Complete List of Lisa Jewell Books In Order + Printable PDF

ByMary Emmer Updated on

Looks Like Books contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclaimer to learn more.

Looking for a complete list of Lisa Jewell books in order of publication? Whether you’re brand new to her writing or already hooked on her twisty domestic thrillers, this guide has you covered.

Lisa Jewell is one of today’s most popular suspense authors, with a career that spans from quirky romantic comedies to gripping psychological mysteries. Her books have sold millions of copies worldwide and consistently hit bestseller lists. In this post, you’ll find a full list of all her novels, plus a bit about how she got started, and which of her books you might want to read first.

Key Takeaways: Lisa Jewell Books In Order

  • Lisa Jewell has written over 20 novels, beginning with Ralph’s Party in 2000.
  • Her early books are light contemporary fiction, but she now writes darker suspense and thrillers.
  • Her books often explore family secrets, unexpected twists, and complex female characters.
  • This post includes a full list of Lisa Jewell books in order of publication, with notes on genre and tone.

Most Recent + Upcoming Lisa Jewell Book Releases

  • None Of This Is True – 2023
  • Don’t Let Him In – 2025
multicolor antique book with lisa jewell books in order on top

Lisa Jewell Books In Order Of Publication

Before we dive into the full list, here’s a quick look at the author behind the books.

Lisa Jewell is a #1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling British author whose novels have been published in over 25 languages. While she started her career in the fashion industry, her path to writing was sparked by a bet with a friend: write three chapters of a novel in exchange for dinner at her favorite restaurant. That challenge led to her debut novel, Ralph’s Party, which went on to become a UK bestseller. Not a bad return on a free meal!

Although her earliest books leaned toward romantic comedy, Lisa Jewell is now best known for her gripping domestic thrillers filled with suspense, emotional twists, and page-turning drama. If you love mystery, thriller, or psychological suspense, her newer books are likely already on your radar- or soon will be.

Standalone Lisa Jewell Books (in Order)

Here’s a complete list of standalone Lisa Jewell books, shown by publication year. These titles aren’t part of a series, but a couple have companion sequels, which you’ll find listed separately in the next sections.

Thirtynothing (2000)

A nostalgic and witty story about two thirtysomethings who reconnect after a decade apart, only to realize their past still holds unfinished business. This early Lisa Jewell novel leans into friendship, missed chances, and the complications of growing up.

One-Hit Wonder (2001)

When her estranged half-sister – a washed-up pop star – is found dead, Ana sets out to uncover the truth behind her sister’s mysterious life and shocking death. A mix of family drama and intrigue, this is classic early Jewell with emotional weight.

Roommates Wanted / 31 Dream Street (2007)

Toby owns a crumbling London house filled with oddball tenants. When Leah moves in across the street, her arrival sparks change for everyone inside. Lighthearted yet poignant, this novel blends quirky characters with personal transformation.

Note: Roommates Wanted and 31 Dream Street are actually the same novel, published under different titles in different countries. In the UK, it’s 31 Dream Street; in the US, it’s Roommates Wanted. Be sure to double-check before purchasing to avoid duplicates.

Many of Lisa Jewell’s earlier books, including the ones above, may not be available in Kindle format. You’ll often find them in paperback, hardcover, or audiobook editions instead. Her more recent thrillers are widely available in all major formats, including Kindle and Audible.

Below are the rest of Lisa Jewell’s standalone novels in publication order. These aren’t connected by plot or recurring characters, so you can read them in any order, but her newer books tend to lean more into the psychological thriller and suspense genres.

A Friend of the Family (2003)

The London-based London family appears picture-perfect—until a blast from the past re-enters their lives and disrupts everything. A moody, introspective novel about trust, consequences, and hidden history.

Vince & Joy (2005)

Vince and Joy meet as teenagers and fall for each other fast—but life pulls them in different directions. Spanning two decades, this is a story of near-misses, timing, and fate, with all the heartfelt emotion you’d expect from early Lisa Jewell.

The Truth About Melody Browne (2009)

Melody loses her memory in a childhood house fire and has lived with that blank space ever since. But when a chance encounter triggers forgotten memories, she begins unraveling a hidden past. Deeply emotional with a slow-burning mystery.

