Are you a fan of E. Lockhart’s gripping young adult novels, or are you just discovering her work? Known for her emotionally charged stories, clever twists, and relatable characters, E. Lockhart (pen name of Emily Jenkins) has crafted a remarkable bibliography that spans young adult fiction, children’s books, and even a graphic novel. Whether you’re drawn to the suspenseful We Were Liars series or the witty Ruby Oliver quartet, this guide provides the complete list of E. Lockhart’s books in publication order, along with insights to help you dive into her world. Let’s explore her novels, why they resonate with readers, and the best order to read them!
Why Read E. Lockhart’s Books?
E. Lockhart’s storytelling blends mystery, romance, and coming-of-age themes with sharp, engaging prose. Her young adult novels, like We Were Liars and The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, have earned critical acclaim, including nominations for the National Book Award and Michael L. Printz Award. Her characters—often navigating privilege, identity, and heartbreak—feel authentic and relatable, making her books perfect for teens and adults alike. Whether you’re seeking a page-turning thriller or a humorous take on teenage life, Lockhart’s books deliver.
In this SEO-optimized guide, we’ll list all of E. Lockhart’s young adult novels in publication order, highlight key themes, and share tips on where to start. Plus, we’ll touch on her upcoming releases and adaptations, like the We Were Liars TV show set to premiere on Prime Video in June 2025.
E. Lockhart Books in Order by Series
Below is a complete list of E. Lockhart’s young adult novels, organized by series and presented in table format. The books are listed in their recommended reading order within each series, with standalone novels grouped separately. This guide focuses on works published under the E. Lockhart pen name, excluding children’s books written as Emily Jenkins.
| Series | Book Title | Publication Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby Oliver Quartet | The Boyfriend List | 2005 | Ruby Oliver, a 15-year-old navigating high school drama, creates a list of boys she’s liked, sparking a humorous and heartfelt coming-of-age story. |
| Ruby Oliver Quartet | The Boy Book | 2006 | Ruby, now a junior, compiles a “Boy Book” to decode male behavior while dealing with friendships and school pressures. |
| Ruby Oliver Quartet | The Treasure Map of Boys | 2009 | Ruby faces rumors and complicated relationships in her “Noboyfriend” phase, balancing humor and self-discovery. |
| Ruby Oliver Quartet | Real Live Boyfriends | 2010 | In her senior year, Ruby navigates love, loss, and identity in this witty and emotional series finale. |
| We Were Liars Series | We Were Liars | 2014 | Cadence Sinclair Eastman unravels a family mystery on a private island, leading to a shocking twist in this bestselling thriller. |
| We Were Liars Series | Family of Liars | 2022 | A prequel set in 1987, focusing on Carrie Sinclair and the family’s secrets on their private island. |
| We Were Liars Series | We Fell Apart | 2025 | The upcoming third book, set for November 2025, continues the Sinclair family saga with more drama and secrets. |
| Standalone Novels | The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks | 2008 | Frankie masterminds pranks at her boarding school, challenging its male-dominated secret society in this feminist-leaning novel. |
| Standalone Novels | Genuine Fraud | 2017 | A noir thriller about Jule, an antihero with a talent for deception, told in reverse chronological order. |
| Standalone Novels | Again Again | 2020 | Adelaide Buchwald explores love and alternate realities in this inventive, introspective novel. |
| Standalone Novels | Whistle: A New Gotham City Hero | 2021 | A DC Comics graphic novel featuring Willow Zimmerman teaming up with a talking dog to fight Gotham’s villains. |
Notes
- The Ruby Oliver Quartet should be read in the order listed for a cohesive narrative arc.
- For the We Were Liars Series, start with We Were Liars for the main story, followed by Family of Liars (prequel) for backstory, and look out for We Fell Apart in November 2025.
- Standalone Novels can be read in any order, though publication order (Frankie Landau-Banks, Genuine Fraud, Again Again, Whistle) provides insight into Lockhart’s evolving style.
