Paul Cleave Reading Order
3 series · 15 books
Paul Cleave is a New Zealand-based crime writer who has crafted fourteen dark and psychologically complex novels since 2006. Known for his gritty mystery thrillers, Cleave explores the minds of criminals and investigators through standalone works and his acclaimed series featuring protagonist Theodore Tate and a morally ambiguous cleaner character. His work combines procedural tension with deep character study, appealing to readers who appreciate crime fiction with psychological depth.
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Cleaner Series
Complete2 books (2006–2013)
Paul Cleave's Cleaner series consists of two mystery thrillers published between 2006 and 2013. The complete duology should be read in publication order, beginning with The Cleaner followed by Joe Victim. Both books are standalone mysteries that can be enjoyed independently, though reading them sequentially provides the intended narrative experience.
Start with The Cleaner and read in order.
Start this series with The Cleaner
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Standalone Novels Series
Likely Complete10 books (2007–2026)
Paul Cleave has written nine standalone mystery and thriller novels published between 2007 and 2023, beginning with The Killing Hour and ending with The Pain Tourist. Though each book features different characters and stories, the series appears to be complete and should be read in publication order to experience Cleave's evolving approach to the crime thriller genre. The novels include Blood Men, Five Minutes Alone, Trust No One, A Killer Harvest, Whatever It Takes, The Quiet People, and His Favourite Graves.
Start with The Killing Hour, the first of 9 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with The Killing Hour
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Theodore Tate Series
Complete3 books (2008–2012)
Paul Cleave's Theodore Tate trilogy is a complete three-book mystery series published between 2008 and 2012. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Cemetery Lake, followed by Collecting Cooper, and concluding with The Laughterhouse. This dark thriller series follows the cases of its protagonist through interconnected mysteries that build across the volumes.
Start with Cemetery Lake and read in order.
Start this series with Cemetery Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Paul Cleave written?
- Paul Cleave has written 15 books across 3 series. Their published works span from 2006 to 2026.
- What is the first book in each Paul Cleave series?
- Here are the first books in Paul Cleave's series: Cleaner: The Cleaner; Theodore Tate: Cemetery Lake.
- What order should I read Paul Cleave's books?
- We recommend reading Paul Cleave's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Are Paul Cleave's series complete?
- Paul Cleave has 2 completed series.