Ace Atkins' "Quinn Colson" Series: The Ultimate Reading Order
Ace Atkins is a master of Southern crime fiction, known for his gritty, suspenseful, and emotionally charged stories. His most popular series features the tough-as-nails, former Mississippi Delta cop, Quinn Colson, who navigates a world of family secrets, dark pasts, and dangerous criminals.
If you're a fan of crime novels or just looking for a captivating read, Atkins' "Quinn Colson" series is a must-read. But with several books in the series, it can be tricky to know where to start. Here's the ultimate reading order to ensure you enjoy the full scope of Quinn Colson's journey:
The Main Series (Chronological Order):
- The Revelator (2013): This is where it all begins. Quinn Colson, haunted by the past, returns to his hometown of Tibbehah, Mississippi, after his father's death. He becomes entangled in a dangerous case involving a local preacher and a mysterious woman.
- The Sinners (2014): Quinn's past continues to haunt him as he investigates the murder of a local sheriff, uncovering a trail of secrets and lies that lead back to a dark family history.
- The Closers (2015): This installment sees Quinn caught in the middle of a dangerous land dispute that throws him into a web of corruption and violence.
- The Ranger (2016): Quinn is tasked with investigating the disappearance of a young woman, uncovering a terrifying conspiracy that could be linked to his own family.
- The Deep End (2017): Quinn returns to his roots, facing a mystery involving a missing woman and a secret that could change everything.
- The Long Shadow (2018): This book finds Quinn dealing with a deadly threat to his family, forcing him to confront the darkest corners of his past.
- The Fallen (2019): Quinn's world is turned upside down when a woman he thought was dead reappears, leading him on a chase across the Mississippi Delta.
- The Caine Mutiny (2020): Quinn faces a moral dilemma when he is thrust into a high-stakes legal battle, forcing him to question everything he believes in.
- The Devil's Punchbowl (2021): This book sees Quinn return to the world of drug trafficking, where he must stop a ruthless cartel from taking over the Mississippi Delta.
- The Broken Road (2022): The most recent addition to the series, Quinn faces a new threat in the form of a ghost from his past, a former FBI agent with a vendetta.
Other Books:
The Robert B. Parker Series: Atkins took over the iconic "Spenser" series after Parker's passing. While these novels feature a different protagonist, they are still excellent crime fiction and can be enjoyed after finishing the "Quinn Colson" series.
Standalone Novels: Atkins has also written a few standalone novels, such as "Black Road" and "The Restoration." These can be read independently of the "Quinn Colson" series.
Enjoy the Ride!
The "Quinn Colson" series offers a thrilling, page-turning experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. As you journey through these stories, you'll discover a world of danger, suspense, and compelling characters. Get ready to dive into the Mississippi Delta with Quinn Colson and witness his relentless pursuit of justice!
