Laura Dave is a bestselling American author known for her emotionally rich storytelling, relatable characters, and page-turning suspense. From heartfelt contemporary fiction to gripping psychological thrillers, her novels explore love, trust, loss, and resilience. If you’re wondering which Laura Dave book to read first, this complete guide to Laura Dave books in order will help you enjoy her work the right way.
Who Is Laura Dave?
Laura Dave gained international fame with The Last Thing He Told Me, a Reese’s Book Club pick and New York Times bestseller. Her writing blends emotional depth with mystery, making her novels appealing to both literary fiction lovers and thriller fans. Many of her books focus on relationships tested by secrets, unexpected events, and life-changing decisions.
Laura Dave Books In Order (Publication Order)
Reading Laura Dave’s books in publication order lets you experience the evolution of her writing style and themes.
1. London Is the Best City in America (2006)
Laura Dave’s debut novel is a quiet, emotional story about love, grief, and self-discovery. It follows a woman navigating loss while traveling and searching for meaning in her life.
2. The Divorce Party (2008)
A deeply personal novel centered on a woman attending her ex-husband’s second wedding. The story explores heartbreak, forgiveness, and the complicated nature of relationships.
3. The First Husband (2011)
This novel dives into marriage, identity, and second chances. It’s a reflective story about love after loss and the emotional baggage people carry into new relationships.
4. Eight Hundred Grapes (2015)
One of Laura Dave’s most beloved books, this family-centered novel follows a woman returning to her vineyard-owning family just before her wedding. Secrets, expectations, and family dynamics take center stage.
5. Hello Sunshine (2017)
A sharp turn toward psychological drama, this novel explores ambition, betrayal, and the dark side of success. It’s a fast-paced read that questions how well we really know the people we admire.
6. The Last Thing He Told Me (2021)
Laura Dave’s breakout bestseller and a must-read. This suspenseful yet emotional novel follows a woman uncovering her husband’s secrets after his sudden disappearance, while forming an unexpected bond with her stepdaughter.
7. The Night We Lost Him (2024)
A gripping psychological thriller that delves into family trauma, hidden truths, and the long-lasting impact of a single night. This novel cements Laura Dave’s place as a master of emotional suspense.
What Order Should You Read Laura Dave Books?
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New readers: Start with The Last Thing He Told Me for a perfect introduction to her storytelling.
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Romance & family drama fans: Begin with Eight Hundred Grapes or The Divorce Party.
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Thriller lovers: Try Hello Sunshine followed by The Night We Lost Him.
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Completionists: Reading Laura Dave books in publication order offers the most rewarding experience.
List Of Laura Dave Books In Order to read
Laura Dave has written several standalone novels alongside one ongoing series featuring the character Hannah Hall. Most of her books are standalone (no interconnected plots or required reading order beyond publication sequence), but the Hannah Hall series is the only true series.
For the best experience:
- Read her novels in publication order to follow her writing evolution from early romantic dramas to suspenseful mysteries.
- For the Hannah Hall series specifically, read the books in the numbered order.
Complete List of Laura Dave Books in Order
| # | Publication Order | Title | Year | Series / Notes | Standalone or Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | London Is the Best City in America | 2006 | Standalone debut novel | Standalone |
| 2 | 2 | The Divorce Party | 2007/2008 | Standalone (sometimes listed as 2008) | Standalone |
| 3 | 3 | The First Husband | 2011 | Standalone | Standalone |
| 4 | 4 | Eight Hundred Grapes | 2015 | Standalone (popular family/wine country drama) | Standalone |
| 5 | 5 | Hello, Sunshine | 2017 | Standalone (influencer-themed) | Standalone |
| 6 | 6 | The Last Thing He Told Me | 2021 | Hannah Hall #1 – Reese’s Book Club pick, basis for Apple TV+ series | Series Book 1 |
| 7 | 7 | The Night We Lost Him | 2024 | Standalone (family mystery/suspense) | Standalone |
| 8 | 8 | The First Time I Saw Him | 2026 | Hannah Hall #2 – Direct sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me | Series Book 2 |
Hannah Hall Series Reading Order (Complete Series as of January 2026)
This is the only connected series in Laura Dave’s bibliography. The books share main characters (Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter Bailey) and continue the story arc.
| Series Order | Title | Year | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Last Thing He Told Me | 2021 | Hannah receives a cryptic note from her husband before he vanishes; she protects her stepdaughter while uncovering secrets. |
| 2 | The First Time I Saw Him | 2026 | Picks up years later; Hannah and Bailey navigate forgiveness, new challenges, and lingering mysteries from the first book. |
Why Laura Dave’s Books Are Worth Reading
Laura Dave’s novels stand out for their emotional authenticity, strong female protagonists, and realistic portrayals of relationships. Her ability to blend mystery with heartfelt storytelling makes her books hard to put down and easy to recommend.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to her work or revisiting old favorites, this guide to Laura Dave Books In Order helps you choose the perfect starting point. With every novel, Laura Dave proves that stories about love, secrets, and family can be both deeply moving and thrilling.
If you enjoy emotionally driven fiction with a touch of suspense, Laura Dave’s books deserve a spot on your reading list.
