Tana French Books In Order: A Complete Reading Guide

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If you are a fan of psychological thrillers and love to read books that keep you hooked till the end, Tana French is an author that should be on your reading list. Her novels are packed with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. But where do you start? With so many books, it can be overwhelming to know which one to pick up first.

Fear not, for we have got you covered with our complete reading guide to Tana French's books in order. From her debut novel In The Woods to her latest work, The Searcher, we will take you through each book and provide a brief synopsis to help you decide which one to dive into first. Whether you are a newcomer to Tana French's world or a lifelong fan, this guide will be your go-to reference for all things Tana French.

So why wait? If you are ready to embark on a thrilling journey filled with mystery, suspense, and unforgettable characters, grab a copy of Tana French's books and get started today! Let our reading guide be your companion and watch as you get lost in the world of Tana French, a place where anything can happen and nothing is as it seems.


Tana French: The Queen of Psychological Thrillers

Tana French is an Irish author known for her gripping psychological thrillers that explore the human psyche and the dark side of human nature. She burst onto the literary scene in 2007 with her debut novel In The Woods, which won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel. Since then, she has published six more novels, each one exploring different themes like memory, identity, and power. Her latest work, The Searcher, was released in 2020 and has received critical acclaim.

The Complete Reading Guide to Tana French's Books in Order

If you are new to Tana French's world or a lifelong fan, our complete reading guide will help you navigate her books in order. With so many novels to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Our guide provides a brief synopsis of each book, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your reading preferences.

In The Woods

In The Woods is Tana French's debut novel and the first book in the Dublin Murder Squad series. The story follows detective Rob Ryan as he investigates the murder of a young girl in the same woods where he and his two childhood friends went missing twenty years ago. Rob struggles with his own past trauma and memories of the unsolved disappearance, making this case personal and intense.

The Likeness

The Likeness is the second book in the Dublin Murder Squad series and features detective Cassie Maddox as the lead investigator. In this book, Cassie goes undercover to investigate the murder of a young woman who looks exactly like her. She assumes the victim's identity and goes back to the small town where the victim lived, immersing herself in her life and uncovering secrets that lead her to question her own identity.

Faithful Place

Faithful Place is the third book in the Dublin Murder Squad series and follows Frank Mackey, a detective who left his dysfunctional family and the working-class neighborhood he grew up in years ago. When a suitcase belonging to his long-missing girlfriend is found in an abandoned house, Frank returns to his old neighborhood and confronts his past. This book delves into themes of family, secrets, and betrayal.

Broken Harbor

Broken Harbor is the fourth book in the Dublin Murder Squad series and revolves around detective Mick Scorcher Kennedy as he investigates the murder of a family in a seaside town. As Mick delves deeper into the case, he uncovers family secrets that complicate the investigation and reveal the dark underbelly of the Irish housing crisis.

The Secret Place

The Secret Place is the fifth book in the Dublin Murder Squad series and features detective Stephen Moran investigating the murder of a teenager on the grounds of an all-girls boarding school. The story takes place over twenty-four hours and flashes back to the events leading up to the murder, exploring the complex dynamics between teenage girls and the power of secret-keeping.

The Trespasser

The Trespasser is the sixth book in the Dublin Murder Squad series and centers around detective Antoinette Conway investigating the murder of a young woman whose case appears to be a routine domestic violence incident. As the investigation unfolds, Antoinette faces sexism, racism, and hostility from her colleagues, making her doubt her own judgment and pushing her to question the status quo.

The Witch Elm

The Witch Elm is Tana French's first stand-alone novel and follows Toby Hennessy, a happy-go-lucky guy who leads an easy life until he is brutally attacked in his own apartment. He moves in with his dying uncle at the family's ancestral home, where a skull is found in the garden. As the police investigate the case, Toby's perception of his past and present is called into question, leading to unexpected twists and turns.

