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The Skin Trade
George R. R. Martin

The Skin Trade

Quick Answer

Read "The Skin Trade" as the 11th book in the Short Story Collections & Novellas (Author Compiled) sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Meathouse Man" (Book 10)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 11th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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1990329 pp
Randi Wade's world is spiraling into a dark labyrinth of secrets and lies. Her only friend is keeping something from her. Innocent victims are being savagely attacked and left for dead, all but their skins. There is an eerie connection between the crime scenes and her own father's murder nearly twenty years before, unsolved to this day. Despite this, Chief of Police Joe Urquhart, her father's former partner and best friend, beckons her to drop the case, drop everything. Is he protecting her, or something else? As the case unfolds, Randi is pulled ever closer to realizing her darkest fear: that werewolves do exist, and they'll do anything necessary to keep their secrets safe in this once quiet town... Even if it means killing their own. All the while, an eccentric but powerful family watches closely from inside the black iron gates of Blackstone Manor, as the horrendous truth behind it all begins to bubble toward the top. - The Skin Trade movie website.
Next Recommended Book

The Pear-shaped Man

Book #12 of 16 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Short Story Collections & Novellas (Author Compiled) conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading The Skin Trade?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read The Skin Trade before Meathouse Man?

No. We recommend reading Meathouse Man first. The Skin Trade is the 11th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is The Skin Trade required reading for the Short Story Collections & Novellas (Author Compiled)?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after The Skin Trade in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The Skin Trade is The Pear-shaped Man (Book #12).