BookPath
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David Baldacci

Hour Game

Quick Answer

Read "Hour Game" as the 2nd book in the Sean King & Michelle Maxwell Series sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Murdered" (Book 1)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 2nd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2004
As a series of brutal murders darkens the Wrightsburg, Virginia countryside, the killer taunts police by leaving watches on the victims set to the hour corresponding with their position on his hit list. What's more, he strives to replicate notorious murders of the past, improving on them through savage attention to detail. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are already investigating a crime involving an aristocratic and dysfunctional Southern family, but when they're deputized to help in the serial killer hunt they realize the two cases may be connected. Adding to the tension is the appearance of a second killer, this one imitating the murders of the first. Soon, the two killers are playing a game of cat and mouse, with King and Maxwell racing to solve the intricate puzzle of their identities--before the body count escalates.
Next Recommended Book

Una Fracción de Segundo

Book #3 of 5 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 Sean King & Michelle Maxwell 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 Hour Game?

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

Can I read Hour Game before Murdered?

No. We recommend reading Murdered first. Hour Game is the 2th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Hour Game required reading for the Sean King & Michelle Maxwell Series?

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

What comes after Hour Game in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Hour Game is Una Fracción de Segundo (Book #3).