Alex is just 14 when he learns his uncle wasn’t really a boring bank manager. In fact, his uncle was an MI6 agent who had been secretly training Alex for years. Soon, Alex is sent undercover, relying on his instincts, gadgets, and skills he never knew he had.

The Alex Rider series now includes 14 books: twelve main novels about Alex, a prequel focused on the assassin Yassen Gregorovich, and a collection of short stories.

Alex Rider books in publication order

If you are reading the series for the first time, it’s best to follow the publication order. The main novels happen one after another, and the prequel and short stories give extra background on characters and events you’ll meet along the way.

1. Stormbreaker (2000)
2. Point Blanc (2001)
3. Skeleton Key (2002)
4. Eagle Strike (2003)
5. Scorpia (2004)
6. Ark Angel (2005)
7. Snakehead (2007)
8. Crocodile Tears (2009)
9. Scorpia Rising (2011)
10. Russian Roulette (2013), a prequel about Yassen Gregorovich
11. Never Say Die (2017)
12. Secret Weapon (2019), a short-story collection
13. Nightshade (2020)
14. Nightshade Revenge (2023)

Do you need to read the Alex Rider books in order?

Each book in the series has its own mission, and you can enjoy some of the early stories on their own. Still, we recommend reading the Alex Rider books in order. The characters’ relationships change, old enemies come back, and secrets about Alex’s family are revealed over time. Later books also show what happens after earlier adventures, so reading out of order might spoil some surprises.

​We suggest starting with Stormbreaker, then reading the books in the order they were published. This way, you’ll experience the story as Horowitz planned and watch Alex grow from a hesitant schoolboy into a skilled agent.

The Alex Rider books in order

Stormbreaker (2000)

After his uncle Ian dies in suspicious circumstances, Alex learns the truth about the man who raised him. Ian Rider worked for MI6 and had secretly trained Alex in languages, martial arts, climbing and survival skills. MI6 wastes no time in putting that training to use. Alex is sent to investigate billionaire Herod Sayle and the Stormbreaker computers he plans to place in every British school.

Stormbreaker is a fast and clever start to the series. It introduces the fun mix of spy gadgets, over-the-top villains, and a hero who never asked for this life.

Point Blanc (2001)

Two rich men die in separate incidents, but both have sons at Point Blanc, a special school for difficult boys in the French Alps. Alex pretends to be a millionaire’s troublesome son and finds himself in a place with strict rules, strangely well-behaved students, and constant watchfulness.

Skeleton Key (2002)

After a risky mission at Wimbledon, Alex goes to Cuba with two CIA agents. They are after General Alexei Sarov, a former Soviet leader who has a nuclear weapon and a plan to change Russia’s future.

Eagle Strike (2003)

While on holiday in southern France, Alex gets caught up in an attack that leads him to pop star and billionaire Damian Cray. MI6 does not believe his concerns, so Alex has to investigate on his own.

This book adds to the mystery of Yassen Gregorovich, the assassin whose link to Alex’s family is more complex than it seems. It also raises the stakes, especially through Alex’s friendship with Sabrina Pleasure.

Scorpia (2004)

A clue from Yassen takes Alex to Venice, where he encounters Scorpia, a dangerous criminal group that hates the British government. In Venice, Alex looks for answers about his parents and hears a story about his past that makes him doubt everything MI6 has told him.

​Many people see Scorpia as one of the best books in the series. It mixes a big threat with Alex’s most personal struggle so far.

Ark Angel (2005)

Alex is in the hospital, but that does not keep him out of trouble. After he gets involved in a kidnapping attempt, he meets Nikolei Drevin, the son of a rich businessman, and is invited to stay with their family. Drevin is building Ark Angel, the first luxury hotel in space, but the project has a dangerous secret.

Snakehead (2007)

After Ark Angel, Alex ends up in Australia and is recruited by the Australian Secret Intelligence Service. He works with Ash, his godfather and his parents’ old friend, to go undercover in a group called a snakehead that is involved in people smuggling and other crimes in Southeast Asia.

​This mission puts Alex up against Scorpia once more and uncovers secrets about his parents and the betrayal that changed everything for them..

Crocodile Tears (2009)

A New Year’s Eve party in Scotland quickly pulls Alex into the world of Desmond McCain, a businessman who seems generous but is hiding a violent plan. MI6 asks Alex to collect evidence, leading him from a crop research centre to dangerous situations in East Africa.

Scorpia Rising (2011)

Scorpia comes back with a plan to finish a big job in Cairo, ruin MI6’s reputation, and get rid of Alex. The agency sends Alex into danger again, but makes the mission sound much less serious than it really is.

​This book is darker than the others and was first meant to be the end of Alex’s story. Instead, it wraps up a big part of his life, and what happens here affects the later books.

Russian Roulette (2013), a prequel about Yassen Gregorovich

Russian Roulette focuses on Yassen Gregorovich instead of Alex. It tells how Yassen went from a boy in a small Russian village to becoming one of the world’s top contract killers.

​Most of this story happens before Stormbreaker, but it fits best here because readers will already know why Yassen is important. The prequel shows a more human side of the assassin and explains his connection to Alex’s father.

Never Say Die (2017)

Alex is starting over in San Francisco when he gets a message that makes him think someone he cares about might still be alive. His search brings him back to Europe and into conflict with a rich criminal family known for their complicated plans.
 

Secret Weapon (2019)

Secret Weapon is a collection of seven Alex Rider stories set at different times in the series. Some were first published in newspapers or special editions, while others are new. These stories fill in the gaps between the main books and show that Alex finds trouble even when MI6 is not involved.

Nightshade (2020)

Mrs Jones asks Alex to go into a high-security prison and talk to Freddy Grey, a teenage assassin connected to a new group called Nightshade. This group has trained children to obey orders, hide their feelings, and carry out attacks without hesitation.

Nightshade Revenge (2023)

Alex wants to stop being a spy, but Nightshade still remembers him. The group is getting ready to take revenge, and soon Alex is caught up in a plot involving new technology, money, and manipulation..

Should you read Russian Roulette first?

Even though Russian Roulette is a prequel, new readers should not start with it. The book expects you to already know who Yassen Gregorovich is and how his past fits with what you learn in Alex’s story.

​If you read Russian Roulette after Scorpia Rising, as it appears in publication order, you keep the surprises in the earlier books and Yassen’s story has a bigger emotional impact.

Alex Rider graphic novels and supplementary books

Some Alex Rider stories have been adapted into graphic novels, starting with Stormbreaker. These graphic novels retell the main books instead of creating new stories. There are also companion books, like The Gadgets (a guide to Alex’s gear), The Mission Files (a collection of case files), Alex Rider: Undercover, and film tie-ins such as Stormbreaker: Behind the Scenes and Stormbreaker: The Official Script.

​Alex Rider on film, television and in video games

Alex Rider first appeared on screen in the 2006 film Stormbreaker, also called Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker in some places. Alex Pettyfer played Alex, and the cast included Ewan McGregor, Bill Nighy, Sophie Okonedo, Damian Lewis, Stephen Fry, Alicia Silverstone, Andy Serkis, and Mickey Rourke. Anthony Horowitz wrote the script, but the series never went beyond the first book.

Alex Rider came back to screens in a more successful TV series, starring Otto Farrant. Instead of starting with Stormbreaker, the first season began with Point Blanc in 2020. The second season, released in 2021, covered Eagle Strike, and the third and final season adapted Scorpia in 2024. The TV format allowed more time to show Alex’s friendships, how he was recruited, and his complicated relationship with MI6. As with many adaptations, the show changes some parts of the books and brings in certain characters earlier.

The movie also led to a video game called Alex Rider: Stormbreaker, released in 2006 for the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance. The game combines action, stealth, and gadget challenges, but it is more of a collector’s item than a must-play part of the story.

The post Alex Rider Books in Order by Anthony Horowitz appeared first on British Authors & Their Books.

​Ian Rankin, a well-known Scottish crime writer, creates a new investigation in each novel. At the same time, the books tell a bigger story about Rebus, his colleagues, his family, and his complicated relationship with Edinburgh crime boss “Big Ger” Cafferty.

The Inspector Rebus series is considered quintessential Tartan noir, making a great impact on the crime fiction subgenre.

​If you want to read the Rebus books, start with the publication order, which matches the chronological order. This is the easiest and most enjoyable way to experience the series, as it lets the characters, relationships, and city grow naturally.

Why read the John Rebus series in publication order?

You can enjoy any of the mysteries on their own, so picking up a later book won’t leave you confused. Rankin always gives enough background to help you follow the case and the characters.

​But reading the books in order adds something extra. Rebus gets older in almost real time, Siobhan Clarke goes from a junior colleague to a lead investigator, and Cafferty’s role keeps changing. Edinburgh itself changes too. Throughout the series, policing, technology, and Scottish life all shift around a detective who never quite feels at ease with change.

​Beginning with Knots and Crosses also lets you watch Rankin grow as a writer. The first books are shorter and darker, while the later ones explore bigger themes like institutions, politics, and the city itself.

