Slow Horses books: How to read the Jackson Lamb novels in order

Slow Horses books: How to read the Jackson Lamb novels in order

As a seasoned movie buff with a penchant for espionage tales, I must say that Slow Horses has become one of my favorite series gracing our screens today. Each season is meticulously crafted to bring Mick Herron’s Slough House novels to life, and the fourth season, based on Spook Street, promises to be a thrilling ride.


The much-loved espionage series “Slow Horses” returns for its fourth installment on Apple TV+, drawing inspiration from Mick Herron’s novel titled “Spook Street.”

Each season of the show is based on a different novel in Herron’s Slough House series, which so far includes 8 novels – meaning there is plenty of material available for future seasons.

The art exhibition, titled “Run,” features artists such as Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, Kristin ScottThomas, and Jonathan Pryce. This season’s show, specifically dedicated to the River, presents a unique narrative for the river

Read on for everything you need to know about how to read the Jackson Lamb novels in order.

Is Slow Horses based on a book?

Slow Horses books: How to read the Jackson Lamb novels in order

“Affirmative Yes” or “Confirmed Yes”. The television series being referred to is likely “The Slough House Series,” which is a long-running collection of books by Jackson Lamb that has been adapted for screen by Gary Oldman

The first season of “Slow Horses” was established on the basis of the first book in the series, while the second season was founded on the follow-up book, titled “Dead Lions.” Season 3, similarly, was based on the third book in the series, called “Real Tigers.” With season 4 being based on the fourth book, named “Spook Street.”

In simpler terms, “The story will undergo changes, but for my purpose, the significant aspects are the characters and their interactions, which range from humor to serious moments.”

“I’m quite content with their methodology, and I don’t insist on a literal reenactment of events from the book. After all, isn’t the goal to foster creativity? Let’s continue to innovate and maintain that spirit in this adaptation.”

How many books are there in the Slough House series?

Slow Horses books: How to read the Jackson Lamb novels in order

In the Slough House series, there are presently eight books, with the latest addition having been published on May 10th, 2022

Here’s the full list of Slough House novels in order.

  1. Slow Horses (2010)
  2. Dead Lions (2013)
  3. Real Tigers (2016)
  4. Spook Street (2017)
  5. London Rules (2018)
  6. Joe Country (2019)
  7. Slough House (2021)
  8. Bad Actors (2022)

In addition to the eight full-length novels, Herron has penned down four shorter works in the series: “The List” (released in 2015), “The Marylebone Drop” (in 2018), “The Catch” (2020), and “Standing by the Wall” (published in 2022)

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We don’t yet know if Slow Horses’ success will see these spin-off books also brought to screen. “There haven’t been discussions about filming them, but it certainly remains a possibility,” said Herron back in 2022. “For the time being, it’s the Jackson Lamb series which is being focused upon.”

Lately, Showrunner Will Smith referred to “The Secret Hours” as a “wonderful book”, and mentioned there’s “definitely an opportunity to do a shorter-run [series] or a film or something”

In addition, actor Tom Brooke, who portrays the character JK Coe, has expressed interest in a potential spin-off focusing on the tale of Nobody Walks, encompassing details about his character’s past

Does Jackson Lamb feature in all of the novels?

Slow Horses books: How to read the Jackson Lamb novels in order

Oldman clarified: “Lamb wasn’t intended to show up initially. Somewhere within this building, be it the eighth or seventh floor, Lamb was known as a kind of urban myth. However, he never made an appearance.”

“Mick stated that he penned a scene featuring Lamb, but once he provided him with a voice, Mick exclaimed, ‘Oh dear, this character’s too captivating!’ This discovery led to the entire plot change, which I find intriguing as Lamb was initially intended to be an unseen character.”

Will the Apple TV+ series adapt more of the books?

Slow Horses books: How to read the Jackson Lamb novels in order

As a die-hard fan, I can confirm it’s true! When the news initially broke about this series, Deadline revealed that they were filming a total of twelve episodes. The final six episodes are said to be based on the second novel, Dead Lions

Back in June 2022, it was revealed that Apple TV+ has plans to bring back the series “Slow Horses” not just once, but twice more – for both a third and a fourth season

Afterward, it was revealed that there would be a fifth season. Even though an official confirmation for a sixth season hasn’t been made yet, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it won’t take place in the future

Will Smith’s team might consider adapting all eight books in the series plus the forthcoming ninth novel, but he noted that their decision hinges on what Apple desires and the level of interest

He continued: “I definitely have the kind of leave-them-wanting-more rather than the outstay-your-welcome instinct. But the world of the show is there to be mined.”

He expressed at the moment: “I’d be thrilled if it comes true – everyone seems pleased with the work completed thus far, yet we can’t predict what lies ahead. Frankly, I can’t say for sure – but I can assure you that, absent any unexpected disasters, books one to four will appear on your TV screens within the next couple of years.”

Don’t miss out on Slow Horses season 4, streaming exclusively on Apple TV+ starting from 4th September. Subscribe today!

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2024-09-04 15:48