12 Months to Live Series
Reading Order.
Start 12 Months to Live Series by James Patterson with "January (12 Months to Live #1)", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.
When a woman is wrongly convicted of murder, she must solve the mystery and expose the real killer within a year.
Short Answer:
Start with "January (12 Months to Live #1)"
To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.
Community Consensus
"The provided comments do not mention the "12 Months to Live Series." Discussion centers around Michael J. Sullivan's other major works, specifically the popularity of the 'Riyria Revelations' (starting with 'Theft of Swords') and 'Legends of the First Empire.' One user notes that they were directed to the author's other books via a comprehensive 'guide' shared by the author, but that guide is not included in the text."
No recommended reading order for the '12 Months to Live Series' can be determined from these comments. For Michael J. Sullivan's main bibliography, the general consensus is that 'Riyria Revelations' is the standard starting point.
At a Glance
- First Book:January (12 Months to Live #1)
- Latest Book:January (12 Months to Live #1)
- Timeline:2015 - 2015
Why This Order Is Confusing
Many reading lists for 12 Months to Live 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.
Can I skip the short stories?
Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for 12 Months to Live Series. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.
I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?
Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "January (12 Months to Live #1)" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.
Why do people disagree on the order?
Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.
Recommended Reading Order Strategy
The authoritative way to read the "12 Months to Live Series" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.
Complete Series Reading Order
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View on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to skip books in the 12 Months to Live Series series?
We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.
What is the best order to read 12 Months to Live Series?
The final answer for the best experience is to start with "January (12 Months to Live #1)" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as James Patterson intended.
Can I read 12 Months to Live Series books in any order?
No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.
Are there spin-offs or companion books?
Yes, the 12 Months to Live Series universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.