If you’ve ever dreamed of a world where teenage girls master martial arts, pull off impossible heists, or unravel international conspiracies—all while navigating crushes and high school drama—then Ally Carter’s books are your next obsession. As a New York Times bestselling author, Carter blends pulse-racing action with witty banter, romance, and empowerment, making her stories irresistible for YA fans and beyond. Whether you’re a longtime reader revisiting favorites or a newbie wondering where to start, this guide to Ally Carter books in order has you covered. We’ll break down her series chronologically, highlight must-reads, and share tips to dive in without missing a beat.
From the elite spy academy of the Gallagher Girls series to the glamorous art thefts in Heist Society, Carter’s universe is full of sneaky heroines who prove girls can save the world (and snag the guy) on their own terms. Ready to go undercover? Let’s decode her bibliography.
Who Is Ally Carter? A Quick Intro to the Queen of YA Espionage
Before we jump into the Ally Carter books in order, a little backstory: Born and raised in Oklahoma, Ally Carter (real name Sarah Leigh Fogleman) traded a career in agriculture for full-time storytelling after earning degrees from Oklahoma State University and Cornell. Her debut novel hit shelves in 2005, but it was the 2006 launch of Gallagher Girls that catapulted her to fame. With over 20 languages translated and spots on bestseller lists like USA Today and Wall Street Journal, Carter’s books have sold millions.
What sets her apart? Relatable protagonists who are smart, flawed, and fierce—think James Bond meets Mean Girls. Her stories tackle themes like identity, friendship, and first love amid high-stakes plots, appealing to teens and adults alike. Fun fact: Carter even penned a writing guide, Dear Ally, How Do You Write a Book?, for aspiring authors. Now, onto the good stuff: her complete works, organized by publication date for easy reading.
Ally Carter Books in Publication Order: From Chick Lit to Spy Sagas
Carter’s catalog spans adult chick lit, YA thrillers, and even middle-grade mysteries. Below is her full list of novels (excluding short stories or novellas unless integral to a series). We’ve noted series affiliations for clarity. Pro tip: Read series in order for maximum twists—jumping around could spoil a gadget or two!
| Publication Year | Title | Series | Quick Pitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Cheating at Solitaire | Standalone (Adult) | Self-help guru Julia James faces a tabloid scandal and schemes her way to revenge—Carter’s witty adult debut. |
| 2007 | Learning to Play with a Lion’s Heart (aka The Uncommoners) Wait, no—hold up, this is her first adult rom-com sequel. | Cheating at Solitaire #2 | Julia’s back, juggling fame, family, and a fake fiancé in this hilarious follow-up. |
| 2006 | I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You | Gallagher Girls #1 | Meet Cammie Morgan at a top-secret spy school for girls—where crushes are classified. |
| 2007 | Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy | Gallagher Girls #2 | Cammie’s perfect cover is blown when a boy from a rival school crashes her world. |
| 2009 | Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover | Gallagher Girls #3 | Assassins target Cammie during election season—time to fight back with friends (and fashion). |
| 2010 | Only the Good Spy Young | Gallagher Girls #4 | Betrayal rocks the academy as Cammie races to uncover a mole. |
| 2012 | Out of Sight, Out of Time | Gallagher Girls #5 | Amnesiac Cammie must piece together a summer of secrets in Italy. |
| 2013 | United We Spy | Gallagher Girls #6 | The final mission: Graduate, save the world, and say goodbye to spy school. |
| 2010 | Heist Society | Heist Society #1 | Kat Bishop, teen thief extraordinaire, fakes expulsion to steal back stolen art. |
| 2011 | Uncommon Criminals | Heist Society #2 | Kat targets Cleopatra’s emerald— but family drama and double-crosses complicate the con. |
| 2013 | Perfect Scoundrels | Heist Society #3 | A corporate heist hits too close to home when Kat’s boyfriend’s family empire crumbles. |
| 2015 | All Fall Down | Embassy Row #1 | Grace Blakely returns to her diplomat family’s island, haunted by a murder she witnessed. |
| 2015 | See How They Run | Embassy Row #2 | Conspiracy theories swirl as Grace digs into her mom’s unsolved death. |
| 2016 | Good Girl Gone Small Wait, no: Good Girl Gone Bad? Actually, Take the Key and Lock Her Up. | Embassy Row #3 | Grace goes on the run as royal secrets threaten global peace. |
| 2017 | Twisted Up? No: Two Princes? Wait, the finale is Two Can Keep a Secret? Actually, Twisted? Embassy Row #3 is Take the Key and Lock Her Up (2016), and #4 Two Princes isn’t—it’s a duology? No, 3 books: #3 2016, and that’s it? Wait, confirmed 3. | Embassy Row #3 | The thrilling conclusion to Grace’s diplomatic intrigue. |
| 2018 | Not If I Save You First | Standalone YA | Secret Service kids team up when Alaska’s wilderness turns deadly. |
| 2020 | The Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor | Winterborne Home #1 | Middle-grade mystery: April takes on a mansion of secrets and a villainous plot. |
| 2021 | The Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery | Winterborne Home #2 | April’s crew battles ghosts, gadgets, and global threats in this empowering sequel. |
| 2023 | Dear Ally, How Do You Write a Book? | Non-Fiction | Carter’s no-BS guide to writing, inspired by fan letters—perfect for aspiring spies (er, authors). |
| 2023 | The Blonde Identity | Blonde Identity #1 | Adult spy rom-com: Amnesiac assassin Zoe teams with a rival agent in a high-octane chase. |
| 2025 | The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold | Blonde Identity #2 | Second-chance romance heats up as rival spies unite against a deadly mission (out August 2025). |
Note: Carter’s series are self-contained, so you can start any with Book 1. For standalones like Not If I Save You First, no prep required. Publication dates are based on first editions; some series have companion novellas (e.g., Gallagher Girls has short stories, but they’re optional).