The Searcher

The Searcher is Tana French's latest book and is also a stand-alone novel. The story centers around retired Chicago cop Cal Hooper, who moves to a small village in Ireland to escape his past and start anew. When a local boy goes missing, Cal is drawn into the investigation and has to confront the dark secrets of the close-knit community he now calls home.

Opinion: Why Tana French's Novels Are Must-Reads for Fans of Psychological Thrillers

Tana French's novels are masterfully crafted tales that are both thrilling and thought-provoking. She has a unique talent for creating complex characters that readers can empathize with despite their flaws and misdeeds. Her stories often explore themes of memory, identity, power, and the societal structures that shape our behavior.

Tana French's books are not your typical whodunit mysteries. They delve deeper into the human psyche and challenge readers to think outside the box, to question their own assumptions and biases. Her novels are filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to find out what happens next.

If you love psychological thrillers and are looking for a new author to add to your reading list, Tana French is a must-read. Her books are both entertaining and thought-provoking, making them perfect for anyone looking to be swept away into a world of mystery, suspense, and unforgettable characters.

Table Comparison: Tana French's Books in Order

Book Title Main Character Themes Setting
In The Woods Rob Ryan Memory, Childhood Trauma, Identity Dublin, Ireland
The Likeness Cassie Maddox Identity, Infiltration, Secrets Rural Ireland
Faithful Place Frank Mackey Family, Secrets, Betrayal Dublin, Ireland
Broken Harbor Mick Kennedy Fatherhood, Mental Illness, Housing Crisis Small Town, Ireland
The Secret Place Stephen Moran Teenage Girls, Secrets, Power Dynamics Dublin, Ireland
The Trespasser Antoinette Conway Racism, Sexism, Power Struggles Dublin, Ireland
The Witch Elm Toby Hennessy Memory, Family Secrets, Identity Ireland
The Searcher Cal Hooper Community, Family Secrets, Justice Small Village, Ireland

The table above highlights the main characters, themes, and settings of Tana French's books in order. As you can see, her stories often revolve around complex characters who are dealing with personal struggles while also confronting bigger societal issues. Each book has its own unique setting that adds to the atmosphere and is integral to the story. Whether you prefer the urban landscape of Dublin or the quaint villages of rural Ireland, there is a Tana French book for every reader.


Dear beloved blog visitors,

It has been an absolute pleasure to share with you the complete reading guide for Tana French books. For those of you who haven't yet discovered her work, you are in for an incredible and addictive journey that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Tana French's books are literary masterpieces that transport you into a world of mystery, suspense, and intrigue. As you navigate through the pages of her novels, you will feel like you are a part of the story - experiencing the characters' emotions and uncovering clues alongside them. From her debut novel In the Woods to her latest release The Searcher, every book is a gem in its own right.

In conclusion, we hope that this reading guide has been helpful for all of you who are looking to delve into the rich and captivating world of Tana French's books. Her writing style is unique and nuanced, and any reader who appreciates the art of storytelling will undoubtedly fall in love with her work. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and happy reading!


Are you a fan of Tana French's novels? Do you want to know the correct order to read them in? Look no further! Here is a complete reading guide to Tana French's books.

People also ask:

  1. What is the first book in the Tana French series?

    The first book in Tana French's series is In the Woods, published in 2007.

  2. How many books are in the Tana French series?

    There are currently six books in the Tana French series.

  3. What is the correct order to read Tana French's books?

    The correct order to read Tana French's books is:

    • In the Woods (2007)
    • The Likeness (2008)
    • Faithful Place (2010)
    • Broken Harbor (2012)
    • The Secret Place (2014)
    • The Trespasser (2016)
  4. Do you need to read Tana French's books in order?

    While each book in the series can be read as a standalone, it is recommended to read them in order for a better understanding of the recurring characters and their development throughout the series.

  5. What genre are Tana French's books?

    Tana French's books are classified as crime fiction, mystery, and psychological thriller.