Mats Strandberg Books In Order Of Release

If you’ve ever craved a story that blends heart-pounding horror, supernatural twists, and raw human emotion, Mats Strandberg is your next obsession. Often dubbed the “Swedish Stephen King,” this award-winning author has captivated readers worldwide with his gripping narratives that explore the darkness lurking in everyday life. Born in 1976 and a former columnist for Sweden’s top newspaper, Aftonbladet, Strandberg burst onto the scene in 2006 and hasn’t let up since. His breakthrough? The internationally bestselling Engelsfors Trilogy, a YA fantasy epic co-written with Sara Bergmark Elfgren that’s been translated into over 30 languages and even adapted into a film.

But what if you’re new to his world and wondering: Where do I start reading Mats Strandberg books in order? We’ve got you covered with this complete, chronological guide. We’ll break down his bibliography by era and genre, complete with spoiler-free summaries to hook you without ruining the thrill. Whether you’re into apocalyptic YA, claustrophobic horror, or whimsical monster tales for kids, there’s something here to devour. Let’s dive in—because once you start, you won’t want to put these down.

List of Mats Strandberg Books In Order

Mats Strandberg Books In Order

Early Novels: Strandberg’s Witty Foundations (2007–2009)

Before the witches and vampires, Strandberg honed his voice with sharp, character-driven stories about love, friendship, and the absurdities of modern life. These debut works showcase his knack for humor laced with poignant insight—perfect if you love relatable, laugh-out-loud drama with a Swedish twist.

1. Jaktsäsong (Hunting Season, 2007) Meet Melinda, a stunning 30-something on a relentless quest for Mr. Right. Surrounded by her fabulous but fiercely protective gay best friends—who sabotage every straight guy in sight—her hunt for love turns into a hilarious battlefield of sex, lies, and DVD marathons. This rom-com debut is Strandberg’s love letter to urban singledom, blending sharp wit with heartfelt truths about desire and loyalty.
2. Bekantas bekanta (Familiar Acquaintances, 2008) A razor-sharp exploration of long-term friendships tested by secrets, betrayals, and midlife reckonings. As old bonds fray under the weight of unspoken grudges, Strandberg masterfully captures how the people we know best can become strangers overnight. Think Big Little Lies meets Scandinavian introspection—addictive and achingly real.
3. Halva liv (Half Life, 2009) Diving deeper into relationships, this novel follows a couple navigating the “halfway” point of their marriage: kids, careers, and the creeping realization that passion has faded. With Strandberg’s signature blend of tenderness and tension, it’s a mirror to anyone who’s ever wondered, “Is this all there is?” A quiet stunner that punches hard.

These early gems are less “horror” and more “human,” but they set the stage for Strandberg’s evolution into a master of suspense. If you’re easing in, start here for his character-building prowess.

The Engelsfors Trilogy: Witchy YA Magic and Apocalypse (2011–2013)

Strandberg’s global breakout, this urban fantasy series (co-authored with Sara Bergmark Elfgren) reimagines teen drama as a high-stakes battle against otherworldly forces. Set in the decaying Swedish town of Engelsfors (inspired by Strandberg’s hometown), it follows six misfit girls who discover they’re witches destined to save the world—or watch it burn. Dark, diverse, and unapologetically queer-inclusive, it’s been hailed as “the next Twilight for grown-ups.” Read for the escalating lore.

1. Cirkeln (The Circle, 2011) On a blood-red moonlit night, six high school outcasts—goth girl Minoo, popular Vanessa, shy Anna-Karin, and more—are pulled to an abandoned amusement park after a classmate’s suicide. Branded “The Chosen Ones,” they unlock ancient powers amid bullying, romance, and demonic threats. A pulse-racing opener packed with twists that’ll keep you up all night.
2. Eld (Fire, 2012) As the girls grapple with their budding magic and fractured alliances, a fire ravages Engelsfors, unleashing chaos. Loyalties shatter, forbidden loves ignite, and the apocalypse looms closer. Deeper dives into mental health and identity make this middle book an emotional gut-punch with supernatural fireworks.
3. Nyckeln (The Key, 2013) The trilogy’s explosive finale: Secrets unravel, sacrifices mount, and the Chosen Ones face their ultimate foe in a battle for reality itself. Heartbreaking, hopeful, and hallucinatory, it ties every thread into a mind-bending climax. Pro tip: Have tissues ready.

