Does Elin Hildebrand's Nantucket series need to be read in order?

Now that you’ve watched The Perfect Couple on Netflix, you’re likely looking at the books. Elin Hildebrand’s The Perfect Couple novel is slightly different to the Netflix series, including how Merritt died and why. It’s certainly worth a read.

However, you may notice that The Perfect Couple is the third book in the Nantucket series. Do you need to read the first two books first, or is this one of those series that can be read out of order?

How many books are in the Nantucket series?

The Perfect Couple is the third of four books (so far) in the series. The actual order of release is:

A Summer Affair
The Castaways
The Perfect Couple
Swan Song

The good news is you don’t need to read the novels in order. They don’t follow a particular chronological storyline, with each book more of its own standalone story. They just all happen to be set in the same universe as one another, and there are some of the same characters who show up. Reading the books offers a better understanding of some of the characters, but it’s not necessary to follow The Perfect Couple.

Why read The Perfect Couple by Elin Hildebrand

There were some major changes from the books when the TV show was developed. In the series, it was revealed that Merritt was killed due to money. In the book, that’s not the case. It becomes a far more tragic story, and you end up feeling for the murderer a little.

Some of the character names are changed, as well. The biggest one is Amelia in the show is Celeste in the book. This change was linked to Nicole Kidman being cast as Greer in the series, and those in production didn’t want fans to get confused with the Celeste Kidman plays in another show.

With the changes, you’ll feel like you’re reading a slightly different story. Plus the book is way better than the series!