Dennis Lehane Books In Order – Complete List of Novels
Dennis Lehane is New York Times Bestselling author of Shutter Island and Mystic River (both which were made into movie with Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, and Kevin Bacon, and Leonardo Di Caprio respectively), however, the author has written several other worthwhile books, including his Kenzie & Gennaro series and the Coughlin series.
Here is the list of the Dennis Lehane books in order for his entire writing library.
Latest Dennis Lehane Books

Kenzie and Gennaro Books in Publication Order
- A Drink Before the War, 1994
- Darkness, Take My Hand, 1996
- Sacred, 1997
- Gone, Baby, Gone, 1998
- Prayers for Rain, 1999
- Moonlight Mile, 2010
Coughlin Books in Publication Order
- The Given Day, 2008
- Live by Night, 2012
- World Gone By, 2015
Dennis Lehane Standalone Novels in Order of Publication
- Mystic River, 2001
- Shutter Island, 2003
- The Drop, 2014
- Since We Fell, 2017
- Small Mercies, 2023
Akashik Noir Series Contribution in Order of Publication
- Boston Noir, 2009
- Boston Noir 2, 2012
Short Story Collections
- Coronado, 2006
Anthologies and Contributions in Order of Publication
- The Mighty Johns, 2002
- The Best American Mystery Stories 2010, 2010
- Mystery Writers of America Presents Vengeance, 2012
- In Pursuit of Spenser: Mystery Writers on Robert B. Parker and the Creation of an American Hero, 2012
- USA Noir, 2013 (Akashik Noir, with Johnny Temple)
- FaceOff, 2014
- Trouble in the Heartland: Crime Fiction Based on the Songs of Bruce Springsteen, 2014
- The Best American Mystery Stories 2015, 2015 (edited by James Patterson and Otton Penzler)
- Exit Wounds, 2019 (edited by Paul Kane and Marie O’Regan)
Dennis Lehane Biography – About the Author
Dennis Lehane was born on August 4, 1965, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and grew up in a working-class Irish Catholic family. His father worked as a supervisor for Sears and Roebuck, and his mother worked at a school cafeteria in Boston. His parents divorced when he was young, and he was raised primarily by his mother in the tough neighborhoods of Boston.
As a child, Dennis Lehane loved reading, especially books by authors such as Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. While reading crime novels, he became fascinated with the criminal underworld. He attended Boston College High School and then got a degree in English and creative writing. After college, he worked as a counselor for abused children and a freelance writer for a local newspaper.
Dennis Lehane’s first novel, A Drink Before the War, was published in 1994 and introduced his series characters Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro, private investigators based in Boston. He then followed up with four more novels featuring Kenzie and Gennaro, including Darkness, Take My Hand, and Sacred. There is also the Graphic novel Shutter Island that the author published soon after.
In addition to his book list of series of novels, Dennis Lehane has also written several standalone novels, including Mystic River, published in 2001, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film directed by Clint Eastwood. Dennis Lehane’s novel Shutter Island, published in 2003, about an asylum for the criminally insane, also became a major movie directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Dennis Lehane’s novels often deal with crime, corruption, and themes of redemption set in Boston’s working-class neighborhoods.
In an interview with The Guardian, he said, “Being a writer is hard. You have to be willing to fail, and fail a lot. You have to be willing to be alone, and to doubt yourself, and to work harder than you ever thought possible.” Dennis Lehane has also been vocal about his struggles with addiction and his commitment to becoming and staying sober.
In recent years, the author has continued to write novels, including Live by Night, Since We Fell, and Small Mercies. He also often spoke out about important issues such as gun violence and income inequality.
While most authors are best known for their mystery series (e.g., the author duo Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child are best known for their Pendergast series and less for their standalone books written by each separately, or Vince Flynn for his Mitch Rapp series rather than his standalone novel), Dennis Lehane is best known for his two standalone books.
One reason is that they are both made into two popular movies, however, I find it a pity not to read his series as well, which make some fascinating stories.
There is lots of violence and terror in these books, and some of the descriptions of what the killers do to their victims often make people even stop reading for a while. However, the author is also known for his gallows humor that comes through the books, and the vivid descriptions of everything Boston-related.
In addition to his novels, Dennis Lehane has also written for television, including the HBO series The Wire and Boardwalk Empire. He has also worked as a screenwriter and has adapted several of his own novels for the screen. He also received several awards, including the Shamus Award, the Edgar Award, and the Massachusetts Book Award. In 2013, he was awarded the Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award in recognition of his contributions to the writing community. His short story collection Coronaro was selected for The Best Mystery Short Stories and The Best American Short Story.
