at the Breech
Hell at the Breech continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Smonk
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Smonk, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter
Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Poachers
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Poachers, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
San Francisco Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with San Francisco Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Seattle Noir
Seattle Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Bronx Noir
Bronx Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Brooklyn Noir
Brooklyn Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Hasidic Noir
Hasidic Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Brooklyn Noir 2
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Brooklyn Noir 2, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Chicago Noir
Chicago Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Dublin Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Dublin Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Manhattan Noir
Manhattan Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Miami Noir
Miami Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
D.C. Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with D.C. Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Baltimore Noir
Baltimore Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Twin Cities Noir
Twin Cities Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
London Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with London Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
New Orleans Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with New Orleans Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Los Angeles Noir
Los Angeles Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Wall Street Noir
Wall Street Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Havana Noir
Havana Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Detroit Noir
Detroit Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Queens Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Queens Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Brooklyn Noir 3: Nothing But the Truth
Brooklyn Noir 3: Nothing But the Truth continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Toronto Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Toronto Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Las Vegas Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Las Vegas Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Trinidad Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Trinidad Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
D.C. Noir 2
D.C. Noir 2 continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Manhattan Noir 2
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Manhattan Noir 2, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Paris Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Paris Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Istanbul Noir
Istanbul Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Boston Noir
Boston Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Rome Noir
Rome Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
San Francisco Noir 2
San Francisco Noir 2 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Portland Noir
Portland Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Delhi Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Delhi Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Phoenix Noir
Phoenix Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Los Angeles Noir 2
Los Angeles Noir 2 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Mexico City Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Mexico City Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Richmond Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Richmond Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Orange County Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Orange County Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Indian Country Noir
Indian Country Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Moscow Noir
Moscow Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Lone Star Noir
Lone Star Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Philadelphia Noir
Philadelphia Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Haiti Noir
Haiti Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Copenhagen Noir
Copenhagen Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Pittsburgh Noir
Pittsburgh Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
San Diego Noir
San Diego Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Barcelona Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Barcelona Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Cape Cod Noir
Cape Cod Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
New Jersey Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with New Jersey Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Staten Island Noir
Staten Island Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Mumbai Noir
Mumbai Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Long Island Noir
Long Island Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Venice Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Venice Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Kingston Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Kingston Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
St. Petersburg Noir
St. Petersburg Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Kansas City Noir
Kansas City Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Boston Noir 2
Boston Noir 2 continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
USA Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with USA Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Manila Noir
Manila Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Buffalo Noir
Buffalo Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Dallas Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Dallas Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Haiti Noir 2
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Haiti Noir 2, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Singapore Noir
Singapore Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Prison Noir
Prison Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Tel Aviv Noir
Tel Aviv Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Tehran Noir
Tehran Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Belfast Noir
Belfast Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Helsinki Noir
Helsinki Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Rio Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Rio Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Providence Noir
Providence Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Chicago Noir: The Classics
Chicago Noir: The Classics continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Memphis Noir
Memphis Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Zagreb Noir
Zagreb Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Marseille Noir
Marseille Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Beirut Noir
Beirut Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
New Orleans Noir: The Classics
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with New Orleans Noir: The Classics, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Stockholm Noir
Stockholm Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Brussels Noir
Brussels Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Mississippi Noir
Mississippi Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
St. Louis Noir
St. Louis Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Prague Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Prague Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
San Juan Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with San Juan Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Oakland Noir
Oakland Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Trinidad Noir: The Classics
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Trinidad Noir: The Classics, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Atlanta Noir
Atlanta Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
New Haven Noir
New Haven Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Montana Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Montana Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Buenos Aires Noir
Buenos Aires Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Montreal Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Montreal Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Berlin Noir
Berlin Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
São Paulo Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with São Paulo Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Santa Cruz Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Santa Cruz Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Lagos Noir
Lagos Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Marrakech Noir
Marrakech Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Baghdad Noir
Baghdad Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Vancouver Noir
Vancouver Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Sydney Noir
Sydney Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Hong Kong Noir
Hong Kong Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Amsterdam Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Amsterdam Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Milwaukee Noir
Milwaukee Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Houston Noir
Houston Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Nairobi Noir
Nairobi Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Columbus Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Columbus Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Santa Fe Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Santa Fe Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Alabama Noir
Alabama Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Berkeley Noir
Berkeley Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Addis Ababa Noir
Addis Ababa Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Tampa Bay Noir
Tampa Bay Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Miami Noir: The Classics
Miami Noir: The Classics is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Accra Noir
Accra Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Belgrade Noir
Belgrade Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Palm Springs Noir
Palm Springs Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Paris Noir: The Suburbs
Paris Noir: The Suburbs is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Denver Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Denver Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
South Central Noir
South Central Noir continues the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Cleveland Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Cleveland Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
East Jerusalem Noir
East Jerusalem Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
West Jerusalem Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with West Jerusalem Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Honolulu Noir
Honolulu Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Sacramento Noir
Sacramento Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Hamburg Noir
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books with Hamburg Noir, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Mobile Bay Tales
Mobile Bay Tales is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
The Best American Mystery Stories 1999
The Best American Mystery Stories 1999 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Stories from the Blue Moon Café
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Stories from the Blue Moon Café, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
Stories from the Blue Moon Cafe II
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Stories from the Blue Moon Cafe II, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
The Alumni Grill II
The Alumni Grill II is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Stories from the Blue Moon Cafe V
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Stories from the Blue Moon Cafe V, another outstanding contribution from Tom Franklin.
The New Granta Book of the American Short Story
The New Granta Book of the American Short Story is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Delta Blues
Delta Blues is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
Don't Quit Your Day Job: Acclaimed Authors and the Day Jobs They Quit
Don't Quit Your Day Job: Acclaimed Authors and the Day Jobs They Quit continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Best American Mystery Stories 2011
The Best American Mystery Stories 2011 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Tom Franklin's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Alabama Noir
Alabama Noir is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Franklin have come to expect.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tom Franklin?
Tom Franklin is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 136 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Story Collections, Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Tom Franklin series to start with?
For readers new to Tom Franklin's work, the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 121 books. Begin with San Francisco Noir to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Tom Franklin written?
Tom Franklin has written over 136 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Tom Franklin books in order?
Yes, reading Tom Franklin'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 Tom Franklin write in?
Tom Franklin writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 136 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Tom Franklin's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Tom Franklin'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 Tom Franklin's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Tom Franklin's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Akashic Noir Books series. The first book, San Francisco Noir, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.