The Making of Us (2011)

Three strangers—each born from the same sperm donor—come together to discover what it means to be family. Tender, complex, and ultimately uplifting, this novel dives into identity, connection, and unconventional bonds.

Before I Met You (2012)

Moving between 1920s London and modern-day Soho, this dual-timeline novel follows a young woman uncovering her grandmother’s glamorous and secret-filled past. Perfect for fans of historical fiction with a twist of romance.

The House We Grew Up In (2013)

A family shattered by tragedy reunites in their childhood home—only to confront secrets buried among the clutter. A compelling story of grief, memory, and the emotional weight of our possessions. Bonus: it’s a hoarder plotline, and it’s brilliant.

The Third Wife (2014)

When Maya, Adrian Wolfe’s third wife, dies suddenly, it appears to be an accident—but something doesn’t sit right. As secrets surface, Adrian is forced to face the truth about his perfectly blended family. Suspenseful with a slow, simmering tension.

The Girls in the Garden (2015)

A close-knit London community unravels when a teenage girl is found unconscious at a neighborhood party. A creepy, claustrophobic psychological drama with themes of motherhood, adolescence, and trust.

Also published as The Girls in the UK.

I Found You (2016)

A man with no memory shows up on a beach in a British seaside town. Meanwhile, a newlywed in London discovers her husband is missing. These seemingly unrelated stories collide in a gripping, emotional thriller full of twists.

Then She Was Gone (2018)

A teenage girl vanishes without a trace. Ten years later, her mother meets a charming man—and his daughter, who looks eerily familiar. One of Jewell’s most popular novels, this is a haunting tale of loss, obsession, and buried secrets.

Watching You (2018)

In a well-to-do Bristol neighborhood, everyone is watching someone—and not all of them with good intentions. When a local teacher is found dead, the web of secrets begins to unravel. Fast-paced and voyeuristic, with a shocking reveal.

Invisible Girl (2020)

When a teenage girl goes missing, suspicion falls on an awkward, incel-adjacent neighbor. But nothing is as it seems. A chilling and socially observant thriller that explores loneliness, perception, and predatory behavior.

The Night She Disappeared (2021)

A young couple vanishes after a party in the countryside. A year later, a mysterious sign appears: “DIG HERE.” Told through dual timelines, this slow-burn mystery is rich with tension, atmosphere, and buried truths.

None of This Is True (2023)

A podcaster meets her “birthday twin” at a restaurant—and what starts as an interview spirals into obsession, danger, and manipulation. One of Jewell’s most talked-about books, and for good reason: dark, twisty, and unputdownable.

Don’t Let Him In (2025)

A charming man reenters a widow’s life – but her daughter isn’t buying the act. Across town, a young wife suspects her husband’s business trips aren’t what they seem. Their worlds collide in a twisty tale of secrets, lies, and one warning no one should have ignored. Here’s my full review of Don’t Let Him In.

The Family Upstairs Series by Lisa Jewell (in Order)

This bestselling series blends dark family secrets, cultish backstories, and psychological suspense into one highly bingeable trilogy. Though the first book can technically be read as a standalone, the full arc unfolds across all three titles. If you like moody thrillers with twisted families and tangled timelines, this is peak Lisa Jewell.

The Family Upstairs (2019)

When Libby inherits a mansion in Chelsea on her 25th birthday, she discovers its dark past – including the bodies of three adults found dead inside, while four children vanished. A chilling, layered thriller with dual timelines and plenty of buried secrets. Here’s my full review of The Family Upstairs.

The Family Remains (2022)

This sequel picks up where The Family Upstairs left off – only now, a bag of bones has been found in the Thames. Characters from the first book reemerge as the mystery deepens. Part murder mystery, part family reckoning. Here’s my take on The Family Remains.

Ralph’s Party Series by Lisa Jewell (in Order)

Lisa Jewell’s debut novel, Ralph’s Party, introduced readers to a group of twenty-somethings sharing a London flat. More than a decade later, she revisited those same characters in After the Party, exploring what happened after the happily-ever-after. Together, these two books make up a loose duology about love, growing up, and what comes next.