Ian Rankin’s Rebus novels in order

Knots and Crosses (1987)

The first Rebus novel introduces the Edinburgh detective as the abduction and murder of young girls shake the city. Rebus receives mysterious letters containing knotted string and matchstick crosses, but he doesn’t immediately understand their importance.

Hide and Seek (1991)

When a young drug addict is found dead in an abandoned building, the scene appears to have signs of a ritual. Others are ready to dismiss the death, but Rebus suspects there may be something more disturbing behind it.

Tooth and Nail (1992)

Originally published as Wolfman, the third Inspector Rebus novel sends Rebus away from familiar territory. He travels to London to help investigate a serial killer, although the local officers are not all convinced that the visiting Scottish detective has much to offer. 

Strip Jack (1992) 

A police raid on a brother catches popular MP Gregor Jack in a humiliating position. When Jack’s wife disappears, a public scandal develops into something much more serious.

The Black Book (1993)

After a colleague is badly injured, Rebus becomes absorbed in an unsolved hotel fire and the unidentified body found in its ruins years earlier. His investigation leads him further into Edinburgh’s criminal world.. 

Mortal Causes (1994)

Edinburgh is crowded for its annual festival when a brutally murdered man is discovered beneath the city streets. The victim’s connections point towards sectarian tensions, gun-running and political extremism.

Let It Bleed (1995) 

A dramatic pursuit ends in tragedy, but Rebus cannot accept the case at face value. A series of apparently separate deaths gradually draws him towards powerful figures who would prefer that he stop asking questions.

Black and Blue (1997) 

While investigating a present-day murder, Rebus becomes preoccupied with the real-life case of Bible John, the unidentified killer who terrorised Glasgow in the late 1960s. He begins to wonder whether a modern murderer is copying the past or carrying it on.

​Many people see Black and Blue as the book that took the Rebus series to a new level. It also won the Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger.

The Hanging Garden (1998)

Rebus is pulled between several investigations, including allegations against a suspected war criminal and an increasingly violent struggle between rival gangsters. When the danger reaches his own family, keeping the cases at a professional distance becomes impossible.

Dead Souls (1999)

The apparent suicide of a former colleague troubles Rebus, while the release of a convicted offender and the disappearance of a teenager create further demands on him. Each case touches on guilt, punishment and the long reach of the past.

Set in Darkness (2000)

As Scotland prepares for the opening of its new parliament, a body is discovered in a fireplace at the Queensberry House building site. A modern murder and the death of a homeless man add to the mystery.
 

The Falls (2001) 

A university student disappears from her wealthy family’s home, leaving behind a small carved coffin. Rebus follows the physical clues while Sibhan Clarke investigates a cryptic online game that may be connected to the case.

Resurrection Men (2001)

After losing his temper, Rebus is sent to a retraining course for officers with disciplinary problems. His apparent fall from grace conceals an undercover assignment involving suspected police corruption and an old murder.

A Question of Blood (2003)

Two pupils are killed in a school shooting before the gunman turns the weapon on himself. The official explanation looks straightforward, but Rebus is disturbed by unanswered questions and feels a personal connection through his own army service.

Fleshmarket Close (2004)

Published in the United States as Fleshmarket Alley, this novel begins with the murder of an asylum seeker on an Edinburgh housing estate. Rebus and Clarke encounter detention centres, prejudice and communities that feel abandoned.

The Naming of the Dead (2006) 

World leaders gather in Scotland for the 2005 G8 summit, bringing protests, security operations and intense political attention. Rebus, considered a liability by his superiors, investigates a politician’s death and a possible serial killer.

Exit Music (2007)

With retirement only days away, Rebus investigates the death of a Russian poet in Edinburgh. What first resembles a street robbery may involve business interests, political influence and people skilled at protecting themselves.

Standing in Another Man’s Grave (2012)

Five years after Exit Music, Rebus is working as a civilian in a cold-case unit. A mother’s search for her missing daughter leads him to examine several disappearances connected by the same Scottish road.

Saints of the Shadow Bible (2013)

Back in the police at a lower rank, Rebus must work under Siobhan Clarke while a current investigation brings up issues with his former team. The “Saints” operated in a period when policing was rougher and accountability much weaker. Rebus is forced to decide where loyalty ends, and responsibility begins, with Malcolm Fox again examining his past.
 

Even Dogs in the Wild (2015) 

Retirement has not made Rebus any less curious. When a senior lawyer is murdered, and Cafferty receives a threatening message, Rebus is drawn into a case involving revenge, old crimes and Edinburgh’s changing underworld.

Rather Be the Devil (2016)

Rebus revisits the unsolved murder of a woman in a luxury hotel four decades earlier. His interest in the cold case overlaps with a modern struggle for control of Edinburgh’s criminal economy.

In a House of Lies (2018)

A body discovered in an abandoned car reopens a private investigator’s disappearance from years earlier. The original police inquiry may have been mishandled, and Rebus has reasons to worry about what a fresh investigation will uncover.

A Song for the Dark Times (2020)

Rebus travels north after his daughter Samantha tells him that her partner has disappeared. Knowing she may attract police suspicion, he must balance his instincts as an investigator with his failures and responsibilities as a father. Back in Edinburgh, Clarke investigates a murder connected to wealthy and influential figures, creating two complementary storylines.

A Heart Full of Headstones (2022)

Rebus stands accused in court, and the evidence forces the people around him to reconsider the methods he used throughout his career. At the same time, Clarke investigates a corrupt police officer whose actions may reveal wider wrongdoing.

Midnight and Blue (2024)

Rebus is behind bars amongst men who know he once put criminals there. When a prisoner is murdered in a locked cell, his detective instincts return, although investigating from inside a prison places him in a rather vulnerable position. Outside, Siobhan Clarke works on another case. The result is a tense continuation that gives a familiar character a strikingly different environment.

Where do the Malcolm Fox books fit in?

Malcolm Fox is first the main character in The Complaints, then in The Impossible Dead. These books take place between Exit Music and Standing in Another Man’s Grave, but you don’t need to read them to follow the main Rebus series. Still, they give you a better introduction to Fox before he becomes important in the Rebus books. For the best experience, try reading the two Fox novels after book 17.

Rebus short story collections

If you want more Rebus stories, you can read Rankin’s short story collections. A Good Hanging and Other Stories has 12 Rebus mysteries, and The Beat Goes On: The Complete Rebus Stories gathers all the Rebus short stories published up to that point.

​These stories are best seen as optional extras, not essential parts of the series. Since some happen at different times in Rebus’s career, new readers might want to try the complete short stories books after getting to know the main novels.

​Frequently asked questions

How many Rebus books are there?

There are 25 main John Rebus novels, starting with Knots and Crosses in 1987 and continuing through to Midnight and Blue in 2024. There are also Rebus short stories and two Malcolm Fox novels that link to the later books.

Who wrote the Rebus books?

Scottish crime writer and bestseller Ian Rankin wrote the Rebus books. He created John Rebus while living in Edinburgh, and the city plays an important role in the series, so it often feels like another main character.

Should Rebus books be read in order?

You don’t have to read the Rebus books in order, since each one focuses on a different main crime or set of crimes. However, as with many similar book series, reading them in publication order is highly recommended, as it allows you to follow Rebus’s career, age, personal life, and changing relationships without running into spoilers.

What is the chronological order of the Rebus books?

The chronological order matches the publication order. It starts with Knots and Crosses, then Hide and Seek, and Tooth and Nail. The series finishes with Midnight and Blue.

How old is Rebus in the books?

John Rebus was born in 1947 and is about 40 when the series starts. Rankin lets him age in real time, instead of keeping him the same age. Rebus retires from the police in Exit Music and is nearly 70 in the latest books, though the timeline slows down a bit in the later stories.

The post Inspector Rebus Books in Order by Ian Rankin appeared first on British Authors & Their Books.

​Despite its size, Discworld is quite easy for readers to get into. The series began with The Colour of Magic in 1983 and continued for more than three decades, with the final book published posthumously in 2015. The series became one of the most celebrated fantasy series ever written. While the novels share the same world, the books tend to follow particular groups of characters – the witches, the City Watch, Death and the rather unsuccessful wizard Rincewind.

Who are the Discworld books suitable for?

You certainly don’t have to be a lifelong fantasy and science fiction reader to enjoy the Discworld universe.

​If you love fantasy, you’ll find a huge world full of magic, witches, wizards, trolls, dwarfs, and lots of nods to classic fantasy stories. But even if fantasy usually feels overwhelming, Terry Pratchett’s books are a friendly place to begin. You don’t need to memorise complicated histories or spend ages learning how magic works.

​Discworld is also great for anyone who likes satire, British humour, clever wordplay, or stories that find the funny side of everyday life. If you enjoy mysteries or crime stories, you might like the City Watch books. Going Postal is a good pick if you’re interested in smart con artists and fast-paced stories.

​Younger readers can start with the Tiffany Aching books or The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents. Adults will find plenty to enjoy in these stories, too.

​One thing that makes the Discworld books special is how flexible they are. You can read all 41, follow just one group of characters, or pick out a standalone story that catches your eye.

