Where Should You Start Reading Chandler Baker?
Chandler Baker's books generally fall into two distinct camps: sharp, feminist adult thrillers that tackle contemporary societal pressures, and suspenseful young adult (YA) horror novels that put modern spins on classic tales. Because most of her books are standalones, your starting point depends entirely on what genre you prefer:
- For fans of adult thrillers and domestic suspense: Start with Whisper Network (2019). This New York Times bestseller was a Reese’s Book Club pick and serves as the perfect introduction to Baker's signature style: fast-paced, legally informed, and deeply rooted in modern feminist themes. Alternatively, you can dive into The Husbands (2021), a darkly comedic thriller that feels like a modern gender-bent Stepford Wives.
- For fans of YA horror and sci-fi: Start with the High School Horror series, beginning with Teen Frankenstein (2016). If you prefer a YA standalone, start with Alive (2015), her debut novel about a mysterious heart transplant, or This Is Not the End (2017), a speculative thriller exploring the ethical dilemmas of resurrection technology.
The High School Horror Series (Recommended Reading Order)
This is the only multi-book narrative series in Chandler Baker's bibliography. Reimagining classic literary monsters in a contemporary high school setting, the books should be read in order of publication to best appreciate the character growth and thematic development:
- Teen Frankenstein (2016): High school student Tor Frankenstein is a science prodigy who accidentally causes a fatal car accident. In a desperate attempt to fix her mistake, she reanimates the victim, only to discover that bringing someone back from the dead has terrifying consequences.
- Teen Hyde (2017): This installment follows Cassidy, a girl struggling with her temper and identity, who finds a strange chemical formula that unleashes her wild, uninhibited alter ego. Soon, she is forced to confront the dark side she has set free.
- Teen Phantom (2018): Centered around a contemporary high school theatre production, this story brings the classic Phantom of the Opera tale to life in a modern setting full of secrets, obsession, and suspense.
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
If you prefer to see how Chandler Baker's themes evolved over time, reading her standalone novels in order of publication is an excellent path. Her writing transitions cleanly from speculative YA horror to sharp-witted adult domestic thrillers:
- Alive (2015): Baker's debut novel is a YA thriller centering on Stella, a teenage girl who receives a life-saving heart transplant. However, she soon discovers that her new heart brings strange side effects, dark memories, and a connection to a sinister secret.
- This Is Not the End (2017): Set in a speculative world where resurrection technology is a legally protected right, seventeen-year-old Lake Devereaux must make the impossible choice of resurrecting either her deceased boyfriend or her best friend on her eighteenth birthday, while navigating family pressure and dark secrets.
- Whisper Network (2019): Baker's adult debut focuses on four women working at a prominent Dallas company. When their predatory boss is poised to become CEO, they decide they can no longer remain silent. The novel is a suspenseful exploration of workplace misogyny and corporate politics.
- The Husbands (2021): A Good Morning America Book Club selection, this book follows Nora, a busy attorney who moves to a suburban community where the husbands are unusually helpful, supportive, and perfect—leading Nora to uncover a dark, suburban conspiracy behind this apparent domestic bliss.
- Hello (From Here) (2021): Co-authored with Wesley King, this YA contemporary romance is set in California at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It follows Maxine and Jonah as they build a relationship while navigating lockdown, class differences, and mental health struggles.
- Cutting Teeth (2023): A suspenseful thriller that takes a bite out of modern parenting pressures. When a group of preschoolers begins exhibiting a disturbing craving for human blood, their mothers must band together to protect their children and keep their secrets safe during a weekend retreat that turns deadly.
Short Stories, Novellas, and Anthologies
In addition to her novels, Chandler Baker has contributed to several short story collections and anthologies. Here is where they fit into her bibliography:
- Moms Don't Have Time to Have Kids (2021): A timeless anthology edited by Zibby Owens, featuring short essays from forty-nine popular authors who have appeared on the Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books podcast, including Chandler Baker.
- Oh. What. Fun. (2021): A holiday-themed short story about a mother who decides to go on strike right before Christmas, forcing her family to realize how much work goes into making the holidays happen. This story was later adapted into a holiday feature film.
- Creature Feature Collection (2023): This is a multi-author Amazon Original Stories collection featuring six distinct horror tales. While the local database lists these under Chandler Baker's collections, it is important to note that Baker only wrote the fifth story, Big Bad—a werewolf-themed story examining a marriage under strain. The other stories in the collection were penned by other prominent horror writers: The Pram by Joe Hill, Ankle Snatcher by Grady Hendrix, It Waits in the Woods by Josh Malerman, and Best of Luck by Jason Mott. They can be read as standalones, but horror enthusiasts will enjoy reading the entire collection in order.
What to Know Before You Start
Chandler Baker's unique background heavily influences her writing. Before she became a bestselling author, she earned a law degree from the University of Texas and worked as a corporate attorney. This legal precision shines through in the sharp dialogue, realistic workplace dynamics, and corporate intrigue of her adult thrillers.
Readers should expect a blend of suspense and sharp social commentary. Baker does not shy away from heavy topics like systemic sexism, the mental load of motherhood, and the unrealistic expectations placed on modern women. Because of this, her thrillers feel incredibly timely and relatable. Furthermore, several of her works are in various stages of adaptation, including The Husbands, which has been optioned for a film adaptation starring Kristen Wiig.