Read every series in the right order
Detective Sami Kierce Books in Chronological Order – Complete Guide
Table of Contents
A murder, a nanny-cam, and a detective haunted by his past in Spain—welcome to the high-stakes world of Detective Sami Kierce, the newest standout in Harlan Coben’s arsenal of twist-packed thrillers. Whether you’re coming from the Netflix adaptation or diving in fresh, this is the definitive reading order guide for Fool Me Once and Nobody’s Fool.
Netflix’s adaptation of Fool Me Once in 2024 introduced millions to Sami Kierce’s razor-sharp instincts and tragic backstory. But there’s much more to explore between the covers of Coben’s novels.
Detective Sami Kierce Books at a Glance
| Title | Pub Year | Pages | Buy | Listen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fool Me Once | 2016 | 400 | Buy on Amazon | Audible |
| Nobody’s Fool | 2025 | 368 | Buy on Amazon | Audible |
Detective Sami Kierce Books in Chronological Order
1. Fool Me Once (2016)
Despite being published years earlier, this book sets the groundwork for Sami Kierce’s emotional and investigative arc. We meet Kierce as a police detective involved in a high-profile murder case that centers on Maya Stern, an ex-soldier who suspects her supposedly dead husband is alive.
2. Nobody’s Fool (2025)
Chronologically the second book, this thriller delves into Kierce’s haunted past. A crime he seemingly escaped as a young backpacker in Spain resurfaces with life-shattering implications. This entry bridges the present with deep psychological layers of trauma, justice, and redemption.
Publication Order: (Identical)
- Fool Me Once (2016)
- Nobody’s Fool (2025)
Detective Sami Kierce Detailed Book Blurbs
1. Fool Me Once (2016)
Maya Stern, former special ops pilot, is shattered by the murder of her husband. But when a nanny-cam captures video of her daughter playing with that same husband—weeks after his funeral—she begins to question everything. Detective Sami Kierce becomes the investigative thread weaving through a case steeped in lies, memory gaps, and conspiracy. This book introduces Kierce as a grounded and intuitive presence amid escalating chaos.
Key Themes: Post-trauma grief, visual surveillance, unreliable truth
Audiobook Narrator: January LaVoy
Amazon Rating: 4.2 ★ (60k+ reviews)
2. Nobody’s Fool (2025)
Sami Kierce, now a private investigator and father, teaches night school to pay off debts—until his past finds him. A former flame, long presumed dead, reappears in his classroom and vanishes before he can speak. The mystery connects back to a murder in Spain from two decades earlier—one Kierce has buried deep. This is a raw, character-driven thriller that pushes Kierce into uncharted emotional terrain.
Key Themes: Repressed trauma, international crime, fatherhood
Audiobook Narrator: TBA (anticipated Michelle Keegan reprise)
Amazon Rating: 4.5 ★ (early release reviews)
Companion Works
- Netflix’s Fool Me Once series is a dramatic reimagining of the original book, expanding Kierce’s role and linking subplots.
- Live Wire (Myron Bolitar #10): Includes a small cameo from Mickey Bolitar and Kierce’s unit.
- Related Reading: Mickey Bolitar Books in Chronological Order
Editions & Formats
| Title | Format | Pages | Audiobook |
| Fool Me Once | Hardcover / Kindle / Audio | 400 | 10h 20m (Michelle Keegan) |
| Nobody’s Fool | Hardcover / Kindle / Audio | 368 | 8h 45m |
Why Read in This Order?
Reading Detective Sami Kierce Books in Chronological Order keeps the emotional arc consistent—Kierce’s growth and trauma are sequential. While the series is brief (two books so far), both hinge on secrets revealed in exacting layers. The Netflix adaptation may alter timelines slightly, so reading first gives the fullest experience.
Author Spotlight : Harlan Coben
Harlan Coben is a master of modern thrillers, with over 90 million books sold worldwide. He’s the only author to win the Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony awards. His work is known for jaw-dropping twists, character depth, and cinematic adaptations across Netflix and Prime Video.
Explore More:
Media Adaptations
Netflix’s Fool Me Once (2024):
- Sami Kierce: Richard Armitage
- Maya Stern: Michelle Keegan
- Joe Burkett: Adeel Akhtar
- Season 1 covers most of the original novel with expanded subplots.
- Renewal status: Not yet confirmed
- Trailer: Watch here
FAQs
Do I need to read any Myron Bolitar books first?
No. The Sami Kierce series is standalone, with minor cross-universe mentions.
Are the books safe for teens?
Recommended for mature teens due to violence, death, and psychological tension.
Will there be a Book 3 in the Kierce series?
No official announcement, but Harlan Coben has hinted at continuing the arc.
Is the Netflix show faithful to the book?
Mostly—some subplot characters have larger roles, and the ending is slightly tweaked.
Can I listen on Audible?
Yes, both titles are available and professionally narrated.
Conclusion & Next Steps
From ex-soldiers with dark secrets to missing identities and international conspiracies, Harlan Coben’s Detective Sami Kierce series delivers fast-paced, intelligent suspense.
Read them in order, watch the series, and prepare for more potential entries.
