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Sacred Sins
Nora Roberts

Sacred Sins

Quick Answer

Read "Sacred Sins" as the 21st book in the Standalone Novels sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "The Mighty Johns" (Book 20)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 21st installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2009368 pp
New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts serves up a sizzling novel of explosive suspense and sensual romance as the search for a murderer ignites passion between a beautiful psychiatrist and the sexy, brooding detective determined to crack the case.   In the unbearable heat of another sultry Washington, D.C., summer, a serial killer is on the loose. Dr. Tess Court, one of the capital’s most successful psychiatrists, wants nothing to do with the case—until the police convince her to lend a hand to the lead investigator, legendary ladies’ man Detective Ben Paris. Scarred by his family’s history, Ben has even less use for shrinks than Tess has for him—but the forces of animal magnetism and a shared desire to catch the demented criminal known as “The Priest” inexorably erode the walls they’ve built. They’re opposites in so many ways, yet that seems only to fan the flames of attraction for which danger has supplied the spark. To stop a killer who thinks he can absolve sins through murder, Ben will need every ounce of psychological insight Tess can offer him. And she’ll need the help of a lawman willing to stare fear in the face if she’s going to avoid becoming the madman’s next victim.
Next Recommended Book

The Murder House

Book #21 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 Sacred Sins?

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

Can I read Sacred Sins before The Mighty Johns?

No. We recommend reading The Mighty Johns first. Sacred Sins is the 21th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Sacred Sins 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 Sacred Sins in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Sacred Sins is The Murder House (Book #21).