BookPath
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James Patterson

Burn

Quick Answer

Read "Burn" as the 6th book in the Michael Bennett Series sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "I, Michael Bennett" (Book 5)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 6th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2014
Detective Michael Bennett finally returns to New York City—and to the most unsettling, horrific case of his career in this #1 New York Times bestseller. At last, Detective Michael Bennett and his family are coming home to New York City. Thanks to Bennett, the ruthless crime lord whose vengeful mission forced the Bennett family into hiding has been brought down for good. Back in the city that never sleeps, Bennett takes over a chaotic Outreach Squad in Harlem, where he receives an unusual call: a man claims to have seen a group of well-dressed men holding a bizarre party in a condemned building. With no clear crime or evidence, Bennett dismisses the report. But when a charred body is found in that very same building, he is forced to take the demented caller seriously—and is drawn into an underground criminal world of terrifying depravity.
Next Recommended Book

Alert

Book #7 of 16 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

Medium Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Michael Bennett Series conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Burn?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Burn before I, Michael Bennett?

No. We recommend reading I, Michael Bennett first. Burn is the 6th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Burn required reading for the Michael Bennett Series?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Burn in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Burn is Alert (Book #7).