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Holmes, Margaret & Poe Series Reading Order.

Expert Guideby James Patterson
2 Entries
Ongoing
Quick Answer

Start Holmes, Margaret & Poe Series by James Patterson with "Holmes, Margaret And Poe", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

A detective agency focused on solving cold cases in modern London.

Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Holmes, Margaret And Poe"

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.

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Community Consensus

Medium Debate

"The recommended approach suggests multiple valid entry points but a consistent path forward. Most recommend starting with the fundamental series or key entry points (referred to as 'the big four,' Elric, or the Eternal Champion). The reading order should generally progress from the core narrative (first trilogy) outward to the more expansive or supplemental material. Specifically, books that draw heavily from the wider multiverse, such as 'Moonbeam Roads' or the two later books (the duo), should be reserved for the end of the reading process."

Key Reddit Advice

Start with a primary entry point, such as 'the big four,' the first Elric book, or the Eternal Champion series. Read the 'first trilogy' core narrative early. Ensure that 'Moonbeam Roads' is read later, as it relies heavily on previous knowledge of the multiverse. Integrate short story collections around the trilogy, particularly reading the stories about Moon's bio family prior to the '2 later books' (duo).

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Holmes, Margaret & Poe 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 Holmes, Margaret & Poe 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 "Holmes, Margaret And Poe" 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.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "Holmes, Margaret & Poe 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.

Start with "Holmes, Margaret And Poe"Explore all by James Patterson

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended. Compare →

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for fans. Compare →

Publication Reading Order2 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
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1

Holmes, Margaret And Poe

Pub: 2025

In this thrilling story of crime and corruption, three detectives keep their identities secret, and NYPD's Det. Helene Grey is on a mission to unmask them--no matter who gets killed along the way. In New York City, three intriguing, smart, and stylish private investigators open Holmes, Marple & Poe Investigations. Who are these detectives with famous names and mysterious, untraceable pasts? Brendan Holmes--The Brain: Identifies suspects via deduction and logic. Margaret Marple--The Eyes: Possesses powers of observation too often underestimated. Auguste Poe--The Muscle: Chases down every lead no matter how dangerous or dark. The agency's daring methodology and headline-making solves attract the attention of NYPD Detective Helene Grey. Her solo investigation into her three unknowable competitors rivals the best mysteries of Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle, Agatha Christie, and Edgar Allan Poe.

2

Holmes Is Missing

Pub: 2025

Plot details hidden until you finish "Holmes, Margaret And Poe".

Instant New York Times Bestseller! “Best-selling author James Patterson populates his murder-mystery novels with cold-blooded killers and smart detectives” (USA Today). In Holmes is Missing, PI Brendan Holmes has committed the perfect crime—he’s made himself disappear.   Success has come quickly to Holmes, Marple & Poe Investigations. The New York City agency led by three detectives—Brendan Holmes, “the brain,” Margaret Marple, “the eyes,” and Auguste Poe, the “muscle”—with famous names and mysterious pasts is one major case away from cementing its professional reputation.    But as a series of child abductions tests the PIs’ legendary skills, the cerebral Holmes’s absence leaves a gaping hole in the agency roster.    Only by closing ranks and solving the mystery within can they recover all that’s been lost.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Holmes, Margaret & Poe 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 Holmes, Margaret & Poe Series?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Holmes, Margaret And Poe" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as James Patterson intended.

Can I read Holmes, Margaret & Poe 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 Holmes, Margaret & Poe 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.