Lena Jones Mystery Books In Order

Publication Order of Lena Jones Mystery Books

The Lena Jones Mystery series is a collection of mystery and thriller books written by the renowned American author Betty Webb. This series consists of a total of nine books, released between 2001 and 2016. Each book in this intriguing series features the protagonist Lena Jones, a detective from Scottsdale, Arizona. Author Webb has set all the books in this series in her hometown of Scottsdale. The series began in 2001 when Webb completed and published the debut novel in the same year. One of the early books in the series, titled Desert Shadows, was published by Poisoned Pen in 2004. This book features important characters such as Gloriana Allerton and Lena Jones.

At the start of the plot, Webb introduces Gloriana Allerton, a well-known publisher from Scottsdale, who frequently participates in the annual Southwest Publishers’ convention. During one such convention, Gloriana Allerton is poisoned and dies. Lena Jones, shocked by the news, is horrified to learn that her friend from the Pima Indian community is the prime suspect in Gloriana’s murder.

Lena decides to take matters into her own hands and begins investigating to uncover the truth. What she discovers during her investigation disturbs her deeply. Lena uncovers the rarely discussed issue of racist publishing practices. As she delves deeper into the case, Lena is attacked by local extremist politicians and members of a fascist group in the city, who fear she might uncover their involvement in Gloriana’s murder. Despite multiple assassination attempts, Lena remains determined to solve the mystery.

The tension heightens when Lena is scheduled to meet the leader of the Aryan Brotherhood in the State Prison complex of Arizona. On her way to the visiting room on Death Row, a black trustee, nicknamed Green for his startling green eyes, recognizes her and calls her by her mother’s name. This encounter triggers a flashback, and Lena remembers being shot in the head at four years old and left for dead. She survived but lost her memory and the face of the person who shot her. Growing up in a series of foster homes, Lena endured many abusive environments, leaving her both physically and emotionally scarred.

As an adult, Lena searches for her real parents with the same intensity she brings to solving murder cases. But now, as she believes the answers to her lifelong questions are within reach, Lena realizes she may have to pay a heavy price. Nevertheless, she is ready to do whatever it takes to uncover her true identity and find her biological parents, even if it means risking her life.

Another intriguing story in the Lena Jones Mystery series is Desert Cut, published by Poisoned Pen in 2008. Once again, Webb portrays Lena Jones in the lead role, investigating a gruesome murder. The story also features Warren Quinn, an Oscar-winning director. The plot opens with Lena and Warren scouting locations in Arizona to film a documentary about the Apache Wars. During their search, they stumble upon the mutilated body of a teenage girl. The brutal nature of the crime reminds Lena of her own troubled childhood.

As Lena clashes with the local justice system, she uncovers that the seemingly small town of Los Perdidos harbors big, hidden secrets. The town’s original inhabitants, who fought against Geronimo, helped establish Los Perdidos, and the current residents are heavily armed to deal with illegal immigrants crossing the Mexico-Arizona border. A small population of foreign-born workers also lives in Los Perdidos.

During her investigation, Lena senses a sinister force at work in the town. Shortly after, two more girls go missing. As the death toll rises, Lena decides to implement her own form of justice. Ultimately, she unmasks the murderer and uncovers a long chain of deadly crimes responsible for the subjugation of millions of women and girls worldwide. The novel depicts life in Los Perdidos as harsh, with Lena Jones striving to reduce the crime rate through her dedicated efforts.