Terry Pratchett’s Discworld books in publication order

With so many books, reading them in the order they were published is the simplest way to go through the whole Discworld series. This way, you can see how Pratchett’s world grows from a broad fantasy parody into a much deeper and richer place in the later books.

But that’s not the only way to read them. Below, you’ll find a quick overview of all 41 books in publication order. If that feels like too much, we’ve also listed reading paths grouped on the main characters.

The Colour of Magic (1983)  

The Discworld story begins with Rincewind, an incompetent wizard who reluctantly becomes a guide to Twoflower, the Disc’s first tourist. Together with Twoflower’s remarkably loyal and dangerous Luggage, they set off on a journey through a world filled with magic, heroes and plenty of opportunities for disaster.

​The Colour of Magic is more directly a parody of traditional fantasy than many later Discworld novels. It introduces the absurd world that Pratchett would spend the next three decades expanding.

The Light Fantastic (1986)

Following on directly from The Colour of Magic, The Light Fantastic finds Rincewind once again trying to survive circumstances considerably beyond his abilities. Meanwhile, the Discworld itself appears to be heading towards catastrophe.

​The second book continues many of the ideas and jokes introduced in the first while beginning to establish Discworld as something more than a fantasy parody. Because this novel follows the first, the two are best read together.

​Equal Rites (1987)

When a dying wizard accidentally passes his powers to a baby girl, Eskarina Smith appears destined to become Discworld’s first female wizard. The problem is that everyone knows women become witches while men become wizards.

​Equal Rites introduces Granny Weatherwax, who would become one of the most-loved characters in the series. Through Esk’s story, the novel explores gender, tradition and what happens when someone refuses to accept the path society has chosen for them.

​Mort (1987)

Mort isn’t proving particularly useful on the family farm, but things change dramatically when he is offered an apprenticeship by Death himself and begins learning the unusual business of collecting souls.

​When Mort interferes with an event that was supposed to happen, the consequences quickly spiral out of control. Mort establishes Death as a major Discworld character and combines Pratchett’s humour with meaningful questions about mortality, fate and being human.

Sourcery (1988)

Coin is no ordinary wizard. As the eighth son of an eighth son of an eighth son, he is a sourcerer, capable of bringing large amounts of magic back into the world. Unfortunately for Discworld, that much power isn’t necessarily a good thing. Rincewind once again finds himself involved in saving a world he would much rather run away from.

​Sourcery has plenty of fun with familiar fantasy ideas about wizards, magical power and world-changing battles.

​Wyrd Sisters (1988)

Granny Weatherwax is joined by Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick in a story involving a murdered king, a stolen throne and three witches who would really prefer not to interfere in politics. Unfortunately, circumstances have other ideas.

​Drawing heavily on Shakespeare, particularly Macbeth, Wyrd Sisters establishes the witches as one of Discworld’s major groups. It also explores storytelling, theatre and the curious power that words can have over reality.

Pyramids (1989)

Teppic has trained as an assassin in Ankh-Morpork, only to find himself unexpectedly returning home to become king of the ancient kingdom of Djelibeybi. The kingdom is dominated by traditions that have remained largely unchanged for thousands of years, as well as numerous pyramids.

​One of the more standalone Discworld novels, Pyramids takes aim at religion, ancient civilisations and the tendency to keep doing something simply because it has always been done that way.

​Guards! Guards! (1989)

The Ankh-Morpork City Watch has seen better days. Commander Sam Vimes is drinking heavily, Sergeant Colon and Corporal Nobbs are experts at avoiding trouble, and enthusiastic recruit Carrot takes the law rather more seriously than anyone expected. Then somebody summons a dragon.

​Guards! Guards! is the beginning of the popular City Watch sequence. It introduces characters who become increasingly important as Pratchett develops Ankh-Morpork into one of fantasy’s most memorable cities.

​Eric (1990)

Eric Thursley is a teenage demonologist who attempts to summon a demon but somehow ends up with Rincewind instead. Eric wants the usual things: power, immortality and the most beautiful woman who ever lived. His wishes are technically granted, although not quite as intended.

​Inspired partly by the legend of Faust, Eric sends Rincewind through time, mythology and even Discworld’s version of Hell in a fast-moving comic adventure.

​Moving Pictures (1990)

Something strange is happening in Holy Wood. People have discovered moving pictures, and this new form of entertainment is attracting actors, entrepreneurs and hopeful stars from across Discworld.

​In Moving Pictures, Pratchett turns his attention to Hollywood and the movie business, packing the novel with references to cinema and celebrity culture. Beneath the jokes is an early example of something that becomes increasingly important throughout Discworld: new technology changing society faster than anyone expects.

Reaper Man (1991)

Death receives the unexpected news that his time is running out. Faced with mortality for the first time, he takes a job as a farmhand and begins experiencing life as the mysterious Bill Door. Unfortunately, Discworld isn’t functioning particularly well without Death doing his usual job.

​Reaper Man combines some wonderfully strange comedy with one of Pratchett’s recurring themes: knowing that life ends is part of what makes the time before it meaningful

​​Witches Abroad (1991)

Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick travel to the fairy-tale-obsessed city of Genua after becoming involved in the complicated business of fairy godmothers, handsome princes and supposedly happy endings. The witches soon discover that fairy tales can become dangerous when someone insists that real people follow the story.

​Witches Abroad affectionately dismantles familiar fairy-tale conventions while exploring the idea that stories have enormous power over how people see the world.

Small Gods (1992)

Brutha is a novice in the powerful Omnian religion when he discovers the Great God Om has appeared before him. There is one complication: Om is trapped in the body of a small tortoise and appears to have only one genuine believer remaining.

​One of the strongest standalone novels in the series, Small Gods explores faith, organised religion, philosophy, power and the difference between believing in a god and believing in the institutions built around one.

​​Lords and Ladies (1992)

The witches return to Lancre, where preparations are in progress for a royal wedding. Unfortunately, the barriers between worlds are weakening, and elves are attempting to enter. But these are certainly not the friendly, charming elves you’ll find in many fantasy stories.

​Terry Pratchett returns to older and considerably darker folklore, portraying elves as beautiful, glamorous and terrifying. Lords and Ladies is especially rewarding after Witches Abroad and continues the development of Granny, Nanny and Magrat.

Men at Arms (1993)

Sam Vimes is preparing to retire from the City Watch and marry Lady Sybil Ramkin when a mysterious weapon appears in Ankh-Morpork, and people begin dying. Meanwhile, the Watch itself is changing, with recruits representing some of the city’s different communities.

​Men at Arms develops the police procedural side of the City Watch novels while examining prejudice, class, and the consequences when an institution has to adapt to the society it supposedly serves.

​Soul Music (1994)

A new musical phenomenon is sweeping Ankh-Morpork: Music With Rocks In. Young musician Imp y Celyn becomes an unlikely star as the strange new sound takes over the city. At the same time, Death’s granddaughter Susan finds herself unexpectedly dealing with responsibilities inherited from her grandfather.

​Soul Music enthusiastically parodies rock-and-roll culture while introducing Susan as a major character in the Death novels.

​Interesting Times (1994)

Rincewind is transported to the distant Agatean Empire, where political unrest is brewing and revolutionaries are demanding change. Naturally, Rincewind would rather be almost anywhere else. Cohen the Barbarian, now accompanied by his elderly band of heroes, the Silver Hoarde, is also back.

​Interesting Times mixes political satire with one of Discworld’s most reliable comic combinations: enormous historical events and Rincewind desperately trying not to become involved in them.

​Maskerade (1995)

Agnes Nitt leaves Lancre for Ankh-Morpork with ambitions of becoming an opera singer. The Opera House, however, appears to have a ghost, and its increasingly disturbing behaviour soon attracts the attention of Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg.

​Drawing inspiration from The Phantom of the Opera, Maskerade makes fun of theatrical traditions, performers and the peculiar logic of opera while continuing with witches’ escapades beyond Lancre.

​​Feet of Clay (1996)

Someone is attempting to kill Ankh-Morpork’s Patrician, Lord Vetinari, while a series of murders gives Commander Vimes and the City Watch another mystery to solve. Golems become central to the investigation, allowing Pratchett to ask increasingly complex questions about freedom, ownership and personhood.

​Feet of Clay also continues the evolution of the Watch from a handful of largely ineffective guards into a genuinely important institution within Ankh-Morpork.

​​Hogfather (1996)

It’s Hogswatch, but the Hogfather has disappeared. Someone needs to deliver the presents, so Death puts on the red suit while Susan tries to work out what has happened.

​Hogfather is one of Discworld’s most popular stories, taking a strange yet wonderful look at Christmas traditions while exploring belief itself. Pratchett uses this novel to ask why humans create myths and traditions and why believing in things that aren’t strictly real can be important.

Jingo (1997)

A previously submerged island suddenly appears between Ankh-Morpork and Klatch, with the two nations claiming ownership. It doesn’t take long for political rivalry to turn into suspicion, nationalism and the threat of war. Sam Vimes and the Watch become caught in the escalating conflict.

​Jingo uses the absurdity of Discworld to examine recognisable human behaviours including prejudice, patriotism and the ease with which political leaders can turn neighbours into enemies.

