JD Kirk Books in Order – Complete Series Guide (2025 Update)

JD Kirk has built a loyal following with his DCI Logan crime thriller series, set in the Scottish Highlands. The books follow Detective Chief Inspector Jack Logan, a character shaped by a dark past and a dry sense of humour. For readers wondering where to start and how the books connect, this guide covers the reading order, spin-offs, and what comes next.

Do You Need to Read JD Kirk Books in Order?

Key Insights

• JD Kirk’s DCI Logan series is best read in publication order for character development and plot continuity.
• There is no strict requirement to read every book in sequence, but later books contain spoilers for earlier ones.
• The Heather Filson series is a separate spin-off that can be read independently or after the main series.
• As of 2025, the DCI Logan series has at least 22 installments, with more likely planned.
• Fans often ask about chronological vs publication order; the author recommends publication order.

Series Snapshot

The Complete DCI Logan Series in Order

How Many DCI Logan Books Are There?

As of early 2025, the DCI Logan series comprises 21 published novels, with a 22nd entry announced. The first book, A Litter of Bones, was released in 2019. The most recent installment is A Rock and a Hard Place, which came out in 2025. The author’s official reading order page is the primary source for verifying the full list.

What Is the First Book in the Series?

The series begins with A Litter of Bones (2019). It introduces Detective Chief Inspector Jack Logan, a character shaped by a dark past and a dry sense of humour. Starting here is the most straightforward entry point.

Full Publication Order

1. A Litter of Bones (2019)
2. Thicker Than Water (2019)
3. The Killing Code (2019)
4. Blood and Treachery (2019)
5. The Last Bloody Straw (2020)
6. A Whisper of Sorrows (2020)
7. The Big Man Upstairs (2020)
8. A Death Most Monumental (2020)
9. A Snowball’s Chance in Hell (2020)
10. Ahead of the Game (2021)
11. An Isolated Incident (2021)
12. Colder Than the Grave (2021)
13. Come Hell or High Water (2021)
14. City of Scars (2022)
15. Here Lie the Dead (2022)
16. One For the Ages (2023)
17. In Service of Death (2023)
18. A Dead Man Walking (2023)
19. Where the Pieces Lie (2024)
20. A Killer of Influence (2024)
21. A Rock and a Hard Place (2025)
22. Better the Devil (scheduled 2026)

Other Series by JD Kirk: Heather Filson and More

What Is the Heather Filson Series?

The DI Heather Filson series is a spin-off rooted in the same Scottish crime universe as DCI Logan. It follows forensic pathologist Heather Filson as she steps into a detective role. The series currently contains two titles: The One That Got Away (2023) and This Little Piggy (2024). According to the DCI Logan series on Goodreads, the Filson books share continuity with the main series.

Where Does Heather Filson Fit in the Timeline?

JD Kirk’s official reading order places The One That Got Away after One For the Ages and before In Service of Death. This means readers who follow the blended chronological timeline will encounter Heather Filson partway through the main series. Those who prefer to keep series separate can read her books at any point without confusion.

Does JD Kirk Write Standalone Novels?

Yes. In addition to his two main series, JD Kirk has published standalone thrillers such as The Woman Downstairs and My Daughter is Missing. These are not connected to the DCI Logan or Heather Filson storylines and can be read entirely on their own.

When Is the Next JD Kirk Book Coming Out?

The next DCI Logan novel, Better the Devil, is listed on several book tracking sites with a target year of 2026. No precise release date has been officially announced by the author as of mid‑2025. The Fantastic Fiction author profile and other sources point to this title as the 22nd entry, but confirmation from JD Kirk’s own channels remains pending.

What Are the Key Release Dates for the DCI Logan Books?

1. 2019: Books 1–4 (A Litter of Bones, Thicker Than Water, The Killing Code, Blood and Treachery)
2. 2020: Books 5–9 (The Last Bloody Straw through A Snowball’s Chance in Hell)
3. 2021: Books 10–13 (Ahead of the Game through Come Hell or High Water)
4. 2022: Books 14–15 (City of Scars, Here Lie the Dead)
5. 2023: Books 16–18 (One For the Ages, In Service of Death, A Dead Man Walking)
6. 2024: Books 19–20 (Where the Pieces Lie, A Killer of Influence)
7. 2025: Book 21 (A Rock and a Hard Place)

What Is Known and Unknown About JD Kirk’s Series?

What Makes the DCI Logan Series So Popular?

JD Kirk has become a prominent name in Scottish crime fiction, often compared to authors like Ian Rankin and Stuart MacBride. His DCI Logan series follows Detective Chief Inspector Jack Logan as he solves dark, gripping cases set in the Highlands. The books are praised for their pace, dark humour, and strong sense of place. The popularity has spawned a spin-off series featuring forensic pathologist Heather Filson. Readers new to the author often wonder about reading order, which this guide clarifies.

Where Does the Reading Order Information Come From?

“The DCI Logan books are best enjoyed in the order they were written. While each case is self-contained, character arcs build across the series.”

— JD Kirk official reading order page

“A series of Scottish crime thrillers starring DCI Jack Logan, a detective with a dark past and a dry wit.”

— Goodreads series description

How to Start Reading JD Kirk’s Books

For newcomers, the simplest path begins with A Litter of Bones and continues through the DCI Logan series in publication order. Those interested in the spin-off can add The One That Got Away and This Little Piggy after One For the Ages. For updates on future releases, the best approach is to monitor the author’s official website and social media channels. If you enjoy true crime book controversies, you might also be interested in The Salt Path Book: True Story, Controversy & 2025 Update.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more background on crime writing and controversial book topics, you may also find The Salt Path Book Controversy: Facts, Author Update, Review informative.