Alex Michaelides Books in Order

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

Alex Michaelides is a bestselling author whose path to literary stardom is as fascinating as the stories he tells. Born in 1977 on the island of Cyprus, Alex grew up surrounded by the rich culture and myths of ancient Greece. With a Greek father and an English mother, he lived between two worlds—something that would later influence the layered, psychological depth of his writing. Greek mythology played a big part in his early life, especially the tragic story of Alcestis by Euripides. This tale of self-sacrifice and silence haunted Alex from a young age, staying with him until it finally found a place in his groundbreaking debut novel, The Silent Patient.

Reading was always important to Alex, but it was his sister’s collection of Agatha Christie novels that truly lit the spark. As a teenager, he would devour them one after another, falling headfirst into their mysteries and twist endings. These books didn’t just entertain him—they made him want to become a writer. Still, life took him in many directions before that dream came true. He studied English literature at the University of Cambridge, then went on to earn a Master’s degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. He also spent time studying psychotherapy, which would deeply influence the psychological elements of his books.

One of the most powerful experiences in Alex’s life came from working at a secure psychiatric unit for troubled teenagers. This was more than just a job—it was life-changing. The work challenged him, forced him to grow, and opened his eyes to the emotional complexities of other people. That deep understanding of the human mind became the foundation for his writing, especially in The Silent Patient, which is set in a fictional psychiatric facility inspired by his real-life experiences.

Although he had always dreamed of being a novelist, Alex didn’t find success overnight. He wrote a novel and a half before turning eighteen, but self-doubt and his love for film pulled him away from writing books. He entered the movie industry, co-writing films like The Devil You Know and The Brits Are Coming. But Hollywood, as he describes it, became “soul-destroying.” It wasn’t until he decided to return to his roots, blending his love for Agatha Christie-style mysteries with deeper psychological themes, that he found his voice.

The result was The Silent Patient, a novel that seemed to pour out of him. The idea came together suddenly while sitting on a bench in Hampstead Heath. He typed the whole story into his phone and barely changed a word afterward. The book introduced us to Alicia Berenson, a painter who murders her husband and never speaks again, and Theo Faber, the psychotherapist determined to uncover the truth. It’s a gripping, page-turning psychological thriller that became a publishing sensation, selling millions of copies around the world and being translated into over 40 languages. It was part of a seven-way auction before it was even released and has since become a favorite among fans of twisty, addictive fiction.

What’s especially moving about Alex’s journey is that when he finished The Silent Patient, he didn’t know if it was any good. It was only after a friend insisted he submit it to an agent that things began to happen. He sent it to Sam Copeland, who read it, met him, and signed him almost immediately—a rare story in the world of publishing.

Alex Michaelides writes from the heart, combining his knowledge of literature, psychology, and storytelling into unforgettable narratives. His work is personal yet universal, dark yet full of emotional truth. Whether you’re a first-time reader or a returning fan, diving into his novels is always an experience that stays with you long after the final page.