How to Read the Van Bakel Beach Series
Step into the sun-soaked, scheming world of Van Bakel Beach, where a trio of lovable losers chase the American Dream in the gritty heart of Brooklyn. Kimberly Meehan’s Van Bakel Beach series blends sharp humor, heartfelt pathos, and a vivid cast of characters, turning tales of petty crime into a poignant exploration of friendship and resilience.
For readers looking to dive into the misadventures of Eddie Gillespie and his crew, choosing the right entry point is key. While the publication order introduces the characters in the sequence they were conceived, a chronological approach offers a look at the backstory first.
Recommended Starting Point
We highly recommend starting with the first published book, The Coney Island Hot Dog Heist. Starting here allows you to meet Eddie and the gang as they were originally introduced, establishing their dynamics and the unique atmosphere of Van Bakel Beach before you explore prequels or sequels.
Publication Order of Van Bakel Beach Books
The series debuted in 2016 with three main novels released in quick succession, followed by a prequel side story in 2017. Here is the order in which Kimberly Meehan published the books:
- The Coney Island Hot Dog Heist (2016)
- Rockaway Run (2016)
- Battle for the Canal (2016)
- S Car Go (2017)
Chronological Reading Order
If you prefer to follow the characters' timeline from the very beginning, you can opt for the chronological order. This places the 2017 prequel story first, showing how Floyd got mixed up in his initial troubles before the events of the main trilogy.
- S Car Go (2017) — Prequel side story
- The Coney Island Hot Dog Heist (2016)
- Rockaway Run (2016)
- Battle for the Canal (2016)
Deep Dive into the Books
S Car Go (2017)
Serving as a prequel side story to the main series, this chaotic tale follows Floyd's run-in with a dangerous cartel and a wild Nathan's Restaurant heist. It establishes the high-stakes, low-reward schemes that define the lives of the beachfront crew before Eddie's main adventures begin.
The Coney Island Hot Dog Heist (2016)
The book that started it all. Eddie Gillespie, a directionless 'beach rat' from the shanty town of Van Bakel Beach, stumbles into a wild scheme involving mail-order Russian brides and a daring heist at Nathan's Famous during the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. It sets the tone for the series: comedic, gritty, and deeply character-driven.
Rockaway Run (2016)
Also known in early drafts and local circles under the plot-reference name One Fugazi Marathon, this sequel finds Eddie and his crew struggling to survive a brutal Brooklyn heatwave and crushing poverty. Their solution? Concocting a fake (fugazi) charity marathon to raise money for a missing friend. It raises the emotional stakes while keeping the trademark slapstick humor intact.
Battle for the Canal (2016)
The third installment brings Eddie and his friends back for another round of high-stakes, neighborhood-centric schemes. They fight to protect their territory and survival, highlighting the ultimate theme of community bonds against outside pressures.
What to Know Before You Start
Meehan's Brooklyn is a vibrant, gritty backdrop of boardwalks, dive bars, and dreams just out of reach. The series explores friendship, perseverance, and the flawed pursuit of success. It critiques the American Dream by showing how systemic barriers and personal missteps keep the underdog down, yet it celebrates the unbreakable bonds that keep Eddie's crew going. The tone blends lighthearted, comedic capers with a touch of blue-collar realism, drawing comparisons to classic character-driven stories of working-class survival.