Kim Harrison Books in Order: Rachel Morgan, The Hollows, and Every Series
Kim Harrison is best known for The Hollows, her long-running urban fantasy series set in an alternate Cincinnati populated by witches, vampires, demons, elves, werewolves, pixies, and humans. The series follows Rachel Morgan as she develops from an independent supernatural bounty hunter into one of the most powerful and complicated figures in the Hollows world.
But The Hollows is only part of Harrison’s bibliography. She has also written young adult fantasy, speculative thrillers, contemporary fantasy, graphic novels, short fiction, and the Eclipsed Evolution serialized story. She has also published traditional fantasy under her real name, Dawn Cook.
Kim Harrison Books in Order
For most readers, there are two useful ways to approach Harrison’s books: follow The Hollows in its publication order, or explore her other series separately. Because the Hollows story develops continuously around Rachel Morgan, publication order is the simplest way to read the main series.
The Hollows Books in Order
The Hollows is Kim Harrison’s signature series. The main novels should be read in publication order because characters, relationships, supernatural politics, and Rachel’s abilities develop throughout the series. Harrison’s own reading-order page also places the books in this sequence.
1. Dead Witch Walking
Dead Witch Walking introduces Rachel Morgan, a witch working as an independent runner in Cincinnati. After leaving her employer under difficult circumstances, Rachel becomes a target and forms an unlikely partnership with vampire Ivy Tamwood and pixy Jenks. The novel establishes the supernatural society, rules, rivalries, and dangers that define the Hollows universe.
It is the essential starting point for the entire series.
2. The Good, the Bad, and the Undead
Rachel’s new independent business is barely getting established when another dangerous case pulls her deeper into Cincinnati’s supernatural underworld. Her relationship with Ivy and Jenks continues to develop, while Rachel discovers that the line between a routine investigation and a much larger supernatural conflict can disappear quickly.
3. Every Which Way But Dead
Rachel’s professional and personal problems become increasingly complicated as the supernatural politics surrounding her intensify. Her relationship with vampire Ivy changes, while Rachel becomes more deeply connected to the powerful figures and magical forces operating behind Cincinnati’s everyday supernatural life.
4. A Fistful of Charms
Rachel’s attempt to help someone close to her takes the group away from Cincinnati and into a dangerous conflict involving werewolves and the supernatural community. The journey expands the world beyond the familiar setting and gives Rachel, Ivy, and Jenks new problems to deal with together.
5. For a Few Demons More
Rachel faces one of the most significant turning points in her developing magical identity. The novel brings demons, ancient magic, supernatural politics, and Rachel’s increasingly complicated relationships to the forefront.
The book also contains connections to several shorter stories that expand the Hollows universe. Harrison’s official reading order lists stories including “The Bridges of Eden Park” and “Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel” around this part of the series.
6. The Outlaw Demon Wails
Rachel becomes involved with demons and their dangerous secrets as the consequences of earlier events continue to unfold. Her relationship with Trent Kalamack becomes increasingly important, and the book deepens several mysteries surrounding Rachel’s magical heritage.
The book was published in the United States as The Outlaw Demon Wails and as Where Demons Dare in the United Kingdom.
7. White Witch, Black Curse
Rachel’s investigation into a series of supernatural crimes forces her to confront both current dangers and events from her past. The book also develops the mythology surrounding witches, demons, ghosts, and Rachel’s own unusual abilities.
8. Black Magic Sanction
Rachel is placed under extraordinary pressure as conflicts involving witches, demons, and the supernatural power structure escalate. Her enemies become more organized, while her personal relationships continue to become inseparable from the larger struggles surrounding her.
9. Pale Demon
Rachel, Ivy, and Jenks leave familiar territory for a road trip that turns into something much more dangerous. The journey gives the series a different atmosphere while bringing Rachel into conflict with supernatural forces far beyond her usual Cincinnati cases.
