How should you read Tana French’s books in order? Can you just pick any of the books and start reading them? Here is all you need to know.

How to read the Tana French books in order

Tana French started her writing career in 2007 and became an incredible writer. She is famous for her Dublin Murder Squad series, which has six books.

A beginner's guide to Tana French’s writing

Tana French is an Irish-American writer, and she wrote numerous stories and plays. She was born in 1973, and she mostly resides in Dublin, Ireland. Her writing career started in 2007 when she published her debut novel, In the Woods. The novel won her many awards (including Edgar, Macavity, Anthony, and Barry awards, and many others), and she was nicknamed the First Lady of Irish Crime. Tana French is mostly focused on crime fiction. She attended Trinity College, where she trained in acting. Thanks to her experience in film and theatre, Tana French was able to create an incredible story that quickly earned her worldwide fame. But the story from 2007 was just the beginning. People often mention Tana French along with Gillian Flynn, but French still has her own unique style.

In what order should I read Tana French books?

The first thing you should know is that Tana French wrote the Dublin Murder Squad series, and if you are interested in checking it out, you should follow the chronological order. However, French also wrote a couple of standalone novels. The standalone novels can be read in any order since they are not connected with other stories.

Publication order of Dublin Murder Squad series

Tana French’s debut novel is also the first part of the Dublin Murder Squad series, and there are six stories in the collection, including:

• In the Woods (2007)
• The Likeness (2008)
• Faithful Place (2010)
• Broken Harbour (2012)
• The Secret Place (2014)
• The Trespasser (2016)

The first novel introduces the main characters, Rob Ryan and Cassie Maddox, and it is a great story with intriguing characters. The story is deepened even further in the second installment, where the reader will get a chance to learn more about detective Cassie Maddox. As for the next four stories in the series, each introduces a new detective and a new situation. The second book introduces detective Frank Mackey while Maddox will have to work as an undercover detective, posing as Lexie Madison. Frank Mackey is the star of Faithful Place, and the story covers elements that happened twenty-two years prior to the story and events that happened with his girl Rosie Daly. Broken Harbor introduces Mick “Scorcher” Kennedy, who will need to visit the intensive care to talk to the only surviving member of the family. The story is set in a half-abandoned ghost town. The Secret Place follows detective Stephen Moran and Holly Mackey, and it’s mostly set in a girls’ boarding school. The final mystery novel starts with Aislinn Murray’s murder, and detectives Antoinette Conway and Stephen Moran will have to solve the case. It is worth mentioning that Broken Harbour is called Broken Harbor in the U.S.

Publication order of standalone novels

Tana French wrote two standalone novels, and they are worth checking out if you are interested in more of her work. The first one was published in 2018, and it is named The Witch Elm. The book became an instant bestseller, and it was named the New York Times Notable Book in 2018. The story is focused on Toby, a charmer who is celebrating with his friends. But everything changes in an instant. After an unfortunate encounter with two burglars, he is left for dead. But soon, he will understand that his past is not what he always believed. Tana’s latest novel, The Searcher, was published in 2020 and tells the story of a retired detective named Cal Hooper from Chicago. He plans on spending his new life in a remote village, fixing up the cottage he bought, and enjoying his life. It wasn’t long before a local boy asked him for help. His brother is missing, and no one seems to care. Hooper will soon realize that there is something really suspicious about the village.

• The Witch Elm (2018)
• The Searcher (2020)

You can check out these two stories in any order you like since they are not connected to the rest of the series.

Audiobooks of the Dublin Murder Squad

If you are interested in exploring the Dublin Murder Squad books in a whole new way, you can always try audiobooks. Audiobooks are perfect for auditory learners, people with dyslexia, reading disabilities, visual impairments, and so much more. They can easily improve accessibility, and they can be fun to listen to. At the same time, listening to the stories allows you to do anything else. You don’t need to sit at home and go through the physical book when you can just put on your headphones and go outside. It is a great option for those who love multitasking, and you will be able to go through the entire series in no time.

Speechify

Speechify is one of the most popular audiobook platforms, and it is highly versatile. You will be able to find numerous genres and hundreds of the most popular writers. The platform offers a rich library you can explore, and new titles are being added on a daily basis. The app is simple, versatile, and offers incredible audio quality. If you want to listen to audiobooks in a whole new way, Speechify Audiobooks is the answer. Sign up for Speechify Audiobooks and enjoy your first listen for free.

FAQ

Can you read Tana French out of order?

It is possible to read Tana French’s books out of order, especially if you want to read her standalone novels. But even in the Dublin Murder Squad series, it is still possible to read stories out of order. Each book focuses on a new detective and a new case.

Which book is the best out of the Tana French series?

Many fans will say that In the Woods is her best story. It is also the first book she published, and it is incredible. It is also the first book in the Dublin Murder Squad series, and you can read the rest of it if you enjoy In the Woods.

In what order should I read Tana French books?

The best way to read Tana French’s books is in chronological order. You should start with In the Woods and continue with the series. Each story focuses on another member of the police force, and they are mostly independent. You can also check reviews on Amazon’s Goodreads and pick one of the books to read.