Dead Is book cover

The Dead Is Series in Order

The Dead Is series can be read in any order, though starting with Dead Is the New Black provides the clearest introduction to the setting and recurring characters. In the quirky California town of Nightshade, Daisy Giordano and her psychic sisters investigate supernatural mysteries involving vampires, werewolves, zombies, and other creatures while navigating high school life.

🟡 Mostly Standalone · Start Anywhere

Dead Is Books in Order

8 books

How to Read the Dead Is series

🟡 Mostly Standalone · Start Anywhere

Mostly standalone stories with recurring characters in a shared setting.

The Dead Is series does not need to be read in order. Each book tells a complete story with its own resolution centered on a distinct supernatural mystery. Continuity is limited to recurring characters and the shared Nightshade setting. Reading out of order does not cause confusion, as each volume clearly reintroduces the town and core group while delivering an independent paranormal investigation.

About the Dead Is series

Series Premise

The Dead Is series blends paranormal mystery with teen drama in a town where the supernatural hides in plain sight. Each book centers on a new case—such as vampire cheerleaders, murderous predictions, or family secrets—solved by Daisy and her friends using their abilities and detective skills.

Main Characters

Daisy Giordano serves as the main protagonist in the early books, a teen with emerging psychic powers who acts as an amateur detective. Her sisters Poppy and Rose, along with friends like Ryan and the mysterious Slim, form a recurring support network, while later books introduce or shift focus to other Nightshade residents facing their own supernatural challenges.

Setting

The series is set in Nightshade, a seemingly normal small town in California filled with hidden supernatural activity. Locations include the local high school, family homes, diners, and mysterious spots where mythical beings and strange events regularly occur.

Tone & Themes

The tone is light, witty, and suspenseful with a mix of humor and mild scares. Central themes include friendship and family bonds, accepting differences, courage in facing the unknown, and balancing normal teen concerns with paranormal responsibilities.

Is This Series Worth Reading?

This series appeals to teens and tweens who enjoy paranormal mysteries, light horror with humor, and stories featuring strong female protagonists and small-town secrets. It suits readers looking for accessible supernatural fiction similar to cozy mysteries with a teen twist.

Content Warnings and Heat Level

Mild supernatural violence and spooky elements; light romance with innocent crushes; no strong language or explicit content; appropriate for middle-grade to young adult readers.

The Dead Is series offers fun, self-contained paranormal mysteries set in a consistently quirky town. Its mostly standalone structure with familiar characters makes it easy to pick up any title. The mix of detective work, supernatural creatures, and relatable teen experiences creates an engaging read for fans of light urban fantasy.

FAQ

How many books are in the Dead Is series?

8 books

When will the next book in the series be released?

No new book is currently scheduled. The latest book, Dead Is Just a Dream, was published in September 2013.

When was the most recent book released?

Dead Is Just a Dream was published in September 2013.

What was the first book in the series?

The first book in the series is Dead Is the New Black, published in September 2008.

What genre is the Dead Is series?

The series primarily falls into the Fantasy genre.

Do you need to read the Dead Is series in order?

No, the books do not need to be read in order. Each story stands on its own, but recurring characters and the shared setting connect the series.

What is the Dead Is series about?

The Dead Is series blends paranormal mystery with teen drama in a town where the supernatural hides in plain sight. Each book centers on a new case—such as vampire cheerleaders, murderous predictions, or family secrets—solved by Daisy and her friends using their abilities and detective skills.

Is the Dead Is series finished?

The series does not currently have a new book scheduled.