10. A Perfect Blood
Rachel returns to Cincinnati to investigate a disturbing series of attacks involving a new supernatural threat. The novel also pushes Rachel toward a better understanding of what she is and how her existence fits into the larger history of the Hollows.
11. Ever After
Rachel’s increasingly complicated relationship with Trent becomes central as they face a threat that reaches far beyond ordinary supernatural crime. The novel also brings several long-running storylines closer to major turning points.
12. The Undead Pool
A series of mysterious deaths involving powerful supernatural beings draws Rachel into another dangerous investigation. As the supernatural community faces growing instability, Rachel has to balance her own relationships and responsibilities with a threat that could affect the entire city.
13. The Witch With No Name
The Witch With No Name was originally presented as the final Rachel Morgan novel in the first major run of The Hollows. Rachel confronts some of the biggest unresolved conflicts of the series while dealing with the consequences of the choices she has made throughout her journey.
For readers following the original publication history, this is an important stopping point before the later return to the Hollows.
14. American Demon
American Demon takes readers back to Rachel Morgan’s earlier days, making it different from a straightforward continuation of The Witch With No Name. It explores Rachel’s first years as an independent runner and gives readers a closer look at the early development of relationships and circumstances that become important later.
The novel was published in 2020, after the original 13-book Rachel Morgan arc.
15. Million Dollar Demon
Rachel is now dealing with the consequences of everything she has become while continuing to operate in a supernatural Cincinnati that is changing around her. The book brings together personal relationships, magical complications, and the continuing political tensions of the Hollows world.
16. Trouble With the Cursed
Rachel faces another dangerous supernatural mystery while the relationships and power structures established throughout the series continue to evolve. The book also explores the changing balance between humans and the supernatural communities living alongside them.
17. Demons of Good and Evil
The conflict between Rachel and the supernatural forces surrounding her grows increasingly complicated. Long-running characters and relationships remain central as the series continues to explore demons, magic, power, and the consequences of Rachel’s unusual existence.
18. Demon’s Bluff
Rachel is drawn into another dangerous situation involving the supernatural politics and history of the Hollows. The novel continues the modern Rachel Morgan storyline and sets the stage for the next installment.
Demon’s Bluff was published in 2024 and is currently the latest released full-length Hollows novel.
19. Absolute Demon
Absolute Demon is the upcoming nineteenth Hollows novel. Penguin Random House currently lists it as Book 19, with publication scheduled for February 9, 2027. The story returns to Rachel Morgan, who is dealing with major power struggles involving vampires and the elven elite while Trent faces a serious crisis of his own.
Because it has not yet been released, readers should treat Absolute Demon as the upcoming next installment rather than part of the currently published main reading sequence.
The Hollows Prequel
The Turn: The Hollows Begins with Death
The Turn is a prequel to the main Hollows storyline and takes place in 1966, decades before Rachel Morgan’s story. It focuses on events involving Trent Kalamack and gives readers background on the world and characters that eventually become central to The Hollows.
Although it is numbered 0.1 by several bibliography sources, Harrison’s own reading-order page places The Turn after the main novels as a prequel. For a first-time reader, reading it after becoming familiar with The Hollows can make its connections easier to appreciate.
Hollows Short Stories and Novellas
The Hollows universe includes several shorter works. They are not all essential to understanding the main novels, but longtime fans may want to include them.
Some of the notable stories include:
- “Undead in the Garden of Good and Evil”
- “Dirty Magic”
- “The Bridges of Eden Park”
- “Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel”
- “The Bespelled”
- “Ley Line Drifter”
- “Trouble on Reserve”
- “Sudden Backtrack”
- “Waylaid”
Harrison’s official reading-order page specifically identifies these stories and indicates where several of them fit around the novels.
The Hollows Companion Books
The Hollows Insider
The Hollows Insider is a richly illustrated companion book rather than another Rachel Morgan novel. It provides information about the Hollows world, including characters, species, spells, organizations, and other details from the series.
