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can i read this book without reading the other five? or do i need to read all of them to understand what's going on?
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The Trespasser,
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Kim
I think you would be fine to read any of the murder squad books alone. But I highly recommend them all.
Mary Ann
You can, but I don't recommend it. Each book's central protagonist is a significant character in the previous book in the series. The experience is much richer if you read them in order.
Teresa
This book read like a stand alone to me. I don't think it is necessary to read them in order. I will say that you will want to read them all.
Courtney White
I'd also add that the previous books in the series are really, really awesome. I started with the first one and couldn't put it down or any that followed. Worth your time investment
Annie Mac
I agree with other comments--they can certainly stand alone, but each adds to the development of previous characters. I just finished the Trespasser, but then went back to re-read The Secret Place because I wanted to refresh my memory of how Conway and Moran became partners.
Maree
You would be totally fine reading it on its own. The space between my reading the books tends to be so great that I don't even remember the main characters being the side characters in previous books. You'll definitely get more from it if you do read them all in order (and closer together) but there's no important facts you'll miss out on, just additional character dev.
Tad
They can be read out of order. I haven't read any I haven't liked.
Kateri Garvey
I didn't even realize it was a 6th book in a series until I was already done. It definitely read like a stand alone, I don't feel like I missed anything for not having read the previous books. I do look forward to reading the others now, though.
Tara
Agreed. They could definitely stand alone, but better if you know the back story of the main characters.
Jim
it is not necessary to read french's books in order. each is self contained. it is true that the protagonist in each new book was a supporting character in her last so if you read the others, it does enhance your experience with the newest, but that's it. i have not read the trespasser yet. (i was waiting for its release and don't know how i missed it). however, i've read all of her other books and thoroughly enjoyed each one for its intelligent and well crafted writing as well as its engaging plot and very human characters. she's worth reading and one of a handful of authors (including but not limited to philipp meyer, george r r martin, and glen duncan) whom i follow and await their new releases to read. i highly recommend her.
Dei
Yes, you can
They are all awesome but the only books where I found where the characters' previous backstory was really essential was going from book 1 (In the woods) to Book 2 (the likeness) - Cassie Moddox was such a strong characeter in Book 1 that I wanted to read through for her in Book 2 (my least favorite plot/story of the 6 books so far).
But yes, they can each stand alone. You can jump in now and go back to the others. : )
They are all awesome but the only books where I found where the characters' previous backstory was really essential was going from book 1 (In the woods) to Book 2 (the likeness) - Cassie Moddox was such a strong characeter in Book 1 that I wanted to read through for her in Book 2 (my least favorite plot/story of the 6 books so far).
But yes, they can each stand alone. You can jump in now and go back to the others. : )
Rob
At a bare minimum you'd want to read The Secret Place. With a bit more time, you'd also want to read Faithful Place, which will help you to understand Moran. Otherwise, sure, read the books in order.
Taylor
I think you can read them as stand alones or out of order, but a character(s) in each book show up in later books. Their backstories add depth to the current story and help you understand motive and/or why that character behaves the way they do. You can enjoy them either way, but having read one out of order myself, reading in order improves the novel with that little extra element you miss otherwise.
Sweetnothing
i read them in order- but i can't remember anything from the previous books. so you don't have to!
ms.petra
I just listened to the audio version and had not read or listened to any others in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
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Erin
These books are all fantastic. You do not need to read them to understand them because they stand alone very well, but they are all worth a read of course. French may be my favorite crime/mystery writer.
Sheryl
I didn't know there were previous books in the series - really enjoyed this one.
Gabriel
Thanks for all the answers! Better start reading.
Peggy
I can only say that I've totally enjoyed her earlier books, but if I had read this one first, I may not have read the earlier ones. I didn't care for this latest one. It was ok, but nowhere near as good as the earlier ones.
Mari
So does 'The Likeness' factor into any of this?
Katie
I don't think it's completely necessary to read them in order (I don't think you would lose too much story wise), but I would definitely recommend it! They are all tied together in a unique way.
Angela Koenig
Since Trespasser hasn't come out yet, how have some people managed to read it? -- Tana French is an incomparable writer and story teller.
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