Below is the complete list of Robert Dugoni’s Tracy Crosswhite books in publication order. For this series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Tracy Crosswhite Books in Publication Order
- The Academy (2014)
- My Sister’s Grave (2014)
- Third Watch (2015)
- Her Final Breath (2015)
- In the Clearing (2016)
- The Trapped Girl (2017)
- Close to Home (2017)
- A Steep Price (2018)
- A Cold Trail (2020)
- In Her Tracks (2021)
- What She Found (2022)
- One Last Kill (2023)
- A Dead Draw (2025)
- One Split Second (2026)
About Tracy Crosswhite
Robert Dugoni’s Tracy Crosswhite series follows a determined Seattle homicide detective whose career has been shaped by a deeply personal tragedy. The novels blend police procedural storytelling with long-running character arcs, placing Tracy Crosswhite at the center of investigations that often intersect with her own past. Dugoni’s approach combines complex criminal cases with emotional depth, gradually revealing how Crosswhite’s experiences influence both her professional decisions and personal life.
The series begins with My Sister’s Grave (2014), which introduces Tracy Crosswhite as a detective with the Seattle Police Department’s homicide unit. Years earlier, Tracy’s younger sister Sarah disappeared in the small town of Cedar Grove, Washington. When Sarah’s remains were eventually discovered, a suspect was convicted of the crime. However, Tracy has never been fully convinced that justice was served. When new evidence emerges, she returns to Cedar Grove to challenge the original investigation and uncover the truth behind her sister’s murder.
This first novel establishes the emotional core of the series. Tracy’s relentless pursuit of justice is driven not only by her role as a detective but also by the unresolved trauma surrounding Sarah’s death. Dugoni explores how this personal loss shapes Tracy’s instincts and determination, creating a protagonist who approaches investigations with both professional discipline and emotional urgency.
In Her Final Breath (2015), Tracy returns fully to her work with the Seattle Police Department. The case involves a serial killer targeting young women across the city, forcing Tracy and her team to navigate a fast-moving and dangerous investigation. The novel highlights the dynamics within the homicide unit, introducing readers to the colleagues who become an important part of Tracy’s professional world.
The third book, In the Clearing (2016), once again ties Tracy’s personal history to her investigative work. A new discovery connected to her sister’s case suggests that the original crime may have been part of something far larger than anyone realized. As Tracy searches for answers, she must revisit painful memories while confronting individuals determined to keep the past buried.
In The Trapped Girl (2017), the discovery of a young woman’s body in the debris of a landslide launches a complicated investigation involving family secrets and long-hidden crimes. Dugoni continues to build Tracy’s character, showing how her experiences influence the way she approaches victims’ families and suspects alike.
The series expands further with Close to Home (2017), where Tracy investigates the murder of a police officer whose life appeared perfect from the outside. The case reveals hidden tensions within the officer’s personal relationships and professional responsibilities, highlighting the pressures faced by those working in law enforcement.
In A Steep Price (2018), Tracy investigates the killing of a wealthy real estate developer whose life was far more complicated than it appeared. The case leads into Seattle’s high-stakes business world, where financial ambition and personal grudges create a complex web of motives.
Later novels, including A Cold Trail (2020), In Her Tracks (2021), and Beyond Reasonable Doubt (2023), continue expanding the scope of Tracy’s work while also exploring major developments in her personal life. Dugoni gradually introduces themes of family, motherhood, and balancing personal responsibilities with the demanding nature of homicide investigations.
Across the Tracy Crosswhite novels, Dugoni places strong emphasis on the investigative process. The stories often move step by step through forensic analysis, witness interviews, and courtroom developments, giving the series a grounded procedural feel. At the same time, Tracy’s evolving relationships—with colleagues, family members, and the people she seeks justice for—add emotional layers that extend beyond individual cases.
Reading the series in publication order allows Tracy’s character development to unfold naturally. Each book presents a new homicide investigation while continuing the larger narrative surrounding her personal journey, making the progression from one novel to the next an essential part of the overall story.