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James Patterson

The 5th Horseman

Quick Answer

Read "The 5th Horseman" as the 5th book in the Women's Murder Club sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "4th Of July" (Book 4)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 5th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2006
Detective Lindsay Boxer and the Women's Murder Club investigate a series of brutal murders that appear to be linked to a mysterious horseman. As the body count rises, the team uncovers a conspiracy involving a powerful underground syndicate and a personal vendetta that hits close to home, forcing them to confront their own pasts while racing against time to stop the killer.
Next Recommended Book

The 6th Target

Book #6 of 18 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

Medium 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 Women's Murder Club 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 5th Horseman?

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

Can I read The 5th Horseman before 4th Of July?

No. We recommend reading 4th Of July first. The 5th Horseman is the 5th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is The 5th Horseman required reading for the Women's Murder Club?

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

What comes after The 5th Horseman in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The 5th Horseman is The 6th Target (Book #6).