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James Patterson

The Lake House

Quick Answer

Start with "The Lake House" to begin the The Jailhouse Lawyer Series. It is the essential series starter and provides the necessary foundation for the rest of the books.

Quick Verdict

✅ Safe to read now (Series Entry Point)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: This is the essential series starter that introduces the James Patterson's core world and character arcs. It is required reading for all new fans.

Is this helpful?
2003Series Starter
Six kids on the run must face a villain who threatens the future of human existence . . . but winning comes at a high price. Six children have escaped horrifying government experiments, a childhood in captivity, and a frightening brush with death. Living out in the world for the first time, they yearn to be reunited with Kit and Frannie, the couple who saved their lives. And Max, the leader of the flock, is seized by an overpowering fear that the kids are about to face a danger greater than any they've ever known. All that the children want is to return to the one place they have ever felt truly protected: the waterfront cabin known as the Lake House. But in order to get there, they must thwart the sinister plans of a survivor from their worst nightmare -- plans that not only keep Kit, Frannie, and the children in constant peril, but threaten the future of human existence. And it's a battle they must be willing to pay any price to win.
Next Recommended Book

Power Of Attorney

Book #2 of 3 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 The Jailhouse Lawyer Series 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 Lake House?

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

Can I read The Lake House before other books in the series?

Yes, The Lake House is the first book in the series and is the ideal starting point for new readers.

Is The Lake House required reading for the The Jailhouse Lawyer Series?

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

What comes after The Lake House in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The Lake House is Power Of Attorney (Book #2).