Mick Herron Books In Order: A Guide

Mick Herron is a British author best known for his gripping spy thrillers that have captivated readers around the world. His writing is characterized by its sharp wit, complex characters, and intricate plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats. 

If you are a fan of espionage novels and are looking to dive into Herron’s works, this guide will help you navigate Mick Herron books in order, ensuring you get the most out of his thrilling tales.

Mick Herron books in order

Given below is the Mick Herron books in order:

Slough House series (also known as the Jackson Lamb series)

The Slough House series is Mick Herron’s most famous work, and it has brought him international acclaim.

1. Slow Horses (2010)

This is the first book in the series and introduces us to the motley crew of misfits at Slough House. We meet Jackson Lamb, their unorthodox leader, and the rest of the team, each of whom has their own reasons for ending up in this backwater assignment. 

2. Dead Lions (2013)

The second book in the series ramps up the tension as the Slough House team investigates the mysterious death of a former MI5 agent. As they delve deeper, they uncover a plot that could have serious repercussions for national security. 

3. The List (2015)

This novella takes place between the events of Dead Lions and Real Tigers. In The List, a retired spy is found dead, and it is up to Jackson Lamb and his team to find out whether it was natural causes or something more sinister. 

4. Real Tigers (2016)

The third full-length novel in the series sees the Slough House team trying to rescue one of their own after an abduction. 

However, the deeper they dig, the more they realize that their own agency might be involved in something far darker. 

5. Spook Street (2017)

In this installment, Jackson Lamb and his team are drawn into a case involving a massacre at a shopping mall. The investigation leads them to uncover secrets from the past that could have deadly consequences in the present.

6. London Rules (2018)

In London Rules, the team at Slough House must thwart a series of coordinated terror attacks across the UK. 

7. The Drop (2018)

Another novella, The Drop, is a standalone story set in the Slough House universe. It focuses on a man who accidentally gets caught up in espionage and must navigate the dangerous waters of the intelligence world. 

8. Joe Country (2019)

The sixth novel in the series, Joe Country deals with the fallout from a former Slough House agent’s death. 

9. The Catch (2020)

The Catch is another novella that fits within the Slough House timeline. It follows Jackson Lamb as he deals with an old enemy who resurfaces, bringing danger to the team at Slough House. 

10. Slough House (2021)

In this seventh novel, the team at Slough House finds themselves the targets of a government clean-up operation. 

As they fight for their survival, they uncover a conspiracy that reaches to the highest levels of power. Slough House is a thrilling addition to the series, filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.

11. Bad Actors (2022)

Bad Actors is the most recent novel in the Slough House series. It continues to follow Jackson Lamb and his team as they navigate the murky world of espionage. 

In this installment, they face off against a powerful new enemy who threatens not just their lives but the future of British intelligence.

Standalone novels by Mick Herron

While the Slough House series is what Mick Herron is best known for, he has also written several standalone novels. These books are not connected to the Slough House universe but are worth reading if you enjoy Herron’s style.

1. Down Cemetery Road (2003)

This is Herron’s debut novel and the first in the Zoe Boehm series. It follows Sarah Tucker, a suburban housewife, who gets involved in a mystery after a child disappears in her neighbourhood. 

2. The Last Voice You Hear (2004)

The second book in the Zoe Boehm series follows private detective Zoe Boehm as she investigates the death of a man whose last moments were spent trying to make amends for a past mistake. 

3. Why We Die (2006)

In this third installment of the Zoe Boehm series, Zoe is hired to investigate the murder of a young woman in Oxford. 

4. Smoke and Whispers (2009)

The final book in the Zoe Boehm series sees Zoe returning to her hometown of Newcastle to investigate the death of an old friend. 

The case takes her into the dark underbelly of the city, where she must confront her past and the choices she has made. Smoke and Whispers is a fitting end to the series, with a tense and emotional conclusion.

Other works by Mick Herron

In addition to his series and standalone novels, Mick Herron has written a few other works that fans might find interesting.

1. Reconstruction (2008)

Reconstruction is a standalone novel that explores themes of identity and memory. It follows a group of people trapped in a school during a hostage situation as they confront the secrets they have been hiding. 

2. Nobody Walks (2015)

This novel is a standalone thriller that follows Tom Bettany, a former MI5 operative, who returns to London to investigate his son’s death. 

3. Dolphin Junction (2021)

This is a collection of short stories by Mick Herron featuring a variety of characters and settings. The stories range from crime and mystery to more introspective tales, showcasing Herron’s versatility as a writer. 

Conclusion

Mick Herron’s books are a treat for anyone who loves thrillers, mysteries, and spy novels. Whether you’re diving into the Slough House series or exploring his standalone works, you are in for a ride filled with sharp wit, complex characters, and plots that will keep you turning the pages.

Some Questions

What are the best Mick Herron Books In Order?

The best way to read Mick Herron’s books is to start with the Slough House series in publication order, beginning with Slow Horses. After that, you can explore his standalone novels and the Zoe Boehm series.

Do I need to read the Slough House series in order?

Yes, it is recommended that you read the Slough House series in order. The characters and plots develop across the series, so starting from the beginning with Slow Horses will give you the best understanding of the storyline.

Are there any other series by Mick Herron besides Slough House?

Yes, Mick Herron has also written the Zoe Boehm series, which is a set of crime novels featuring the private detective Zoe Boehm. These books are separate from the Slough House series.

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