The Recommended Reading Path
If you are looking to dive into the emotional, suspenseful stories of Elissa Grossell Dickey, the good news is that you have complete freedom. Dickey writes standalone contemporary novels that blend elements of domestic suspense, romance, and women's fiction. Because there are no recurring characters, overarching series arcs, or shared universe constraints, you can read her books in any order you choose.
However, to get the absolute best experience of her development as a writer and her signature style, we recommend following her publication order. Starting with her debut allows you to experience her unique narrative structure—particularly her use of dual and intersecting timelines—and her deeply personal approach to character development before moving on to her more atmospheric and suspense-heavy follow-up. This path lets you appreciate how she handles tension and emotional depth from the very beginning of her fiction career.
Elissa Grossell Dickey Books in Publication Order
To date, Elissa Grossell Dickey has published two standalone novels, with a third highly anticipated novel scheduled for release. Here is the chronological sequence of her work based on when they were published:
- The Speed of Light (Lake Union Publishing) – Released March 1, 2021
- Iris in the Dark (Lake Union Publishing) – Released June 7, 2022
- Across the Earth and Sky (Red Adept Publishing) – Expected Release: 2026
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
Since all of Elissa Grossell Dickey's books are written as completely independent standalone stories, chronological order and publication order are effectively the same. There are no prequel novellas, spin-off short stories, or co-authored projects to navigate. Whether you choose to read her debut first or skip ahead to her latest work, you will not miss any plot points or character history. Each story stands entirely on its own, offering a satisfying, self-contained narrative with its own resolution.
Deep Dive: Exploring the Novels
The Speed of Light (2021)
Dickey’s debut novel, The Speed of Light, is a deeply personal and emotional contemporary drama that combines suspense with a realistic look at living with a chronic illness. The plot follows Simone Archer, a woman whose life has been upended by a recent diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and the painful decision to distance herself from Connor, the man she loves. The central, high-stakes conflict unfolds during a terrifying workplace shooting at the university where Simone works. As she hides and waits for safety, the story shifts between her present survival situation and the memories of the preceding year. This intersecting timeline structure slowly reveals how Simone’s personal struggles and relationships converge, highlighting her resilience and inner strength in the face of both medical and external crises.
Iris in the Dark (2022)
Her sophomore effort, Iris in the Dark, leans further into psychological suspense and atmospheric dread while maintaining the author's focus on healing from trauma. The story centers on Iris Jenkins, a single mother trying to build a new life for herself and her young daughter away from a troubled, abusive past. Iris accepts a job house-sitting at a remote, secluded lodge on the windy South Dakota prairie, hoping the quiet isolation will bring peace. Instead, her peace is shattered when she discovers a walkie-talkie in a box of children's toys and begins hearing terrifying, whispered cries for help. As these messages become more personal and threatening, Iris must rely on Sawyer Jones, the local property caretaker, and her own survival instincts to confront the demons of her past before they catch up with her.
Across the Earth and Sky (Expected 2026)
Dickey's third novel, Across the Earth and Sky, is slated for publication in 2026 by Red Adept Publishing. Moving slightly more into the realm of romantic suspense, this upcoming release is described as a thrilling and romantic tale focusing on two best friends who must navigate their way back to one another against the backdrop of the "end of the world." Fans of Dickey’s signature emotional depth and suspenseful pacing can expect another gripping, character-driven story about the power of human connection during extreme circumstances.
What to Know Before You Start Reading
Before you pick up one of Elissa Grossell Dickey's books, it is helpful to understand the common elements and themes that define her writing style:
- Authentic Medical Representation: As an advocate for the National MS Society and an MS warrior herself, Dickey drew heavily from her personal experiences to write Simone's diagnosis journey in The Speed of Light. The representation of chronic illness is exceptionally authentic, educational, and realistic.
- Midwestern Settings: Dickey's novels are grounded in the places she knows best. Having grown up in northern Minnesota and currently living on the South Dakota prairie, she uses these environments to create atmospheric backdrops, from the quiet, snowy lakes of Minnesota to the vast, isolated, and windy plains of South Dakota.
- Dual and Intersecting Timelines: A key structural element of Dickey's work is the use of non-linear storytelling. She frequently structures her suspense by switching between past memories and tense present-day situations, allowing the reader to piece together the characters' motivations and backstories gradually.
- Trigger Warnings: While both books focus on hope and resilience, they do deal with intense topics. The Speed of Light features a workplace shooting, while Iris in the Dark contains heavy themes of domestic abuse, trauma, and psychological harassment.
Practical Reader Advice and Book Club Tips
If you are looking for the absolute best starting point, we highly recommend beginning with The Speed of Light. It is widely considered her strongest emotional work and sets a fantastic benchmark for her writing voice. If you prefer a spookier, more isolated thriller atmosphere, then starting with Iris in the Dark is a great alternative.
Additionally, Dickey's books are fantastic choices for book clubs. Both novels raise thought-provoking questions about survival, chronic illness, and trauma recovery that lead to excellent group discussions. To help book clubs, Dickey provides free discussion guides on her official website, making it incredibly easy to lead an engaging conversation about her stories.