12 Must-Read Maeve Kerrigan Books: The Complete Jane Casey Chronology And 2025’s New Thriller
Jane Casey's Maeve Kerrigan series has solidified its place as one of the most compelling and highly-regarded crime fiction sagas of the modern era, capturing millions of readers with its unflinching look at dark crimes and the complex personal life of its ambitious detective. As of December 2025, the anticipation for the next installment is reaching a fever pitch, especially with the confirmed release date for the twelfth book in the main series. Casey’s masterful blend of gripping police procedural and deeply human character development, particularly the electric tension between Maeve Kerrigan and her volatile partner, DI Josh Derwent, keeps fans perpetually on edge.
The series continues to evolve, pushing Detective Sergeant Maeve Kerrigan through increasingly challenging cases in London’s Metropolitan Police Service while navigating a professional and personal relationship that has become the emotional anchor of the entire saga. The latest news confirms the next major chapter, promising fresh drama and high stakes for the beloved crime-fighting duo.
The Author: Jane Casey’s Biography and Literary Profile
Jane Casey is an acclaimed Irish author whose work has garnered international praise and numerous prestigious awards, establishing her as a powerhouse in contemporary crime fiction. Her background and keen insight into the criminal justice system—thanks in part to her marriage to a criminal barrister—lend a striking authenticity to her novels.
- Full Name: Jane Casey
- Born: 1977
- Nationality: Irish
- Residence: London, England
- Spouse: Married to a criminal barrister, which provides unique insight into legal and criminal proceedings that informs her writing.
- Former Profession: She previously worked in publishing as a children's books editor.
- Debut Novel: *The Missing* (2010), which was shortlisted for the Ireland AM Crime Fiction Award.
- Key Award Wins:
- Edgar Award (2015): Won the Mary Higgins Clark Award for *The Stranger You Know* (Maeve Kerrigan #4).
- Irish Book Awards (2024): Won the Crime Fiction Book of the Year for her standalone novel, *A Stranger in the Family*.
- Other Works: Beyond the Maeve Kerrigan series, Casey has written the standalone legal thriller *The Killing Kind* and has a new non-Kerrigan novel, *Everything She Didn't Say*, slated for 2026.
The Maeve Kerrigan Series: A Complete Chronological Reading Order
For readers looking to dive into the world of Maeve Kerrigan, following the chronological order is essential to fully appreciate the slow-burn development of Maeve’s career, her complex personal life, and the ever-evolving partnership with DI Josh Derwent. This list includes all main novels and the critical prequel novella, *Left for Dead*.
The Full Maeve Kerrigan Book List (2010–2025)
To fully track Maeve’s journey from a young Detective Constable (DC) to a seasoned Detective Sergeant (DS), here is the definitive reading order:
- *Left for Dead* (2013) – Prequel Novella (Book 0.5)
- *The Burning* (2010) – Book 1
- *The Reckoning* (2011) – Book 2
- *The Last Girl* (2012) – Book 3
- *The Stranger You Know* (2013) – Book 4 (Mary Higgins Clark Award Winner)
- *The Kill* (2014) – Book 5
- *After the Fire* (2016) – Book 6
- *Let the Dead Speak* (2017) – Book 7
- *The Missing* (2018) – Book 8
- *The Cutting Place* (2020) – Book 9
- *The Close* (2022) – Book 10
- *The Long Call* (2023) – Book 11
- *The Secret Room* (June 24, 2025) – Book 12 (Upcoming Release)
The Maeve and Derwent Dynamic: The Heart of the Series
The enduring popularity of the Maeve Kerrigan series extends far beyond the intricate plotlines and thrilling police work. The central relationship between DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent is a masterclass in tension, professional respect, and unspoken chemistry, serving as a powerful LSI entity that drives reader curiosity.
DS Maeve Kerrigan: Ambitious and Grounded
Maeve starts the series as a young, driven Detective Constable in London, determined to make her mark in a male-dominated field. Her character is defined by her sharp intelligence, keen observational skills, and a deeply empathetic nature that often puts her at odds with the harsher realities of her job. She is witty, wry, and possesses a "great big heart," making her one of the most beloved contemporary detectives in crime fiction.
DI Josh Derwent: Erratic and Loyal
DI Josh Derwent is Maeve’s superior officer and partner, characterized by his erratic behavior, sardonic wit, and a reputation for being difficult. Despite his flaws, his loyalty to Maeve is unwavering, and their professional dynamic is built on a foundation of mutual respect, often masked by sharp banter.
The Slow-Burn Relationship
For years, the nature of their relationship has been a major talking point among fans. It is a classic "will-they-won't-they" scenario, where the romantic tension is a slow-burn subplot that never overshadows the main crime narrative. Their partnership has seen both characters navigate other personal relationships—Maeve with Seth, and Josh with Melissa—but the deep, complicated bond between the two detectives remains the emotional core of the series. The narrative often shows Maeve's concern for Derwent's personal struggles, adding layers of emotional depth that elevate the series beyond a typical police procedural.
What to Expect from The Secret Room (2025)
The announcement of *The Secret Room* as the twelfth book in the Maeve Kerrigan series has generated significant buzz, confirming the continued evolution of the saga. Scheduled for release on June 24, 2025, the novel is set to be another gripping thriller featuring the dynamic duo.
While specific plot details are often kept under wraps, the synopsis suggests that the case will provide a welcome distraction for Maeve, who is reportedly worried about DI Josh Derwent’s difficult personal situation. The recurring theme of Derwent’s struggles often culminates in major dramatic shifts for the series, meaning this next installment could be pivotal for both his career and his relationship with Maeve.
Jane Casey’s ability to weave together a chilling crime investigation with the messy realities of her characters’ lives ensures that *The Secret Room* will not just be a standalone murder mystery, but a crucial chapter in the ongoing narrative of Maeve Kerrigan and Josh Derwent.
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