Book Series You Can Read as Standalones

We all love a good book series… but let’s be honest, sometimes the thought of starting a 20+ book saga feels like homework.

The great news? Plenty of series are written so you can jump in anywhere—no homework required.

Each book is its own complete story, but together they build a world you’ll keep wanting to revisit.

Here are some great series—from fantasy and thrillers to romance and cozies—where you can pick up whichever book calls your name and still have a great time. Bonus: many of our BingeBooks founding authors are pros at this style!

🔎 Mystery & Cozy Mystery

Tonya Kappes – Camper & Criminals Cozy Mysteries
Pure cozy fun set in the delightfully quirky town of Normal, Kentucky. Every book has a self-contained mystery (and plenty of Southern charm), so you can start anywhere. In production for a  t.v. series by Hallmark media!

Louise Penny – Inspector Gamache Series
Set in the dreamy village of Three Pines, Penny’s mysteries are self-contained but give extra layers if you follow Gamache through the series. Now a major t.v. show on Prime. 

💕 Romance

Tricia O’Malley – Mystic Cove Series
Romance with a touch of Irish magic! Each book follows a new couple—sometimes with mystical gifts—so you can dive in anywhere.

Julia Quinn – Bridgerton Series
Every Bridgerton sibling gets their own Regency love story. Start with whoever catches your fancy—you’ll get a full swoony romance either way. Bingeworthy series on Netflix!

Penny Reid- Winston Brothers Series
Every brother has his own romance, with quirky humor and plenty of charm. You don’t need to read them in sequence to fall in love.

🔥 Thriller & Suspense

J.D. Lasica – Shadow Operative Thrillers
High-tech suspense with heart-stopping action. Each book stands on its own but ties into a bigger picture if you read them all.

Lee Child – Jack Reacher Series
Drifter Jack Reacher = trouble magnet. Every book is a brand-new, action-packed adventure. Start anywhere—it’s always a ride.

Kathy Reichs - Temperance Brennan Series
Each Temperance Brennan novel is a standalone mystery, with quick recaps of her life and work for context. The hit t.v. show 'Bones' is based on this series. 

🧙 Fantasy & Science Fiction

Becky Chambers – Wayfarers Series
Cozy, hopeful space adventures. Each book follows new characters, so you can jump in at any point.

Brogan Thomas – Bitten Chronicles Series
Packed with magic, mayhem, and supernatural twists, this urban fantasy series introduces new characters and adventures in each installment. You don’t have to start at book one—just bite into whichever story grabs you.

📚 Young Adult

Kristin Cashore – Graceling Realm
Companion novels in the same world, each with a new heroine. Graceling, Fire, or Bitterblue—you can start anywhere.

Stephanie Perkins – Anna and the French Kiss Series
Each book features a new couple in swoony YA romances, with a little character crossover.

✨ Final Thoughts

Series you can read out of order are the best of both worlds: familiar settings and characters, but the freedom to jump in wherever you want.

👉 What about you—what’s your go-to standalone-friendly series? Drop your favorites in the comments so we can keep growing this list!