ABC’s hit detective drama series Will Trent is based on a popular book series by author Karin Slaughter. The show follows Will Trent, a special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI), who navigates complex cases while managing the challenges of dyslexia and a traumatic past in the foster care system.
The Will Trent books, which inspired the show, are widely acclaimed for their gripping storytelling and nuanced portrayal of the title character. Here’s a look at the novels in order of their release.
The Will Trent Book Series in Order
Karin Slaughter introduced readers to Will Trent in 2006 with Triptych, the first novel in the series. The character quickly became a fan favorite, leading to the release of several subsequent books:
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Triptych (2006)
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Fractured (2008)
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Undone (2009)
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Broken (2010)
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Fallen (2011)
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Criminal (2012)
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Unseen (2013)
In addition to these main novels, Will Trent also appears in Slaughter’s other works, including:
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The Kept Woman
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The Last Widow
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The Silent Wife
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After That Night
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This Is Why We Lied
Slaughter has also written two short stories featuring Will Trent, titled Busted and Snatched.
Karin Slaughter’s Involvement with the Will Trent TV Series
Slaughter has been closely involved with the television adaptation of her Will Trent series. As an executive producer, she works closely with the production team, reading scripts and visiting the set regularly. In an interview with FIRST For Women, Slaughter shared her positive experience with the adaptation process, highlighting her collaborative relationship with the show’s creators.
“I get to read the scripts — they’re so generous. They invite me to the set all the time,” Slaughter said. “I met the actors and had dinner with them and Liz [the executive producer], who’s amazing. She loves storytelling and has worked on great shows like Friday Night Lights. With her at the helm, she was very invested in making sure the characters remained true to themselves.”
Slaughter also praised showrunner Dan Thompson for his deep understanding and respect for the books. “Dan is really into the books, and he’s a great guy. I feel like it’s been a really fairytale situation,” she added.
Ramón Rodríguez on Playing Will Trent
Actor Ramón Rodríguez portrays the titular character in the television series. In a conversation with HOLA!, Rodríguez discussed the complexity of bringing Will Trent to life on screen, particularly the emotional depth required for the role.
“Will had such a tough childhood, growing up in foster care and being dyslexic, which explains a lot about how he presents himself — like why he wears the suit and creates a specific perception,” Rodríguez explained. “At the end of the day, he’s very insecure, and there are things about him that make him really vulnerable. It’s great to show all of that, to get under the hood of Will and reveal his trauma, but also his sense of humor and his heart.”
Rodríguez also pointed out that Will’s need for control is a significant aspect of his character. “He’s compulsive and likes to have control over everything. It’s interesting to portray this, especially because he’s someone who didn’t have a lot of that growing up,” the actor noted.
With its compelling character-driven narrative and the strong connection between the books and the show, Will Trent continues to captivate audiences both on the page and on screen.