​The Last Continent (1998)

Rincewind finds himself stranded on XXXX (also known as Fourecks), a distant continent that bears a suspicious resemblance to Australia. There, he encounters dangerous wildlife, beer, unusual locals, and a landscape with its own peculiar relationship to time. Meanwhile, the wizards of Unseen University have problems of their own.

​The Last Continent is one of Pratchett’s broadest cultural parodies and is particularly entertaining for readers familiar with the Australian references scattered throughout the story.

Carpe Jugulum (1998)

King Verence invites a family of sophisticated vampires to Lancre, only to discover that the Magpyrs are considerably more dangerous than their old-fashioned relatives. They have deliberately trained themselves to overcome traditional vampire weaknesses. That leaves Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, Magrat and Agnes facing formidable opponents.

​Carpe Jugulum plays with gothic horror and vampire fiction while exploring belief, morality and Granny’s reluctance to surrender control of herself to anyone.

​The Fifth Elephant (1999)

Sam Vimes travels to Überwald as Ankh-Morpork’s ambassador, a role for which he considers himself spectacularly unsuited. His diplomatic mission soon becomes entangled with dwarves, werewolves, political tensions and a missing royal artefact.

​The Fifth Elephant significantly expands the world beyond Ankh-Morpork and develops Disworld’s dwarf culture. It is also an important Vimes novel, forcing the policeman to operate in a place where his badge carries considerably less authority

​The Truth (2000)

William de Worde unexpectedly finds himself running Ankh-Morpork’s first newspaper. It turns out people are willing to pay to discover what has been happening in their city, and soon William and his nontraditional staff are investigating a major story involving Lord Ventinari.

​The Truth tackles journalism, advertising, false information and the slippery concept of truth while introducing yet another modern institution into the rapidly changing city.

​Thief of Time (2001)

Someone is building the perfect clock, capable of measuring time with unprecedented accuracy. Unfortunately, completing it could also bring time to a halt. Susan Sto Helit and the mysterious History Monks become involved in preventing a disaster.

​Thief of Time mixes philosophy, martial arts and wonderfully complicated ideas about the nature of time, while bringing together several characters and concepts from earlier Death novels.

The Last Hero (2001)

Cohen the Barbarian and the ageing Silver Horder decide to return fire to the gods, with interest. Unfortunately, their heroic final gesture could have disastrous consequences for the entire Discworld.

​Originally published with extensive illustrations by Paul Kidby, The Last Hero is both an adventure and an affectionate examination of ageing heroes trying to find their place in a world that is rapidly moving past traditional heroics.

​​​The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents (2001)

Maurice is an intelligent talking cat travelling with a group of equally intelligent rats and a boy named Keith. Together they operate their own profitable version of the Pied Piper story until they arrive in a town where something genuinely sinister is happening.

​Written for younger readers, The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents tackles some dark ideas about intelligence, morality and survival. This book won Terry Pratchett the Carnegie Medal.

​Night Watch (2002)

While pursuing a dangerous criminal, Sam Vimes is thrown decades into Ankh-Morpork’s past. The younger city is violent and politically unstable, and Vimes soon finds himself caught up in events he already knows will end badly.

​Night Watch is one of the darker and most highly regarded Disworld novels. Its exploration of policing, revolution, political power and memory is particularly powerful for readers who have followed Vimes throughout the earlier City Watch books.

​​​The Wee Free Men (2003)

Nine-year-old Tiffany Aching lives on the Chalk and has decided she may be a witch. When her younger brother is taken into a dangerous fairy-tale world, Tiffany sets out to bring him back. Helping her are the Nac Mac Feegle, tiny blue warriors with an enthusiasm for drinking, fighting and stealing.

​The Wee Free Men is the start of Tiffany’s five-book story and introduces one of Discworld’s most memorable young protagonists.

​Monstrous Regiment (2003)

Polly Perks disguises herself as a man and joins the army, hoping to find her missing brother. She quickly discovers that military life and her fellow recruits aren’t quite what she expected.

​Although there are several familiar Discworld characters in this novel, Monstrous Regiment largely stands on its own. Through Polly and her peculiar regiment, Pratchett explores war, nationalism, gender expectations, and the absurdity of institutions that continue to function long after they have stopped making sense.

​​A Hat Full of Sky (2004)

Tiffany Aching leaves the Chalk to continue learning how to become a witch. She soon discovers that real witchcraft involves considerably less flashy magic and considerably more hard work, observation and responsibility. When a dangerous entity begins pursuing her, Tiffany must understand herself and her abilities.

​A Hat Full of Sky deepens Pratchett’s portrayal of witchcraft while allowing Tiffany to begin finding her own role within it.

​Going Postal (2004)

Conman Moist von Lipwig is given a choice after being sentenced to death: take charge of Ankh-Morpork’s failing Post Office or face a considerably shorter future. Moist applies his talents for deception and showmanship to rebuild the postal service, bringing him into conflict with the powerful clacks network.

​Going Postal is fast, funny and one of the most approachable entry points into later Discworld.

​Thud! (2005)

Tensions between Ankh-Morpork’s dwarfs and trolls are growing as the anniversary of the Battle of Koom Valley approaches. When a dwarf is murdered, Sam Vimes must find out the truth before old hostilities erupt into violence. Meanwhile, Vimes is determined to be home every evening to read Where’s My Cow? to his young son. That promise becomes important in a story about prejudice, history, family and duty.

​Wintersmith (2006)

Tiffany Aching accidentally joins an ancient seasonal dance and attracts the attention of the Wintersmith, the elemental embodiment of winter. His fascination with Tiffany begins upsetting the natural balance of the seasons.

​The third Tiffany Aching novel draws heavily on folklore while continuing her journey towards adulthood. Tiffany must learn that having unusual abilities is very different to understanding the responsibilities that come with them.

​​Making Money (2007)

Having successfully transformed Ankh-Morpork’s postal service, Moist von Lipqig is becoming dangerously bored. Lord Vetinari solves the problem by putting him in charge of the Royal Mint and the city’s banking system. Moist discovers that banking may have more in common with confidence tricks than expected.

​Making Money turns economics into the basis for a comic fantasy adventure, exploring why money has value and how much of finance depends on confidence and belief.

Unseen Academicals (2009)

Football is popular in Ankh-Morpork, although rules have traditionally been somewhat optional and violence considerably less so. Lord Vetinari wants the game modernised, dragging the wizards of Unseen University into the process.

​Alongside the football is a story about class, identity, celebrity and belonging. Unseen Academicals introduces several new characters while giving the familiar Unseen University faculty an unusually prominent role.

​​I Shall Wear Midnight (2010)

Tiffany Aching is no longer simply learning to become a witch. She is responsible for her own community dealing with illness, hardship, disputes and death while receiving very little recognition for the work. Then suspicion and hostility towards the witches begin spreading.

​Darker than the earlier Tiffany novels, I Shall Wear Midnight explores responsibility, fear and prejudice as Tiffany grows into the demanding role she has chosen.

​Snuff (2011)

Sam Vimes is forced to go on a holiday to the countryside, an activity he regards with understandable suspicion. Predictably, his peaceful break doesn’t last long before evidence of a serious crime emerges. Vimes’s investigation leads him towards the treatment of goblins, who are barely considered people by much of society.

​Snuff continues the Watch novels’ long-running interest in justice, prejudice, and who receives the protection of the law.

​Raising Steam (2013)

The railway comes to Discworld when engineer Dick Simnel develops a working steam locomotive. His investigation quickly attracts the attention of businessman Harry King, Lord Vetinari and Moist von Lipwig. As railways begin connecting previously distant places, Discworld changes with them.

​Raising Steam explores technological progress and industrialisation, bringing together numerous familiar characters while showing just how far the world has developed since The Colour of Magic.

​The Shepherd’s Crown (2015)

Tiffany Aching faces new responsibilities and profound changes within the witching community just as the boundaries protecting Discworld from the elves begin to weaken.

​Published after Pratchett’s death, The Shepherd’s Crown is the fifth Tiffany Aching novel and the 41st and final Discworld book. Its themes of loss, responsibility, change, and carrying on give readers reaching the end of Pratchett’s remarkable series a sense of significance.

Discworld books by character reading path

Reading all 41 Discworld books in publication order allows you to experience the world as Terry Pratchett created it, but it isn’t essential. Discworld contains several linked series centred around particular characters.

​For readers new to the series, choosing one of these paths can make the world feel much more manageable.

Rincewind and the Wizards

Rincewind is the unfortunate wizard who begins the entire Discworld series. His books tend to involve travel, magical catastrophes and his impressive ability to run away from almost anything.

​The main Rincewind reading order is:

1. The Colour of Magic
2. The Light Fantastic
3. Sourcery
4. Eric
5. Interesting Times
6. The Last Continent
7. The Last Hero

Unseen Academicals could also be included if you are interested in Unseen University and its wizards.

The Witches

The Witches books revolve primarily around Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and the witches of Lancre. They combine folklore and fairy tales with Pratchett’s observations about people, power and communities.

