You know that feeling when you stumble across an author whose books practically beg you to read them all, back-to-back? That’s what happened to me with Tana French. She doesn’t just write crime novels; she crafts deeply layered stories where the mystery is only half the pull, the other half is the psychology, the atmosphere, and those characters who feel so real you half expect to bump into them at the corner pub.
But here’s the thing: with series that are kind of connected but also stand alone (like French’s Dublin Murder Squad), it’s not always clear where to start or what order to follow. That’s exactly why I put this guide together. Let’s dive into the full list of Tana French books in order so you can decide how to read them.
The Order to Read Tana French Books
Tana French’s books fall into two main groups:
- The Dublin Murder Squad Series (six novels that share overlapping characters, but each has a different narrator).
- Standalone Novels (three so far).
Here’s the authentic publication order:
Dublin Murder Squad Series
- In the Woods (2007)
- The Likeness (2008)
- Faithful Place (2010)
- Broken Harbor (2012)
- The Secret Place (2014)
- The Trespasser (2016)
Standalone Novels
- The Witch Elm (2018)
- The Searcher (2020)
- The Hunter (2024)
Getting to Know Tana French
Tana French was born in the United States but grew up in Ireland, Italy, Malawi, and the U.S., a truly global childhood that might explain the depth and perspective in her writing. She trained as an actress before turning to fiction, and you can feel that theatrical sensibility in the way she builds atmosphere, voice, and dialogue.
Her debut novel, In the Woods, didn’t just get noticed, it won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and put her straight into the spotlight. Since then, she’s been dubbed the “First Lady of Irish Crime” and compared to writers like Gillian Flynn and Kate Atkinson, but really, French has her own lane.
The Unique Charm of the Dublin Murder Squad Series
One of the coolest things about the Dublin Murder Squad books is that they’re not your typical police procedural series where one detective stars in every case. Instead, each book is told from the perspective of a different detective, sometimes a side character from an earlier novel.
- In the Woods introduces Rob Ryan, but in The Likeness, we shift to Cassie Maddox.
- Later, Frank Mackey takes the stage in Faithful Place.
- Each story stands alone, but reading them in order means you’ll notice familiar faces popping up in new contexts.
This style gives the series a fresh perspective every time, while still keeping you grounded in the world of the Dublin police. It’s like seeing one big puzzle from six different angles.
Tana French’s Standalone Novels
French’s standalone novels are just as gripping, though they branch out from the Dublin Murder Squad universe.
- The Witch Elm explores memory, guilt, and privilege through a man who stumbles on a chilling discovery in his family’s garden.
- The Searcher takes a slower, more atmospheric approach, following a retired Chicago detective who moves to rural Ireland but finds that small-town life comes with its own dark secrets.
- The Hunter continues the rural Irish setting, with recurring characters from The Searcher, making it feel like a loose duology.
These books prove that French isn’t just about detective squads, she’s about people, their secrets, and the places that shape them.
FAQ
1. Are Tana French’s books connected?
Yes and no. The Dublin Murder Squad books are loosely connected, characters overlap, but each novel has a self-contained mystery. The standalones are separate, though The Hunter ties back to The Searcher.
2. Do I need to read the Dublin Murder Squad in order?
It’s not strictly necessary, but highly recommended. Reading in order gives you the best sense of character development and the subtle connections between the books.
3. Which Tana French book should I start with if I’m new?
Most readers start with In the Woods since it’s the first Dublin Murder Squad novel. But if you prefer a standalone, The Searcher is a great entry point.
My Verdict
Reading Tana French is less about solving the mystery and more about savoring the ride. Her books are moody, atmospheric, and full of complicated characters who linger in your mind long after the final page. Whether you dive into the Dublin Murder Squad in order or pick up a standalone, you’re in for a crime story that goes way beyond whodunit.
If you ask me, starting from In the Woods and going in publication order gives the richest experience. But no matter where you begin, you’ll quickly understand why Tana French is a name that crime fiction fans speak about with such admiration.
Know Your Author
Hi, I’m Emon
I’m the voice and heart behind Whimsy Read. After nine years in the world of banking, I followed my passion for storytelling into the world of SEO and content strategy. Now, I blend that analytical eye with a deep love for literature to bring you book reviews that are thoughtful, honest, and always focused on the stories that stay with you.
When I’m not reading or writing, you’ll find me enjoying joyful chaos with my wife and three kids, getting lost in a new series, or revisiting my old loves: theater, music, and gaming. At the end of the day, I believe great books are meant to be shared, and I’m so glad you’re here to share them with me.
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