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The Definitive Jane Casey Books In Order: Don't Miss Her 2025 Thriller Release

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If you are looking to dive into the world of one of modern crime fiction’s most compelling voices, knowing the correct reading order for Jane Casey’s books is essential. The Irish author has crafted a masterclass in the police procedural genre, centered around the brilliant and complex Detective Sergeant Maeve Kerrigan, whose journey from a rookie to a seasoned investigator is a core part of the narrative. This guide, updated for December 2025, provides the definitive chronological list, ensuring you start with her debut and are fully prepared for her latest blockbuster release, The Secret Room, scheduled for 2025.

Jane Casey’s novels are not just murder mysteries; they are deep psychological thrillers that explore the darkest corners of human nature and the intense, often toxic, dynamics within the police force. To truly appreciate the slow-burn development of DS Maeve Kerrigan and her volatile partnership with DI Josh Derwent, following the publication order is the only way to read these internationally bestselling books.

Jane Casey: A Brief Biography, Awards, and The Inside Track on Crime

Jane Casey is an Irish author, born in 1977, who has established herself as a powerhouse in the crime fiction genre. Her work is celebrated for its authenticity, gripping plots, and deeply nuanced characters.

  • Origin and Background: Casey grew up in Dublin, Ireland, and studied English at Jesus College, Oxford, followed by a master’s degree in Anglo-Irish Literature.
  • Source of Authenticity: A key element of her writing’s chilling realism comes from her personal life; she is married to a criminal barrister, which has given her an "inside track" on the legal system, police procedures, and the minds of some of the country’s most dangerous offenders.
  • Major Awards:
    • Mary Higgins Clark Award (2015): Won for her novel The Stranger You Know.
    • Irish Book Awards (2024): Won the Crime Fiction Book of the Year for A Stranger in the Family.
  • Other Works: In addition to the Maeve Kerrigan series, Casey has written standalone psychological thrillers and a series of novels for young adults (YA).

The Definitive DS Maeve Kerrigan Series Reading Order (2010–2025)

The Maeve Kerrigan series is a critically acclaimed police procedural that follows the career of Detective Sergeant Maeve Kerrigan as she navigates complex cases, office politics, and her complicated relationship with her superior, Detective Inspector Josh Derwent. The series is best read in the order they were published to follow the character arcs and overarching plot lines.

Note: Some lists include novellas as full books, leading to different total counts. This list focuses on the main novels in chronological publication order, with the novellas noted.

Chronological Order of Maeve Kerrigan Novels

  1. The Burning (2010): Maeve Kerrigan’s debut, introducing her as a young, determined detective investigating a serial killer known as ‘The Man with the Scar.’
  2. The Reckoning (2011): Kerrigan investigates a murder that seems to be a crime of passion, but the truth is far more complex and disturbing.
  3. The Last Girl (2012): A cold case involving a missing girl resurfaces, forcing Maeve to confront secrets buried deep within a seemingly perfect family.
  4. The Stranger You Know (2013): This novel explores the terrifying world of online dating and a killer who hunts women through social media. (Award Winner: Mary Higgins Clark Award)
  5. The Kill (2014): Maeve investigates a brutal murder at a luxury London hotel, uncovering a conspiracy of wealth and corruption.
  6. After the Fire (2015): A case involving a fatal house fire and a notorious suspect challenges Maeve’s belief in justice.
  7. Let the Dead Speak (2017): Maeve and Derwent investigate the murder of a young woman in an upscale London suburb, revealing the dark side of privilege and secrets.
  8. Cruel Acts (2019): A chilling case where a woman claims her husband is a serial killer, forcing Maeve to determine if she is a victim or an accomplice.
  9. The Cutting Place (2020): Kerrigan goes undercover to investigate a secretive, high-society club linked to the disappearance of a young journalist.
  10. The Close (2022): Maeve and Derwent are sent to an exclusive gated community to investigate the death of a detective, uncovering a web of lies among the residents.
  11. A Stranger in the Family (2024): The latest published novel, which won the Irish Book Award, involves a high-profile case where a family is torn apart by tragedy and suspicion.
  12. The Secret Room (2025): The next highly anticipated installment, set for release in 2025 (some sources cite April/June 2025), is Book 12 in the main series, promising another gripping thriller featuring DS Kerrigan and DI Derwent.

Optional Reading: Maeve Kerrigan Novellas

To fully flesh out the world and characters, you can insert these shorter works:

  • Left for Dead (2013): This novella is a prequel (Book 0.5) to the entire series, offering a look at Maeve’s early career and her first encounter with a shocking crime.
  • Silent Kill (2020): A short story set within the series timeline.
  • One in Custody (2021): Another short story providing a quick, intense look at a specific case.

Why The Maeve Kerrigan and Josh Derwent Dynamic Is Essential

One of the most compelling reasons to read the Maeve Kerrigan series in order is the complex, often frustrating, yet undeniably magnetic relationship between Maeve and her superior, Detective Inspector Josh Derwent. This duo is the heart of the series, providing crucial topical authority beyond the crimes themselves.

Derwent is a brilliant but abrasive detective, often criticized for his unorthodox methods and cynical demeanor. Maeve, by contrast, is meticulous, empathetic, and driven by a strong moral compass. The tension between them—a blend of professional respect, personal antagonism, and unspoken loyalty—evolves significantly over the course of the novels. Reading the books sequentially allows you to witness:

  • The Evolution of Trust: Their initial professional distrust slowly morphs into a deep, if grudging, reliance on each other’s skills.
  • Personal History: Maeve’s own challenging family life and Derwent’s guarded past are revealed gradually, adding layers to their professional interactions.
  • The Slow Burn: The simmering, ambiguous dynamic between them is a major draw for fans. Starting mid-series would mean missing the years of subtle development that define their bond.

Jane Casey’s Gripping Standalone Novels

While the Maeve Kerrigan novels are her most famous work, Jane Casey has also penned several standalone psychological thrillers that showcase her versatile talent for suspense and intricate plotting. These can be read in any order, but are listed below chronologically.

  • The Missing (2010): Casey’s first published novel, a standalone thriller about a woman haunted by the disappearance of her younger sister years earlier.
  • The Killing Kind (2021): A highly successful legal thriller that follows defense barrister Ingrid Lewis, who realizes that a client she successfully defended might now be stalking her. This novel delves into the tense intersection of law and obsession.

Whether you are a devoted fan of police procedural narratives, a reader who appreciates deep character development, or simply looking for the next great legal thriller, Jane Casey’s bibliography offers a wealth of gripping material. Her ability to blend authentic police work with high-stakes psychological drama ensures that every book, from The Burning to the upcoming The Secret Room, is a must-read for crime fiction enthusiasts.

The Definitive Jane Casey Books In Order: Don't Miss Her 2025 Thriller Release
jane casey books in order
jane casey books in order

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