Ralph’s Party (1999)

A funny, edgy, and very ’90s story about the tangled relationships of young flatmates in London. This debut put Lisa Jewell on the map with its wit, romance, and cast of delightfully flawed characters.

After the Party (2010)

Set years after Ralph’s Party, this sequel finds Ralph and Jem navigating parenthood, routine, and relationship ruts. Can love survive in the real world? Honest, relatable, and full of heart.

In What Order Should I Read Lisa Jewell Books?

Most Lisa Jewell books can be read in any order, especially her standalone thrillers. However, there are two sets you should read in sequence:

  • The Family Upstairs series
  • Ralph’s Party + After the Party

Both start with one book and have a direct sequel that continues the story. I’ve listed them above in reading order.

As for whether either series will continue, Ralph’s Party was written early in Jewell’s career, and she now writes primarily psychological thrillers, so another installment seems unlikely. The future of The Family Upstairs series is still unknown, but with The Family Remains only recently released in 2022, it’s possible she hasn’t closed that door just yet.

Lisa Jewell Reading List – Printable PDF

Lisa Jewell Reading List – Printable PDFDownload

What Authors Are Similar To Lisa Jewell?

If you already love Lisa Jewell’s twisty, character-driven thrillers and domestic suspense novels, here are a few other authors you might enjoy. These writers explore similar themes – secrets, relationships, and psychological tension – and often leave you guessing until the very end.

You might like:

  • Lucy Foley – known for atmospheric thrillers like The Guest List and The Paris Apartment
  • Jaclyn Goldis – a rising star in high-society suspense (The Chateau is a must-read if you like Lisa Jewell’s vibe)
  • Laura Dave – writes suspenseful, emotional fiction (The Last Thing He Told Me has Jewell-level tension with a softer touch)
  • Ruth Ware – darker, more gothic thrillers that often feature closed-circle mysteries and unreliable narrators
  • Eve Chase – offers family-driven suspense set in eerie English manor houses (The Birdcage or The Glass House are good places to start)

Frequently Asked Questions About Lisa Jewell Books

How many books has Lisa Jewell written?

As of 2025, Lisa Jewell has written more than 20 novels, including both standalone titles and a couple of loosely connected series.

What is Lisa Jewell’s most popular book?

Then She Was Gone is one of her biggest hits, often recommended as a starting point. The Family Upstairs and None of This Is True have also been hugely popular.

Are Lisa Jewell’s books connected?

Most of her books are standalone, but The Family Upstairs has a direct sequel (The Family Remains), and Ralph’s Party continues with After the Party.

Is Lisa Jewell still writing books?

Yes! Her latest thriller, Don’t Let Him In, was released in 2025, and it’s as dark and addictive as ever.

What genre does Lisa Jewell write?

Her early books were romantic comedies and contemporary fiction. These days, she’s known for psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, and twisty page-turners.

Conclusion: From Quirky Rom-Coms to Chilling Thrillers

Lisa Jewell’s writing career has taken a fascinating turn—from breezy ’90s rom-coms to dark, psychological suspense. Whether you’re new to her work or trying to fill in the gaps, this list of Lisa Jewell books in order should help you keep track of what to read next.

Her newer books are easy to binge, but don’t overlook her early novels if you enjoy stories with emotional depth and character-driven plots. And who knows? Maybe we’ll get another sequel in the Family Upstairs universe someday.

Until then, you’ve got plenty of twisted family secrets and plot twists to enjoy.

📚 Did You Know?

Lisa Jewell never planned to be a writer. In fact, she only started her first novel after losing her job and accepting a dare from a friend to write three chapters in exchange for dinner. Those chapters became Ralph’s Party—and the rest is literary suspense history.

Also fun? She has a soft spot for writing about creepy houses, especially ones filled with secrets, basements, and questionable families. (Let’s just say you wouldn’t want to Airbnb most of her settings.)

You Might Also Like:

Please Share This Post!

Mary Emmer, is the founder of Looks Like Books. She is an avid book enthusiast and self-employed entrepreneur, with an inspiring passion for reading and learning.  With a background in the travel industry spanning four decades, Mary has cultivated a diverse range of experiences that have shaped her unique perspective on life and storytelling.  More about Mary.