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Dexter

by Jeff Lindsay

8 books Started 2004 Latest 2015
Publication Reading Order

The Dexter is a Crime Fiction / Literary Fiction series by Jeff Lindsay, made up of 8 books published between 2004 and 2015. It begins with Darkly Dreaming Dexter (2004), and is best read in publication order. The most recent entry is Dexter Is Dead (2015), spanning 11 years of storytelling.

8books
11years active
2decades
~1.6yrs between books
2015latest release

Dexter series: frequently asked questions

What order should I read the Dexter series?

Start with Darkly Dreaming Dexter (2004), the first book in the Dexter series by Jeff Lindsay. Follow the books in publication order for the best reading experience.

How many books are in the Dexter series?

There are 8 books in the Dexter series by Jeff Lindsay, published between 2004 and 2015.

What is the first book in the Dexter series?

The first book in the Dexter series is Darkly Dreaming Dexter, published in 2004 by Jeff Lindsay.

What is the latest book in the Dexter series?

The most recent book in the Dexter series is Dexter Is Dead (2015) by Jeff Lindsay.

Jeff Lindsay is an American crime fiction author best known for his "Dexter" series. Born in Miami, Florida, in 1952, Lindsay initially worked as an advertising copywriter and journalist before turning to writing novels. Lindsay's literary debut came with the publication of "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" in 2004. Featuring a forensic blood spatter analyst who secretly moonlights as a serial killer, the novel introduced the enigmatic character of Dexter Morgan. The success of "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" spawned numerous sequels, including "Dearly Devoted Dexter" and "Dexter by Design." Lindsay's "Dexter" series has been widely acclaimed for its unique premise, dark humor, and complex characters. The novels have been translated into over 30 languages and have inspired a popular television adaptation starring Michael C. Hall. Lindsay's work has received critical praise for its gripping storytelling, sharp dialogue, and insightful exploration of human nature.

View all Jeff Lindsay series →

About the Dexter series

Jeff Lindsay's Dexter novels are the darkly comic source of the hit TV series. Dexter Morgan is a Miami blood-spatter analyst with a secret: he is a serial killer who, thanks to a code instilled by his foster father, only murders other murderers. The books live inside his chillingly cheerful, conscience-free narration.

Lindsay's tone is pitch-black satire — Dexter's deadpan voice makes the macabre genuinely funny while never letting you forget what he is. The novels diverge significantly from the TV show, and lean further into strange, almost supernatural territory.

Read in order from "Darkly Dreaming Dexter," as Dexter's family entanglements and his "Dark Passenger" develop across the series.