Barry Finlay Books in Order

How to Read Barry Finlay's Books

Barry Finlay's writing career is divided into distinct, satisfying paths: his gripping suspense fiction and his inspiring real-life memoirs. To get the most out of his storytelling, readers typically choose one of three entry points depending on their favorite genre. If you love tense, character-driven thrillers with high-stakes political intrigue, you should start with his signature Marcie Kane Thriller Collection. For classic investigative crime mysteries, begin with the Jake Scott Mystery Series. If you are looking for real-life adventure and motivation, start with his award-winning travel memoirs.

The Marcie Kane Thriller Collection

The Marcie Kane series is Finlay's flagship thriller collection. The books follow Marcie Kane, a sharp, resilient protagonist who evolves from a recently divorced woman caught in dangerous circumstances into a formidable investigator partnering with FBI Special Agent Nathan Harris. The series deals with heavy, socially relevant themes like human trafficking, cybercrime, and political corruption.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

When it comes to reading the Marcie Kane books, readers are faced with a choice regarding the prequel novella, Never So Alone. This short book focuses on Nathan Harris's undercover work prior to meeting Marcie Kane. Reading it first sets up his character background, but reading it in publication order allows you to appreciate the mystery surrounding him in the first three books.

The Chronological Reading Order:

1. Never So Alone (2019) – A prequel novella focusing on FBI Special Agent Nathan Harris's undercover operations.
2. The Vanishing Wife (2014) – The first full-length novel, where Marcie's search for a missing friend reveals a deep web of secrets.
3. A Perilous Question (2016) – Marcie is pulled into a dangerous investigation involving corporate greed and environmental hazards.
4. Remote Access (2018) – A high-tech thriller that hits close to home as cyber-threats endanger those around Marcie.
5. The Burden of Darkness (2020) – Marcie and Nathan team up directly to face a dark, personal, and dangerous threat.

The Publication Reading Order:

1. The Vanishing Wife (2014)
2. A Perilous Question (2016)
3. Remote Access (2018)
4. Never So Alone (2019)
5. The Burden of Darkness (2020)

Our Recommendation

We recommend starting with The Vanishing Wife first. Experiencing Marcie's initial introduction as an ordinary citizen thrown into extraordinary danger makes for a better starting point. Once you have read the first three novels, diving into the prequel Never So Alone provides a rewarding backstory for Nathan Harris just before you start the final collaborative thriller, The Burden of Darkness.

The Jake Scott Mystery Series

For readers who prefer a classic investigative mystery over political thrillers, the Jake Scott Mystery Series is the perfect fit. This series features Jake Scott, a retired investigative journalist who cannot seem to leave his old habits behind. Along with his homicide detective girlfriend, Dani Perez, and his temperamental cat, Oliver, Jake tackles intricate local conspiracies and crimes. This series should be read in order to follow the development of Jake and Dani's relationship and recurring subplots.

1. Searching For Truth (2021) – Jake is drawn back into active reporting when he attempts to solve a cold case that hits close to home.
2. The Guardians of Truth (2022) – Jake and Dani work to expose a powerful group protecting dangerous secrets.
3. The Secret Truth (2024) – A deep dive into old secrets, hidden agendas, and threats against Jake's investigative team.
4. Shadows of Truth (2025) – Jake must confront shadows from the past in a tense case that tests his limits.

Barry Finlay's Non-Fiction and Memoirs

Before Barry Finlay wrote fiction, he was celebrated for his memoirs. At the age of 60, Finlay retired from a long career in financial management and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with his son, Chris. This life-altering experience launched both his writing career and his philanthropic initiatives. These books can be read in any order, though reading them in publication order lets you follow his personal post-retirement journey.

• Kilimanjaro and Beyond: A Life-Changing Journey (2011) – Co-written with his son Chris, this memoir chronicles their physical climb up Africa's highest peak and their efforts to raise funds for Tanzanian children.
• I Guess We Missed The Boat (2013) – A humorous travel memoir focusing on the challenges, unexpected turns, and comedy of global travel.
• Just Keep Climbing: Inspirational Stories for Overcoming Challenges and Living Life (2023) – A motivational book that shares inspirational lessons and anecdotes built around Finlay's life philosophy.

What to Know Before You Start

Barry Finlay's writing is highly accessible, focusing on realistic pacing, grounded characters, and strong moral centers. Here are a few key details to keep in mind:

• Social Relevancy: Finlay's thrillers are notable for tackling real-world social issues, such as human trafficking in The Vanishing Wife, making them feel timely and grounded.
• Philanthropic Connection: A portion of the proceeds from Finlay's books goes toward supporting youth in East Africa, helping build classrooms and drill clean water wells in Tanzania.
• Standalone Potential: While both the Marcie Kane and Jake Scott series have overarching character arcs, the individual mysteries in each book are self-contained, meaning you can understand the main plot of any book even if you read them out of order. However, reading them in order is highly recommended to appreciate the character growth.