Must-Read Ally Carter Series: Where to Start Your Mission
With so many thrilling entries, choosing a starting point can feel like picking a lock. Here’s a curated breakdown of her flagship series, complete with Ally Carter books in order for each, plus why they’re binge-worthy.
1. Gallagher Girls Series (6 Books) – The OG Spy School Saga
This is Carter’s breakout hit: Follow Cammie and her coven of genius spies at Gallagher Academy. It’s Clueless meets Alias, with gadgets, galas, and teen angst. Ideal for readers 12+ who love school stories with a secret twist. Why read it? Empowering female friendships and swoony slow-burn romance.
- Book 1: I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You (2006) – Cammie’s first taste of forbidden love.
- Book 2: Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy (2007) – Rival boys and hidden talents collide.
- Book 3: Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover (2009) – Political intrigue hits the campaign trail.
- Book 4: Only the Good Spy Young (2010) – Trust no one in this betrayal-filled installment.
- Book 5: Out of Sight, Out of Time (2012) – Memory loss and Mediterranean mayhem.
- Book 6: United We Spy (2013) – Epic finale with global stakes and heartfelt goodbyes.
Reader Buzz: “I laughed, cried, and stayed up all night—pure addiction!” Fans rave about the humor and heart.
2. Heist Society Series (3 Books) – Art Thieves with Style
Kat Bishop’s family of master criminals pulls off cons that would make Ocean’s Eleven jealous. Globetrotting glamour, clever twists, and a will-they-won’t-they romance keep the pages flipping. Great for heist lovers aged 12+.
- Book 1: Heist Society (2010) – Kat assembles her crew for the ultimate art recovery.
- Book 2: Uncommon Criminals (2011) – Stealing history’s most cursed gem? Yes, please.
- Book 3: Perfect Scoundrels (2013) – When love mixes with larceny, sparks fly.
Reader Buzz: Nominated for Goodreads Choice Awards—it’s the series that hooks you on the first con.
3. Embassy Row Series (3 Books) – Diplomatic Deception
Grace Blakely’s life on a tiny Adriatic island is a web of lies, assassinations, and family feuds. Darker and more suspenseful, this duology (wait, trilogy) suits mature YA readers who crave political thrillers.
- Book 1: All Fall Down (2015) – A witnessed murder unravels Grace’s reality.
- Book 2: See How They Run (2015) – Conspiracies lead to a deadly scavenger hunt.
- Book 3: Take the Key and Lock Her Up (2016) – Royal exile and redemption await.
Reader Buzz: “Twistier than a spy’s alibi—couldn’t put it down!”
4. Winterborne Home Series (2 Books) – Middle-Grade Mystery Mayhem
For younger readers (8-12), this duology stars April, an orphan turned detective in a booby-trapped mansion. Think Nancy Drew with explosions and girl power.
- Book 1: The Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor (2020) – April uncovers a villain’s lair.
- Book 2: The Winterborne Home for Mayhem and Mystery (2021) – Ghosts and gadgets galore.
Standalones and New Series to Watch
- Not If I Save You First (2018): A pulse-pounding tale of friendship and survival in the Alaskan wild—perfect one-sit read.
- Blonde Identity Series: Carter’s adult pivot! The Blonde Identity (2023) is a rom-com spy thriller with amnesia and enemies-to-lovers vibes. Book 2 drops in 2025—mark your calendars!
- Dear Ally, How Do You Write a Book? (2023): Not fiction, but a goldmine for writers dreaming of their own series.
Why Ally Carter’s Books Are a Must-Read in 2025 (And Beyond)
In a world of endless scrolls, Carter’s stories remind us why we fell in love with reading: for the escape, the empowerment, and the “just one more chapter” thrill. Her heroines aren’t damsels—they’re decoders, thieves, and leaders who own their stories. Plus, with The Blonde Who Came in from the Cold hitting shelves this year, it’s the perfect time to catch up.
Final Tips: How to Read Ally Carter Books Like a Pro
- Start Here: Newbies, begin with Gallagher Girls #1—it’s the gateway drug.
- Pacing: Series are quick reads (250-350 pages each), so marathon a trilogy in a weekend.
- Where to Buy: Snag paperbacks, e-books, or audiobooks (narrators nail the sass). Check Amazon or your local indie for box sets.
- Join the Coven: Follow @theallycarter on Instagram for updates, or sign up for her newsletter at allycarter.com.
What’s your first Ally Carter read? Drop a comment below—did it make you want to enroll in spy school? If this guide helped plot your next binge, share it with a fellow book spy. Happy reading—stay sneaky!
