Reading Order List — Book Series Reading Order Guide

Deborah Challinor Reading Order

7 series · 22 books

Historical FictionLiterary FictionNon-FictionYoung Adult

Deborah Challinor is a New Zealand author and historian who has crafted twenty-two books exploring the country's past through both fiction and non-fiction. Her work spans historical and literary fiction, young adult narratives, and scholarly research, with signature series including the Children of War trilogy, the Tamar Deane trilogy, and the Convict Girls sequence that bring lesser-known New Zealand stories to life. Recognized with a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2018 for her contributions to literature and historical scholarship, Challinor writes with meticulous attention to period detail and complex characters navigating pivotal moments in New Zealand history.

Children Of War Trilogy/Tamar Deane Trilogy Series

Complete

3 books (1998–2005)

Start with Tamar and read in order.

Start this series with Tamar

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#Title
1
Cover of Tamar
2
Cover of White Feathers
White Feathers
2003Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3
Cover of Blue Smoke

Convict Girls Series

Complete

4 books (2012–2016)

Start with Behind the Sun, the first of 4 books in the Convict Girls series.

Start this series with Behind the Sun

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#Title
1
Cover of Behind the Sun
Behind the Sun
2012Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2
Cover of Girl of Shadows
Girl of Shadows
2013Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3
A Tattooed Heart
2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4
The Silk Thief
2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

From the Ashes/The Restless Years Series

Likely Complete

3 books (2019–2022)

Start with From the Ashes and read in order.

Start this series with From the Ashes

Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
Cover of From the Ashes
From the Ashes
2019Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2
The Jacaranda House
2020Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3
The Leonard Girls
2022Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

Kitty/Smuggler's Wife Series

Complete

4 books (2006–2016)

Start with Kitty, the first of 4 books in the Kitty/Smuggler's Wife series.

Start this series with Kitty

Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
Cover of Kitty
2
Cover of Amber
3
Cover of Band of Gold
Band of Gold
2010Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
4
Cover of The Cloud Leopard's Daughter
The Cloud Leopard's Daughter
2016Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

Non-Fiction Series

Complete

2 books (1998–2000)

Start with Grey Ghosts and read in order.

Start this series with Grey Ghosts

Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
Cover of Grey Ghosts
2
Cover of Who'll Stop The Rain?
Who'll Stop The Rain?
2000Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

Standalone Novels Series

Complete

3 books (2005–2009)

Start with Union Belle and read in order.

Start this series with Union Belle

Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
Cover of Union Belle
2
Cover of Fire
3
Isle of Tears
2009Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

Tatty Crowe Series

Ongoing

3 books (2024–2026)

Start with Black Silk and Sympathy and read in order.

Start this series with Black Silk and Sympathy

Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
Cover of Black Silk and Sympathy
Black Silk and Sympathy
2024Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
2
Cover of Black Silk and Buried Secrets
Black Silk and Buried Secrets
2025Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible
3
Black Velvet and Vengeance
2026Buy 🇺🇸🎧 Audible

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books has Deborah Challinor written?
Deborah Challinor has written 22 books across 7 series. Their published works span from 1998 to 2026.
What is the first book in each Deborah Challinor series?
Here are the first books in Deborah Challinor's series: Children Of War Trilogy/Tamar Deane Trilogy: Tamar; Convict Girls: Behind the Sun; From the Ashes/The Restless Years: From the Ashes; Kitty/Smuggler's Wife: Kitty; Non-Fiction: Grey Ghosts.
What order should I read Deborah Challinor's books?
We recommend reading Deborah Challinor's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
Is Deborah Challinor still writing new books?
Yes, Deborah Challinor has 1 ongoing series: Tatty Crowe.

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