BookPath
Haunted
James Patterson

Haunted

Quick Answer

Read "Haunted" as the 12th book in the Michael Bennett Series sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Manhunt" (Book 11)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 12th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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1997480 pp
"Detective Michael Bennett is ready for a vacation after a series of crises push him, and his family, to the brink. He settles on an idyllic, small town in the beautiful Maine woods, a recommendation from a former colleague. But just when Bennett thinks he can relax, he gets pulled into a case that has shocked the tight-knit community. Kids are disappearing left and right with no explanation -- until several bodies turn up in the woods. As Bennett investigates, he discovers that the seemingly perfect town is reeling from a deadly addiction, and the violence is about to reach a fever pitch. Far from the city streets he knows so well, Bennett faces off against a horrific evil next door that threatens a town, the law, and the family that Bennett loves above all else." -- From Amazon.com.
Next Recommended Book

Obsessed

Book #13 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

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 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 Haunted?

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

Can I read Haunted before Manhunt?

No. We recommend reading Manhunt first. Haunted is the 12th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Haunted 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 Haunted in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Haunted is Obsessed (Book #13).