series Reading Order

Filthy Books in Order

10 Books
2020 – 2023 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Path

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Five Points' Mob series (often referred to simply as the Filthy series) in its publication order. Although Serena Akeroyd has written these books so that each couple's romance reaches a satisfying conclusion and can theoretically be enjoyed as a standalone, the overarching plot, political maneuvering of the New York underworld, and character development flow sequentially from one book to the next. Reading them out of order will expose you to significant spoilers regarding earlier couples and family alliances.

Five Points' Mob Publication Order

Here is the chronological publication list for the core books in the series:

  1. Filthy / The Air He Breathes (2020) – The series kicks off with Finn O’Grady, the financial brain of the Five Points' Mob, and Aoife Keegan, a sweet baker determined to protect her shop from mob encroachment.
  2. Filthy Rich (2020) – Focuses on Eoghan O’Donnelly, the youngest brother, who enters into a high-stakes arranged marriage with the Russian heiress Inessa to secure a crucial alliance.
  3. Filthy Dark (2020) – A second-chance romance featuring Declan O’Donnelly and Aela, exploring redemption, past scars, and family legacies.
  4. Filthy Sex (2021) – Follows Brennan O'Donnelly and Camille as they navigate a relationship built on protective instincts, secrets, and immense personal sacrifice.
  5. Filthy Hot (2021) – Centers on Conor O'Donnelly and Star in a high-tension, passionate struggle that challenges the boundaries of mob loyalty.
  6. Filthy Secret (2021) – The story of Sean O'Donnelly and Sharon, where hidden truths threat to destroy the fragile peace within the family.
  7. Filthy King (2022) – Follows Liam O'Donnelly and Cass (Cassiopeia) as they face the ultimate struggle for leadership and survival.
  8. Filthy Feck (2023) – Expands the universe further with the gritty romance of Cillian and Brenda.
  9. Filthy Sinner (2023) – A critical title that serves as a direct bridge and crossover event.
  10. The Forgotten Boys (2023) – Serves as the start of a spin-off subseries, beginning with the book Silenced, focusing on the Bratva and the wider criminal elements associated with the Five Points universe.

Chronological Caveats and the Crossover Universe

One of the most exciting aspects of Serena Akeroyd's writing is her interconnected "Serenaverse." The Five Points' Mob series exists in the exact same sandbox as her popular motorcycle club series, the Dark & Dirty Sinners' MC, as well as the Valentini Family series. Because of this, characters from the Irish mob frequently show up in the MC books and vice versa.

The Filthy Sinner Placement

There is some minor disagreement online regarding where to place Filthy Sinner. While published later in the run (2023), some platforms and readers list it as a prequel or "Book 0.5" because it provides backstory. However, most fans agree that reading it in its publication spot (between Filthy King and Filthy Lies / Filthy Feck) is best, as it prevents timeline confusion and honors the reveals of the main series.

The Forgotten Boys Spin-Off

Starting with Silenced (released under the subseries name The Forgotten Boys), Akeroyd shifts the focus slightly to a dark, contemporary Bratva romance. While it functions as its own narrative, it shares characters and settings with the Five Points' Mob, making it a perfect next step for readers who have finished the core O'Donnelly stories and want to remain in the same universe.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into the dark streets of Hell's Kitchen, readers should be prepared for the specific conventions of dark mafia romance. The series deals with mature themes including violence, organized crime politics, forced alliances, and explicit physical intimacy. The O'Donnelly family members are unapologetic antiheroes—morally gray men who will do whatever it takes to protect the women they love and maintain their grip on their territory.

If you prefer a softer romance, this series may not be for you. However, if you enjoy intense character chemistry, highly protective alphas, strong heroines who hold their own against mob bosses, and an expansive family dynamic where loyalty is everything, the Filthy series delivers an incredibly addictive experience.

Frequently Asked

QDo I need to read the Filthy series in order?

Yes. While each book features a different couple and ends with a completed romance, there is a continuous story arc involving the Five Points' Mob and its rivals. Reading them out of order will spoil major plot points and relationship developments from earlier books.

QWhat is the relation between Filthy and the Dark & Dirty Sinners' MC?

They are set in the same shared universe. Characters from both the Five Points' Mob and the motorcycle club cross over frequently, meaning actions in one series sometimes impact characters in the other.

QWho are the main characters in the first book, Filthy?

The first book (also known as The Air He Breathes) stars Finn O’Grady, the mob's financial expert, and Aoife Keegan, a local bakery owner who refuses to let the mob take over her business.

QWhere should I start if I want to read Serena Akeroyd's mafia books?

You should start with the very first book, Filthy (or The Air He Breathes), which introduces the O’Donnelly family and sets up the power dynamics of the Five Points' Mob.

QIs The Forgotten Boys a separate series?

Yes, The Forgotten Boys (starting with the book Silenced) is a spin-off series focusing on the Bratva, but it remains closely tied to the characters and events of the Five Points' Mob universe.