Order of Jonathan Stride Book Series

The "Jonathan Stride" series by Brian Freeman follows the gripping and emotionally charged journey of Detective Jonathan Stride as he navigates the darker aspects of life, crime, and human nature in the picturesque setting of Duluth, Minnesota. With a keen eye for detail and an unyielding commitment to justice, Stride tackles complex murder cases that often lead him into the depths of personal and professional turmoil.

Each installment delves into Stride's character—his friendships, his romantic relationships, and his struggle to reconcile his dedication to his work with the impact it has on his personal life. The series masterfully intertwines suspenseful plots with profound psychological insights, exploring themes of morality, loss, and the quest for redemption.

Through twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats, Freeman crafts a narrative rich in atmosphere and character development. With every case Stride encounters, readers are drawn deeper into a world where truths are layered, and the line between good and evil often blurs. This series is a compelling mix of crime thriller and psychological drama, offering a haunting exploration of the human condition.

Order of Jonathan Stride Series

# Title Year Rating Book Link
1Immoral
By: Brian Freeman
20054.3Amazon.com
2Stripped
By: Brian Freeman
2006Amazon.com
3Stalked
By: Brian Freeman
20074.5Amazon.com
4In The Dark / The Watcher
By: Brian Freeman
2008Amazon.com
5The Burying Place
By: Brian Freeman
2009Amazon.com
6Spitting Devil (Short Story)
By: Brian Freeman
2012Amazon.com
7The Cold Nowhere
By: Brian Freeman
2013Amazon.com
8Turn to Stone (Short Story)
By: Brian Freeman
2014Amazon.com
9Goodbye to the Dead
By: Brian Freeman
2015Amazon.com
10Marathon
By: Brian Freeman
2017Amazon.com
11Alter Ego
By: Brian Freeman
2018Amazon.com
12Funeral for a Friend
By: Brian Freeman
2020Amazon.com
13The Zero Night
By: Brian Freeman
20224.7Amazon.com

Jonathan Stride Series Books Description

The "Jonathan Stride" series by Brian Freeman follows the titular character, a detective in Duluth, Minnesota. The series is known for its psychological depth, intricate plotting, and the exploration of human emotions. Here’s a brief overview of each book in the series:

  1. Immoral (2005) - The first book introduces Detective Jonathan Stride as he investigates the murder of a young woman with a dark past. Stride faces complex issues involving morality, love, and the nature of evil as he tries to uncover the truth in a case that hits close to home.

  2. Snow Angel (2006) - In this installment, Stride and his partner, Jerry, are drawn into a chilling case involving an apparent suicide that quickly turns into a murder investigation. Stride confronts old ghosts and learns more about the deep connections between the victims and the snowy landscapes of Duluth.

  3. Mad River (2009) - Stride is dragged into a harrowing manhunt when a series of murders occurs during a hunting festival. This entry explores themes of survival and the primal instincts of humanity, as Stride races against time to stop the killer.

  4. The Burying Place (2009) - A psychological thriller that delves deeper into Stride's personal life. The story revolves around the discovery of a woman's body in a remote area and forces Stride to confront his past while dealing with the impact of a new case that intertwines with his family's secrets.

  5. The Dark Side (2010) - In this installment, Stride investigates a series of murders linked to a young woman's unsolved disappearance from years past. The case unfolds in layers, revealing hidden truths about the victims and the complexities of human relationships.

  6. The Skeleton Box (2013) - This novel takes Stride on a journey that intertwines with a cold case from his past. As he confronts a killer who seems to have links to an old investigation, he discovers unsettling truths that challenge his perception of justice and closure.

  7. The Searching for Happiness (2019) - Stride finds himself at the center of a complicated investigation when a string of mysterious disappearances occurs. The narrative weaves through themes of despair, hope, and the pursuit of happiness against a backdrop of crime.

