Gabriel Allon Series In Order

Okay, let’s talk Gabriel Allon. You know, the art restorer who’s also a super spy? Yeah, that guy. We're diving into the Gabriel Allon series, in order. Buckle up, because it’s a wild ride. And I might have some opinions you won't like.

First, the Beginning (Sort Of)

So, you want to start at the beginning? Fine. That’s The Kill Artist. It's technically book one. You meet Gabriel Allon, he’s restoring paintings, and then BAM! Espionage stuff. It’s a good book! But… is it really the best place to start?

I know, I know. Sacrilege! But hear me out.

My unpopular opinion? The English Assassin (book two) might be a better entry point. Don't @ me! It’s a bit more…polished. The writing is tighter. The plot is gripping. You still get introduced to the core characters, and you're not missing a ton of backstory. It's like starting with the second season of a TV show. You get the gist, and then you can always go back and binge the first.

Then What? Following the Thread

Alright, alright, so maybe you started with The Kill Artist because you're a purist. I respect that. Now, you need to keep going. After that it's The English Assassin, The Confessor, A Death in Vienna. Each book builds on the last, fleshing out Gabriel’s past and his relationships. And the bad guys get progressively worse (somehow!).

Don’t skip around! Trust me. You’ll be lost. You’ll be like, “Wait, who’s this woman?” Or, “Why does he hate that guy so much?” Read them in order. It’s worth it. Mostly.

The Middle Muddle

Okay, the middle of the series…that’s where things get a little repetitive. Prince of Fire, The Messenger, The Secret Servant… They're all good. Don't get me wrong. But after a while, you start to see a pattern. Gabriel restores art. Someone gets murdered. Gabriel goes on a mission. He’s brilliant. The end. Wash, rinse, repeat.

It’s like eating your favorite meal every single day. Eventually, you’re gonna crave something else. Even if that something else is just a slightly different brand of pasta sauce.

But power through! Because the latter books are where things really get interesting again.

The Later Years (and a Wedding!)

Moscow Rules, Portrait of a Spy, The Fallen Angel… these are some of my favorites. The stakes are higher. The plots are more intricate. And Gabriel actually starts to… evolve. Gasp! He even gets married! To Chiara, of course. Because who else would marry a guy who spends his free time chasing terrorists?

And don't forget the newest ones! The English Girl, The Heist, The English Spy, The Other Woman, House of Spies, The New Girl, The Order, The Cellist, The Collector, and Daniel Silva's most recent. Each one keeping the thrills, mysteries, and art world intrigue alive.

The (Unavoidable) Question: Is it Worth It?

Look, the Gabriel Allon series is long. It’s a commitment. But if you like spy thrillers with a touch of art history and a dash of international intrigue, then yes! It’s worth it. Even if you occasionally want to yell at Gabriel for being so stubborn or for always putting himself in danger.

And if you’re still not sure where to start, just pick one that sounds interesting. Or flip a coin. Or ask your grandma. Honestly, it doesn’t really matter. Just dive in and enjoy the ride. And maybe, just maybe, skip The Kill Artist until you're fully invested. I won’t judge you. Much.

Happy reading!