Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad series established the Irish author as a modern master of the contemporary crime genre. Starting with the best-selling In the Woods from 2007, the series has expanded to include six novels focusing on different characters and cases. In addition to these thrilling procedurals, French has released standalone novels like The Witch Elm, The Searcher, and The Hunter. She’s earned the praise of authors like Stephen King, who compared French to Thomas Hardy and David Goodis in his review of The Witch Elm. 

What sorts of readers enjoy Tana French’s books?

If you enjoy crime stories with complex psychological intrigue, Tana French’s books are an outstanding choice. Readers who discover her often tear through all her books and become devoted fans. The specific blend of sophisticated mystery and emotional depth characteristic of her works leaves her readers eagerly awaiting each new release.   

What’s the best Tana French book to read first? 

Most French fans will tell you that the best place to start is with her best-selling debut, In the Woods. This book kicks off the Dublin Murder Squad series, so if you enjoy it, you’ll have a great set of books to read subsequently. While part of a single series, each of these novels covers a different plot and main character—it’s not a situation where you have to read the whole set to enjoy the first installment.