L

Lionel Shriver

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 25 Books

4
Series
25
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: The Female of the Species (1987)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: The Self-Seeding Sycamore (2016)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Collections
Start with: Property (2018)

About Lionel Shriver

“The Female of the Species,” her debut novel, was published in 1986 when she was twenty nine years old. Since then, she has become quite a popular author, selling thousands of copies of her works on both sides of the Atlantic. As a journalist, she has written for the likes of “The Guardian,” the “Wallstreet Journal,” the “Philadelphia Enquirer,” and “The Economist.” Reviewers have asserted that while many fictional authors have tried to write about mass shootings no one does it better than Shriver. She would follow her debut novel with the 2007 published “The Post-Birthday World” that garnered just as much critical acclaim. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Lionel Shriver 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 Lionel Shriver

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
17 books 1987–2026
1

The Female of the Species

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Female of the Species, another outstanding contribution from Lionel Shriver.

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1987
2

Checker and the Derailleurs

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Checker and the Derailleurs, another outstanding contribution from Lionel Shriver.

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1989
3

The Bleeding Heart

The Bleeding Heart explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Lionel Shriver.

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1990
4

Ordinary Decent Criminals

Ordinary Decent Criminals continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Lionel Shriver's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1993
5

Game Control

Game Control is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lionel Shriver have come to expect.

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1994
6

A Perfectly Good Family

A Perfectly Good Family continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Lionel Shriver's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1996
7

Double Fault

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Double Fault, another outstanding contribution from Lionel Shriver.

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1997
8

We Need to Talk About Kevin

We Need to Talk About Kevin continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Lionel Shriver's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2003
9

The Post-Birthday World

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Post-Birthday World, another outstanding contribution from Lionel Shriver.

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2007
10

So Much for That

So Much for That continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Lionel Shriver's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
11

The New Republic

The New Republic continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Lionel Shriver's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
12

Big Brother

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Big Brother, another outstanding contribution from Lionel Shriver.

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2013
13

The Mandibles

The Mandibles continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Lionel Shriver's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
14

The Motion of the Body Through Space

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Motion of the Body Through Space, another outstanding contribution from Lionel Shriver.

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2020
15

Should We Stay or Should We Go

Should We Stay or Should We Go is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lionel Shriver have come to expect.

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2021
16

Mania

Mania is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lionel Shriver have come to expect.

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2024
17

A Better Life

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with A Better Life, another outstanding contribution from Lionel Shriver.

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2026
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
2 books 2016–2017
1

The Self-Seeding Sycamore

The Self-Seeding Sycamore is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lionel Shriver have come to expect.

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2016
2

The Standing Chandelierla

The Standing Chandelierla continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Lionel Shriver's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2017
Publication Order of Collections
2 books 2018–2022
1

Property

Property continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Lionel Shriver's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
2

Abominations

Abominations continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Lionel Shriver's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2022
Publication Order of Anthologies
4 books 2009–2015
1

Ox-Tales: Fire

Ox-Tales: Fire continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Lionel Shriver's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2009
2

The Library Book

The Library Book continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Lionel Shriver's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
3

RED

RED continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Lionel Shriver's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
4

Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed

Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Lionel Shriver's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Lionel Shriver?

Lionel Shriver is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 25 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas, Publication Order of Collections. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Lionel Shriver series to start with?

For readers new to Lionel Shriver's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 17 books. Begin with The Female of the Species to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Lionel Shriver written?

Lionel Shriver has written over 25 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Lionel Shriver books in order?

Yes, reading Lionel Shriver'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 Lionel Shriver write in?

Lionel Shriver writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 25 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Lionel Shriver's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Lionel Shriver'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 Lionel Shriver's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Lionel Shriver's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, The Female of the Species, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.