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Kevin O’Brien

Bestselling Author • 3 Series • 25 Books

3
Series
25
Books
3
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Only Son (1997)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Anthologies
Start with: Hotel Angeline (2011)

About Kevin O’Brien

The story of Kevin O’Brien’s writing career is almost as whimsical as a character you could expect to find in a great book. Before his writing career took off, Kevin O’Brien toiled as a railroad inspector by day (or “all the live long day,” according to his official website), and worked on his stories by night. O’Brien moved to Seattle in 1980, and his railroad job saw him moving all across the Pacific Northwest, where he would write his debut novel in various hotels. The culmination of this hotel-hopping night-writing was Actors, which was released in 1987 and translated into three different languages. Ten years later, O’Brien unveiled his sophomore effort, Only Son, which saw commercial success, and was even optioned for film rights due to an interest from none other than Tom Hanks. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Kevin O’Brien has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Kevin O’Brien

Publication Order of Family Secrets Books
2 books 2019–2020
1

The Betrayed Wife

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Family Secrets Books with The Betrayed Wife, another outstanding contribution from Kevin O’Brien.

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2019
2

The Bad Sister

The Bad Sister is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Family Secrets Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Kevin O’Brien have come to expect.

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2020
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
21 books 1997–2025
1

Only Son

Only Son continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Kevin O’Brien's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1997
2

The Next To Die

The Next To Die is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Kevin O’Brien have come to expect.

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2001
3

Make Them Cry

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Make Them Cry, another outstanding contribution from Kevin O’Brien.

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2002
4

Watch Them Die

Watch Them Die continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Kevin O’Brien's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2003
5

Left for Dead

A gripping mystery unfolds in Left for Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Kevin O’Brien's mastery of suspense.

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2004
6

The Last Victim

The Last Victim is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Kevin O’Brien have come to expect.

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2005
7

Killing Spree

A gripping mystery unfolds in Killing Spree as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Kevin O’Brien's mastery of suspense.

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2007
8

One Last Scream

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with One Last Scream, another outstanding contribution from Kevin O’Brien.

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2007
9

Final Breath

Final Breath continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Kevin O’Brien's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2009
10

Vicious

Vicious continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Kevin O’Brien's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
11

Disturbed

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Disturbed, another outstanding contribution from Kevin O’Brien.

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2011
12

Terrified

Terrified is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Kevin O’Brien have come to expect.

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2012
13

Unspeakable

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Unspeakable, another outstanding contribution from Kevin O’Brien.

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2013
14

Tell Me You're Sorry

Tell Me You're Sorry continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Kevin O’Brien's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
15

No One Needs To Know

No One Needs To Know is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Kevin O’Brien have come to expect.

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2015
16

You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone, another outstanding contribution from Kevin O’Brien.

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2016
17

Hide Your Fear

Hide Your Fear is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Kevin O’Brien have come to expect.

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2017
18

They Won't Be Hurt

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with They Won't Be Hurt, another outstanding contribution from Kevin O’Brien.

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2018
19

The Night She Disappeared

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Night She Disappeared, another outstanding contribution from Kevin O’Brien.

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2021
20

The Enemy at Home

The Enemy at Home is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Kevin O’Brien have come to expect.

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2023
21

Everyone a Stranger

Everyone a Stranger is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Kevin O’Brien have come to expect.

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2025
Publication Order of Anthologies
2 books 2011–2020
1

Hotel Angeline

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Hotel Angeline, another outstanding contribution from Kevin O’Brien.

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2011
2

Nothing Good Happens After Midnight

Nothing Good Happens After Midnight continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Kevin O’Brien's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Kevin O’Brien?

Kevin O’Brien is a bestselling author known for 3 book series containing over 25 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Family Secrets Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Anthologies. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Kevin O’Brien series to start with?

For readers new to Kevin O’Brien's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 21 books. Begin with Only Son to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Kevin O’Brien written?

Kevin O’Brien has written over 25 books across 3 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Kevin O’Brien books in order?

Yes, reading Kevin O’Brien's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Kevin O’Brien write in?

Kevin O’Brien writes primarily in fiction. With 3 series across 25 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Kevin O’Brien's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Kevin O’Brien's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Kevin O’Brien's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Kevin O’Brien's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, Only Son, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.