How to read the Tana French books in order

How should you read Tana French’s books in order? Here is all you need to know.

Navigating the atmospheric and intricate world of Tana French's novels can be a richly rewarding experience, particularly when approached in a thoughtful sequence. French's work, renowned for its deep psychological insight and complex character development, spans standalone thrillers and the interconnected Dublin Murder Squad series. Reading these books in order enhances not only the unfolding of plot intricacies but also provides a deeper understanding of recurring characters and thematic evolution. This article guides you through the optimal reading order of Tana French's novels, ensuring a seamless and immersive journey through the shadowy realms of crime and mystery that she masterfully creates.

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): This gripping debut novel introduces Detective Rob Ryan and his partner Cassie Maddox as they investigate the murder of a twelve-year-old girl in a small Dublin suburb. The case eerily parallels a traumatic event from Ryan's own childhood, when he was found in the same woods where his two best friends disappeared and were never seen again. As the investigation deepens, Ryan's past and present converge, threatening to unravel his sanity and career.
• The Likeness (2008): In this enthralling follow-up, Cassie Maddox is pulled back into the field when a woman bearing a startling resemblance to her is found stabbed to death. With a fake ID carrying the name of an undercover alias Cassie once used, she assumes the dead woman’s identity, infiltrating the victim's tight-knit group of friends in a small, insular town to uncover the murderer.
• Faithful Place (2010): Former undercover cop Frank Mackey finds himself returning to Faithful Place, the Dublin street where he grew up, after a suitcase belonging to his first love, Rosie Daly, who vanished 22 years earlier, is found. The discovery leads to the unearthing of a body and a web of family secrets and lies that Frank must navigate to solve the mystery of Rosie’s death.
• Broken Harbour (2012): In the seaside village of Broken Harbour, Detective Mick "Scorcher" Kennedy investigates the savage attack on the Spain family. What seems like a straightforward case of murder linked to financial strain is complicated by Kennedy’s haunting memories of Broken Harbour, where his own family faced tragedy, and disturbing clues that suggest a more complex motive.
• The Secret Place (2014): This novel returns to the elite Dublin girls' boarding school where a boy from the neighboring boys' school is found murdered on the grounds. The case reopens when Detective Stephen Moran receives a card with the words "I know who killed him" from one of the students. Teaming up with the abrasive Detective Antoinette Conway, Moran wades through teenage secrets and rivalries to uncover the truth.
• The Trespasser (2016): Detectives Antoinette Conway and Stephen Moran are handed what looks like another routine homicide case involving a romantic dispute gone wrong. But as they dig deeper, they begin to suspect that someone in their own ranks is trying to push them towards easy answers. Conway, already paranoid and isolated, must fight to find the real killer while questioning the loyalty of everyone around her, including her own partner.

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 Witch Elm (2018): Tana French departs from her Dublin Murder Squad series with this standalone novel, which focuses on Toby, a charming young man whose life spirals into chaos after a brutal attack leaves him with lasting injuries. While recovering at his family's ancestral home, Toby is pulled into a dark mystery when a skull is discovered inside an elm tree in the garden. The investigation forces Toby to question his relationships, his past, and his own memory, revealing that beneath the surface of his seemingly perfect life lie secrets that others have long buried.
• The Searcher (2020): This novel introduces Cal Hooper, a retired Chicago police officer who moves to a remote village in Ireland seeking peace and quiet. His plans for a tranquil retirement are disrupted when a local kid, Trey, enlists his help to find an older brother who has mysteriously disappeared. As Cal reluctantly agrees to investigate, he finds himself drawn into the complex web of a small community filled with secrets and tensions, challenging his ideals of truth and justice.

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.