Detective Anna Gwynne Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Detective Anna Gwynne books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

About the Detective Anna Gwynne Series

The Detective Anna Gwynne series by Dylan Young introduces readers to a detective who doesn’t just follow the rules—she follows her instincts, even when it puts her at odds with her own team or the people above her. Set against the dark and chilling landscapes of rural England, these stories are as much about uncovering hidden truths as they are about justice.

From the very first pages of The Silent Girls, it becomes clear that Anna Gwynne is not your average detective. She’s calm, highly intelligent, and trained in criminal profiling. But more than that, she’s deeply human. She carries emotional scars from her own past, and those scars drive her to dig deeper than anyone else. She doesn’t just look at what’s in front of her—she looks for what’s missing, what doesn’t quite add up. That’s what makes her so good. And that’s what makes these books so unforgettable.

In the first book, Anna is drawn into the disappearance of a young woman named Nia Hopkins. The case appears to connect to an unsolved murder from nearly two decades ago, and while everyone is ready to point fingers at an old suspect, Anna isn’t convinced. Her instincts tell her this killer is still out there—and more dangerous than anyone realizes. As the story unfolds, we get a taste of how clever and calculated this murderer is. And as Anna connects the dots between multiple cold cases, we see just how determined she is to bring the truth to light—even if she has to go it alone.

Each book in the series brings something new to the table. In Blood Ties, Anna returns to the force after a brutal case nearly ended her career. A bag of bones is found buried in Somerset. A second girl goes missing. And Anna must face both a cold case and the demons in her own mind. It’s a chilling reminder that even when the past feels forgotten, the truth has a way of coming back to the surface.

By the time we get to Before She Falls, the series takes a darker and more psychological turn. A teenage girl is found dead at the bottom of a cliff. It looks like suicide—but cruel, anonymous messages on her phone suggest otherwise. When Anna links her death to another teenager’s apparent suicide years earlier, she uncovers something truly sinister. Someone is targeting vulnerable girls and pushing them over the edge. And if Anna doesn’t solve the mystery quickly, another life could be lost.

What makes this series stand out is how Dylan Young blends police procedural detail with fast-paced suspense and emotional depth. The pacing is tight. The plots are layered with twists and turns. And the characters—especially Anna—feel real. She’s not a superhero. She makes mistakes. She struggles with her past. But she never gives up. That’s why readers keep coming back.

Another strength of the series is its haunting settings. Whether it’s a snow-covered farm in the Forest of Dean or a lonely riverbank in midsummer, every backdrop feels alive—and often just as threatening as the killer. You’ll feel the cold. You’ll hear the silence. And you’ll wonder who’s hiding just out of sight.

The Anna Gwynne books are perfect for fans of Val McDermid, Angela Marsons, and Robert Dugoni. If you enjoy strong female leads, disturbing criminal minds, and tightly plotted mysteries that keep you guessing until the last page, you’re in for a treat.

Although each book can be read as a standalone, reading them in order allows you to follow Anna’s personal journey, her changing relationships with her team, and the subtle emotional arcs that deepen over time. The series grows more intense and personal with each entry, making it a truly satisfying experience from beginning to end.

So if you’re looking for your next favorite detective series, one that delivers suspense, emotion, and unforgettable twists, then it’s time to meet Detective Anna Gwynne. You won’t regret it—but be warned: once you start, you won’t want to stop.