It is optional reading. Readers interested primarily in Rachel’s story can skip it and continue with the novels. Harrison herself describes it as a world guide that expands the setting rather than a necessary part of the main sequence.
Into the Woods
Into the Woods is a collection containing Harrison’s shorter fiction. It is useful for readers who want to collect stories connected with the Hollows and Harrison’s other worlds rather than reading only the main novels.
The Hollows Graphic Novels
Kim Harrison also expanded the Hollows universe into two original graphic novels.
Blood Work
Blood Work follows Rachel’s earlier experiences while she is interning under Ivy at the IS. It offers another look at Rachel and Ivy’s relationship and adds material to the Hollows universe outside the main novels.
Blood Crime
Blood Crime is the second Hollows graphic novel and continues the graphic-story format introduced by Blood Work. The two graphic novels are companion works rather than replacements for the main Rachel Morgan novels.
Peri Reed Chronicles in Order
The Peri Reed Chronicles moves away from urban fantasy and into speculative thriller territory. The series follows Peri Reed, an agent with a dangerous ability connected to memory and time.
1. The Drafter
The Drafter introduces Peri Reed and the futuristic world in which memory can be manipulated. Peri’s work as an agent becomes increasingly complicated when she begins questioning what she remembers and what has been altered.
2. The Operator
The Operator continues Peri’s story as she attempts to understand the forces controlling her life and memories. It expands the conspiracy and raises the stakes established in The Drafter. Simon & Schuster identifies it as Book 2 of the Peri Reed Chronicles.
Shorter Peri Reed Stories
- Sideswiped (prequel novella)
- Waylaid (a crossover novella connecting the Peri Reed and Hollows worlds)
Harrison’s official reading order places Sideswiped before The Drafter but notes that it can be read out of order. Waylaid can also be read separately from the main sequence.
A third full-length Peri Reed novel, The Agent, is currently listed for December 2027.
Madison Avery Books in Order
The Madison Avery books are young adult urban fantasy novels published under the Kim Harrison name.
1. Once Dead, Twice Shy
Madison Avery wakes up dead after an unexpected encounter with a supernatural being. Her new existence introduces her to angels, dark forces, and a supernatural struggle that she never expected to become part of.
2. Early to Death, Early to Rise
Madison continues learning how the supernatural world works while trying to understand her own role in it. The second book develops the characters and conflict introduced in Once Dead, Twice Shy.
3. Something Deadly This Way Comes
The final Madison Avery novel continues Madison’s struggle with supernatural forces and the consequences of her unusual position between life and death.
The three novels were published between 2009 and 2011.
Shadow Age Books in Order
The Shadow Age is one of Harrison’s newer fantasy series and is separate from The Hollows.
1. Three Kinds of Lucky
Three Kinds of Lucky begins a contemporary fantasy story involving magical waste that develops an unexpected form of intelligence. It introduces Petra and Puck and establishes the unusual magical premise behind the series.
2. Secondhand Luck
Secondhand Luck continues Petra and Puck’s story. Harrison’s official website identifies it as the second Shadow Age book and lists it as a 2026 release.
Eclipsed Evolution in Order
Eclipsed Evolution is a serialized science-fiction/fantasy project built around a paranormal event following a solar eclipse.
1. First Contact
First Contact begins the story after a portal opens between Earth and a mysterious paranormal realm.
2. Totality
Totality continues the events introduced in First Contact and expands the consequences of the portal.
3. Emergence
Emergence completes the currently published three-part Eclipsed Evolution story. Harrison’s website describes the project as a serialized novel and notes plans for additional full-length novels connected to the larger story.
Kim Harrison Standalone Fiction
Perfunctory Affection
Perfunctory Affection is a psychological thriller that stands apart from Harrison’s major fantasy series. Her official website describes it as a psychological thriller with the characteristic Kim Harrison feel.