  8. The Bone Yard (2021) - This gripping tale involves more chilling discoveries as Stride investigates strange disappearances linked to a haunted location. The story builds suspense as Stride and his team work to solve the mystery while battling their own personal challenges.

  9. The Harmony (2023) - In the latest addition, Stride unravels a complex case that threatens the peace of Duluth. The themes of control, freedom, and the psychological shadows that linger in any community’s heart are explored as Stride races to piece together his latest puzzle.

Each book can be read independently, but reading them in order provides greater insight into Jonathan Stride's character development and the ongoing evolutions in his life and career. Brian Freeman's gripping storytelling makes the series a compelling read for fans of detective fiction and psychological thrillers.

Who are the main characters of Jonathan Stride Series

The "Jonathan Stride" series by Brian Freeman features several key characters, primarily centering around the protagonist, Jonathan Stride. Here are some of the main characters from the series:

  1. Jonathan Stride: The titular character, Stride is a detective in Duluth, Minnesota. He's portrayed as a dedicated and intelligent investigator with a strong moral compass. Stride often grapples with his past decisions and personal relationships while solving complex cases.

  2. Maggie Bei: Maggie is Stride's partner and love interest. She is a capable investigator in her own right, with a sharp mind and a quick wit. Their relationship adds depth to Stride's character and the dynamics of their investigations.

  3. Kate: Jonathan Stride's ex-wife, Kate plays a pivotal role in his life and often reflects elements of Stride's past. Their relationship is complex, and her presence influences Stride's decisions throughout the series.

  4. Diana: Diana is Stride's current love interest after his relationship with Kate. She represents a new chapter in Stride's life, and their interactions bring emotional challenges and growth for him.

  5. Other Supporting Characters: The series features various supporting characters, including law enforcement agents, witnesses, and suspects, who contribute to the plot and help explore themes of justice, morality, and relationships.

The interplay between these characters, along with intricate plots and psychological elements, makes the "Jonathan Stride" series engaging and thought-provoking.

Interesting facts about Jonathan Stride Series

The 'Jonathan Stride' series by Brian Freeman is a collection of crime thriller novels centered around the character Jonathan Stride, a detective in Duluth, Minnesota. Here are some interesting facts about the series:

  1. Debut Novel: The series began with the debut novel "Immoral," which was published in 2005. The book introduced readers to Jonathan Stride, a complex character with a troubled past.

  2. Northern Setting: The picturesque yet often dark setting of Duluth, Minnesota, plays a significant role in the series. Freeman’s detailed descriptions of the area contribute to the atmospheric quality of the novels.

  3. Character Depth: Stride is portrayed as a morally complex character who grapples with personal issues, including past traumas and relationships. This depth adds a layer of psychological intrigue to the investigations he undertakes.

  4. Recurring Characters: The series features several recurring characters, including Stride’s partner and love interest, Serena Dial, and his colleague, who add layers to both the plot and Stride's character development.

  5. Critical Acclaim: Freeman has received praise from critics and readers alike for his gripping storytelling and well-crafted plots. The series has garnered a loyal following over the years.

  6. Multiple Genres: While primarily classified as a crime thriller, the books often incorporate elements of psychological suspense and drama, appealing to a broad range of readers.

  7. Expansion of the Series: The Jonathan Stride series has expanded over the years, with multiple sequels, allowing fans to follow Stride's journey as he faces a variety of complex cases.

  8. Influence of Real Events: Brian Freeman often draws inspiration from real-life crime stories and events, making the narratives feel authentic and relatable.

  9. Standalone and Connected Stories: Each book typically features a self-contained story, but there are overarching character development and story arcs that connect the novels, allowing for both standalone enjoyment and a deeper engagement for long-time readers.

  10. Awards and Recognition: Brian Freeman has received several awards for his writing, including the International Thriller Writers Award, increasing the visibility and recognition of the 'Jonathan Stride' series.

The characters and plots in the 'Jonathan Stride' series combine suspense with emotionally resonant storytelling, making it a must-read for thriller enthusiasts.