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Dexter Books in Order.

Authorby Jeff Lindsay
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Quick Answer

Start with Darkly Dreaming Dexter (2004) and read in publication order: the eight novels follow Dexter Morgan's story from one book to the next.

The complete reading order for the Dexter series by Jeff Lindsay. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.

Where to start

Start with Darkly Dreaming Dexter (2004) and read in publication order: the eight novels follow Dexter Morgan's story from one book to the next.

  • •Jeff Lindsay's Dexter series is complete at eight novels; Dexter Is Dead (2015) is the final book.
  • •Dexter in the Dark and Dexter by Design were published in the UK before the US, so some sites list earlier years (2006 and 2008). We use the US first-edition years.
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Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Reading Order8 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

Darkly Dreaming Dexter

Pub: 2004
2

Dearly Devoted Dexter

Pub: 2005

Plot details hidden until you finish "Darkly Dreaming Dexter".

3

Dexter in the Dark

Pub: 2007

Plot details hidden until you finish "Dearly Devoted Dexter".

4

Dexter by Design

Pub: 2009

Plot details hidden until you finish "Dexter in the Dark".

5

Dexter Is Delicious

Pub: 2010

Plot details hidden until you finish "Dexter by Design".

6

Double Dexter

Pub: 2011

Plot details hidden until you finish "Dexter Is Delicious".

Forensic analyst and nighttime vigilante Dexter Morgan discovers that he is being followed by a killer who is copying his methods, an adversary whom Dexter seeks to outmaneuver using his trademark knack for extricating himself from trouble.

7

Dexter's Final Cut

Pub: 2013

Plot details hidden until you finish "Double Dexter".

Cop shows are bringing revenue to Miami and Dexter Morgan is asked to be an advisor for the filming of a new show on top of his regular job as Miami PD's blood-spatter analyst. But things take a distinctly dark turn when the leading actress on the show keels over from a very real bullet.

8

Dexter Is Dead

Pub: 2015

Plot details hidden until you finish "Dexter's Final Cut".

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Frequently Asked Questions

What order should I read Dexter in?

Start with Darkly Dreaming Dexter (2004) and read in publication order: the eight novels follow Dexter Morgan's story from one book to the next.

How many books are in Dexter?

8 main books, published 2004–2015.

Can I read Dexter out of order?

It's best not to. The books build on each other, so reading out of order spoils earlier twists.

Has Dexter been adapted for TV or film?

Showtime's Dexter is based on the novels; its first season closely follows Darkly Dreaming Dexter, while later seasons use original storylines.