M

Meg Gardiner

Bestselling Author • 5 Series • 17 Books

5
Series
17
Books
5
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Evan Delaney Books
Start with: China Lake (2002)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Jo Beckett Books
Start with: The Dirty Secrets Club (2008)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of UNSUB Books
Start with: UNSUB (2017)

About Meg Gardiner

Meg Gardiner is American bestselling American crime writer best known for Evan Delaney novels. She was born in Oklahoma and spent her childhood in Santa Barbara, California and is the daughter of an English professor Frank C Gardiner and Sally Gardiner. Meg went to Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta and graduated in June 1975. Moreover, following her graduation, she went on to further her studies at Stanford University where she graduated with a Bachelors degree in Economics. Subsequently, Meg joined Stanford Law School, and after graduation, she went to Los Angeles to practice law before returning to Santa Barbara where she taught writing and legal research at the University of California. She had lived in Surrey proximal to London until 2013 when she relocated to Austin, Texas. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Evan Delaney Books series, Meg Gardiner 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 Meg Gardiner

Publication Order of Evan Delaney Books
5 books 2002–2006
1

China Lake

China Lake is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Evan Delaney Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Meg Gardiner have come to expect.

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2002
2

Mission Canyon

Mission Canyon is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Evan Delaney Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Meg Gardiner have come to expect.

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2004
3

Jericho Point

Jericho Point continues the Publication Order of Evan Delaney Books story arc with Meg Gardiner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2004
4

Crosscut

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Evan Delaney Books with Crosscut, another outstanding contribution from Meg Gardiner.

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2005
5

Kill Chain

A gripping mystery unfolds in Kill Chain as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Evan Delaney Books series showcases Meg Gardiner's mastery of suspense.

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2006
Publication Order of Jo Beckett Books
4 books 2008–2011
1

The Dirty Secrets Club

The Dirty Secrets Club is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Jo Beckett Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Meg Gardiner have come to expect.

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2008
2

The Memory Collector

The Memory Collector is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Jo Beckett Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Meg Gardiner have come to expect.

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2009
3

The Liar's Lullaby

The Liar's Lullaby continues the Publication Order of Jo Beckett Books story arc with Meg Gardiner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
4

The Nightmare Thief

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Jo Beckett Books with The Nightmare Thief, another outstanding contribution from Meg Gardiner.

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2011
Publication Order of UNSUB Books
4 books 2017–2024
1

UNSUB

UNSUB is an essential installment in the Publication Order of UNSUB Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Meg Gardiner have come to expect.

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2017
2

Into the Black Nowhere

Into the Black Nowhere continues the Publication Order of UNSUB Books story arc with Meg Gardiner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
3

The Dark Corners of the Night

The Dark Corners of the Night continues the Publication Order of UNSUB Books story arc with Meg Gardiner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020
4

Shadowheart

Shadowheart explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of UNSUB Books series by Meg Gardiner.

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2024
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
3 books 2012–2014
1

Ransom River

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Ransom River, another outstanding contribution from Meg Gardiner.

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2012
2

The Shadow Tracer

The Shadow Tracer continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Meg Gardiner's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
3

Phantom Instinct

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Phantom Instinct, another outstanding contribution from Meg Gardiner.

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2014
Publication Order of Anthologies
1 books 2025–2025
1

120 Murders: Dark Fiction Inspired by the Alternative Era

A gripping mystery unfolds in 120 Murders: Dark Fiction Inspired by the Alternative Era as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Meg Gardiner's mastery of suspense.

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2025

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Meg Gardiner?

Meg Gardiner is a bestselling author known for 5 book series containing over 17 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Evan Delaney Books, Publication Order of Jo Beckett Books, Publication Order of UNSUB Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Meg Gardiner series to start with?

For readers new to Meg Gardiner's work, the Publication Order of Evan Delaney Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 5 books. Begin with China Lake to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Meg Gardiner written?

Meg Gardiner has written over 17 books across 5 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Meg Gardiner books in order?

Yes, reading Meg Gardiner'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 Meg Gardiner write in?

Meg Gardiner writes primarily in fiction. With 5 series across 17 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Meg Gardiner's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Meg Gardiner'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 Meg Gardiner's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Meg Gardiner's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Evan Delaney Books series. The first book, China Lake, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.