​Read them in this order:

1. Equal Rites
2. Wyrd Sisters
3. Witches Abroad
4. Lords and Ladies
5. Maskerade
6. Carpe Jugulum

The witches’ stories continue naturally into the Tiffany Aching books.

Death

Death appears throughout Discworld, but five novels place him, his family or his world at the centre of the story:

1. Mort
2. Reaper Man
3. Soul Music
4. Hogfather
5. Thief of Time

Death’s granddaughter, Susan Sto Helit, becomes particularly important from Soul Music onwards.

The City Watch

The City Watch books follow Sam Vimes and the transformation of Ankh-Morpork’s Watch from a neglected collection of guards into a sophisticated police force. The reading order is:

1. Guards! Guards!
2. Men at Arms
3. Feet of Clay
4. Jingo
5. The Fifth Elephant
6. Night Watch
7. Thud!
8. Snuff

The City Watch sequence is worth reading in order, as Vimes and the Watch change significantly over the eight novels.

Moist von Lipwig

Former conman Moist von Lipwig arrives relatively late in Discworld, but quickly becomes central to the modernisation of Ankh-Morpork. His three books are:

1. Going Postal
2. Making Money
3. Raising Steam

Each focuses on an institution being transformed, beginning with the postal service before moving on to banking and eventually the railway.

​Tiffany Aching

Tiffany Aching’s story begins when she is nine years old and follows her development into an increasingly capable young witch.

Read the five books in this order:

1. The Wee Free Men
2. A Hat Full of Sky
3. Wintersmith
4. I Shall Wear Midnight
5. The Shepherd’s Crown

Although the Tiffany Aching novels are written with younger readers in mind, they are an important part of Discworld, and aren’t limited to children.

The Industrial Revolution books

The Industrial Revolution novels are more of a thematic grouping than a single character sequence. They explore the fast technological and social changes taking place across Discworld, particularly in Ankh-Morpork.

​Books generally associated with this part of the series include Moving Pictures, The Truth, Going Postal, Making Money, and Raising Steam. Monstrous Regiment is also often connected with this broader grouping.

​Several books work well as standalone Discworld novels, including Pyramids, Small Gods, The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents and Monstrous Regiment.

Why are the Discworld books still so popular?

The first Discworld novel was released in 1983, yet new readers continue discovering the series decades later. Part of its longevity comes from the fact that Pratchett’s humour rarely depends solely on fantasy.

​While there are certainly jokes about wizards, magic, barbarian heroes, dragons and fairy tales, particularly in the earlier novels, as the series develops, Pratchett increasingly uses fantasy to poke fun at the real world.

​Newspapers, banking, organised religion, Hollywood, war, racism, class, politics, policing, football and technological change all find their way into Discworld. The setting may involve trolls, dwarfs, witches and an orangutan librarian, but the behaviour Pratchett is examining is unmistakably human.

​That makes many of the books feel surprisingly relevant today. Stories about misinformation, prejudice, political manipulation or the consequences of new technology haven’t exactly lost their significance.

​The characters are another major reason people stay with the series. Sam Vimes doesn’t remain the man readers meet in Guards! Guards!, nor does Tiffany remain the nine-year-old girl from The Wee Free Men. Characters grow older, gain responsibilities, form relationships and change their views of the world.

​Pratchett also had an unusual ability to move from ridiculous to profound without making the transition feel forced. A scene can begin with an appalling pun and wrap up with a remarkably sharp observation about mortality, injustice or human nature.

​While many read Discworld because it is funny, there is a lot more waiting underneath the jokes for readers to discover.

Frequently asked questions

How many Discworld books are there?

There are 41 novels in Terry Pratchett’s main Discworld series. The series begins with The Colour of Magic, published in 1983, and ends with The Shepherd’s Crown, published posthumously in 2015. Pratchett died in March 2015, several months before the final novel was released.

​From time to time, you may see larger numbers of books associated with Discworld because Pratchett’s work reached beyond the novels. There are companion books, maps, guides, illustrated works, and other publications set within or connected to the Discworld universe.

​In what order should Discworld be read?

If you want to read every Discworld novel, reading in the publication order is a great approach. Beginning with The Colour of Magic, you can see the world develop in much the same way that Pratchett’s original readers did.  

​But this is a series you don’t need to read in order, and in fact, you may not read all the books.

​The books contain multiple character sequences, so you could start with Guards! Guards! and follow the City Watch, begin with Mort and read the Death books, or start with Wyrd Sisters if the witches appeal to you.

​There are also some great standalone options such as Small Gods. Discworld rewards familiarity with recurring characters and places, but Pratchett also gave readers enough information to understand the story in front of them without needing to read others.

What is considered Terry Pratchett’s best book?

There is no commonly agreed-upon best Terry Pratchett book, particularly among Discworld fans, but Night Watch is frequently regarded as one of his best novels, bringing together many of the ideas Pratchett had developed through the City Watch series, particularly around policing, justice, political authority and Sam Vimes. The darker tone and emotional depth also demonstrate how far Discworld evolved from the fantasy parody of the earliest books.

​Small Gods, Guards! Guards!, Mort, Hogfather and Going Postal are among the other novels regularly recommended as Pratchett favourites.

What is the best Discworld book to start with?

There isn’t a single correct starting point, and while The Colour of Magic is the first book published, it isn’t necessarily the best starting point.

​If you want to read all 41 books in order, starting with The Colour of Magic is the best spot to start; however, it represents an earlier version of Pratchett’s style and is more focused on parodying fantasy conventions than many of the later Discworld books. Guards! Guards! Is another good starting point, while if Death appeals to you, Mort is a great place to start.

​For those who want to try the Discworld series without committing to a sequence of books, Small Gods is one of the best standalone choices. Going Postal offers another good starting point for those wanting to experience Terry Pratchett’s later writing style, while The Wee Free Men is a great introduction to Tiffany Aching and Discworld for younger readers.

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​The books follow Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron, four unlikely friends who all live at the peaceful retirement village of Coopers Chase. Every Thursday, they get together to look into unsolved crimes just for fun. But when a murder happens nearby, these amateur detectives suddenly have a real case to solve.

​Each novel brings a new mystery, but the relationships and personal stories carry on throughout the series.

Why is the Thursday Murder Club series so popular?

One reason the Thursday Murder Club series is so charming is that it flips many typical crime fiction expectations. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron might live in a retirement village, but they are sharp, resourceful, and often outwit the police, suspects, and criminals they meet.

​These books are more than just clever murder mysteries. Richard Osman creates characters with full lives, including family issues, old secrets, regrets, and new friendships. Joyce’s diary entries add warmth and humour, while Elizabeth’s mysterious past keeps things interesting.

​Most importantly, the series mixes comedy with real emotion. Osman writes honestly about aging, grief, illness, and loneliness, but these topics never take over the mysteries.

​The combination of cosy crime, sharp humour, and emotional depth makes these novels appealing even to readers who might not usually pick up a murder mystery.

The Thursday Murder Club books in order

There are five novels in the main series so far, and it’s best to read them in the order they were published:​

1. The Thursday Murder Club (2020)
2. The Man Who Died Twice (2021)
3. The Bullet That Missed (2022)
4. The Last Devil to Die (2023)
5. The Impossible Fortune (2025)

The Thursday Murder Club

​The first novel introduces readers to Coopers Chase and its four most curious residents. Elizabeth, who has a secretive past, teams up with former nurse Joyce, retired psychiatrist Ibrahim, and outspoken trade unionist Ron. Together, they look through old police files and discuss who might have committed each crime.

​Their weekly hobby quickly turns serious when a local property developer is murdered. With a real case right in front of them, the four friends start gathering evidence, questioning suspects, and devising creative ways to gather information.

​The Man Who Died Twice

​The next Thursday, Elizabeth gets a letter from someone from her past career. He’s made a big mistake with stolen diamonds and a dangerous criminal, and now he needs Elizabeth’s help to survive.

​Of course, she brings Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron into the investigation. Soon, the group is caught up in a dangerous hunt for a killer and for millions of pounds’ worth of missing diamonds. The stakes are higher this time, but the Thursday Murder Club is more confident than ever.

​The Bullet That Missed

​In the third book, the Thursday Murder Club looks into an old case about TV journalist Bethany Waites. Ten years ago, her car was found at the bottom of a cliff, but her body was never recovered.

​The group revisits the people and events linked to her disappearance. Their investigation takes them into the world of television news, where appearances often hide secrets, grudges, and crimes.

​At the same time, Elizabeth faces a threat of her own. A dangerous stranger gives her a deadly task, forcing her to make a tough choice. While Joyce, Rob, and Ibrahim work on Bethany’s case, they must also find a way to keep Elizabeth safe.

​The Last Devil to Die

​As Christmas gets closer at Coopers Chase, the group hears some terrible news. An old friend who worked in antiques has been murdered, and a mysterious package he was protecting has gone missing.

​Looking for the package pulls the friends into a shady world of art forgery, drugs, online scams, and dangerous people. As more bodies turn up, the group has to move fast to figure out what was in the package and who has it now.

