they were really not written in a serial fashion...but there is a simple think to used you might not be aware of...the published date...I find this will help with the crono order...the Wiki breaks them up into
It sure seems people today have been conditioned to the 200 volume series of books that "must" be read in "order"...The whole John Grimes set can pretty much be read in any order but I would just start with one of the sub-series and read them in the order published. Really don't over think it...they will be fun reads in any order and while there is a bit of background needed in certain places, they each contain enough detail to know what is up.
If you want more hand holding then that, I am not your guy to help...I read stuff as I find it...The collections can be had in proper order from Baen:
http://www.webscription.net//p-723-j...-couriers.aspx
http://www.webscription.net//p-693-j...y-service.aspx
http://www.webscription.net//p-746-j...commodore.aspx
Now I might not have posted those collections in "proper" order, but really don't dwell on it too much...or you can check the dates each collection was begun.
I guess I am saying, there is no definitive reading order...I hope that makes some kinda sense? hehehe...I originally read them haphazardly finding them at book sales, swap meets, thrift shops, etc...plus there are no "cliff-hanger endings designed to sell more books.
???
Yet at the same time some do prefer other orders...toss a coin and go in that direction...
