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22 Seconds
James Patterson

22 Seconds

Quick Answer

Read "22 Seconds" as the 22nd book in the Women's Murder Club Series sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "21st Birthday" (Book 21)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 22nd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2022400 pp
SFPD Sergeant Lindsay Boxer has guns on her mind and only twenty-two seconds until she loses her badge—or her life—in this thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author James Patterson. There’s buzz of a last-ditch shipment of drugs and weapons crossing the Mexican border ahead of new restrictive gun laws. Before Lindsay can act, her top informant tips her to a case that hits disturbingly close to home. Former cops. Professional hits. All with the same warning scrawled on their bodies: You talk, you die. Now it’s Lindsay’s turn to choose.  
Next Recommended Book

The 23rd Midnight

Book #23 of 25 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

high 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 Women's Murder Club 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 22 Seconds?

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

Can I read 22 Seconds before 21st Birthday?

No. We recommend reading 21st Birthday first. 22 Seconds is the 22th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is 22 Seconds required reading for the Women's Murder Club Series?

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

What comes after 22 Seconds in the reading order?

The next recommended book after 22 Seconds is The 23rd Midnight (Book #23).