Books On Board
series Reading Order

Ann Lindell Books in Order

18 Books
2 Reading orders
2006 – 2021 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start Reading Ann Lindell

For English-speaking readers, you have two primary ways to approach the Ann Lindell series: by English Publication Order or by the Chronological Order of the Storyline. Because the books were translated and released out of order in English, these two paths offer very different reading experiences.

Option 1: English Publication Order (Recommended for most)

Starting with The Princess of Burundi (published in English in 2006) is the most common path. This book was the first translation introduced to English audiences and won the Swedish Crime Academy's Best Crime Novel award. Starting here allows you to experience the series as it was popularized in the English-speaking world, even if some backstory references to earlier, untranslated Swedish cases require a bit of mental filling in.

Option 2: Chronological Storyline Order

If you prefer to follow the characters' development and the chronological timeline of events, you should start with Stone Coffin (published in English in 2016, but originally published in Swedish as Stenkistan in 2001). Chronologically, the events in Stone Coffin occur before those in The Princess of Burundi. Reading in this order helps avoid confusion about character relationships, though you will still encounter gaps where early novels in the Swedish series remain untranslated.

The Translation Gap and the Revival Novels

The original Swedish run consists of ten novels published between 1999 and 2009. Three of these books—the first, second, and fifth entries (Den upplysta stigen, Jorden må rämna, and Nattskärran)—have never been translated into English. After a long hiatus, Eriksson revived Inspector Ann Lindell with two post-series novels, The Night of the Fire and The Deathwatch Beetle, which follow a retired Lindell and are available in English.

Frequently Asked

QWhich Ann Lindell book should I read first?

Most readers should start with The Princess of Burundi, which was the first book translated into English and serves as an excellent introduction to her character. Alternatively, start with Stone Coffin if you want to follow the chronological storyline, as its events occur earlier.

QWhy are the English publication and chronological orders different?

The books were translated and published in English out of their original Swedish order. For example, Stone Coffin (the third Swedish book) was not translated into English until 2016, long after later books in the series had already been released in English.

QAre there any co-authored or spin-off books in the series?

No, all books in the Ann Lindell series are solely authored by Kjell Eriksson, and there are no official spin-offs, though the later novels The Night of the Fire and The Deathwatch Beetle act as a post-retirement continuation of her story.

QHow many Ann Lindell books are there in total?

There are 12 books in the Swedish series (the original 10-book run plus 2 revival novels). Of these, 9 have been translated into English.

QWhich Ann Lindell books have not been translated into English?

The first book (Den upplysta stigen), the second book (Jorden må rämna), and the fifth book (Nattskärran) remain untranslated from their original Swedish.