Andrew M. Greeley Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Andrew M. Greeley

With dozens of novels blending Catholic theology, mystery, romance, and Chicago politics, diving into Andrew M. Greeley’s bibliography can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, his work is organized into distinct, approachable pathways depending on your preferred genre. Here are the best starting points:

• For Cozy Mystery Lovers: Start with Happy Are the Meek (1985), the official debut of the Blackie Ryan series, or begin with Virgin and Martyr (1985), a dramatic novel in which Father Blackie Ryan makes his first literary appearance.
• For Fans of Celtic Folklore and Romance: Start with Irish Gold (1994), the opening novel of the Nuala Anne McGrail series, which introduces a psychic Irish singer and her Chicago investigator husband.
• For Epic Family Dramas: Start with Thy Brother's Wife (1982) to experience his gritty Passover Trilogy, or Summer at the Lake (1997) to begin the sweeping O'Malley Family Saga.

The Blackie Ryan Mysteries

Father (and later Bishop) John Blackwood "Blackie" Ryan is Greeley's most famous recurring protagonist. Blackie is a brilliant, understated, and tea-drinking Chicago priest who solves intricate "locked-room" mysteries and church controversies while serving under the charismatic (and fictional) Cardinal Sean Cronin. The series is best read in order of publication so you can follow the character's steady rise through the church hierarchy.

1. Happy Are the Meek (1985)
2. Happy Are the Clean of Heart (1986)
3. Happy Are Those Who Thirst for Justice (1987)
4. Happy Are the Merciful (1992)
5. Happy Are the Peace Makers (1993)
6. Happy Are the Poor in Spirit (1994)
7. Happy Are Those Who Mourn (1995)
8. Happy Are the Oppressed (1996)
9. The Bishop at Sea (1997)
10. The Bishop and the Three Kings (1998)
11. The Bishop and the Missing L Train (2000)
12. The Bishop and the Beggar Girl of St. Germain (2001)
13. The Bishop in the West Wing (2002)
14. The Bishop Goes to the University (2003)
15. The Bishop in the Old Neighborhood (2005)
16. The Bishop at the Lake (2007)
17. The Archbishop in Andalusia (2008)

The Nuala Anne McGrail Series

This lighthearted mystery series follows Nuala Anne McGrail, a young Irish expat in Chicago who possesses "the sight" (psychic visions), and her devoted partner-turned-husband Dermot Michael Coyne. Together, they solve historical cold cases using Nuala's visions and Dermot's research skills, all while navigating their growing family. Read these in strict publication order to appreciate their relationship timeline.

1. Irish Gold (1994)
2. Irish Lace (1996)
3. Irish Whiskey (1998)
4. Irish Mist (1999)
5. Irish Eyes (2000)
6. Irish Love (2001)
7. Irish Stew! (2002)
8. Irish Cream (2005)
9. Irish Crystal (2006)
10. Irish Linen (2007)
11. Irish Tiger (2008)
12. Irish Tweed (2009)

The O'Malley Family Saga

This multi-generational family drama follows an eccentric, affluent Irish-American clan in Chicago from the aftermath of World War II through the end of the 20th century. Note that while Summer at the Lake (1997) was published first and introduces the extended circle of friends, some database lists begin with A Midwinter's Tale (1998) because it launches the central narrative arc focused on Chucky O'Malley. For the complete picture, begin with Summer at the Lake.

1. Summer at the Lake (1997)
2. A Midwinter's Tale (1998)
3. Younger Than Springtime (1999)
4. A Christmas Wedding (2000)
5. September Song (2001)
6. Second Spring (2003)
7. Golden Years (2004)

Other Notable Series and Trilogies

The Passover Trilogy

Greeley's early Irish-American family saga explores controversial religious, political, and familial themes, cementing his status as a mainstream novelist.

1. Thy Brother's Wife (1982)
2. Ascent Into Hell (1983)
3. Lord of the Dance (1984)

Time Between The Stars Series

This seven-book sequence weaves faith, romance, and modern sociological dilemmas. Note that the first entry, Virgin and Martyr, doubles as the narrative introduction to Blackie Ryan.

1. Virgin and Martyr (1985)
2. Angels of September (1986)
3. Patience of a Saint (1987)
4. Rite of Spring (1987)
5. Love Song (1988)
6. St. Valentine's Night (1989)
7. Wages of Sin (1992)

World of Maggie Ward

This trilogy follows character Maggie Ward and those connected to her life across Chicago's shifting cultural landscape.

1. The Cardinal Virtues (1990)
2. An Occasion of Sin (1991)
3. The Search for Maggie Ward (1991)

Angel Fire Series

A shorter, speculative trilogy incorporating angelic guidance and spirituality into modern life.

1. Angel Fire (1988)
2. Angel Light (1995)
3. Contract with an Angel (1998)

What to Know Before You Start: The Shared Chicago Universe

Greeley was a sociologist as well as a priest, and his fiction reflects his academic interest in ethnic subcultures. Nearly all of his novels take place in a shared fictional universe centered on the Archdiocese of Chicago. Major characters like Bishop Blackie Ryan and Cardinal Sean Cronin cross over between series, appearing as supporting figures in the Nuala Anne McGrail books, the Time Between the Stars sequence, and various standalones like White Smoke (1996). Because the characters age, marry, and change careers across the books, reading by publication order remains the most satisfying way to experience this grand tapestry.