To read Daphne du Maurier’s books in order, start with her early novels from the 1930s and follow her journey through gothic romance, psychological thrillers, and historical fiction. This reading guide offers a structured view of her works, helping fans and newcomers navigate her most iconic and underrated titles alike.
Daphne du Maurier is celebrated for her haunting storytelling and complex characters, with Rebecca being her most famous novel. While most of her books are standalones, understanding the order of publication provides insight into her evolving literary themes and historical contexts.
Daphne du Maurier Novels in Order of Publication
Daphne du Maurier’s writing career spanned over four decades. Here’s a chronological guide to her novels:
Early Works (1931–1937): Romantic and Historical Foundations
- The Loving Spirit (1931)
- I’ll Never Be Young Again (1932)
- The Progress of Julius (1933)
- Jamaica Inn (1936)
- Rebecca (1938)
These early works show her initial interest in romantic and historical themes. Jamaica Inn and Rebecca mark her shift to darker, more suspenseful storytelling.
Mid-Career Masterpieces (1940s–1950s): Psychological Depth and Mystery
- Frenchman’s Creek (1941)
- Hungry Hill (1943)
- The King’s General (1946)
- The Parasites (1949)
- My Cousin Rachel (1951)
- The Scapegoat (1957)
This era showcases her talent for creating suspenseful plots and morally complex characters. My Cousin Rachel is especially known for its ambiguous ending and psychological tension.
Later Works (1960s–1970s): Experimentation and Legacy
- Castle Dor (1962) – finished from a fragment by Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch
- The Flight of the Falcon (1965)
- The House on the Strand (1969)
- Rule Britannia (1972)
Her later novels often experiment with structure and themes, especially The House on the Strand, which blends time travel and psychological exploration.
Daphne du Maurier’s Short Stories in Order
Du Maurier was also a prolific short story writer. Her most famous collections include:
- The Apple Tree (1952) – later republished as The Birds and Other Stories
- Don’t Look Now and Other Stories (1971)
Key stories to read:
- The Birds – Basis for Hitchcock’s film, features apocalyptic tension.
- Don’t Look Now – A chilling story about grief and the supernatural.
- Monte Verità – Philosophical and mystical elements.
These stories highlight du Maurier’s versatility and her knack for chilling psychological horror.
Best Books to Start With
If you’re new to Daphne du Maurier, these are the ideal entry points:
Recommended starting titles:
- Rebecca – A gothic classic full of suspense, identity, and obsession.
- Jamaica Inn – Smuggling, isolation, and a bleak Cornish moorland.
- My Cousin Rachel – An ambiguous tale of love and suspicion.
- The Birds (short story) – Unsettling and atmospheric.
These books give you a taste of her diverse style—from romance and drama to horror and historical fiction.
Themes Across Daphne du Maurier’s Work
Her writing consistently explores psychological unease, female identity, and the haunting influence of the past.
Recurring themes:
- Gothic Atmosphere: Isolated settings, secrets, and psychological dread.
- Unreliable Narrators: Especially in Rebecca and My Cousin Rachel.
- Historical Intrigue: Often set in Cornwall or war-torn eras.
- Feminine Identity: Women’s roles, power, and internal conflict.
Understanding these patterns helps deepen appreciation for her storytelling and character depth.
Du Maurier Book Adaptations
Daphne du Maurier’s novels and stories have inspired numerous film and TV adaptations.
Famous adaptations:
- Rebecca (1940) – Directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
- The Birds (1963) – Also by Hitchcock, though it diverges from the original plot.
- My Cousin Rachel (1952, 2017) – Captures the book’s ambiguity.
- Jamaica Inn – Adapted for film (1939) and television (2014).
Her stories continue to influence suspense and horror genres in both literature and cinema.
FAQs About Daphne du Maurier Books in Order
Here are some questions and answers about reading Daphne du Maurier’s works:
What is the correct order to read Daphne du Maurier’s books?
Read them in publication order if you want to trace her literary evolution. Otherwise, start with popular titles like Rebecca or My Cousin Rachel.
Do any of her books form a series?
No, all of her novels are standalones. However, many are set in Cornwall and share thematic links.
Which Daphne du Maurier book is considered the best?
Rebecca is her most acclaimed novel and often appears on best-books-of-the-century lists.
Are the film versions of her books accurate?
Some are faithful (Rebecca 1940), while others like The Birds take creative liberties with the original stories.
Is Daphne du Maurier a horror writer?
She blends psychological horror, gothic suspense, and mystery rather than writing traditional horror. Stories like The Birds and Don’t Look Now are classic examples of her eerie style.
Reading Daphne du Maurier in order offers a rewarding literary journey—from gothic suspense to historical epics—perfect for readers who love atmospheric fiction and psychological depth.