Author

Maureen Johnson

Maureen Johnson has 26 known credited books (26 published) across 5 series. Start with 13 Little Blue Envelopes. Maureen Johnson contributes to Shadowhunter Chronicles: Short Fiction Collections (created by Cassandra Clare).

Maureen Johnson is an American young adult author known for novels including 13 Little Blue Envelopes and the Truly Devious mystery series, as well as her contributions to the Shadowhunter short fiction anthologies within Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter Chronicles universe. Johnson was among the authors Clare invited to write original short stories expanding side characters and historical periods within the Shadowhunter world, published across several companion story collections that supplement the main novel series. Beyond her contribution to Clare's universe, Johnson has an extensive independent career spanning contemporary YA fiction, mystery, and humor writing, and has been active in YA publishing advocacy and online author communities for years. Her Shadowhunter contributions reflect a broader pattern in the franchise of drawing established YA authors into the universe for shorter, more experimental pieces outside the constraints of the main series' continuity. Johnson continues to publish her own acclaimed YA fiction, including ongoing entries in the Truly Devious series, alongside occasional collaborative and anthology work such as her Shadowhunter contributions.

Series
5
Credited books
26
Published
26
Latest published book
The Velvet Knife 29 September 2026
Active
2004–present
Best known for
13 Little Blue Envelopes

Key facts about Maureen Johnson

Maureen Johnson has 26 books on our list. 17 of them belong to a series, while 9 stand alone. Since all 26 are out now, every book here is ready to read. Their series sit on our young adult, fantasy and mystery shelves.

Maureen Johnson has 5 series on file. 13 Little Blue Envelopes has 2 books, while Suite Scarlett has 2 books. Shades of London has 4 books, starting in 2011.

Shadowhunter Chronicles: Short Fiction Collections has 4 books, starting in 2014. Truly Devious has 6 books, starting in 2018. In particular, Truly Devious is the longest, with 6 books. Shadowhunter Chronicles: Short Fiction Collections began with Cassandra Clare, while Maureen Johnson has books in it too.

13 Little Blue Envelopes starts with 13 Little Blue Envelopes, while Suite Scarlett starts with Suite Scarlett. Shades of London starts with The Name of the Star.

Since 13 Little Blue Envelopes is the first series on file, it is the place to start. Their first published book on file came out in 2004. Meanwhile, The Velvet Knife is the latest published book, out on 29 September 2026.

There are also 9 standalone books. You can read them in any order, since each one stands alone. The newest one that is out is You Are the Detective: The Creeping Hand Murder, from 2025. The oldest on file is The Key to the Golden Firebird, from 2004.


Series by Maureen Johnson


Standalone books

Read these in any order — each is a complete story, listed newest first.

Frequently asked questions

What should I read first by Maureen Johnson?

Start with the 13 Little Blue Envelopes series, since it is the first on file. Its first book came out in 2005. Then read it in publication order.

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