Andrew Raymond Books in Order

Where Should You Start Reading Andrew Raymond?

Andrew Raymond is a master of suspense, but because he writes in distinct sub-genres, your best starting point depends on what kind of thriller you prefer. Here is how to choose your first book:

• For Political Espionage & Conspiracy Fans: Start with Official Secrets (2018). This is Raymond's bestselling debut and the first installment in the Novak & Mitchell series. It is the perfect introduction to his cinematic, fast-paced storytelling style.
• For Gritty Crime Fiction & Tartan Noir Fans: Start with The Bonnie Dead (2022). Set in Glasgow, this kicks off the DCI John Lomond procedural series, offering a darker, more localized crime-solving atmosphere filled with dry Glaswegian humor.
• For High-Octane Spy Action: Start with Kill Day (2021). This book introduces Duncan Grant, a maverick MI6 operative, delivering a pure action-driven espionage hunt.
• For Atmospheric Mystery: Start with The Long Isle (2026). This introduces Hebridean DC Mairead Maclean, delivering a character-driven police investigation set in the remote Outer Hebrides.

Novak & Mitchell Series in Publication Order

This series follows Tom Novak and Stella Mitchell, two crusading journalists who find themselves repeatedly tangled in global political conspiracies. The series should be read in publication order to follow the development of their professional relationship and the overarching political arcs.

1. Official Secrets (2018) – Novak and Mitchell team up to investigate a political assassination that connects the White House to MI6.
2. Capitol Spy (2019) – The duo returns to navigate deep-state secrets in Washington, D.C.
3. Traitor Games (2020) – A high-stakes chase involving rogue agents and media manipulation.
4. True Republic (2021) – The conspiracy hits close to home as the team fights to expose truth in an era of misinformation.
5. Blood Money (2023) – Novak and Mitchell trace corrupt international finance networks and deadly secrets.

DCI Lomond Crime Thrillers in Publication Order

If you prefer procedural detective stories with a strong sense of place, the DCI Lomond series is set in Glasgow and the surrounding Scottish Highlands. The series follows DCI John Lomond, a brilliant but deeply flawed detective. Reading these in order is highly recommended to appreciate Lomond's personal struggles and career trajectory.

1. The Bonnie Dead (2022) – Lomond investigates a brutal murder that exposes the dark underbelly of Glasgow.
2. The Shortlist (2023) – A serial killer targets high-profile figures, putting Lomond under immense political pressure.
3. The Bloody, Bloody Banks (2023) – The discovery of a body near Loch Lomond leads Lomond into a web of family secrets and local corruption.
4. Cold Open (2024) – Lomond is forced to confront a cold case that has haunted Glasgow for decades.
5. The Long Dark (2026) – A complex investigation that pushes Lomond to his psychological limits.
6. The Ferryman (2026) – Lomond traces a mysterious figure operating in the shadows of the Scottish waterways.

Duncan Grant Spy Thrillers in Publication Order

For readers who love classic spy thrillers in the vein of Ian Fleming or modern action cinema, the Duncan Grant series centers on an elite MI6 operative from the Isle of Skye who doesn't always play by the rules.

1. Kill Day (2021) – Grant is sent to hunt down a rogue MI6 officer, leading him from London to the Hamptons.
2. Dead Flags (2021) – Grant races against the clock to prevent a series of coordinated global assassinations.
3. The Last Albion (2024) – Going deep undercover, Grant seeks to avenge a fallen ally and save what remains of his agency.

DC Mairead Maclean Mysteries

Launched in 2026, this series offers a shift in tone toward atmospheric, slow-burn mystery, drawing comparisons to dramas like Broadchurch and Ann Cleeves' Shetland.

1. The Long Isle (2026) – DC Mairead Maclean returns to her childhood home on the island of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides to investigate a body found on a beach, uncovering decades-old secrets.

Standalone Novels

If you want a self-contained thriller that requires no series commitment, Raymond has written a standalone story set in one of the world's most secretive nations.

• The Limits of the World (2022) – A tense, character-driven thriller set in North Korea, following a government official whose secret love for banned books sparks a dangerous rebellion.

What to Know Before You Start

Andrew Raymond's writing style is cinematic and fast-paced, heavily influenced by political thrillers like All the President’s Men and the espionage tension of John le Carré. While the Novak & Mitchell and Duncan Grant books focus on large-scale international conspiracies, the Lomond and Maclean series are firmly rooted in Scottish Tartan Noir, focusing on local police work, dark humor, and atmospheric settings. There are no major crossover events that require you to read across different series, so you can safely complete one series before starting another.