Private Series
Reading Order.
Start Private Series by James Patterson with "Private", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.
Jack Morgan runs Private, a global investigation agency that handles sensitive cases for the world's elite.
Reader's Guide
This series spans 18 main titles released between 2023 and 2017. For the best experience, we recommend following the Publication Order below to preserve key plot reveals.
Short Answer:
Start with "Private"
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
"For all multi-volume series recommended (e.g., Street Cultivation, Mage Errant, The Threadlight series, The Lord of Stariel, Chronicles of the Black Gate), the reading order is strictly the standard chronological sequence, beginning with the first book in the series (Book 1). No alternative or non-linear reading orders are suggested for these series. Several highly recommended individual books are suggested as excellent entry points into the independent fantasy genre."
Always start with Book 1 for any series mentioned. Highly recommended starting books include: 'Iron Prince' (for adrenaline sci-fi), 'Street Cultivation' (for urban progression fantasy), 'The Lord of Stariel' (Book 1 of 4), 'Mage Errant' (start with the Publisher's Pack or Book 1), 'Voice of War', 'The Wrack', and 'The Thirteenth Hour'.
At a Glance
- First Book:Private
- Latest Book:Private Royals 2
- Timeline:2023 - 2017
Why This Order Is Confusing
Many reading lists for Private 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 Private 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 "Private" 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 "Private 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 Private 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 Private Series?
The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Private" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as James Patterson intended.
Can I read Private 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 Private 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.