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NYPD Red Series Reading Order.

Quick Answer

Start NYPD Red Series by James Patterson with "NYPD Red", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

NYPD Red is an elite task force assigned to protect the city's most powerful, famous, and richest citizens.

Reader's Guide

This series spans 6 main titles released between 2012 and 2020. For the best experience, we recommend following the Publication Order below to preserve key plot reveals.

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Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "NYPD Red"

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

High Debate

"The series discussed (The Sun Eater by Christopher Ruocchio, not NYPD Red) is highly controversial and polarizing. Those who stick with the series read it sequentially, reporting that the later books (up to Book 5, Ashes of Man) are the strongest. However, many readers dropped the series early (after Book 2 or Book 4) due to criticisms concerning the lack of character growth in the protagonist (Hadrian), perceived plagiarism of scenes/dialogue from other Sci-Fi/Fantasy classics (Dune, Book of the New Sun), and lack of realistic world evolution over thousands of years."

Key Reddit Advice

The series should be read in chronological order, starting with the first book (Empire of Silence). No alternative reading order or skipping of books is advised, as the narrative is massive and sprawling.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for NYPD Red 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 NYPD Red 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 "NYPD Red" 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 "NYPD Red 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

Publication Reading Order6 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

NYPD Red

Pub: 2012
2

Nypd Red 2

Pub: 20145

Plot details hidden until you finish "NYPD Red".

NYPD Red's finest detectives are about to investigate a brutal crime scene in Central Park . . . but even their training can't prepare them for the biggest case of their careers. When NYPD Red arrives at a crime scene, everyone takes notice. Known as the protectors of the rich, famous, and connected, NYPD Red is the elite task force called in only for New York City's most high-profile crimes. And Detective Zach Jordan is the best of the best, a brilliant and relentless pursuer of justice. He puts professionalism above all, ignoring his feelings for his partner, Detective Kylie MacDonald, the woman who broke his heart when they first met in the academy. But even with their top-notch training, Zach and Kylie aren't prepared for what they see when they're called to a crime scene in the heart of Central Park. They arrive to find a carousel spinning round and round, its painted horses grinning eerily in the early morning dark. There is only one rider: a brutally slaughtered woman, her body tied up and dressed in a Hazmat suit, on display for the world to see. The victim, a woman of vast wealth and even greater connections, is the fourth in a string of shocking murders that have hit the city. As the public pressure mounts, and political and personal secrets of the highest order hang in the balance, Zach and Kylie must find out what's really behind the murderer's rampage. But Kylie has been acting strange recently-and Zach knows whatever she's hiding could threaten the biggest case of their careers. NYPD Red 2 is the next outstanding novel in James Patterson's newest series, a thriller that careens through New York City and deep into the psyche of a depraved killer you've never seen before.

3

Plot details hidden until you finish "Nypd Red 2".

4

Nypd Red 4

Pub: 2016

Plot details hidden until you finish "NYPD Red: The Black Box".

An audacious jewel heist. A murdered actress. A killer case for NYPD Red. In a city where crime never sleeps, NYPD Red is the elite task force called in only when a case involves the rich, famous, and connected. Detective Zach Jordan and his partner, Kylie MacDonald--the woman who broke his heart at the police academy--are the best of the best, brilliant and tireless investigators who will stop at nothing to catch a criminal, even if it means antagonizing the same high-flying citizens they're supposed to be helping. When a glitzy movie premiere is the scene of a shocking murder and high-stakes robbery, NYPD Red gets the call. Traversing the city's highs and lows, from celebrity penthouses to the depths of Manhattan's criminal underworld, Zach and Kylie have to find a cold-blooded killer--before he strikes again.

5

Nypd Red 5

Pub: 2019

Plot details hidden until you finish "Nypd Red 4".

The one who knows the secrets is the one who holds the power. The richest of New York's rich gather at The Pierre's Cotillion Room to raise money for those less fortunate. The mayor is present, along with Detectives Zach Jordan and Kylie MacDonald of the elite NYPD Red task force providing security. The night is shattered as a fatal blast rocks the room, stirring up horrifying memories of 9/11. Is the explosion an act of terrorism - or a homicide? A big-name female filmmaker is the next to die, in a desolate corner of New York City. The crimes keep escalating, and the perpetrators may be among the A-list New Yorkers NYPD Red was formed to protect. Zach and Kylie track a shadowy killer as he masterfully plays out his vendetta - and threatens to take down NYPD Red in the bargain.

Curation Note:This book is also published under the alternative title, 'Red Alert.'

6

Nypd Red 6

Pub: 2020

Plot details hidden until you finish "Nypd Red 5".

In this heart-stopping thriller, a brazen kidnapper targets the most lavish New York City wedding of the season—and takes "Here Comes the Bride" as an invitation. Reality star Erin Easton's "Wedding of the Century" may have a cable crew documenting every extravagant bridal detail, but when "Airhead Easton" disappears from the reception, it's no diva turn. Her dressing room is empty but for a blood-spattered wedding gown and signs of a struggle. Detective Kylie MacDonald of NYPD Red, already on-scene as a plus-one, loops in her partner, Detective Zach Jordan to activate Level One mobilization for this PR nightmare. But when Erin's "proof of life" video makes it to air—rather than to evidence—every A-lister on the guest list becomes a target of suspicion . . . or just a target.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the NYPD Red 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 NYPD Red Series?

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

Can I read NYPD Red 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 NYPD Red 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.