Claire McGowan Reading Order
6 series · 151 books
Claire McGowan is a prolific crime and literary fiction author known for her psychologically complex thrillers that explore dark mysteries and human motivation. Her Paula Maguire series follows a forensic psychologist investigating cold cases in Northern Ireland, establishing McGowan as a master of character-driven crime narratives. Beyond her series work, she has contributed to acclaimed anthologies, written short fiction, and produced non-fiction that reflects her deep engagement with the crime genre and the craft of writing itself.
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Akashic Noir Series
Ongoing121 books (2002–2025)
The Akashic Noir series comprises 121 mystery and thriller anthologies published between 2002 and 2025, with new volumes still being released. Each book collects noir stories set in a different city or region, beginning with San Francisco Noir and continuing through locations worldwide including Brooklyn, Chicago, Dublin, London, and many others. Readers should follow the publication order to experience how the series has evolved across its two decades of publication. This ongoing collection offers a diverse exploration of noir fiction anchored to specific geographic settings.
Start with San Francisco Noir, the first of 121 books in the Akashic Noir series.
Start this series with San Francisco Noir
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Anthologies Series
Complete3 books (2012–2024)
Claire McGowan's anthology series consists of two completed collections published between 2012 and 2013. The series includes Off The Record 2 - At The Movies - A Charity Anthology and Deadly Pleasures, with Death Comes at Christmas also appearing in the sequence. These mystery and thriller anthologies should be read in publication order to experience the stories as originally released.
Start with Off The Record 2 - At The Movies - A Charity Anthology and read in order.
Start this series with Off The Record 2 - At The Movies - A Charity Anthology
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleNon-Fiction Series
Complete1 book (2022–2022)
Paula Maguire Series
Complete7 books (2013–2018)
Claire McGowan's Paula Maguire series comprises seven novels published between 2013 and 2018, with the complete arc concluding at The Killing House. Each book should be read in publication order, beginning with The Lost, to follow the ongoing investigation and character development throughout the mystery thriller saga. The series spans Controlled Explosions, The Dead Ground, The Silent Dead, A Savage Hunger, and Blood Tide before its final installment.
Start with The Lost, the first of 7 books in the Paula Maguire series.
Start this series with The Lost
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleShort Stories/Novellas Series
Complete1 book (2025–2025)
Standalone Novels Series
Ongoing18 books (2012–2026)
Claire McGowan's standalone novels collection comprises 18 books published between 2012 and 2026, with the series still ongoing. These mystery and thriller works, along with some literary fiction and non-fiction titles, should be read in publication order beginning with The Fall. Many of the novels were published under the pseudonym Eva Woods, and the collection includes collaborative works such as Pride & Prejudice on Social Media written with Sarah Day.
Start with The Fall, the first of 18 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with The Fall
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Claire McGowan written?
- Claire McGowan has written 151 books across 6 series. Their published works span from 2002 to 2026.
- What is the first book in each Claire McGowan series?
- Here are the first books in Claire McGowan's series: Akashic Noir: San Francisco Noir; Anthologies: Off The Record 2 - At The Movies - A Charity Anthology; Paula Maguire: The Lost.
- What order should I read Claire McGowan's books?
- We recommend reading Claire McGowan's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Claire McGowan still writing new books?
- Yes, Claire McGowan has 2 ongoing series: Akashic Noir, Standalone Novels.

