The Cal Hooper books must be read in chronological order, which coincides with their publication order, by following this sequence:⁠[6-8]

Order Cover Title First published Notes
1 Book cover of The Searcher. The Searcher 2020⁠[6] Introduces Cal, Trey, Ardnakelty, and the first conflict.
2 Book cover of The Hunter. The Hunter 2024⁠[7] Builds on Trey’s family history and the town’s secrets.
3 Book cover of The Keeper. The Keeper 2026⁠[8] Continues Cal and Trey’s life in Ardnakelty.
Reading order of the Cal Hooper books.
Reading order of the Cal Hooper books.

1. The Searcher

Main bookRequired reading
Book cover of The Searcher.
Book cover of The Searcher.

The Searcher (2020)⁠[9-10] introduces Cal Hooper as a retired Chicago detective trying to build a quieter life in the rural Irish village of Ardnakelty. His relationship with Trey Reddy begins through practical work and guarded trust, before Trey asks him to investigate her missing brother.⁠[3]

Cal initially resists involvement but eventually gives in, only to discover that Brendan’s disappearance is tied to a local drug operation and a community desperate to keep secrets hidden. As Cal investigates, he realizes the townspeople he has befriended are not as innocent as they seem.⁠[3]

2. The Hunter

Main bookRequired reading
Book cover of The Hunter.
Book cover of The Hunter.

The Hunter (2024)⁠[6] returns to Ardnakelty after Cal and Trey have established a mentoring relationship. The arrival of Trey’s absentee father brings a new scheme into the village and draws Cal, Trey, Lena, and the local men into another dangerous situation.⁠[4]

This book depends on the reader’s understanding of Trey’s family history and the unresolved anger left by the first novel.⁠[4]

3. The Keeper

Main bookRequired reading
Book cover of The Keeper.
Book cover of The Keeper.

The Keeper (2026)⁠[7-8] follows Cal, Trey, and Lena as they face a new crisis involving Rachel Holohan, the Moynihan family, and the future of Ardnakelty. This novel continues the sequence through the same central relationships and rural community, with Cal’s role no longer that of a detached outsider.⁠[5]

It builds on the trust, loyalties, and tensions developed across the first two books.⁠[5]

References

  1. The Searcher by Tana French: 9780735224674. Penguin Random House.
  2. The Hunter by Tana French: 9780593493458. Penguin Random House.
  3. The Searcher. Viking. ISBN: 9780735224650.
  4. The Hunter. Penguin Books. ISBN: 9780593493458.
  5. The Keeper. Viking. ISBN: 9780593493465.
  6. The Hunter by Tana French. Penguin Books Australia.
  7. The Keeper by Tana French: 9780593493465. Penguin Random House.
  8. The Keeper by Tana French. Penguin Random House Canada.
  9. The Searcher by Tana French: 9780735224650. Penguin Random House. Archived.
  10. The Searcher. Viking. Copyright page. ISBN: 9780735224650.