I don't know what the heck I was thinking, but I jumped right in to this series on book 2. I can say based on what I read, I don't think you need to start with the first book, but my OCD brain is screaming at me! This story is frankly great to put is very simply. It is layered but not messy, it is heartfelt but not hokey, and it is smart and a little twisty. One of my favorite things about Allen Eskens is that he relies on a fully formed, good story with excellent & relatable characters, not on jaw dropping twists and outlandish tropes; it's very refreshing and makes me like his books all the more. This is my second by this author and he's now a "must read" author for me. Just read his books, you won't be sorry, I promise.