- For a chronological reading experience across all books, follow the publication order: The Boyfriend List (2005), The Boy Book (2006), The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks (2008), The Treasure Map of Boys (2009), Real Live Boyfriends (2010), We Were Liars (2014), Genuine Fraud (2017), Again Again (2020), Whistle (2021), Family of Liars (2022), We Fell Apart (2025).
This table provides an SEO-friendly and reader-engaging way to explore E. Lockhart’s books, perfect for fans and newcomers alike!
E. Lockhart Books in Publication Order
Below is the complete list of E. Lockhart’s young adult novels, written under her pen name, in publication order. This order is ideal for readers who want to follow her writing journey chronologically or experience her evolving style.
1. The Boyfriend List (2005)
- Series: Ruby Oliver Quartet, Book 1
- Summary: Meet Ruby Oliver, a neurotic yet lovable 15-year-old navigating the chaos of high school after a breakup and a series of panic attacks. When her therapist asks her to list every boy she’s ever had feelings for, Ruby’s hilarious and heartfelt journey begins. This witty novel sets the tone for the Ruby Oliver series with its sharp humor and relatable teen drama.
- Why Read It?: Perfect for fans of lighthearted yet insightful coming-of-age stories.
2. The Boy Book (2006)
- Series: Ruby Oliver Quartet, Book 2
- Summary: Ruby’s back, now a junior at Tate Prep, dealing with fractured friendships and boy troubles. With her signature humor, she compiles a “Boy Book” to decode male behavior while juggling school, therapy, and her evolving identity.
- Why Read It?: A delightful mix of comedy and emotional growth that deepens Ruby’s story.
3. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks (2008)
- Standalone
- Summary: At an elite boarding school, Frankie Landau-Banks transforms from an overlooked sophomore to a mastermind behind secret pranks challenging the school’s male-dominated secret society. This feminist-leaning novel explores power, gender, and rebellion.
- Why Read It?: A National Book Award finalist and Michael L. Printz Honor book, it’s a must-read for its clever narrative and empowering themes.
4. The Treasure Map of Boys (2009)
- Series: Ruby Oliver Quartet, Book 3
- Summary: Ruby faces her “thirty-seventh week in the state of Noboyfriend,” tackling rumors, a bake sale, and complicated relationships with boys like Noel and Jackson. This installment dives deeper into Ruby’s struggles with friendship and self-worth.
- Why Read It?: Fans of Ruby’s quirky voice will love her continued misadventures and growth.
5. Real Live Boyfriends (2010)
- Series: Ruby Oliver Quartet, Book 4
- Summary: The final Ruby Oliver novel follows Ruby as she navigates love, loss, and her senior year. With new relationships and old wounds, Ruby learns what it means to stay true to herself.
- Why Read It?: A satisfying conclusion to the Ruby Oliver series, blending humor and heartfelt moments.
6. We Were Liars (2014)
- Series: We Were Liars, Book 1
- Summary: This haunting tale follows Cadence Sinclair Eastman and her wealthy family on their private island. A mysterious accident leaves Cadence piecing together fragmented memories, leading to a shocking twist. We Were Liars is a New York Times bestseller and a cultural phenomenon.
- Why Read It?: Its lyrical prose and jaw-dropping ending make it a standout in YA fiction.
7. Genuine Fraud (2017)
- Standalone
- Summary: A noir-inspired thriller about Jule, an antihero with a knack for deception. Told in reverse chronological order, this fast-paced story unravels Jule’s secrets and her connection to a mysterious heiress.
- Why Read It?: Perfect for readers who love unreliable narrators and psychological suspense.
8. Again Again (2020)
- Standalone
- Summary: Adelaide Buchwald grapples with love, family, and heartbreak in this inventive novel that explores alternate realities. Lockhart’s playful narrative style examines how small choices shape our lives.
- Why Read It?: A unique blend of romance and philosophical musings, ideal for introspective readers.
