V.I. Warshawski Series by Sara Paretsky
The V.I. Warshawski series by Sara Paretsky is a groundbreaking detective series featuring Victoria Iphigenia “V.I.” Warshawski, a tough and intelligent private investigator based in Chicago. Known for tackling corruption, murder, and social issues, the series has captivated readers with its strong female lead and gripping mysteries.
Publication Order of V.I. Warshawski Books
- Indemnity Only (1982)
- Deadlock (1984)
- Killing Orders (1985)
- Bitter Medicine (1987)
- Blood Shot (1988)
- Burn Marks (1990)
- Guardian Angel (1992)
- Tunnel Vision (1994)
- Hard Time (1999)
- Total Recall (2001)
- Blacklist (2003)
- Fire Sale (2005)
- Hardball (2009)
- Body Work (2010)
- Breakdown (2012)
- Critical Mass (2013)
- Brush Back (2015)
- Fallout (2017)
- Shell Game (2018)
- Dead Land (2020)
- Overboard (2022)
- Pay Dirt (2024)
1. Indemnity Only (1982)
The series begins with V.I. Warshawski being hired to find a missing woman. What starts as a simple case quickly turns into a murder investigation when a college student is found dead. V.I. uncovers a web of lies and corruption, proving her determination and sharp instincts.
2. Deadlock (1984)
V.I. investigates the suspicious death of her cousin, Boom Boom, a former hockey player. The case takes her into the dangerous world of shipping and corporate greed, where every clue leads to more danger.
3. Killing Orders (1985)
When V.I.’s aunt is accused of forging stock certificates, she takes on the case. The investigation uncovers a deadly conspiracy involving the mob and the Catholic Church.
4. Bitter Medicine (1987)
V.I. delves into the medical world after a young pregnant woman dies under suspicious circumstances. The case reveals malpractice, corruption, and a fight for justice.
5. Blood Shot (1988)
Returning to her childhood neighborhood, V.I. investigates a case involving toxic waste and corporate negligence. The story is personal, emotional, and full of suspense.
6. Burn Marks (1990)
When V.I.’s aunt is left homeless after a fire, she uncovers a real estate scam. The case pits her against powerful developers and dangerous criminals.
7. Guardian Angel (1992)
V.I. helps an elderly neighbor who is being swindled by a shady financial advisor. The case becomes deadly as she uncovers a larger scheme.
8. Tunnel Vision (1994)
While working on a pro bono case, V.I. discovers a body in an abandoned building. The investigation leads her into the dark world of homelessness and political corruption.
9. Hard Time (1999)
V.I. investigates the death of a journalist in a women’s prison. The case exposes abuse, corruption, and a fight for justice.
10. Total Recall (2001)
A case involving insurance fraud takes V.I. into the world of Holocaust survivors and buried secrets. The story is emotional and deeply moving.
11. Blacklist (2003)
V.I. investigates the death of a journalist and uncovers a story involving terrorism, racism, and political intrigue.
12. Fire Sale (2005)
V.I. takes on a case in her old neighborhood, investigating a suspicious fire at a factory. The case reveals corporate greed and exploitation.
13. Hardball (2009)
V.I. searches for a missing person and uncovers a decades-old crime involving Chicago politics and racial tensions.
14. Body Work (2010)
A murder at an art performance leads V.I. into the world of veterans, PTSD, and cybercrime.
15. Breakdown (2012)
V.I. investigates the death of a journalist and uncovers a conspiracy involving a political campaign and a secret society.
16. Critical Mass (2013)
A case involving a missing person takes V.I. into the world of nuclear physics and Cold War secrets.
17. Brush Back (2015)
V.I. revisits her past when an old flame asks for help. The case involves family secrets, murder, and betrayal.
18. Fallout (2017)
V.I. investigates the disappearance of a young filmmaker and her mentor. The case takes her to Kansas, where she uncovers a dark history.
19. Shell Game (2018)
V.I. helps her nephew, who is accused of a crime he didn’t commit. The case involves immigration, corporate fraud, and international intrigue.
20. Dead Land (2020)
V.I. investigates a murder linked to a land development project. The case reveals corruption, greed, and environmental issues.
21. Overboard (2022)
V.I. rescues a young girl and uncovers a case involving human trafficking and political corruption.
22. Pay Dirt (2024)
In the latest installment, V.I. takes on a case involving cryptocurrency fraud and a mysterious disappearance. The story is fast-paced and full of twists.
Why You’ll Love the V.I. Warshawski Series
- Strong Female Lead: V.I. Warshawski is tough, smart, and fiercely independent.
- Realistic Mysteries: The cases are complex and grounded in real-world issues.
- Chicago Setting: The city comes alive as a character in the series.
- Social Commentary: The books tackle important topics like corruption, racism, and corporate greed.
- Engaging Writing: Sara Paretsky’s storytelling keeps you hooked from start to finish.
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