​The Impossible Fortune

​After two years away, the Coopers Chase sleuths return. Life has been mostly quiet: Joyce is busy planning a wedding, Elizabeth is grieving, Rob is dealing with family issues, and Ibrahim is still giving therapy to a familiar criminal.

​Their hopes for a quiet year vanish when Elizabeth meets a wedding guest who thinks their life is in danger. Soon, an unbreakable code, a hidden fortune, and a determined villain give the Thursday Murder Club a new mystery to crack.

Do you need to read the Thursday Murder Club books in order?

Each book has its own main mystery, so you could start with any of the later novels and still follow the story. However, it’s best to read the series in publication order to fully understand the relationships, losses, and character growth that continue from book to book.

​Starting with The Thursday Murder Club lets you get to know the unique personalities of Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron. The mysteries are a big draw, but it’s the characters’ lives and friendships that give the series its emotional core.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Thursday Murder Club series?

There are currently five Thursday Murder Club books. There are hints the series might continue, but nothing definite has been announced.

What order are the Thursday Murder Club books?

The Thursday Murder Club books, in order, are: The Thursday Murder Club (2020), The Man Who Died Twice (2021), The Bullet That Missed (2022), The Last Devil to Die (2023), and The Impossible Fortune (2025). This is both the order they were published and the best way to read them.

Who narrates the Thursday Murder Club audiobooks?

Two narrators have recorded the Thursday Murder Club audiobooks. Lesley Manville reads The Thursday Murder Club and The Man Who Died Twice, while Fiona Shaw narrates The Bullet That Missed, The Last Devil to Die, and The Impossible Fortune. Both bring the main characters to life and capture the series’ mix of comedy, suspense, and emotion.

Which is the best Thursday Murder Club book?

The best book depends on what you like most about the series. The first book, The Thursday Murder Club, is perfect for getting to know the characters and exploring Coopers Chase. If you want a faster-paced, more dangerous mystery, try The Man Who Died Twice. The Last Devil to Die is widely praised for its emotional depth.

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Who Is Karen Pirie? 

Karen Pirie is a determined Scottish detective who specialises in cold cases and long-unsolved crimes. When readers first meet her in The Distant Echo, she is a young detective working within the newly established Cold Case Unit. As the series progresses, Pirie rises through the ranks and takes charge of Police Scotland’s Historic Cases Unit. 

Karen is intelligent, persistent and willing to challenge authority when an investigation demands it, but has compassion for victims and their families.

Karen Pirie Books in Order

The Distant Echo (2003)  

In the winter of 1978, four university students stumble across the body of a young woman named Rosie Duff in a snow-covered Fife cemetery. Despite their attempts to help her, suspicion falls on the group, and the murder continues to follow them throughout their lives. Advances in forensic science lead police to reopen the case, and when one of the original suspects is murdered, Karen Pirie becomes involved. 

A Darker Domain (2008)

During the 1984 miners’ strike, Mick Prentics disappeared from his Fife community, supposedly leaving his family to begin a new life. More than twenty years later, his daughter reports him missing, prompting Karen Pirie to reconsider what really happened. Karen Pirie is also working the case of heiress Catroina Grant’s death and the fate of her son Adam twenty-five years ago. 

The Skeleton Road (2014)

When builders discover a skeleton hidden on the roof of an abandoned Edinburgh building, Karen Pirie and her team must determine who the victim was and how the body remained undiscovered for so long. The investigation leads Karen to the Balkans and back to conflicts that tore the former Yugoslavia apart. 

Out of Bounds (2016) 

A teenage joyrider is left in a coma after crashing a stolen car. A routine DNA test unexpectedly connects him to the unsolved murder of a woman two decades earlier, giving Karen Pirie a new opportunity to investigate the cold case. 

Broken Ground (2018)

Alice Somerville travels to a remote Highland peat bog to recover an unusual inheritance buried by her grandfather following the Second World War. However, the excavation uncovers something the family never expected: a body hidden alongside it. 

Still Life (2020) 

When fishermen pull a body from the Firth of Forth, the discovery creates a possible breakthrough in the decade-old disappearance of a senior civil servant. Pirie begins examining the connections and soon finds herself following a trail extending far beyond Scotland. 

Past Lying (2023) 

While Edinburgh is locked down during the pandemic, an archivist discovers an unfinished manuscript written by a recently deceased crime novelist. The story appears to bear a disturbing resemblance to the real-life disappearance of university student Lara Hardie. Pirie suspects the manuscript may contain clues as to what happened, but sometimes fact and fiction are difficult to separate. 

Silent Bones (2025) 

Torrential rain triggers a motorway landslide, revealing a body that was concealed beneath the road eleven years earlier. The victim is journalist Sam Nimmo, who disappeared after becoming the main suspect in his fiancée’s murder. 

Do You Need to Read the Karen Pirie Books in Order? 

Each Karen Pirie novel features a separate investigation, so it is possible to pick up an individual book and follow the central story without having read the earlier stories. However, it is recommended to read the book in publication order. 

Karen’s friendships, career, relationships and personal experiences develop throughout the series and later books often refer to important events from earlier instalments, which may carry less weight if you haven’t read the books in order. You’ll also miss out on seeing Pirie grow from a young detective to head of Police Scotland’s Historic Cases Unit. 

Frequently asked questions

How many Karen Pirie books are there?

There are eight Karen Pirie books, with the most recent release in 2025. At this stage, no ninth book has been announced for the series. Val McDermid often alternates between writing and publishing the Karen Pirie books, the Allie Burns series and other standalone projects. 

Who wrote the Karen Pirie books?

Valarie McDermid is a Scottish crime writer with more than 30 novels published, including the Karen Pirie series. Her work is generally considered part of the Tartan Noir subgenre and is known for its depictions of violence. She has received numerous awards for her books, including the Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger Award and the Cartier Diamond Dagger Award. 

Do you have to read Karen Pirie books in order?

While you don’t need to read Val McDermid’s Karen Pirie books in order, it is recommended. Each book features a standalone cold-case investigation that is resolved by the end of the book; however, Pirie’s personal life, career promotions and team dynamics grow across the series. And a slight spoiler alert: personal relationships and past events carry over from book to book, so reading out of order can spoil the characters’ story. 

Will there be any more Karen Pirie books?

At this stage, there has been no information about a ninth book in the Karen Pirie series, but Val McDermid often has a few years between books before publishing another in the series.

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Their boss, Jackson Lamb, is rude, messy, and often offensive, but he is much smarter than he looks. Whether you first met these characters in the books or through the TV show Slow Horses, reading the series in order helps you keep track of the changing loyalties, political plots, and ongoing personal stories.

The Jackson Lamb books in reading order

There are nine main novels in the Slough House series so far. The best way to read them is in the order they were published.

​Slow Horses (2010)

Slow Horses introduces River Cartwright, a talented MI5 agent who ends up at Slough House after a training exercise goes badly. When a young man is kidnapped and threatened with death, River and the other slow horses get caught up in a risky mission full of double-crosses, political games, and intelligence secrets.

​Dead Lions (2013)

When a former spy is found dead on a bus near Oxford, Lamb does not believe it was a natural death. His search for answers takes the team into Cold War secrets, sleeper agents, and a Russian spymaster who may not be as fictional as people think.

​Real Tigers (2016)

Catherine Standish, Lamb’s assistant and the heart of Slough House, is kidnapped. Her disappearance pulls the slow horses into a plot with private security agents, stolen secrets, and powerful people at Regent’s Park.

​Spook Street (2017)

A major bombing puts MI5 under pressure, and River starts to worry more about his grandfather, the retired intelligence legend David Cartwright. As David’s memory fades, dangerous secrets from his past come to light.

​London Rules (2018)

Britain faces a series of seemingly unrelated attacks while a politician tries to gain more power. Lamb’s team has to figure out what links the violence before someone else controls the story.

​Joe Country (2019)

When a former slow horse disappears, some team members go into a snowy landscape to help, even though Lamb told them not to get involved. Joe Country brings together personal grudges, old enemies, and messy teamwork.

​Slough House (2021)

Slough House, the place for MI5’s failures, has been erased from official records, and its agents seem to be dying under suspicious circumstances. The slow horses have to figure out whether they are just paranoid or someone is really trying to get rid of them.

​Bad Actors (2022)

A member of a government think tank disappears as political advisors attempt to interfere with the intelligence service. With Regent’s Park distracted by internal battles, Jackson Lamb sees another opportunity to frustrate Diana Taverner and protect his people.

​Clown Town (2025)

A missing item from David Cartwright’s library sends River to a spooks’ college in Oxford. His search draws the slow horses into a struggle between MI5’s secret past and uncertain future.

The Slough House novellas

For those readers wanting a more rounded experience, there are five novellas that you can also add to your reading list:

• The List (after Dead Lions)
• The Marylebone Drop/The Drop (after London Rules)
• The Catch (after Joe Country)
• The Last Dead Letter (before Slough House)
• Standing by the Wall (after Bad Actors).

Other books connected to Slough House

There are three other books that, while not part of the numbered Jackson Lamb novels, share characters and history with the Slough House world. Reconstruction, Nobody Walks and The Secret Hours are best read after the main series, particularly The Secret Hours, which examines more about Jackson Lamb’s past.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Jackson Lamb series?

