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Jane Smith Books in Order.

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12 Months to Live (2023)

Start with 12 Months to Live (2023).

Quick Answer

Start with 12 Months to Live (2023). Each book follows New York defense attorney Jane Smith through a new case, but her own storyline carries over, so read them in publication order.

The complete reading order for the Jane Smith series by James Patterson. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.

Where to start

Start with 12 Months to Live (2023). Each book follows New York defense attorney Jane Smith through a new case, but her own storyline carries over, so read them in publication order.

  • •Hard to Kill was also published as 8 Months Left.
  • •The Hamptons Lawyer (2025) is the most recent book.

Publication Reading Order3 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.
Best Start Here
1

12 Months to Live

Pub: 2023
2

Hard to Kill

Pub: 2024

Plot details hidden until you finish "12 Months to Live".

3

The Hamptons Lawyer

Pub: 2025

Plot details hidden until you finish "Hard to Kill".

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Frequently Asked Questions

What order should I read Jane Smith in?

Start with 12 Months to Live (2023). Each book follows New York defense attorney Jane Smith through a new case, but her own storyline carries over, so read them in publication order.

How many books are in Jane Smith?

3 main books, published 2023–2025.

Can I read Jane Smith out of order?

It's best not to. The books build on each other, so reading out of order spoils earlier twists.