The best place to start with books by Dana Stabenow is A Cold Day for Murder, the first Kate Shugak novel, especially for readers who want to begin the series in order. The selections below include its audiobook, the second Kate Shugak audiobook, later series entries in Kindle and audiobook formats, and The Harvey Girl from the Harvey Girls Mysteries. Choose by series, format, and whether you prefer a first installment or a later story.
| Book | Series or context | Listed format | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Cold Day for Murder | Kate Shugak, Book 1 | Audible audiobook | Starting the series |
| The Harvey Girl | The Harvey Girls Mysteries | Kindle Edition | Trying another Stabenow mystery line |
| A Fatal Thaw | Kate Shugak, Book 2 | Audible audiobook | Continuing in series order |
| Midnight Come Again | Kate Shugak Novels, Book 10 | Kindle Edition | Reading a later numbered entry |
| Not the Ones Dead | Dana Stabenow title | Audible audiobook | Choosing an audiobook outside the listed early entries |
A Cold Day for Murder
A Cold Day for Murder is Kate Shugak, Book 1, and is the clearest selection for readers who want to begin Dana Stabenow’s Kate Shugak series from its first listed installment. Starting here makes it easier to follow the series from the beginning rather than entering at a later numbered book.
The product is listed as an Audible audiobook, with Marguerite Gavin as narrator and Brilliance Audio as publisher. Choose this version if listening fits your routine better than reading an ebook. It is also a practical starting point for someone who wants to explore Stabenow’s fiction through audio.
- Best for: New readers beginning the Kate Shugak novels.
- Why it stands out: It is explicitly identified as Book 1.
- Consider: This listing is an audiobook, so it may not suit readers who want a Kindle edition or print book.
The Harvey Girl
The Harvey Girl is listed as part of The Harvey Girls Mysteries, making it a useful pick for readers looking beyond the Kate Shugak titles in this selection. Its Kindle Edition format is suited to people who prefer reading digitally on a Kindle device or app.
Choose this book if you are interested in a mystery series separate from the numbered Kate Shugak entries shown here. The supplied listing identifies Dana Stabenow as the author and names the mystery series, but does not provide a book number or additional plot details. Check the series information in the listing if reading order is important to you.
- Best for: Readers interested in Stabenow’s Harvey Girls mystery series.
- Why it stands out: It offers a different series context from the Kate Shugak selections.
- Consider: The listing identifies a Kindle Edition; it does not establish other formats.
A Fatal Thaw
A Fatal Thaw is labeled Kate Shugak, Book 2. It is therefore a straightforward next choice for readers who have completed A Cold Day for Murder and want to continue in the listed series order. The book number helps distinguish it from the later Kate Shugak titles in this roundup.
This listing is an Audible audiobook narrated by Marguerite Gavin and published by Brilliance Audio. It is best for listeners who want to keep following the series in audio. The product details provided do not describe its plot, so readers looking for story-specific information should consult the book listing before choosing.
- Best for: Listeners continuing from Kate Shugak, Book 1.
- Why it stands out: Its Book 2 designation provides a clear sequence position.
- Consider: It is listed as an audiobook, not a Kindle Edition.
Midnight Come Again
Midnight Come Again is identified as Kate Shugak Novels, Book 10, and is listed as a Kindle Edition. That makes it a better fit for readers who already know the series or who are specifically looking for this later numbered entry. It is not the best starting choice for someone aiming to read the Kate Shugak books in order.
The Kindle format suits readers who prefer an electronic book. Because the listing places this title at Book 10, new readers may want to check earlier installments first if they value reading a long-running series from its beginning.
- Best for: Existing Kate Shugak readers seeking a later series entry.
- Why it stands out: The listed Book 10 designation makes its position clear.
- Consider: Its later series number may make it less suitable as a first Stabenow book.
Not the Ones Dead
Not the Ones Dead is listed as an Audible audiobook, with Marguerite Gavin as narrator and Head of Zeus as publisher. It is an option for Dana Stabenow readers who want an audio edition rather than the Kindle format represented by some other selections here.
The supplied product information does not state a series number, so this title is harder to place in a reading order based on the listing alone. Choose it if the title interests you and audiobook listening is your preferred format; check the listing for additional series or publication details before deciding where it fits.
- Best for: Readers seeking an audiobook by Stabenow.
- Why it stands out: It adds another audio option beyond the early Kate Shugak entries.
- Consider: The provided details do not identify a series number.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Dana Stabenow Book
Should you read the Kate Shugak books in order?
If you want to follow the numbered Kate Shugak sequence, start with A Cold Day for Murder, then continue with A Fatal Thaw. Midnight Come Again is Book 10, so it is a later option rather than the natural starting point for a new reader. Confirm the series order if you plan to read additional titles beyond these selections.
Which format should you choose?
Choose an Audible audiobook if listening is more convenient than reading. The audiobook listings here name Marguerite Gavin as narrator. Choose a Kindle Edition if you prefer digital text. Product formats can differ by title, so check the specific listing rather than assuming every book is available in the same edition.
Do you want a different mystery series?
The Harvey Girl is identified with The Harvey Girls Mysteries, while three selections explicitly carry Kate Shugak series information. If you are exploring Stabenow for the first time, choose between beginning the numbered Kate Shugak books or trying the separate series. The supplied details do not give a series number for Not the Ones Dead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Dana Stabenow book should a new reader start with?
A Cold Day for Murder is the clearest starting choice in this selection because it is labeled Kate Shugak, Book 1.
What comes after A Cold Day for Murder?
A Fatal Thaw is labeled Kate Shugak, Book 2, making it the next numbered title among these products.
Is Midnight Come Again an early Kate Shugak book?
No. Its listing identifies it as Book 10 in the Kate Shugak novels.
Which selection is part of The Harvey Girls Mysteries?
The Harvey Girl is the title identified as part of The Harvey Girls Mysteries.
Which books in this selection are audiobooks?
A Cold Day for Murder, A Fatal Thaw, and Not the Ones Dead are listed as Audible audiobooks.