Paul Murray Standalone Novels books in order

A reading guide for Paul Murray's standalone literary novels, from An Evening of Long Goodbyes to The Bee Sting.

Reading order

# Title Published Author Buy on Amazon
1 An Evening of Long Goodbyes 2003 Paul Murray Buy
2 Skippy Dies 2010 Paul Murray Buy
3 The Mark and the Void 2015 Paul Murray Buy
4 The Bee Sting 2023 Paul Murray Buy

Paul Murray writes standalone literary novels, each one independent of the others. His books tend to feature large casts, dark comedy, and stories that build slowly before pulling everything together. An Evening of Long Goodbyes (2003) is about a Dublin layabout forced to confront the real world.

Skippy Dies (2010) is set in a boys’ boarding school and is probably his best-known work. The Mark and the Void (2015) turns its attention to the world of banking and finance. The Bee Sting (2023) follows a family in a small Irish town as old secrets and money troubles close in on them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Paul Murray Standalone Novels series?

There are four books in the Paul Murray Standalone Novels series, published between 2003 and 2023.

What is the first book in the Paul Murray Standalone Novels series?

The first book in the Paul Murray Standalone Novels series is An Evening of Long Goodbyes, published in 2003.

Do I need to read Paul Murray's novels in order?

No, all of Paul Murray’s novels are standalone works with different characters and settings. You can start with whichever one interests you most. Skippy Dies and The Bee Sting are the most popular entry points.

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