BookPath
Nightshade
Nora Roberts

Nightshade

Quick Answer

Read "Nightshade" as the 32nd book in the Standalone Novels sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Sooley" (Book 31)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 32nd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2017350 pp
<p>This nail-biting series from USA Today Best Selling author AJ Scudiere will have you on the edge of your seat. The NightShade series walks the edge between crime fiction and thrillers, so be prepared to stay up all night.</p><p><br></p><p>As Agents Heath and Eames uncover the truth, a decades old scandal comes to light. Even now, some are willing to kill to keep their secrets hidden.</p><p>Eleri wanted a different kind of case. She should have been careful what she wished for. When an odd human skeleton in Michigan’s Manistee-Huron National Forest triggers a NightShade investigation, Eleri and Donovan arrive to find it missing.</p><p>But two other skeletons are a little too easily uncovered—each displays different anomalies that raise alarming questions. The bones aren’t from the area or probably even the continent. A decades-old abandoned building doesn’t register on satellite images. Files detailing genetic experiments on children are even more disturbing, and most of the children are unaccounted for. Who were the test subjects and where are the bodies?</p><p>Eleri and Donovan believe there are others out there who haven’t died yet. But they will, if something isn’t done. Fast. If the case itself wasn’t enough of a problem, someone is watching. Someone with a particular interest in Donovan’s own skeletal anomalies . . .</p><p>The Atlas Defect is the third book in the NightShade Forensic FBI Files series by USA Today bestselling author A.J. Scudiere. This book can be read as a standalone, but readers who love paranormal investigations and FBI thrillers will want to read the entire series! Perfect for fans of Andrew Mayne, LT Ryan, and Danielle Girard.</p>
Next Recommended Book

The President's Daughter

Book #32 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 Nightshade?

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

Can I read Nightshade before Sooley?

No. We recommend reading Sooley first. Nightshade is the 32th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Nightshade 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 Nightshade in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Nightshade is The President's Daughter (Book #32).