9. Whistle: A New Gotham City Hero (2021)
- Standalone (Graphic Novel)
- Summary: In this DC Comics graphic novel, 16-year-old Willow Zimmerman teams up with a talking dog to take on Gotham’s villains, including Killer Croc. It’s a fresh take on the superhero genre with Lockhart’s signature wit.
- Why Read It?: A fun, action-packed read for comic fans and YA readers alike.
10. Family of Liars (2022)
- Series: We Were Liars, Book 2 (Prequel)
- Summary: This prequel to We Were Liars focuses on Carrie Sinclair and her family in 1987. Set on the same private island, it uncovers the secrets and tragedies of the previous generation.
- Why Read It?: A compelling companion to We Were Liars that deepens the Sinclair family saga.
11. We Fell Apart (2025)
- Series: We Were Liars, Book 3
- Summary: Set to release in November 2025, this upcoming novel continues the We Were Liars universe, promising more family drama and emotional twists. Details are scarce, but anticipation is high!
- Why Read It?: Fans of the series won’t want to miss the next chapter.
Note: E. Lockhart also writes children’s books under her real name, Emily Jenkins, including titles like Toys Go Out and Lemonade in Winter. This guide focuses on her YA novels under the E. Lockhart pen name.
Reading Order Recommendations
Not sure where to start? Here are two suggested approaches:
- Publication Order (Recommended for New Readers): Follow the list above to experience Lockhart’s growth as a writer. Start with The Boyfriend List for a light, humorous introduction, then dive into We Were Liars for her signature suspense.
- Series-First Approach:
- Ruby Oliver Quartet: Read The Boyfriend List, The Boy Book, The Treasure Map of Boys, and Real Live Boyfriends in order for a complete arc.
- We Were Liars Series: Start with We Were Liars, then read Family of Liars (prequel), and look forward to We Fell Apart (2025).
If you prefer standalone novels, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks or Genuine Fraud are excellent entry points for their unique narratives.
What Makes E. Lockhart’s Books So Engaging?
Lockhart’s novels stand out for several reasons:
- Relatable Characters: From Ruby’s neurotic charm to Frankie’s rebellious spirit, her characters feel like real teens navigating complex emotions.
- Unexpected Twists: We Were Liars and Genuine Fraud are known for their shocking plot twists that keep readers guessing.
- Thematic Depth: Lockhart tackles themes like privilege, family dynamics, and identity, making her stories resonate with diverse audiences.
- Versatile Storytelling: Whether it’s the playful tone of the Ruby Oliver series or the poetic prose of We Were Liars, Lockhart’s versatility keeps readers hooked.
Her books also appeal to search engines due to their popularity and critical acclaim, making terms like “E. Lockhart books in order” or “We Were Liars series” highly searchable.
Upcoming Releases and Adaptations
- We Fell Apart (November 2025): The third book in the We Were Liars universe promises more Sinclair family secrets. Pre-order it now to stay ahead of the buzz!
- We Were Liars TV Show: Set to premiere on Prime Video in June 2025, this adaptation brings Cadence’s story to life. Expect it to drive even more interest in Lockhart’s books.
Tips for Discovering E. Lockhart’s Books
- Visit Her Official Website: Check out www.emilylockhart.com for updates, book details, and author insights.
- Follow on Social Media: Connect with E. Lockhart on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok (@elockhartbooks) for behind-the-scenes content.
- Check Reviews: Platforms like Goodreads and Publishers Weekly offer detailed reviews of Lockhart’s books to help you choose your next read.
- Join the Fandom: Engage with other fans on social media or book blogs to share your love for Lockhart’s stories.
Why This List Matters
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new reader, knowing the order of E. Lockhart’s books helps you fully appreciate her storytelling evolution. From the comedic Ruby Oliver series to the haunting We Were Liars saga, her novels offer something for everyone. By reading in order, you’ll catch recurring themes and stylistic shifts that make her work so compelling.
Ready to start reading? Grab The Boyfriend List for a fun introduction or We Were Liars for an unforgettable thriller. Which E. Lockhart book is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out her upcoming releases!
