The Dark Room
The Butcher & Blackbird series in order, and which Ruinous Love book is the darkest
Three killer couples sharing one very bloody world. Here's the order, who each book follows, and what's going on with the film.
The order
- Butcher & Blackbird (2023): Sloane and Rowan
- Leather & Lark (2024): Lachlan and Lark
- Scythe & Sparrow (2025): Fionn and Rose
The full checked list, with years, is on the Ruinous Love series page.
Do you have to read them in order?
Each book has its own couple, so technically you could. Don’t. The Kane brothers and Sloane turn up all through the series, and the later books spoil the earlier ones.
Spice and darkness
All three score Spice 4 and Dark 4 on our scales. The tone is the whole appeal: properly violent and properly funny. If the gore worries you, read the warnings for Butcher & Blackbird first; sexual assault, breath play and gore are on the list.
After Ruinous Love
Weaver’s next series is The Seasons of Carnage. Tourist Season came out in 2025, and Hunting Season, book 3, is listed for 2027. Her other books are on her author page. Lachlan has his own character guide.
The movie
Butcher & Blackbird looks to be shooting, directed by Chris McKay (reported, from a casting call). Cast is not officially announced, though a casting call names Thomas Doherty and Emma Laird. Butcher & Blackbird movie news.
FAQ
How many books are in the Butcher & Blackbird series?
Three: Butcher & Blackbird, Leather & Lark and Scythe & Sparrow.
What order do the Ruinous Love books go in?
Butcher & Blackbird, then Leather & Lark, then Scythe & Sparrow.
Is there a Butcher & Blackbird movie?
Yes, a film directed by Chris McKay is in production. No release date has been announced.
On the shelf
The books this essay is standing next to. Notes on those pages are original. The warnings are there before the plot.
Essays are opinion. They are not a substitute for an author’s own warning note. Patreon · Ko-fi · Library