Bonus: Berättelser från Engelsfors (Stories from Engelsfors, 2013) – A novella collection of short tales expanding the universe, perfect for fans craving more witchy lore between main installments.

If YA fantasy is your jam, this trilogy is non-negotiable. It’s sold millions and spawned a 2015 Swedish film adaptation of The Circle.

Solo Horror Thrillers: Claustrophobic Nightmares (2015–2022)

Post-trilogy, Strandberg leaned into pure terror, crafting standalone horrors that trap ordinary people in extraordinary hells. These are edge-of-your-seat page-turners, ideal for fans of locked-room scares and psychological dread.

1. Färjan (Blood Cruise, 2015) A family weekend on a Baltic Sea ferry turns bloodbath when vampires board under the midnight sun. No escape, no dawn— just screams echoing across the waves. Strandberg’s goriest tale yet, blending gore with family drama in a sunless vampire frenzy.

2. Hemmet (The Home, 2020). In a quiet nursing home, whispers of possession spread as residents relive buried traumas. When a caregiver uncovers a demonic force feeding on regret, the line between past and present blurs into terror. A slow-burn chiller about aging, grief, and the ghosts we carry—Sweden’s answer to The Exorcist.
3. Slutet (The End, 2020) A comet hurtles toward Earth, dooming humanity in 90 days. Amid riots, hedonism, and denial, two teens—a party girl and a skeptic—unravel a murder that hints at conspiracy. What would you do with the end in sight? Strandberg’s poignant YA thriller tackles sex, faith, and forgiveness with devastating grace.
4. Konferensen (The Conference, 2022) A corporate retreat in a remote Swedish forest goes awry when an eco-terrorist threat turns colleagues into suspects. Paranoia festers as old grudges boil over—think The Office meets The Hunt. Sharp social satire wrapped in pulse-quickening suspense.

These solos are Strandberg at his scariest: intimate, inevitable, and impossible to forget.

Children’s Series: Spooky Fun for Young Readers (2016–2017)

Don’t sleep on Strandberg’s whimsical side! The Monstret i natten (Monster in the Night) series introduces Frank, a lovable green monster under a boy’s bed, battling nighttime fears with humor and heart. Award-winning and bestselling in Sweden, it’s gentle horror for ages 6–10.

1. Monstret i natten (The Monster in the Night, 2016) Frank protects his human charge from bad dreams—but what if the real monsters are closer than you think?
2. Monstret på cirkusen (The Monster at the Circus, 2016) A big-top adventure where Frank uncovers creepy carnival secrets.
3. Monstret och människorna (The Monster and the Humans, 2017) Frank ventures into the human world, learning bravery amid misunderstandings.

Short, illustrated, and empowering—these are gateway reads to Strandberg’s darker works.

Why Read Mats Strandberg? Final Thoughts and Recommendations

From rom-com hunts to world-ending comets, Mats Strandberg’s books in order reveal a storyteller who nails the human condition while delivering chills. His prose is vivid, his characters unforgettable, and his themes—identity, loss, resilience—resonate long after the last page.

Newbie pick? Jump into The Circle for addictive YA magic. Horror hounds? Blood Cruise for non-stop scares. Parents? The Monster series for kid-friendly thrills.

Grab a Strandberg book today and join the ranks of fans who’ve lost sleep over his worlds. What’s your first read? Drop it in the comments—we’re all ears (and eyes, peeled for spoilers)!