How to Read E.A. Barres and E.A. Aymar’s Novels
Whether you know him as E.A. Barres or by his primary name E.A. Aymar, this Panamanian-born, D.C.-area thriller author has built a reputation for crafting some of the grittiest, most emotionally resonant crime fiction on the market today. Because Aymar writes under multiple names and has published both standalones and a short-lived series, new readers often wonder where they should begin. Fortunately, navigating his bibliography is straightforward when you understand how his books connect.
The Recommended Starting Point
For the best introduction to Aymar's signature blend of dark humor, flawed characters, and high-tension pacing, we recommend starting with They're Gone (2020). Released under his E.A. Barres pseudonym, this novel showcases his ability to write complex, dual-perspective thrillers without requiring any prior knowledge of his other works. From there, you can dive into his latest standalone thrillers like No Home for Killers or explore his early series work.
Publication Order of E.A. Barres / E.A. Aymar Books
If you prefer to watch an author's voice develop over time, reading in publication order is highly recommended. It highlights his transition from localized Baltimore crime drama to complex, award-nominated psychological thrillers. Here is the complete list of his novels by release year:
- I'll Sleep When You're Dead (2013) – Written as E.A. Aymar
- You're As Good As Dead (2015) – Written as E.A. Aymar
- The Unrepentant (2019) – Written as E.A. Aymar
- They're Gone (2020) – Written as E.A. Barres
- No Home for Killers (2023) – Written as E.A. Aymar
- When She Left (2024) – Written as E.A. Aymar
The Tom Starks Duology (The "Dead" Series)
Before Aymar transitioned fully into writing standalone thrillers, he began his career with a connected series centering on Tom Starks. Though originally marketed and referred to by some online databases as the "Dead Trilogy," the series is actually a duology, containing only two published novels. These books must be read in order to understand the ongoing character arcs and consequences of Tom's choices.
I'll Sleep When You're Dead (2013)
This debut novel introduces readers to Tom Starks, a Baltimore community college professor and single father whose life is shattered when his wife is brutally murdered. Frustrated by the police's slow progress, Starks makes the desperate, morally questionable choice to hire hitmen to seek revenge. The decision plunges him into the criminal underworld, ultimately turning the targets back onto himself and his young daughter. It is a raw, fast-paced debut that sets the tone for Aymar's future exploration of ordinary people pushed to extremes.
You're As Good As Dead (2015)
In this direct sequel, Starks tries to piece his life back quietly while raising his daughter in the aftermath of their brush with death. However, the shadow of his past revenge plot looms large. When old foes track him down, Starks has to navigate a deadly maze of crime to protect his family once again, proving that some debts can never be fully paid.
The Standalone Thrillers
After finishing the Starks books, Aymar focused on standalone novels. Because these books do not share characters or plotlines, they can be read in any order. Each book offers a completely fresh cast and setup, usually set within the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region.
The Unrepentant (2019)
This gritty, high-stakes thriller centers on Charlotte, a young woman fleeing a dangerous and abusive motorcycle gang. Her path collides with a mismatched ally, leading to a violent, adrenaline-fueled escape across the East Coast. The Unrepentant was an Amazon bestseller and was nominated for the prestigious Anthony Award, cementing Aymar's place as a top-tier modern noir voice.
They're Gone (2020)
Published under the pseudonym E.A. Barres, this novel uses a clever dual-narrative structure. It follows two women, Deb and Heather, who have absolutely nothing in common except for one horrifying detail: both of their husbands were murdered on the same night, in the same city, in the exact same way. As the two widows team up to investigate, they uncover dark secrets that link their husbands' pasts. The book received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews and was widely praised for its emotional depth and suspenseful plotting.
No Home for Killers (2023)
This thriller follows two estranged sisters, Melinda and Emily Peña, who are brought back together by the murder of their brother Markus, a jazz musician and local D.C. activist. Melinda, a former social worker dealing with severe PTSD, and Emily, an undercover vigilante targeting abusive men, must search through Markus's complicated life to find his killer. The book received high praise, including a review in the New York Times, for its sharp characterization and gritty realism.
When She Left (2024)
Aymar's standalone was selected by the PEN/Faulkner Foundation for the "DC Reads" program. The plot centers on Melissa Cruz, who flees her crime-boss boyfriend with a photographer. Her ex hires Lucky Wilson, a reluctant suburban hitman living a double life as a real estate agent, to hunt them down. The novel is a masterpiece of tension, exploring the choices people make when trying to escape their pasts.
Collaborative Anthologies & Audio Projects
In addition to his novels, Aymar is a prominent editor and community organizer. For readers interested in discovering other thriller writers, his collaborative anthologies offer a great starting point. The Night of the Flood (2018) and The Swamp Killers (2020) are unique "novels-in-stories" where different authors write chapters contributing to a single overarching mystery. Aymar also hosts a series of audio-visual collaborations under the moniker E.A. Alkimist on his official website, combining his short fiction with visual art and atmospheric soundscapes.
What to Know Before You Start
If you are planning to read E.A. Barres's work, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Look for Both Names: Libraries and bookstore databases do not always link E.A. Barres and E.A. Aymar. Search under both names to see his full catalog.
- The DMV Setting: Aymar's books are deeply rooted in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia suburbs. He avoids the typical political intrigue of D.C. to focus on the grit of the local neighborhoods, making the setting feel like a living character.
- Noir Tone: Expect high-stakes violence, morally gray characters, and dark humor. However, unlike traditional noir, Aymar's writing always maintains a strong sense of empathy and focus on the resilience of survivors.