Jim Richards Books In Order

Publication Order of Jim Richards Murder Mysteries Books

The author Bob Moats has been an essential component of the mystery literary scene for quite some time now, having made a number of contributions to the genre over the years, many involving long-running series and franchises, all of which are eagerly accepted by his many readers worldwide, an audience that is continually growing every day at an ever rapid rate. Hailing from Grosse Point in Michigan, he really does have a lot to say in what is a resolutely American take on the genre, as he clearly understands the form and plays with it, making it accessible and entertaining for his audience. Not only that, but he engages them in a manner unlike any other writer currently working within his field as, whilst they’re typically self-contained mysteries filled with suspense and intrigue, they’re also rich and character and how they essentially relate to the reader over the course of each novel. His sense-of-humor is also very noteworthy too, as he manages to make the stories witty as well, an aspect which ensure that they resonate on a far more human and down-to-earth level. This is also reflected in his work as a playwright, as he brings his sensibilities to the stage, allowing the characters to come to life in the process, with his strong ear for dialogue and how people actually interact with one another. The use of suspense too is also to be admired, as he draws the reader in keeping them guessing throughout, right up until the very final page.

One such series that he’s particularly well known for is that of his ‘Jim Richards’ series, a long-running franchise which has allowed him to develop a very singular and much loved character over its course. Focusing on the eponymous ‘Jim Richards’ the books are largely centered around the on-goings of a senior citizen come sleuth, as he manages to undertake a whole variety of investigations. Conducted with a sense of wit they are an exemplary example of the authors work and how he interacts with the audience over the course of his stories. Allowing his audience to become invested in the character, his readers can definitely see that there’s a passion for the subject matter that he’s writing about. Turning sixty at the start of the series, it follows his progress as he uncovers a whole host of murders, getting to the bottom of each and every one.

With over thirty-two novels in the ‘Jim Richards Murder Novels’ so far and counting, this has become one of Moat’s longest running series to date. Over its course he has also written a collection of omnibus editions as well, all of which collect his work together, giving the franchise a more complete feel to it. With his audience following the character for a long time now too, it would seem that there’s still room to continue expanding upon this particular franchise indefinitely, as there are always plenty more mysteries to solve just around the corner for the ever pragmatic sleuth Jim Richards.

Classmate Murders

Effectively setting up the franchise overall, this is the title that begun everything, it marking the first in the ongoing series of ‘Jim Richards Murder Mystery’ novels. Coming out in 2009 on the 1st of May, it was initially brought out through the ‘Smashwords, Incorporated’ publishing label to much acclaim, and the rest is history. Establishing the character for the first time, it not only gave readers a clear insight into his world for the first time, but it also provided a mystery for him to solve too.

Quitting his job as a security guard, Jim Richards is extremely reluctant to turn sixty, which is when he then received an email from a childhood sweetheart who he hasn’t seen in over forty years. Pleading for help and safety he unfortunately doesn’t manage to reach her in time, and now a killer is suddenly left on the loose, and one who is going round stalking all his old classmates. There’s one particular woman Jim is falling for, though, and he, along with his mustachioed biker friend Buck, must stop the killer before it’s too late. Will they be able to though? Can they prevent the killer from striking again? Just who is committing the classmate murders?

Vegas Showgirl Murders

This book was also brought out in 2009, as it was released in conjunction with the first novel, allowing them to directly follow on from each other leaving no wait in-between. Released through the same publishing outlet as well, it provides another case for the ever pragmatic sleuth to solve, with the narrative now fully underway. It also manages to provide some sense of character development too, as it further establishes the motives and the backstory of Jim Richards and the life he’s lead.

As Jim and his new girlfriend Penny deal with the aftermath of the killer from the previous novel, this time they head off to Las Vegas, with friend Buck and Deacon in tow. It is here that Deacon’s sister, a showgirl, has been poisoned, as they find that the poison may have been intended for another girl working at the club that night. That’s when another girl is found murdered, as they quickly realize that a killer must be stopped and brought to justice once more, all whilst Jim makes use of his previous knowledge of Las Vegas. Will they find the killer? Who is murdering the women? What exactly is the motive behind the Vegas showgirl murders?

The Jim Richard Murder Novels Series

Now seen as somewhat of an institution of sorts to many readers, this series still has a lot of potential left in it to continue growing as a franchise into the foreseeable future. A master of the form, it’s easy to see why Bob Moats has been so successful with this particular franchise, as it easily allows the reader in, enabling them to pick it up and dive right in at any time they like. As a character there’s no signs that he is slowing down with him any time soon, as he’s come a long way since his first book in 2009, and will continue to build upon it for some time to come.