If you’re looking for slow horses books in order, 2025 is the perfect time to catch up or dive in for the first time. With the release of Mick Herron’s ninth novel Clown Town and the debut of Season 5 of the Apple TV+ adaptation, the Slough House series has reached a major milestone. This guide is designed for U.S. readers who want a clear, complete, and up-to-date reading order—plus the latest series developments.
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Why 2025 Is a Key Year for Slow Horses Fans
This year marks an exciting chapter in the Slough House saga. In August 2025, Mick Herron released Clown Town, the newest addition to the series. The book continues to explore the morally gray world of Jackson Lamb and his misfit band of British intelligence agents, bringing fresh intrigue and sharp political commentary.
Meanwhile, Season 5 of Slow Horses premiered on Apple TV+ on September 24, 2025, adapting the novel London Rules. New episodes drop weekly, with the finale scheduled for October 29, 2025.
Additionally, Apple TV+ has officially greenlit Seasons 6 and 7, which will adapt Joe Country, Slough House, and Bad Actors. This ensures that fans have plenty of content to look forward to on both page and screen.
Official Slow Horses Books in Order (2025 Updated List)
Mick Herron’s Slough House series consists of nine novels, several novellas, and a short story collection. Reading them in order provides the best experience, especially as plotlines and character arcs build over time.
Main Novels
- Slow Horses (2010)
- Dead Lions (2013)
- Real Tigers (2016)
- Spook Street (2017)
- London Rules (2018)
- Joe Country (2019)
- Slough House (2021)
- Bad Actors (2022)
- Clown Town (2025)
Novellas & Short Works
- The List (2015)
- The Marylebone Drop (2018)
- The Catch (2020)
- The Last Dead Letter (2020)
- Standing by the Wall (2022 – Collection)
These shorter works expand the universe, offering background on side characters and filling gaps between novels. While not mandatory, they enrich the overall experience, especially for dedicated fans.
Recommended Reading Order
For the best flow of story and character development, here’s the full recommended order that integrates novels and novellas:
| Order | Title | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Slow Horses | Novel | 2010 |
| 2 | Dead Lions | Novel | 2013 |
| 3 | The List | Novella | 2015 |
| 4 | Real Tigers | Novel | 2016 |
| 5 | Spook Street | Novel | 2017 |
| 6 | London Rules | Novel | 2018 |
| 7 | The Marylebone Drop | Novella | 2018 |
| 8 | Joe Country | Novel | 2019 |
| 9 | The Catch | Novella | 2020 |
| 10 | The Last Dead Letter | Novella | 2020 |
| 11 | Slough House | Novel | 2021 |
| 12 | Bad Actors | Novel | 2022 |
| 13 | Standing by the Wall | Collection | 2022 |
| 14 | Clown Town | Novel | 2025 |
This order mirrors publication chronology, which is generally the best way to follow evolving storylines and character arcs.
The Apple TV+ Adaptation and Book Alignment
For U.S. viewers following both the books and the TV series, here’s how the adaptation currently lines up:
- Season 1 → Slow Horses
- Season 2 → Dead Lions
- Season 3 → Real Tigers
- Season 4 → Spook Street
- Season 5 (Sept–Oct 2025) → London Rules
- Season 6 (In Production) → Joe Country and Slough House
- Season 7 (Planned) → Bad Actors
The adaptation has remained remarkably faithful to the novels, while tightening some plots for television pacing. This close alignment makes reading the series alongside the show especially rewarding.
Spotlight on Clown Town (2025)
The newly released Clown Town has quickly become a talking point among fans. It picks up after the events of Bad Actors and delves into a fresh intelligence crisis with Herron’s signature mix of dark humor, political satire, and tense espionage.
Early reader reactions praise its sharp dialogue, layered storytelling, and the continued evolution of fan-favorite characters like Jackson Lamb and River Cartwright. While avoiding spoilers, it’s safe to say that Clown Town pushes the series in new directions while maintaining the tone that made it a global success.
Why Reading the Series in Order Matters
Mick Herron builds his world gradually. Plot threads and character arcs develop over multiple books, with callbacks and payoffs that reward chronological reading. Key reasons to follow the slow horses books in order include:
- Character Development: Major characters like Jackson Lamb, River Cartwright, and Diana Taverner evolve significantly through the series.
- Plot Continuity: Storylines often carry over, especially in later books.
- Subtle Humor and Easter Eggs: Herron plants jokes and references that only make sense if you’ve read earlier entries.
- Spoiler Avoidance: Reading out of order may ruin key plot twists.
Tips for New Readers in the U.S.
- Start with Slow Horses to understand the world of Slough House and its disgraced spies.
- Add novellas if you love character depth, but they can be skipped without losing the main plot.
- Follow the TV series alongside reading if you prefer a multimedia experience.
- Pace yourself—the books are witty, layered, and often benefit from thoughtful reading.
- Keep an eye out for future announcements, as Herron has hinted he isn’t done with this world yet.
What’s Next for the Series
While no tenth novel has been officially confirmed, Mick Herron has not closed the door on continuing the series. The Apple TV+ production is moving ahead with at least two more seasons, which suggests that the popularity of both the books and the show remains strong in the U.S. and globally.
If Herron does continue, readers can expect the same blend of espionage, biting wit, and complex character work that made the earlier novels so compelling.
In Summary
Whether you’re catching up with the novels or syncing with the TV series, knowing the slow horses books in order gives you the best possible experience. With Clown Town released and Season 5 airing, there’s never been a better time to join—or revisit—the world of Slough House.
Which book or season is your favorite so far? Share your thoughts below and keep the conversation going.