Where to Start with Alex Connor?
If you are new to Alex Connor’s historical thrillers, the best place to begin is with her standalone masterpieces or her breakthrough conspiracies. Because she specializes in standalone novels and short, self-contained duologies, you have a lot of flexibility. We highly recommend starting with The Caravaggio Conspiracy (2017) to experience her signature mix of high-stakes art deals, historical mystery, and modern-day crime. Alternatively, you can start with her earliest standalone hit, The Rembrandt Secret (2011), which perfectly establishes her ability to blend artistic biography with fast-paced suspense.
The Bosch Deception Duology
This series centers around the cryptic, unsettling works of the 15th-century Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch. The plot revolves around secret fragments that suggest Bosch died young and his family secretly painted in his stead, a revelation that threatens both the Vatican and the elite art market.
While both books were published in 2014, they have a clear chronological division:
- The Garden of Unearthly Delights (2014) – This prequel novella introduces reporter David Gerrald as he uncovers an art scandal surrounding Bosch's painting St. Jerome.
- The Bosch Deception (2014) – The main novel follows Nicholas Laverne, an excommunicated priest who is hunted after coming into possession of the dangerous Bosch secrets.
Reader Advice: While you can read The Bosch Deception first, starting with the short prequel The Garden of Unearthly Delights gives you an excellent introduction to the conspiracy's thematic foundation.
The Isle of the Dead Series
This series revolves around a cursed painting and the dark secrets that float to the surface in the art trade. It won Connor the prestigious Rome Prize in 2017.
Though published in the same year, the chronological order differs from the standard listing order:
- Blood on the Water (2013) – The prequel novella that sets up the background of the art conspiracy.
- Isle of the Dead (2013) – The main novel that dives into the investigation of a mysterious, cursed artwork.
Reader Advice: Start with the prequel Blood on the Water to fully appreciate the tension and backstory before diving into the main mystery of Isle of the Dead.
The Memory of Bones Duology
This duology explores the strange mystery of the Spanish artist Francisco Goya and the search for his missing skull. The plot follows Leon Golding as he tries to authenticate the relic, drawing the attention of dangerous killers.
The two parts are:
- Unearthing the Bones (2012) – The prequel novella that takes place between Madrid and London, introducing the discovery of the skull.
- Memory of Bones (2012) – The primary thriller novel following Leon Golding's dangerous quest.
Reader Advice: The prequel novella is highly recommended to read first because it establishes the double-narrative of the Madrid discovery and a serial killer in London, which directly sets the stage for the main book.
The Caravaggio Conspiracy
This major thriller focuses on art expert Gil Eckhart as he investigates the murder of twin art dealers in London, linking the crime to a 1608 secret from when Caravaggio was expelled from the Knights of Malta.
- The Caravaggio Conspiracy (2017)
Reader Advice: This is a standalone experience in English, though it has been expanded into a wider trilogy in some European translations (known as the Caravaggio Saga). It serves as a fantastic starting point for readers who want a chunky, detailed mystery.
Alex Connor's Standalone Historical Art Thrillers
In addition to her multi-part series, Connor has written several highly acclaimed standalone novels. These are excellent choices for readers who want a complete story without committing to a series:
- The Other Rembrandt / The Rembrandt Secret (2011) – Explores a hidden scandal surrounding Rembrandt's life and paintings.
- The Hogarth Conspiracy / Legacy of Blood (2011) – Connects the 18th-century artist William Hogarth to a deadly royal secret.
- Artemisia (2018) – A biographical historical novel focusing on the struggles and triumphs of Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi.
- The Wolves of Venice (2020) – Set in 16th-century Venice, this dark thriller explores the vast divide between the wealthy elite and the poverty-stricken Venetian ghetto.
What to Know Before You Start
Before jumping in, it is helpful to know that Alex Connor is a professional artist and art historian in her own right. Her intimate familiarity with oil glazing, egg tempera, and the inner workings of the art market adds a unique layer of authenticity to her thrillers. Note that several of her books are published under different names depending on the market (for example, The Rembrandt Secret is also sold as The Other Rembrandt). Keep this in mind when purchasing books so you don't accidentally buy the same story twice!