Dublin Murder Squad series
The Dublin Murder Squad books, written by Tana French.[1] do not need to be read in order, though readers would get the clearest sense of continuity by reading them in publication order, which matches their chronological sequence. The best starting point is In the Woods, since it introduces the squad setting and begins the chain of recurring detectives whose later cases are followed from one book to the next.[6-11]
The Dublin Murder Squad novels are linked standalones. Each book centers on a separate murder investigation, usually shifting focus to a detective who has appeared or been connected to an earlier installment. Readers may understand the central crime of an individual novel without beginning at book one, but the publication order gives fuller context for professional relationships, transfers, reputations, and recurring characters.[6-11]
Although the Dublin Murder Squad books do not need to be read in order, readers would get the fullest experience by reading them in publication order, which matches their chronological order, by following this sequence:[1][6-11]
| Order | Cover | Title | First published | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
In the Woods | 2007[12] | Establishes the murder squad and introduces Cassie Maddox. |
| 2 |
|
The Likeness | 2008[13] | Continues Cassie’s story after the first book. |
| 3 |
|
Faithful Place | 2010[14] | Moves Frank Mackey to a central detective role. |
| 4 |
|
Broken Harbor | 2012[15-16] | Follows a separate case with a new lead detective. |
| 5 |
|
The Secret Place | 2014[17-18] | Brings Stephen Moran, Holly Mackey, and Antoinette Conway into focus. |
| 6 |
|
The Trespasser | 2016[19-20] | Continues the Stephen Moran and Antoinette Conway partnership. |
1. In the Woods
In the Woods (2007)[12] introduces the Dublin murder-squad framework through Rob Ryan and Cassie Maddox, whose investigation of a child’s murder in Knocknaree intersects with Rob’s childhood trauma. It is the best starting point because it establishes the professional world, the investigative tone, and Cassie’s place in the series before she becomes central to the next book.[6]
It also sets up themes and relationships that echo throughout the series.[6]
2. The Likeness
The Likeness (2008)[13] shifts the focus to Cassandra Maddox after the events that removed her from the murder squad. Its central investigation is a new case built around an undercover assignment and a victim who physically resembles Cassie.[7]
The book may stand on its own, but it gains context from Cassie’s earlier partnership, career damage, and relationship with Sam O’Neill.[7]
3. Faithful Place
Faithful Place (2010)[14] centers on Frank Mackey, previously connected to Cassie through undercover work, and turns the series toward his personal history. The investigation begins with the discovery of evidence tied to a vanished former girlfriend and draws Frank back into his estranged family.[8]
It features a self-contained murder case and introduces Stephen Moran, who becomes more important later in the series.[8]
4. Broken Harbor
Broken Harbor (2012)[15-16] follows Detective Mick Kennedy and rookie partner Richie Curran as they investigate a violent family case in a half-abandoned housing estate. It is more separate from the immediate Cassie-Frank-Stephen line than the previous books.[9]
Reading this book in publication order would still keep the reader inside the squad’s broader progression and changing roster.[9]
5. The Secret Place
The Secret Place (2014)[17-18] moves Stephen Moran beyond his earlier role and pairs him with Antoinette Conway on a school murder case. The case also involves Holly Mackey, linking this book back to Frank’s family history without making reading Faithful Place beforehand a requirement.[10]
Its alternating strands of school and investigation make it a bridge between the Mackey material and the final Conway-Moran partnership.[10]
6. The Trespasser
The Trespasser (2016)[19-20] continues with Antoinette Conway and Stephen Moran on the Murder Squad, following their investigation into the death of Aislinn Murray. The case is separate, but the working relationship between Conway and Moran matters more here in this novel.[11]
Reading The Secret Place first gives context for their partnership and Conway’s place in the squad.[11]
Cal Hooper books
The Cal Hooper books, written by Tana French,[2-3] should be read in chronological order, which coincides with their publication order, because the later novels build on Cal’s relationships, his place in Ardnakelty, and the consequences of earlier events. The best starting point is The Searcher, since it introduces Cal Hooper, Trey Reddy, the rural Irish setting, and the local tensions that shape the following books.[21-23]
The Cal Hooper novels form a continuing character sequence rather than a set of standalones. Each book centers on a separate investigation or local crisis, but the relationships among Cal, Trey Reddy, Lena Dunne, Mart Lavin, and the Ardnakelty community develop across the books. Readers should begin with book one, because later books assume the emotional and social context established by earlier events.[21-23]
