Renowned for her love of romance and thriller genres, the American novelist, Tami Hoag has carved out a prominent spot among the world’s best-selling writers. With impressive collection of 39 books translated into over 20 languages, and a staggering 35 million copies circulation, she remains a leading figure in the literary world.
Hoag started writing at a young age when she penned a third-grade hit titled ‘Black Pony’ at 9. In 1988, 2 decades later, her debut novel “The Trouble with J.J. was published by Bantam Books publications and marked the start of her writing career. Throughout the years, the Lowa-born has proven herself to be a master storyteller using a diverse range of genres and compelling characters to keep her readers hooked.
Here are Tami Hoag’s Books Based on Her Collections
1. Hennessy Books
Tami Hoag marked the beginning of her writing career with “The Hennessy Books”. This series included her debut The Trouble with J.J. and subsequent sequel Magic. The former is a romantic and funny novel that introduces readers to a world of sports romance telling the story of a star football player and a grounded girl-next-door girl.
These books, part of the Loveswept series, introduce readers to the charm and wit that would become characteristic of Hoag’s writing style.
- The Trouble with J.J. (1988)
- Magic (1990)
2. Standalone Books
In the Standalone Books series, Tami Hoag explores mystery crime thrillers with works like Dark Paradise and McKnight in Shining Armor. These novels demonstrate her versatility as an author, exploring new genres and captivating readers with compelling narratives.
Hoag understands her readers and is always finding ways to connect with them. In Cold Cold Heart, she went public with a traumatic brain injury she suffered as a child. According to her, it was a way to reach out to her readers who may have struggled with something similar and let them understand that they are not alone.
- McKnight in Shining Armor (1988)
- Mismatch (1989)
- Sarah’s Sin (1991)
- Heart of Dixie (1991)
- Still Waters (1992)
- Taken by Storm (1992)
- Dark Paradise (1994)
- Kill the Messenger (2004)
- Cold, Cold Heart (2015)
3. Bradshaw Books
Hoag started as a romantic writer but soon introduced thrillers into her works. She hinted that it was fun playing around these genres.
The Bradshaw Books continue to showcase Hoag’s ability to weave romance and suspense, with titles like Straight from the Heart and The Last White Knight. Tami explores themes of passion, heartbreak, and redemption.
- Straight from the Heart (1989)
- The Last White Knight (1992)
4. Quaid Horses Books
Between 1998 and 1990, Hoag presents a trilogy of Loveswept romances that focus on the intertwining lives of love interests with shared passions. Using titles such as Rumor Has It and Man of Her Dreams, the writer highlights the complexities of relationships and the power of love to overcome obstacles.
- Rumor Has It (1989)
- Man of Her Dreams (1989)
- Tempestuous (1990)
5. Rainbow Chasers Books
The Rainbow Chasers Books saw Hoag’s interest in romantic suspense growing, with mysterious elements seeping into her narratives. Books like Heart of Gold and Keeping Company introduce readers to intriguing storylines that blend romance and suspense seamlessly.
- Heart of Gold (1990)
- Keeping Company (1990)
- Reilly’s Return (1990)
- Magic (1990)
6. Doucet Books
The Doucet books (1991-1997) are set in Louisiana, with the final two taking place in Bayou Breaux. The Restless Heart (1991) starts with a traditional romance, but Lucky’s Lady (1992) explores suspense.
- The Restless Heart (1991)
- Lucky’s Lady (1992)
- Cry Wolf (1993)
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7. Deer Lake Books
Tami Hoag goes on to show her true foray into suspense in Night Sins (1995). It follows a crime and courtroom drama linked to a kidnapping case that happened in Deer Lake, Minnesota. The sequel, Guilty As Sin (1996), gives exciting details into the town’s dark secrets.
- Night Sins (1995)
- Guilty As Sin (1996)
8. Broussard and Fourcade Books
The Broussard and Fourcade Books follow the investigative journey of Detective Nick Fourcade and Deputy Annie Broussard, with titles like A Thin Dark Line and The Boy the author explores complex cases and compelling character dynamics.
- A Thin Dark Line (1997)
- The Boy (2018)
- Bad Liar (Expected: September 24, 2024)
9. Kovac & Liska Books
Arguably Hoag’s most renowned series, the Kovac & Liska books follow the gritty world of Minneapolis police detectives, Sam Kovac and Nikki Liska. Their hard-boiled approach to solving crimes, coupled with their witty banter has captivated readers for over 2 decades.
She revealed in an interview that she feels comfortable writing about cops since she understands them. Hoag also added that she digs deep into the psychology of the characters she writes about and explores the darker side of the human psyche.
In this book, Tami Hoag gives a thrilling blend of crime, suspense, and intrigue. This long-running series includes ;
- Ashes to Ashes (1999)
- Dust to Dust (2000)
- Prior Bad Acts / Dead Sky (2006)
- The 1st Victim (2013) (Short Story)
- The 9th Girl (2013)
- The Bitter Season (2016)
10. Elena Estes Books
Hoag once described her writing style as character-driven, gritty, and suspenseful with cracking good dialogue. In Elena Estes’s books, she shows her ability to blend multiple genres seamlessly with the Elena Estes series.
This series merges Hoag’s love for crime investigation with her fascination with horses following the life of former cop Elena Estes turned horse trainer in Florida. Despite her newfound passion for horse riding, the character grapples with past demons as a cop and learns that it is very difficult to lose a cop’s instincts.
- Dark Horse (2002)
- The Alibi Man (2006)
11. Oak Knoll Books
The final book series by Tami Hoag is Oak Knoll. These books have their stories linked to the town of Oak Knoll, California, and follow the story of a sheriff’s detective Tony Mendez in his investigations. The books follow sinister and disturbing cases in the 1980s.
As a writer who loves in-depth research, Hoag narrated how she visited South Louisiana and spent a few days with a parish sheriff in a rural area who introduced her to all his cronies since she was writing about a corrupt Southern sheriff.
- Deeper Than the Dead (2008)
- Secrets to the Grave (2010)
- Down the Darkest Road (2011)
