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Shattered
James Patterson

Shattered

Quick Answer

Read "Shattered" as the 122nd book in the Standalone Novels sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "The Shadow" (Book 121)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 122nd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2025592 pp
<b>Named a Most Anticipated Book by <i>New York Times Books Review</i>, <i>TIME</i>, <i>Washington Post</i>, <i>Associated Press</i>, <i>Town & Country</i>, <i>New York Post</i>, and more<br><br>From the bestselling author of <i>Too Big to Fail</i>, “the definitive history of the 2008 banking crisis,”* comes a spellbinding narrative of the most infamous stock market crash in history. With the depth of a classic history and the drama of a thriller, <i>1929</i> unravels the greed, blind optimism, and human folly that led to an era-defining collapse—one with ripple effects that still shape our society today.</b><br><br>In <i>1929</i>, the world watched in shock as the unstoppable Wall Street bull market went into a freefall, wiping out fortunes and igniting a depression that would reshape a generation. But behind the flashing ticker tapes and panicked traders, another drama unfolded—one of visionaries and fraudsters, titans and dreamers, euphoria and ruin.<br><br>With unparalleled access to historical records and newly uncovered documents, <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author Andrew Ross Sorkin takes readers inside the chaos of the crash, behind the scenes of a raging battle between Wall Street and Washington and the larger-than-life characters whose ambition and naivete in an endless boom led to disaster. The dizzying highs and brutal lows of this era eerily mirror today’s world—where markets soar, political tensions mount, and the fight over financial influence plays out once again.<br><br>This is not just a story about money. <i>1929 </i>is a tale of power, psychology, and the seductive illusion that “this time is different.” It’s about disregarded alarm bells, financiers who fell from grace, and skeptics who saw the crash coming—only to be dismissed until it was too late.<br><br>Hailed as a landmark book, <i>Too Big to Fail</i> reimagined how financial crises are told. Now, with <i>1929</i>, Sorkin delivers an immersive, electrifying account of the most pivotal market collapse of all time—with lessons that remain as urgent as ever. More than just a history, <i>1929</i> is a crucial blueprint for understanding the cycles of speculation, the forces that drive financial upheaval, and the warning signs we ignore at our peril.<br><br>*<i>The Atlantic Monthly</i>
Next Recommended Book

Shopping For Love

Book #123 of 524 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 Standalone Novels 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 Shattered?

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

Can I read Shattered before The Shadow?

No. We recommend reading The Shadow first. Shattered is the 122th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Shattered required reading for the Standalone Novels?

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

What comes after Shattered in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Shattered is Shopping For Love (Book #123).