Maeve Binchy Reading Order
7 series · 55 books · Born 28 May 1940
Maeve Binchy was an acclaimed Irish author known for her captivating storytelling and rich character development. Over her prolific career from 1978 to 2021, she penned 55 books across various genres, including 7 series, standalone novels, short stories, and even plays, with her most recognized work being "Circle of Friends." Binchy's narratives often explore themes of community and relationships, resonating deeply with readers worldwide.
Anthologies Series
Complete7 books (1995–2013)
Start with Irish Girls About Town, the first of 7 books in the Anthologies series.
Collections Series
Likely Complete12 books (1978–2021)
Start with Central Line, the first of 12 books in the Collections series.
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 |  Central Line 1978Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 2 |  Victoria Line / London Transports 1980Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 3 |  Dublin Four 1981Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 4 |  Story Teller 1990Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 5 |  Dublin People 1993Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 6 |  This Year It Will Be Different and Other Stories 1995Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 7 |  Cross Lines 1996Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 8 |  The Return Journey 1998Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 9 | Maeve's Times 2013Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 10 |  Chestnut Street 2014Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 11 |  A Few of the Girls 2015Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 12 |  Maeve Binchy’s Treasury 2021Buy 🇺🇸 |
Fairytales for Feminists Series
Complete3 books (1989–1994)
Start with Sweeping Beauties(By: Rita Kelly,Elaine Crowley) and read in order.
Non-Fiction Series
Complete5 books (1979–2008)
Start with Maeve's Diary, the first of 5 books in the Non-Fiction series.
Plays Series
Complete3 books (2006–2010)
Start with Deeply Regretted By and read in order.
Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete6 books (2002–2016)
Start with The Builders, the first of 6 books in the Short Stories/Novellas series.
Standalone Novels Series
Complete19 books (1982–2014)
Start with Light a Penny Candle, the first of 19 books in the Standalone Novels series.
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Light a Penny Candle 1982Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 2 |  The Lilac Bus 1984Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 3 |  Echoes 1985Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 4 |  Firefly Summer 1987Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 5 |  Silver Wedding 1988Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 6 |  Circle of Friends 1990Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 7 |  The Copper Beech 1992Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 8 |  The Glass Lake 1994Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 9 |  Shancarrig 1995Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 10 |  Evening Class 1996Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 11 |  Tara Road 1998Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 12 |  Scarlet Feather 2000Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 13 |  Quentins 2002Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 14 |  Nights of Rain and Stars 2004Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 15 |  Whitethorn Woods 2006Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 16 |  Heart and Soul 2008Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 17 |  Minding Frankie 2010Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 18 |  A Week in Winter 2012Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 19 |  Sister Caravaggio(With: Peter Cunningham,Neil Donnelly,Cormac Millar,Éilís Ní Dhuibhne,Mary O'Donnell,Peter Sheridan,Peter Cunningham) 2014Buy 🇺🇸 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Maeve Binchy written?
- Maeve Binchy has written 55 books across 7 series. Their published works span from 1978 to 2021.
- What is the first book in each Maeve Binchy series?
- Here are the first books in Maeve Binchy's series: Anthologies: Irish Girls About Town; Collections: Central Line; Fairytales for Feminists: Sweeping Beauties(By: Rita Kelly,Elaine Crowley); Non-Fiction: Maeve's Diary; Plays: Deeply Regretted By.
- What order should I read Maeve Binchy's books?
- We recommend reading Maeve Binchy's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Are Maeve Binchy's series complete?
- Maeve Binchy has 6 completed series.