There are nine main Jackson Lamb novels, beginning with Slow Horses and continuing through to Clown Town. There are also five novellas and several connected novels.

​What are the Jackson Lamb books in order to read?

The best way to read the main books is in the order they were published: Slow Horses, Dead Lions, Real Tigers, Spook Street, London Rules, Joe Country, Slough House, Bad Actors, and Clown Town.

​Why is Jackson Lamb in Slough House?

Jackson Lamb is not just another agent who made a mistake. He was once a top Cold War spy who knows damaging secrets regarding MI5’s past. Running Slough House keeps him away from the centre of power, but as you read the books, you’ll see his situation is more complex than just a punishment. He might insult his slow horses, but he fiercely protects them when they are in danger.

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​September may bring a shorter list of new releases, but there is still plenty for British book lovers to look forward to. This month, three esteemed authors return with new stories, spanning children’s fiction, literary fiction and an atmospheric murder mystery.

​Blood and Amber

The fourth book in D.E. King’s In All Jest series follows Karpenmor as he prepares to reclaim an ancient city and take his first step towards ruling Dharatan. Yet his hunger for power leaves him blind to the threats gathering around him. With more magical amulets resurfacing, strengthening the imprisoned goddess Yantrnaya, her devoted priest pursues both her freedom and his own revenge.

With secrets threatening his ambitions and every victory costing him another piece of himself, Karpenmor must face a troubling question: what will remain if he finally gets everything he wants?

​Release date: 1 September 2026

​Gruffalo Granny

More than 20 years after the Gruffalo’s last original story, Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler are welcoming readers back into the deep dark wood for a brand-new adventure. This time, the Gruffalo family receives a visit from Gruffalo Granny, introducing a new character while bringing back familiar faces that generations have grown up loving. Donaldson’s playful storytelling, alongside Scheffler’s wonderful illustrations, promises to make this a joyful book for children and adults to read together. Gruffalo Granny is one of the most exciting British children’s book releases for 2026, and looks set to be another family favourite.

​Release date: 15 September 2026

Our Noble Selves

Kate Atkinson returns with a clever and compelling historical novel set during the summer of 1951, as Britain attempts to leave the darkness of the Second World War behind. The Festival of Britain promises a colourful celebration of the nation’s creativity and resilience, but not everyone is finding peacetime easy to navigate.

​Former foreign correspondent and war reporter Harry Flynn is struggling to rebuild his career and personal life. He reluctantly joins an unconventional group preparing the festival for its grand opening, only for his trouble to deepen when a woman he has dated disappears. As the last person known to have seen her, Harry soon finds himself facing some uncomfortable questions.

​His unlikely hopes may rest with thirteen-year-old Veronica and her scruffy terrier, Mrs Betty. Our Noble Selves combines mystery, humour and memorable characters, promising to be an absorbing story about redemption, post-war Britain and the complications of beginning again.

​Release date: 8 September 2026

​Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel

Bestselling author Lucy Foley brings Agatha Christie’s beloved Miss Marple back for a brand-new mystery, published 50 years after the final original Miss Marple novel.

​Set high in the Swiss Alps, the story unfolds at the luxurious Grand Alpine Hotel, where spectacular mountain views and pristine ski slopes attract an intriguing collection of guests. Amongst them are a notorious actress, an ambitious politician, his enigmatic wife, a reckless friend and a sharp-eyed doctor. When someone enters a gondola alive but is found dead upon reaching the mountaintop, it becomes clear that a killer is staying at the hotel.

​As long-held grudges surface and suspicion spreads, an unassuming woman quietly observes the guests from the shadows. Miss Marple knows that everyone has something to hide, and identifying the murderer may be the only way to prevent them from striking again. Combining Foley’s talent for atmospheric locked-room mysteries with one of crime fiction’s most iconic detectives, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel promises to be a great read for mystery lovers.

​Release date: 15 September 2026

Discover More British Authors and Their Books

If you’ve enjoyed exploring these new releases, there’s plenty more to discover. Our site is home to a growing collection of British authors across every genre. Take a look around, find your next great read, and support our incredible writers.

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​Many readers first discover Richard Sharpe through the television adaptations featuring Sean Bean. His portrayal of the hard-edged yet honourable soldier introduced the character to an international audience and helped cement Sharpe’s place as one of the great heroes of historical fiction. While the television series remains loved, Bernard Cornwell’s novels offer an even richer experience as they delve deep into Sharpe’s character, relationships and the military campaigns that shaped Europe in the early nineteenth century.

​Although Sharpe’s Eagle was the first novel in the series published, Cornwell later wrote several prequels that explore Sharpe’s early years in India before the events in the original series. This gives readers the choice between following the books in publication order as Bernard Cornwell wrote them, or reading them in chronological order and following the natural progression of Sharpe’s journey.

Who is Richard Sharpe?

Richard Sharpe is one of historical fiction’s most enduring protagonists. Born into poverty in London’s slums and orphaned at a young age, he has little education, few opportunities and no influential connections. His only way forward is the British Army, where one’s survival depends as much on courage and determination as it does on skill.

​Unlike many military heroes of the period, Sharpe begins his career as an ordinary private soldier rather than an officer from a privileged background. Through exceptional bravery, quick thinking and a persistent refusal to give up, he earns promotions that place him amongst those who often resent his humble beginnings. Throughout the series, Sharpe constantly battles prejudice from fellow officers who believe birth is more important than ability.

​Much of the series centres on Sharpe’s service with the 95th Rifles, one of the British Army’s first specialist rifle regiments. Armed with the accurate Baker rifle, the regiment specialised in scouting, skirmishing and precision shooting. Serving with this regiment places Sharpe at the heart of many of the dangerous missions of the Napoleonic Wars.

​Despite his reputation as a fearless soldier, Sharpe is not a flawless hero. He is stubborn, often reckless, and uncomfortable with authority. Rather than seeking glory, he aims to survive while protecting those under his command. He does possess natural leadership and loyalty, and his willingness to stand alongside his soldiers earns their respect.

​One of the continuing storylines is Sharpe’s friendship with Irishman Patrick Harper. They develop a relationship established on trust, humour and mutual hardship, becoming one of the more memorable partnerships in historical fiction. Harper balances out Sharpe’s personality through comic relief and ongoing support.

​Although a fictional character, Sharpe’s story is told against meticulously researched historical events. He fights alongside real military leaders, takes part in genuine battles and experiences campaigns that closely reflect the challenges confronted by British soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars. The combination of fiction and history makes Sharpe feel authentic, allowing readers to experience the conflict through the eyes of an ordinary soldier.

Why read the Sharpe books?

The ongoing popularity of the Sharpe series comes down to Bernard Cornwell’s ability to combine thrilling storytelling alongside genuine historical accuracy. Every novel is grounded in extensive research, bringing the Napoleonic Wars vividly to life without ever feeling like a history lesson. Cornwell recreates famous battles, military tactics and historical figures in extraordinary detail, allowing readers to experience important moments in European history through the eyes of one soldier.

​The action is another major reason readers keep returning to the series. From brutal sieges and cavalry charges to tense skirmishes behind enemy lines, the Sharpe novels deliver exciting military action while never losing awareness of the human cost of war. Cornwell’s battle scenes are immersive, fast-paced and easy to follow, making even complex historical engagements feel immediate and personal.

​Alongside this action is a cast of characters who bring warmth, humour and emotional richness to the series. Richard Sharpe’s friendships, rivalries and romances evolve naturally over time, while recurring favourites such as Patrick Harper become every bit as important as the battles themselves. Even many of the villains are complex, believable characters whose ambitions and prejudices add tension throughout the series.

​Finally, readers watch Sharpe grow from a rough, impulsive young soldier into a respected leader without losing the determination and resilience that define his character. His journey is filled with setbacks, difficult choices and personal sacrifices, making his successes feel thoroughly earned.

​Sharpe Books in Chronological Order

Sharpe’s Eagle was the first book to introduce Richard Sharpe, but Bernard Cornwell later wrote several prequels about Sharpe’s early days in the army. If you read the Sharpe books in chronological order, you can follow Sharpe’s path from a young private in India to a respected officer during the Napoleonic Wars.

The India Campaign

Sharpe’s Tiger

Richard Sharpe’s story begins at the Siege of Seringapatam in India. As a private, Sharpe gets caught up in political intrigue while serving under Arthur Wellesley, who would later become the Duke of Wellington. This novel shows the start of Sharpe’s courage, ambition, and determination.

Sharpe’s Triumph

Sharpe stays in India for the Battle of Assaye, one of Wellington’s greatest victories. His actions in battle help him earn respect and move up in the ranks.

Sharpe’s Fortress

The India trilogy ends with the attack on the fortress of Gawilghur, which seems almost impossible to capture. In this book, Sharpe proves his bravery again and earns more trust from his commanders.

Across Europe

Sharpe’s Trafalgar

Even though the book is named after Britain’s famous naval victory, most of the story takes place at sea before the Battle of Trafalgar. Sharpe gets involved in spying, murder, and naval battles as Europe heads toward a bigger war.

