Sara Blaedel Books In Order

Publication Order of Louise Rick Books

Chronological Order of Louise Rick Books

Publication Order of Family Secrets Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Anthologies

Writing for a number of years now, the Danish author Sara Blaedel is renowned within her own country, having been crowned the ‘Queen of Crime’ after getting voted ‘Most Popular Author’ four times by the general public there, something which she has carried throughout her long and illustrious career. One of her most successful characters has been her Louise Rick protagonist, who has led series consisting of nine books so far and counting, creating an enduring legacy for both her and her creator. With a keen eye for detail and a strong sense of structure, Sara Blaedel is an author who is becoming well both nationally and internationally, which is something that continues to grow to this day.

Early and Personal Life

Born in 1964 on the 6th of August, Sara Blaedel was brought up in Copenhagen, a city and setting which was going to stick with her throughout much of career, providing a major source of inspiration for much of her writing that was to follow. As her mother read Agatha Christie novels to her aloud from a very early age, she quickly developed a particular fondness for the crime genre, taking in the way that it was structured and formed. This soon paved the way into her adult writing career, as she turned her own hand to writing, stepping to the forefront of the thriller industry in the process.

Growing up in Hvalso as well, she saw a range of Denmark, bringing in a wealth of insight into her work, before going on to study graphic arts and publishing, something which she trained in for some time before moving on to get working experience. Setting up her own company titled ‘Sara B’, she created an outlet for Danish translations of American crime fiction to be published, thus gaining some insight into the various processes of the genre. Always researching her subjects too, she manages to get inside the subjects, gaining a level of accuracy that’s become unrivaled in the industry.

Working as a journalist for many years also helped her to gain a certain amount of insight here as well, as she managed to bring her style of reporting along with her, incorporating it into her work, giving it another layer of depth and intrigue. Her time spent working as a graphic designer at Denmark’s Gyldendal publishing house, following her stint as a waitress in a restaurant apprenticeship, really allowed her to get a first hand look at how the industry really operated. This, along with many of her other careers such as television presenter and editor, gave her the versatility and adaptability she would need as a writer.

Currently living to the north of Copenhagen, Sara lives with her family to this day as she continues to write, creating crime novels that are much beloved. With a variety of other passions as well, such as acting as ambassador for Save the Children or serving on the jury of a documentary film competition, she always manages to keep herself busy. As her writing career grows from strength-to-strength, she always manages to find something that will occupy, all whilst continuing to focus on her number one passion which is and always will be writing.

Writing Career

Her first novel ‘Green Dust’, which has yet to be translated into English, was initially released in 2004 in Denmark, as it announced a new figure on the scene. This was also to be the first in her long-running Louise Rick series charting the exploits of the eponymous inspector, as she solves mysteries with the help of her friend, the journalist Camilla Lind. Set in Copenhagen, it’s an area that Sara Blaedel knows well, thus giving the work a sense of realism and relevancy in the process.

Winning a number of awards, along with reaching the top of the best-seller lists on numerous occasion, has seen her come to be known as the ‘Queen of Crime’ within Denmark. With her Louise Rick franchise and many of her titles being translated for overseas, her appeal is building internationally as well. People are discovering her work every day and will continue to do so, with more titles planned on the horizon, which is something she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Only One Life

Originally published on the 22nd of March, 2007, this was brought to America on the 1st of July, 2012, through the Pegasus Crime publishing label. With it being the third book in the Louise Rick series, it manages to carry on from the last, whilst simultaneously not alienating any newcomers to the franchise. It’s easily accessible and openly available for any new readers to start, without them requiring any prior knowledge as to what’s going on.

Taking a look into the immigrant community of Copenhagen, Rick must this time investigate the case of a drowned girl who is discovered dead in the Holbraek Fjord. This young girl named Samra was from an immigrant background and it was believed that she may have been killed by her father in a so called ‘honor killing’. The truth of the matter is going to come out though and, once Samra’s friend Dicte is also found dead shortly after, it’s then up to Louise Rick to get to the bottom of the tragedy. Why are these murders taking place? Who could be motivated to commit such a heinous crime? What could be horrific than taking only one life?

The Forgotten Girls

Initially published in 2011, this was recently brought out in America through Grand Central Publishing on the 3rd of January, 2015. This being the seventh book in the Louise Rick series means the franchise is already well under way, with the style and tone, along with the character, being firmly established. That’s not to say that the book isn’t easy enough again for newcomers to pick up, with it being yet another stand-alone case for the now missing person commander Louise Rick to investigate.

Despite not being reported as missing, an unidentified woman is discovered dead in a forest in Denmark, with a large scar across her face. With Louise Rick then on the case a photo is released to the media and, following a call from an elderly woman, the victim is identified as Lisemette. What really sticks out, though, is that apparently she used to be in a mental institution as a child, being one of the ‘forgotten girls’ who had been left there by her family. Why then is there a death certificate issued thirty years ago for her and her twin? Who could have committed the recent murder? What could be behind the terrible tragedy of the forgotten girls?

5 Responses to “Sara Blaedel”

1. ida shapiro: 2 years ago

   ready to read after Viveca Step Series it seems I will be reading a lot

   Reply
2. Burdella Gillern: 2 years ago

   What book comes after Her Fathers Secret? I think it is The Third Sister but I can’t find that one?

   Reply
   • Graeme: 2 years ago

     Hi Burdella – yes as per our list above, it is The Third Sister. I see it available at Amazon.

     Reply
3. Kay: 3 years ago

   Just finished Understakers Daughter (first book read by Sara Blaedel…and was left hanging…what book flows this?
   Thank you,
   Kay

   Reply
   • Graeme: 3 years ago

     As listed above, Her Father’s Secret.

     Reply