Joona Linna Books in Order: Lars Kepler's Series and What Nocturne Adapts

The Joona Linna books go in publication order, starting with The Hypnotist (2009). Nocturne, Apple TV’s new crime drama, is adapted from two later entries: The Sandman, the fourth novel, and Lazarus, the seventh, according to Apple’s announcements.

You do not need to read ten-plus books before watching. This guide gives the full order, explains which books the show draws on, and says what is confirmed and what is not. It is spoiler-free.

Joona Linna books in order

Lars Kepler’s crime series follows detective Joona Linna. Wikipedia lists these novels, with the original Swedish title and year of first publication:

Bold titles are the two books named as Nocturne’s source material. The years are Swedish first publication; English-language editions came later and vary by country, and this guide has not checked individual English release dates.

Apple’s September press release says Kepler’s “ten published” novels have sold about 20 million copies worldwide. Wikipedia’s list now runs to eleven because it includes Medusa (2026). The difference most likely reflects that newest Swedish release, but the sources checked do not say so, and an English edition of Medusa is not confirmed here.

Which books is Nocturne based on?

Apple’s September 29 press release describes the series as based on Kepler’s novel The Sandman. Its earlier July announcement names both The Sandman and Lazarus.

Apple has not said how much of each book appears on screen, or whether the show follows either plot closely. It also renames and relocates things: Apple’s synopsis puts former homicide detective Jonah Lynn in a small western Pennsylvania town, while Kepler’s novels are Swedish crime fiction about Joona Linna. Expect an adaptation, not a page-for-page translation.

This Sandman is a crime novel. It has no connection to Neil Gaiman’s DC comic or its Netflix adaptation.

Where should you start?

There are three sensible routes:

• Read in order. Start with The Hypnotist and work forward. This is the cleanest path, and the only one the published numbering supports.
• Start at the show’s source. If you want the closest match to Nocturne, read The Sandman (book 4) first, then Lazarus (book 7). The sources checked do not say whether either book works as a standalone, so earlier events may be referenced.
• Watch first, read after. Apple presents Nocturne as a 10-episode series, so you can finish it, then go back to book one. Be aware that reading the novels afterward may reveal how the books differ from what you saw.

If you want a franchise-style reading order for another TV-adapted book series, see our guides to the Silo books in order and the Dune books in order.

Is there another adaptation?

Yes. The Hypnotist (2012), directed by Lasse Hallström, adapts the first novel. Wikipedia says it was Sweden’s submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar at the 85th Academy Awards and did not make the shortlist.

Who is Lars Kepler?

Lars Kepler is the pen name of married writers Alexander Ahndoril and Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril. Per Wikipedia, “Lars” nods to the crime writer Stieg Larsson and “Kepler” to the astronomer Johannes Kepler. Press speculation about the author’s identity ended in August 2009, when Aftonbladet named the couple and the publisher confirmed it.

When can you watch Nocturne?

Apple says the 10-episode series premiered globally on Apple TV on October 30, 2026, with two episodes, followed by one new episode each Friday through December 25, 2026. For the cast and the official trailer, see our Nocturne trailer and release guide.

FAQ

What order should I read the Joona Linna books in?

Publication order: The Hypnotist, The Nightmare, The Fire Witness, The Sandman, Stalker, The Rabbit Hunter, Lazarus, The Mirror Man, The Spider, The Sleepwalker, then Medusa.

Which Lars Kepler book is Nocturne based on?

Apple’s September announcement names The Sandman. Its July announcement names The Sandman and Lazarus. Apple has not detailed how each book is used.

Do I need to read the books before watching Nocturne?

No. Apple presents Nocturne as a series in its own right, and nothing in its announcements asks viewers to read the novels first.

Is Nocturne related to Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman?

No. The title is shared by coincidence. Kepler’s The Sandman is a crime novel and the show is a crime drama.

How many Joona Linna books are there?

Wikipedia lists eleven, ending with Medusa (Swedish, 2026). Apple’s September press release refers to ten published novels.

Is Lars Kepler one person?

No. It is the pen name of the married writing partners Alexander Ahndoril and Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril.