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The Summer House
James Patterson

The Summer House

Quick Answer

Read "The Summer House" as the 128th book in the Standalone Novels sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Steal" (Book 127)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 128th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2022480 pp
<b>When seven murder victims are found in a small town, the homicide investigation shakes a small-town sheriff to her core in James Patterson's tense thriller.</b> <p>Once a luxurious southern getaway on a rustic lake, then reduced to a dilapidated crash pad, the Summer House is now the grisly scene of a nighttime mass murder. Eyewitnesses point to four Army Rangers--known as the Night Ninjas--recently returned from Afghanistan.</p> <p>To ensure that justice is done, the Army sends Major Jeremiah Cook, a veteran and former NYPD cop, to investigate. But the major and his elite team arrive in sweltering Georgia with no idea their grim jobs will be made exponentially more challenging by local law enforcement, who resists the Army's intrusion and stonewall them at every turn. </p> <p>As Cook and his squad struggle to uncover the truth behind the condemning evidence, the pieces just won't fit--and forces are rallying to make certain damning secrets die alongside the victims in the murder house. With his own people in the cross-hairs, Cook takes a desperate gamble to find answers--even if it means returning to a hell of his own worst nightmares . . . </p>
Next Recommended Book

Taking The Titanic

Book #129 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 The Summer House?

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

Can I read The Summer House before Steal?

No. We recommend reading Steal first. The Summer House is the 128th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is The Summer House 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 The Summer House in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The Summer House is Taking The Titanic (Book #129).