If you’re a fan of gripping crime thrillers that blend razor-sharp investigations with deeply human characters, Jane Casey’s novels are about to become your new obsession. As an Irish-born author now based in London, Casey has mastered the art of crafting page-turners that keep you guessing until the very last page. Her flagship Maeve Kerrigan series follows the fierce and flawed Detective Constable Maeve Kerrigan as she navigates London’s shadowy underbelly, unraveling murders that hit a little too close to home.
But with multiple series, standalones, and even young adult thrillers under her belt, keeping track of Jane Casey books in order can feel like piecing together one of her own intricate plots. That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re a longtime reader or a curious newcomer searching for “Jane Casey books in order,” we’ve got you covered with chronological lists, book summaries, and insider tips to enhance your reading experience. Let’s dive into the darkness—starting with the series that made her a bestseller.
Who Is Jane Casey? A Quick Intro to the Queen of Crime Fiction
Before we jump into the lists, a little backstory: Jane Casey grew up in Dublin and studied English at Oxford before earning an MPhil in Anglo-Irish Literature from Trinity College Dublin. After a stint as an editor, she turned her insider knowledge of the criminal world (thanks to her husband, a criminal barrister) into pulse-pounding fiction. Her debut, The Missing (2010), was shortlisted for the Ireland AM Crime Fiction Award, but it was the Maeve Kerrigan series that catapulted her to international acclaim.
Casey’s books have won the Irish Crime Novel of the Year (twice!), the Mary Higgins Clark Award, and a spot on the Richard & Judy Book Club. Her latest, A Stranger in the Family (2024), snagged Crime Fiction Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards. With over 18 books to her name, including adaptations like the upcoming TV series for The Killing Kind, Casey’s influence on modern crime fiction is undeniable. Fun fact: She’s a cousin of Irish broadcaster Pat Kenny, proving suspense runs in the family.
Jane Casey Books in Order: The Maeve Kerrigan Series (Publication Order)
The Maeve Kerrigan series is Casey’s crown jewel—a 12-book saga (as of 2025) starring the ambitious DC Maeve Kerrigan and her no-nonsense boss, DI Josh Derwent. These novels tackle everything from serial killers to family secrets, all while exploring themes of loyalty, grief, and the toll of policing. Pro tip: Read them in publication order for the full emotional punch, as character arcs build across installments.
Here’s the complete list, with brief synopses to hook you without spoilers:
| # | Title | Publication Year | Quick Blurb |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | Left for Dead (Novella) | 2012 | A chilling prequel: Two women are murdered weekly by their partners—can Maeve spot the signs before it’s too late? Perfect for series newbies. |
| 1 | The Burning | 2010 | Maeve’s debut case: A woman burned alive in her home. As fires rage, Maeve uncovers a web of revenge that tests her limits. |
| 2 | The Reckoning | 2011 | A missing girl and escalating violence against child abusers—Maeve must decide how far justice goes. |
| 3 | The Last Girl | 2012 | A killer targets young blondes. Maeve races against time, but the evidence is literally up in smoke. |
| 4 | The Stranger You Know | 2013 | Winner of the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Maeve hunts a strangler whose victims mirror her own vulnerabilities. |
| 5 | The Kill | 2014 | Shortlisted for Irish Crime Novel of the Year. A killer’s taunting game forces Maeve to confront her past. |
| 6 | After the Fire | 2016 | Irish Crime Novel of the Year. Arson hides a gruesome secret—Maeve’s empathy becomes her greatest strength (and weakness). |
| 7 | Let the Dead Speak | 2017 | A teen’s disappearance leads to buried family horrors. Maeve’s personal life unravels alongside the case. |
| 8 | Cruel Acts | 2019 | Irish Crime Novel of the Year. A wrongful conviction unravels, dragging Maeve into a conspiracy of lies. |
| 9 | The Cutting Place | 2020 | An exclusive men’s club hides dark rituals. Maeve infiltrates, but trust is a deadly gamble. |
| 10 | The Close | 2023 | A neighbor’s disappearance exposes suburbia’s sinister side—Maeve’s closest allies come under fire. |
| 11 | The Outsider | 2023 | A full novel bridging the gap: Maeve faces an internal threat that could end her career. |
| 12 | A Stranger in the Family | 2024 | Crime Fiction Book of the Year. A child’s return after years missing sparks questions no one wants answered. |
Note: Bonus short stories like “A Secret Room” (set between books 10 and 11) pop up in anthologies or newsletters—sign up for Casey’s updates to snag them!
Other Jane Casey Books in Order: Standalones, YA, and More
While Maeve owns the spotlight, Casey shines across genres. Here’s everything else, sorted by publication date for easy tracking:
Standalone Novels
These self-contained thrillers pack Casey’s signature twists—no prior reading required.
- The Missing (2010): A teacher’s desperate search for her missing student uncovers a predator closer than she thinks.
- One in Custody (2019): A prison riot exposes corruption—perfect if you love legal thrillers with a bite.
- The Killing Kind (2021): A Richard & Judy pick now adapting for TV. A killer offers “mercy killings”—but who’s next on the list?
Jess Tennant YA Series (Young Adult Thrillers)
For teen readers (or adults craving faster-paced mysteries), follow 16-year-old Jess as she sleuths in a sleepy village hiding big secrets.
- How to Fall (2013)
- Bet Your Life (2014)
- Hide and Seek (2016)
With 18 books total, Casey’s bibliography is a treasure trove. If you’re building a collection, start with the Maeve series for that addictive “just one more chapter” vibe.
Why Read Jane Casey? What Makes Her Books So Addictive
Imagine The Wire meets Killing Eve: Casey’s novels aren’t just whodunits—they’re character-driven rollercoasters. Maeve Kerrigan is no infallible hero; she’s impulsive, empathetic to a fault, and often clashes with her prickly partner, Josh Derwent (fans love their banter). Drawing from real police procedures (hello, barrister husband!), the plots feel authentic, from forensic details to the psychological strain of the job.
Readers rave about the emotional depth: “Maeve’s growth feels real,” says one Goodreads reviewer, while Reddit threads buzz with theories on unresolved arcs (no spoilers here!). And in a genre full of gore, Casey’s restraint amps up the tension—it’s the what ifs that linger.
Where to Buy Jane Casey Books (and Start Your Binge)
Ready to stock up? Grab Jane Casey books in order from:
- Amazon for Kindle deals and audiobooks (narrated brilliantly for that immersive cop-shop feel).
- Audible for on-the-go listening—perfect for commutes or workouts.
- Independent bookstores like Waterstones for signed editions.
New to the series? Begin with The Burning or the Left for Dead novella (often free online). Trust me, by book two, you’ll be hooked.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Your Next Thrill Ride
Jane Casey’s world of flawed detectives and hidden motives is the ultimate escape for crime lovers. Whether you’re devouring the Maeve Kerrigan series in order or dipping into her standalones, each book delivers twists that’ll have you double-checking your locks. What’s your favorite Jane Casey read—or which one are you starting next? Drop a comment below; I’d love to hear your theories!
For more author guides, check out our lists on Tana French books in order or Lisa Jewell thrillers. Happy reading—and stay safe out there.
