Dennis Lehane Reading Order
9 series · 152 books · Born 1965-08-04
Dennis Lehane is an American crime and mystery writer best known for his gritty Boston-set detective series featuring private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro, which launched with A Drink Before the War. His dark, atmospheric novels about moral ambiguity and urban corruption have been adapted into acclaimed films including Mystic River, Shutter Island, Gone Baby Gone, and Live by Night. Across multiple series and standalone works spanning three decades, Lehane has established himself as a master of hard-boiled mystery fiction that explores the psychology of crime and redemption.
Akashic Noir Series
Ongoing121 books (2002–2025)
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
Likely Complete10 books (2002–2021)
Start with The Mighty Johns, the first of 10 books in the Anthologies series.
Start this series with The Mighty Johns
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Coughlin Series
Complete3 books (2008–2015)
Start with The Given Day and read in order.
Start this series with The Given Day
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Graphic Novels Series
Complete1 book (2003–2003)
Kenzie & Gennaro Series
Complete6 books (1994–2010)
Start with A Drink Before the War, the first of 6 books in the Kenzie & Gennaro series.
Start this series with A Drink Before the War
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Michael Connelly Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete2 books (2012–2014)
Start with The Safe Man: A Ghost Story(By: Michael Connelly) and read in order.
Start this series with The Safe Man: A Ghost Story(By: Michael Connelly)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleShort Stories/Novellas Series
Complete3 books (2009–2014)
Start with Animal Rescue and read in order.
Start this series with Animal Rescue
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleShort Story Collections Series
Complete1 book (2006–2006)
Standalone Novels Series
Likely Complete5 books (2001–2023)
Start with Mystic River, the first of 5 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with Mystic River
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Dennis Lehane written?
- Dennis Lehane has written 152 books across 9 series. Their published works span from 1994 to 2025.
- What is the first book in each Dennis Lehane series?
- Here are the first books in Dennis Lehane's series: Akashic Noir: San Francisco Noir; Anthologies: The Mighty Johns; Coughlin: The Given Day; Kenzie & Gennaro: A Drink Before the War; Michael Connelly Short Stories/Novellas: The Safe Man: A Ghost Story(By: Michael Connelly).
- What order should I read Dennis Lehane's books?
- We recommend reading Dennis Lehane's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Dennis Lehane still writing new books?
- Yes, Dennis Lehane has 1 ongoing series: Akashic Noir.