The Cal Hooper books must be read in chronological order, which coincides with their publication order, by following this sequence:[24-26]
| Order | Cover | Title | First published | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
The Searcher | 2020[24] | Introduces Cal, Trey, Ardnakelty, and the first conflict. |
| 2 |
|
The Hunter | 2024[25] | Builds on Trey’s family history and the town’s secrets. |
| 3 |
|
The Keeper | 2026[26] | Continues Cal and Trey’s life in Ardnakelty. |
1. The Searcher
The Searcher (2020)[27-28] 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.[21]
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.[21]
2. The Hunter
The Hunter (2024)[24] 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.[22]
This book depends on the reader’s understanding of Trey’s family history and the unresolved anger left by the first novel.[22]
3. The Keeper
The Keeper (2026)[25-26] 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.[23]
It builds on the trust, loyalties, and tensions developed across the first two books.[23]
Standalone books
Tana French’s standalone books do not need to be read in order, since they consist of a standalone novel and an anthology containing an essay. Books to Die For is a collection of essays by many mystery writers and includes French’s essay on Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, while The Witch Elm follows its own independent mystery plot.[29]
However, the Tana French books may be read in publication order, by following this sequence:[4-5]
| Order | Cover | Title | First published | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Books to Die For | 2018[30-31] | Mystery essay anthology with French’s essay. |
| 2 |
|
The Witch Elm | 2018[32-33] | Assault survivor faces a murder mystery. |
1. Books to Die For
Books to Die For (2012)[30-31] is an anthology in which mystery writers discuss influential mystery novels. Tana French’s contribution is an essay on Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, focusing on its relationship to literary fiction, mystery structure, group friendship, consequence, and the question of why a crime happens.[29]
It is useful for readers interested in French’s view of mystery fiction.[29]
2. The Witch Elm
The Witch Elm (2018)[32-33] is a standalone novel centered on Toby Hennessy, whose life changes after an attack leaves him with lasting physical and cognitive effects. Seeking refuge at the Ivy House, his family’s ancestral home, he becomes involved in a murder investigation when human remains are discovered in a wych elm.[34]
This book does not require prior reading.[34]
References
- Dublin Murder Squad. Penguin Random House.
- The Searcher by Tana French: 9780735224674. Penguin Random House.
- The Hunter by Tana French: 9780593493458. Penguin Random House.
- Books to Die For. Emily Bestler Books/Atria Paperback. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781476710365.
- The Witch Elm by Tana French. Penguin Random House. Archived.
- In the Woods. Penguin Books. ISBN: 9781101147153.
- The Likeness. Viking Penguin. ISBN: 9780670018864.
- Faithful Place. Penguin Books. ISBN: 9780143119494.
- Broken Harbor. Hodder. ISBN: 9780340977651.
- The Secret Place. Hodder. ISBN: 9781444755619.
- The Trespasser. Hodder. ISBN: 9781444755664.
- In the Woods. Penguin Books. Copyright page. ISBN: 9781101147153.
- The Likeness. Viking Penguin. Copyright page. ISBN: 9780670018864.
- Faithful Place by Tana French: 9780143119494. Penguin Random House.
- Broken Harbour by Tana French. Hachette UK.
- Broken Harbour: Dublin Murder Squad: 4. Winner of the LA Times Book Prize for Best Mystery/Thriller and the Irish Book Award for Crime Fiction Book of the Year by Tana French – Books. Hachette Australia.
- The Secret Place by Tana French. Hachette UK.
- The Secret Place: Dublin Murder Squad: 5 by Tana French – Books. Hachette Australia.
- The Trespasser by Tana French. Hachette UK.
- The Trespasser: Dublin Murder Squad: 6. The gripping Richard & Judy Book Club 2017 thriller by Tana French – Books. Hachette Australia.
- The Searcher. Viking. ISBN: 9780735224650.
- The Hunter. Penguin Books. ISBN: 9780593493458.
- The Keeper. Viking. ISBN: 9780593493465.
- The Hunter by Tana French. Penguin Books Australia.
- The Keeper by Tana French: 9780593493465. Penguin Random House.
- The Keeper by Tana French. Penguin Random House Canada.
- The Searcher by Tana French: 9780735224650. Penguin Random House. Archived.
- The Searcher. Viking. Copyright page. ISBN: 9780735224650.
- Books to Die For. Emily Bestler Books/Atria Paperback. ISBN: 9781476710365.
- Books to Die For by John Connolly. Hachette UK.
- Books to Die For by John Connolly, Declan Burke – Books. Hachette Australia.
- The Witch Elm by Tana French: 9780735224643. Penguin Random House.
- The Witch Elm by Tana French. Penguin Random House Canada.
- The Witch Elm. Penguin Books. ISBN: 9780735224643.