Dennis Lehane Awards and Nominations
- Darkness, Take My Hand – Dilys Awards Best Book nominee in 1997
- Sacred – Dilys Awards Best Book nominee in 1998
- Sacred – Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee in 1998
- Gone, Baby, Gone – Anthony Awards Best Novel nominee in 1999
- Gone, Baby, Gone – Barry Award Best Novel winner in 1999
- Gone, Baby, Gone – Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee in 1999
- Prayers for Rain – Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee in 2000
- Mystic River – Anthony Awards Best Novel winner in 2002
- Mystic River – Barry Award Best Novel winner in 2002
- Mystic River – Macavity Awards Best Novel nominee in 2002
- Shutter Island – Anthony Awards Best Novel nominee in 2004
- Moonlight Mile – Dilys Awards Best Book nominee in 2011
- Live by Night – Edgar Awards Best Novel winner in 2013
- Since We Fell – Dagger Awards Best Book nominee in 2018
I’m just entering the book world of Dennis Lehane. I’ve been a book collector and avid reader all my life; over time built a beautiful personal library of over 2,000 books….collector books, first editions, beautiful book sets covering many important times in the military and art histories of our world.. I only point this out because based on my extensive reading, in comparison – I have marveled at the unique and interesting way Mr. LeHane composes his stories. His writing style is exemplary. I find him exceedingly interesting and am in the process of buying all of his books. I loved his BABE RUTH intro in Any Given Day. Loved it.
I own and read every book he has written. My all time favorite was Mystic River.
I worked with his brother for few years who was the one telling me about his brothers books. Became a big fan after
Mystic River became a such a great movie.
What about his short stories and the order in which they came out. Like in face off and Boston noir 1 and 2
Loved the Coughlin series .
What about ” The Drop ” which preceded “Since we Fell ” ?
Huh, you’re right, I missed it! Probably because it was one of my least favorite books by the author. Added it now.
I loved shutter Island and mystic river. Half thru live by night and find it quite boring. Hope it picks up a bit when Joe gets involved with Figgis daughter. Keep thinking Emma will come back. Guess I will have to keep reading. Usually like to watch movie after but think I will pass this time. Loved shutter book and movie.
Just finished live by.night. See where it is left open for a next book. Disappointed all the women died or left Joe. Had a hard time reading it.
hi. i would like to see more kenzie and gennaro books. any chance
During his first three K and G novels, he references characters and events that I have never read about. Am I missing something? For example, Angie’s husband death mentioned in Sacred. And Grace and her daughter, Mae.
Angie’s husband, Phil is in the first 2 books A Drink Before the War & Darkness, Take My Hand. Grace and Mae are in Darkness… as well!
Has anyone read the ‘Coughlin series’ if so is it nessecary for me to read the first book or can I just skip to the second book “Live by Night” ? Any help will be greatly appreciated
Read them in order as knowing the family back story will increase your enjoyment of the series
I suggest you read them in order. It enhances the overall storyline.
I have all of Dennis Lehane’s Books except World Gone By which I will be purchasing for my collection
very shortly. I do have a Kindle but am enjoying having personal copies of his books. Love his mysteries.
Formerly from Boston, I have savored the stories from that area and location. Now living in Fl the mention
of Ybor City and Tampa have piqued my interest. Keep up the great work Dennis!
A true fan,
Diane
Bradenton FL
Hi Diane: I am working my way through Lehane’s works. But if you’ve read them all and like stories set in Boston area you should check out all the Robert B. Parker “Spenser” series. He was the trendsetter for Boston area Private Investigators and known as the Dean of American Crime fiction. Sadly he passed away in January 2010. The family has contracted with author Ace Atkins who has done an excellent job continuing the Spenser series. But I’d read the originals first.
Wikipedia:
Robert Brown Parker (September 17, 1932 – January 18, 2010) was an American crime writer. His most famous works were the novels about the private detective Spenser. ABC television network developed the television series Spenser: For Hire based on the character in the mid-1980s; a series of TV movies based on the character were also produced. His works incorporate encyclopedic knowledge of the Boston metropolitan area.[3] Parker was 77 when he died of a heart attack at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts; discovered at his desk by his wife Joan, he had been working on a novel.[1][4][5] The Spenser novels have been cited by critics and bestselling authors such as Robert Crais, Harlan Coben and Dennis Lehane[6] as not only influencing their own work but reviving and changing the detective genre.[7]
Spenser series is excellent fun! And relates much of Boston and the burbs.
Anymore kenzie/gennaro and gabby books on the horizon? First introduce to characters in the faceoff book. Never read any before but since may I have read every one in the series. I am thoroughly hooked.