What About Dawn Cook?
Kim Harrison is the pen name of author Dawn Cook. However, the books published as Dawn Cook are generally treated as a separate bibliography rather than part of the Kim Harrison reading order.
If you want to read everything written by the same author, including books published under Dawn Cook, there are two major additional series to explore:
The Truth Series by Dawn Cook
- First Truth
- Hidden Truth
- Forgotten Truth
- Lost Truth
The Princess Series by Dawn Cook
- The Decoy Princess
- Princess at Sea
These books are traditional fantasy rather than extensions of The Hollows universe.
Where Should You Start With Kim Harrison?
For most new readers, Dead Witch Walking is the natural starting point. It introduces Rachel Morgan, Ivy, Jenks, Cincinnati’s supernatural society, and the central rules of The Hollows.
If urban fantasy is not your preferred genre, The Drafter is a better introduction to Harrison’s speculative-thriller side, while Three Kinds of Lucky offers a way into her newer contemporary fantasy work.
Readers interested specifically in Rachel Morgan should not start with The Turn simply because it is chronologically earlier. It is a prequel, but the main series was written and published around Rachel’s story first.
Are Kim Harrison’s Books Connected?
Several of Harrison’s books exist in separate fictional worlds.
The Hollows is the Rachel Morgan urban fantasy universe.
The Peri Reed Chronicles is a speculative thriller series with its own setting, although Waylaid creates a connection between Peri Reed and the Hollows.
Madison Avery is a young adult supernatural series.
Shadow Age is a newer contemporary fantasy series.
Eclipsed Evolution is a separate science-fiction/fantasy project.
The books published as Dawn Cook, including The Truth and Princess series, are separate traditional fantasy works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Kim Harrison books are there?
The answer depends on whether you count only novels published under the Kim Harrison name or also short stories, graphic novels, companion books, and works published under Dawn Cook. Current bibliographies list multiple series and more than two dozen books under the Kim Harrison name, while her complete body of work is larger.
What is the first Kim Harrison book?
Dead Witch Walking, published in 2004, is the first novel in The Hollows series and the book that introduced Rachel Morgan. However, Harrison’s broader publishing history began earlier with books published as Dawn Cook, including First Truth in 2002.
What order should I read The Hollows?
Read the main Hollows novels in publication order, beginning with Dead Witch Walking. Harrison’s official reading-order page places the prequel The Turn after the main sequence and separately identifies the shorter stories and companion books.
Is The Turn the first Hollows book?
No. The Turn is a prequel set in 1966. Dead Witch Walking is the first main Hollows novel and the recommended entry point for readers discovering Rachel Morgan’s story.
Is Absolute Demon the last Hollows book?
No. Absolute Demon is currently the upcoming Book 19 of The Hollows. Penguin Random House lists its publication date as February 9, 2027, so the series remains ongoing.
Is Kim Harrison the same person as Dawn Cook?
Yes. Dawn Cook is the author’s real name, while Kim Harrison is the name used for her urban fantasy and related fiction. Her traditional fantasy Truth and Princess books were published as Dawn Cook.
Do I need to read the Hollows short stories?
No. The main novels can be enjoyed without reading every short story or novella. However, readers who want the fullest possible Hollows experience can add the stories using Harrison’s official reading order.
Final Thoughts
Kim Harrison’s bibliography is much broader than The Hollows, but Rachel Morgan remains the natural center of her work. For a first-time reader, the clearest path is to begin with Dead Witch Walking and follow the main Hollows novels in publication order. Once you’ve finished Rachel’s story, the Peri Reed Chronicles, Madison Avery books, Shadow Age, and Eclipsed Evolution offer very different sides of Harrison’s writing.
The important distinction is that Harrison’s bibliography crosses several genres and fictional worlds, while the books published as Dawn Cook form a separate traditional-fantasy branch of the author’s career.
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