Ben McPherson Books in Order

Recommended Reading Path

Because Ben McPherson writes standalone psychological thrillers, you can dive into his books in any order you choose. However, the most rewarding path is to read them in publication order. This allows you to experience his evolution from domestic London suspense to deep, atmospheric Nordic noir set in his adopted home of Oslo, Norway.

Here is the recommended starting sequence:

1. A Line of Blood (2015) — Start here to experience McPherson's debut, a masterclass in domestic suspense set in London.
2. The Island / Love and Other Lies (2020/2021) — Follow up with his chilling Nordic noir thriller, set against the backdrop of a summer camp tragedy in Norway.

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

If you prefer to read the books exactly as they were released, here is the publication timeline:

• A Line of Blood (2015)
• The Island (2020 in the UK; also published in the US as Love and Other Lies in 2021)

Crucial Title Confusion: The Island vs. Love and Other Lies

If you are searching for Ben McPherson's books online or in bookstores, you might think he has written three separate novels. However, it is vital to know that The Island and Love and Other Lies are the exact same book under different titles.

The novel was published in the United Kingdom and other international markets in late 2020 as The Island (published by HarperCollins). When it was released in the United States in early 2021, the publisher renamed it to Love and Other Lies. Both books follow the exact same story of a family dealing with the aftermath of a mass shooting at a Norwegian summer camp and the sudden disappearance of their daughter.

What to Know Before You Start

Ben McPherson's novels are highly atmospheric and character-driven. Here are a few details that will help you appreciate his style before you turn the first page:

• The BBC Connection: McPherson spent over a decade working as a producer and director at the BBC. This background in visual storytelling shows in his tight pacing, cinematic scenes, and sharp dialogue.
• The Breivik Trial Influence: Having moved to Oslo after meeting his wife, McPherson personally covered the 2011 Anders Breivik trial for the news portal TheForeigner.no. This heavy experience deeply informed the realism, trauma, and societal impact depicted in The Island (also known as Love and Other Lies).
• Nordic Noir with a Twist: While his debut A Line of Blood is a classic domestic thriller set in London, his subsequent work transition fully into Nordic noir, capturing the distinct chilly isolation of Oslo's landscapes.