Amos Decker Series
Reading Order.
Start Amos Decker Series by David Baldacci with "Memory Man", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.
Features Amos Decker, a detective with the rare condition of hyperthymesia and synesthesia, giving him perfect recall.
Reader's Guide
This series spans 7 main titles released between 2015 and 2022. For the best experience, we recommend following the Publication Order below to preserve key plot reveals.
Short Answer:
Start with "Memory Man"
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
"Note: The provided Reddit comments discuss general Epic Fantasy recommendations and literary critiques, not the Amos Decker series. Based on the fantasy recommendations presented, there is overwhelming consensus that J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings is the foundational 'must-read' for the genre. The Wheel of Time is the most frequently recommended large-scale epic, often cited as a genre-shaper. Tad Williams' Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn is also strongly recommended as a key influence on modern fantasy."
The universal advice for starting a fantasy journey (based on these comments) is to begin with J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. For those seeking large modern epics, The Wheel of Time is the most frequently suggested series, followed by strong recommendations for Malazan (though it is noted as potentially difficult to finish) and The Expanse (SciFi).
At a Glance
- First Book:Memory Man
- Latest Book:Long Shadows
- Timeline:2015 - 2022
Why This Order Is Confusing
Many reading lists for Amos Decker 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 Amos Decker 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 "Memory Man" 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 "Amos Decker 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
Prefer Listening?
Best if you commuteGet the professional narration of "Memory Man" free with an Audible trial.
Try Audible →Own the Physical Copy
Best value optionAdd "Memory Man" to your library. Curated links ensure you get the correct edition.
View on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to skip books in the Amos Decker 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 Amos Decker Series?
The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Memory Man" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as David Baldacci intended.
Can I read Amos Decker 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 Amos Decker 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.