Sharpe’s Prey

During Britain’s campaign against Copenhagen, Sharpe discovers conspiracies while trying to stop a French plot. This book connects Sharpe’s time in India to his later role in the Peninsular War.

The Peninsular War

Sharpe’s Rifles

While serving with the 95th Rifles, Sharpe leads a group of survivors through enemy territory in Portugal. This book introduces important new characters and shows Sharpe’s leadership skills.

Sharpe’s Havoc

During the French invasion of Portugal, Sharpe takes on risky intelligence missions as he tries to stay ahead of Napoleon’s advancing armies.

Sharpe’s Eagle

This is the book that first introduced Richard Sharpe. Wanting to restore his honour, Sharpe pledges to capture one of Napoleon’s prized Imperial Eagles at the Battle of Talavera, making his name as a hero.

Sharpe’s Gold

Sharpe is sent into the Spanish mountains to find hidden gold needed for Wellington’s campaign. The mission soon turns out to be much more dangerous than he expected.

Sharpe’s Escape

As the French move through Portugal, Sharpe ends up trapped behind enemy lines. He fights to protect civilians and survive one of the hardest times in the war.

Sharpe’s Fury

During the defence of Cádiz, political plots and battles come together. Sharpe has to deal with changing alliances and face both enemies and traitors.

Sharpe’s Battle

Sharpe is put in charge of getting a new regiment ready for battle, but he soon finds that bad leadership can be even more dangerous than the French army.

Sharpe’s Company

At the tough siege of Badajoz, Sharpe goes back to his old company and faces personal rivalries as well as one of the bloodiest battles of the Napoleonic Wars.

Sharpe’s Sword

A ruthless French officer starts targeting British commanders, pulling Sharpe into a deadly chase while big battles continue across Spain.

Sharpe’s Enemy

Sharpe faces one of his toughest enemies yet as he tries to rescue hostages during Napoleon’s retreat through Spain.

Sharpe’s Honour

Sharpe is accused of dishonour and caught up in political intrigue. He must clear his name while helping Wellington push into Spain.

Sharpe’s Regiment

Sharpe goes back to England to find out why reinforcements are not reaching the front lines, and he uncovers corruption in the British Army.

Sharpe’s Christmas (Short Story)

This short story takes place during the winter campaign and gives a quick, entertaining adventure with Sharpe and his loyal friends.

Sharpe’s Siege

As the Peninsular War ends, Sharpe leads another risky attack during the Allied invasion of southern France.

Napoleon’s Final Defeat

Sharpe’s Revenge

Sharpe is wrongly accused of theft and murder. He must clear his name and find those responsible before they ruin everything he has worked for.

​Sharpe’s Waterloo

The series reaches one of the greatest battles as Sharpe fights with Wellington at Waterloo, where Napoleon’s rule finally ends.

After the Wars

Sharpe’s Devil

A few years after Waterloo, Sharpe teams up with Patrick Harper for an adventure in South America, showing that life after the army can be just as dangerous.

Later Adventures

Sharpe’s Assassin

Right after Waterloo, Sharpe gets caught up in political intrigue while Europe tries to rebuild after Napoleon’s defeat.

​Sharpe’s Command

Bernard Cornwell returns to the Peninsular War with a new story about a campaign that hasn’t been told before, adding another chapter to Sharpe’s military career.

​Sharpe’s Storm

The newest novel puts Sharpe on another dangerous mission during the Peninsular War, showing that Bernard Cornwell still finds new stories for his popular series.

Sharpe Books in Publication Order

Many readers like to follow Sharpe’s life in chronological order, but some prefer to read the books in the order Bernard Cornwell published them. Reading the series this way lets you see how both Sharpe and Cornwell’s writing changed over more than forty years.

1. Sharpe’s Gold (1981)
2. Sharpe’s Eagle (1981)
3. Sharpe’s Company (1982)
4. Sharpe’s Sword (1983)
5. Sharpe’s Enemy (1984)
6. Sharpe’s Honour (1985)
7. Sharpe’s Regiment (1986)
8. Sharpe’s Siege (1987)
9. Sharpe’s Rifles (1988)
10. Sharpe’s Revenge (1989)
11. Sharpe’s Waterloo (1990)
12. Sharpe’s Devil (1992)
13. Sharpe’s Christmas (Short Story) (1994)
14. Sharpe’s Ransom (Short Story) (1994)
15. Sharpe’s Battle (1995)
16. Sharpe’s Tiger (1997)
17. Sharpe’s Triumph (1998)
18. Sharpe’s Skirmish (1999)
19. Sharpe’s Fortress (1999)
20. Sharpe’s Trafalgar (2000)
21. Sharpe’s Prey (2001)
22. Sharpe’s Havoc (2003)
23. Sharpe’s Escape (2004)
24. Sharpe’s Fury (2006)
25. Sharpe’s Assassin (2021)
26. Sharpe’s Command (2023)
27. Sharpe’s Storm (2025)

Should you read the Sharpe books in chronological or publication order?

There isn’t a right or wrong way to read the Sharpe books, but most readers choose the chronological order, which allows you to experience Richard Sharpe’s entire journey, from an inexperienced private serving in India to an experienced officer fighting at Waterloo and beyond. Reading chronologically allows you to see relationships develop naturally, understand how each promotion is earned and watch recurring characters enter the story.

​Publication order, however, offers a different perspective. Readers today can experience the series exactly how readers did when the books were first published back in the 1980s. As Bernard Cornwell expanded Sharpe’s backstory through later prequels, characters and events gained additional depth, which can make re-reads rewarding.

​If you are reading the Sharpe series for the first time, we recommend reading in chronological order for the smoothest character development, and to experience Richard Sharpe’s rise through the British Army.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Sharpe books are there?

The Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell currently consists of 24 novels and three short stories. These novels follow the military career of Richard Sharpe during the Napoleonic Wars and beyond. Although Sharpe’s Eagle was the first book published in 1981, Cornwell later wrote several prequels exploring the character’s early years as a soldier in India before campaigns in Spain and Portugal.

​Cornwell has continued to revisit the series over the years, and there are even more recent additions that fill in gaps in Sharpe’s timeline. Because of these additions, readers can enjoy the books in either publication or chronological order, depending on whether they want to experience the series as it was written, or follow Sharpe’s life from beginning to end.

What are the Sharpe books in order?

The Sharpe books can be read either in chronological order or in publication order, depending on what suits you best. Whether you’re reading the series for the first time or revisiting after many years, both orders offer an exciting journey into a very turbulent time in history. Below is the chronological order for the books, and their dates of publication:

1. Sharpe’s Tiger (1997)
2. Sharpe’s Triumph (1998)
3. Sharpe’s Fortress (1999)
4. Sharpe’s Trafalgar (2000)
5. Sharpe’s Prey (2001)
6. Sharpe’s Rifles (1988)
7. Sharpe’s Havoc (2002)
8. Sharpe’s Eagle (1981)
9. Sharpe’s Gold (1981)
10. Sharpe’s Escape (2004)
11. Sharpe’s Fury (2006)
12. Sharpe’s Battle (1995)
13. Sharpe’s Company (1982)
14. Sharpe’s Command (2023)
15. Sharpe’s Sword (1983)
16. Sharpe’s Skirmish (1999) Short story
17. Sharpe’s Enemy (1984)
18. Sharpe’s Honour (1985)
19. Sharpe’s Regiment (1986)
20. Sharpe’s Christmas (2003) Short story
21. Sharpe’s Storm (2025)
22. Sharpe’s Siege (1987)
23. Sharpe’s Revenge (1989)
24. Sharpe’s Waterloo (1990)
25. Sharpe’s Assassin (2021)
26. Sharpe’s Ransom (1994) Short story
27. Sharpe’s Devil (1992)

Who wrote the Sharpe books?

The Sharpe books were written by acclaimed British historical fiction author Bernard Cornwell. First published in 1981, the series has become one of the most celebrated collections of military historical fiction ever published. Cornwell is famous for combining meticulous historical research with fast-paced storytelling, creating fictional characters who fight alongside real historical figures.

What is the best order to read the Sharpe books?

For most readers, the best way to enjoy the Sharpe books is in chronological order, starting with Sharpe’s Tiger, where Bernard Cornwell introduces Richard Sharpe as a young soldier serving in India. Reading in chronological order allows readers to follow his career, relationships and character growth as the series progresses. Reading these books in chronological order also provides a good understanding of how Sharpe earns his promotions, meets many of the series’ recurring characters and experiences the major campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars.

​If, however, you would like to experience the books as Bernard Cornwell wrote them, publication order is a great choice. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to read the series, but chronological order provides the most complete picture of Sharpe’s journey.

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Originally appearing as weekly comic strips in The Phoenix comic, Bunny vs Monkey quickly gained a devoted following before being collected into bestselling graphic novels. The series follows the rivalry between an overconfident monkey with dreams of world domination and sensible forest animals who spend most of their day trying to stop his latest ridiculous antics.

These books are packed with visual jokes, slapstick comedy and colourful illustrations, perfect for confident readers, reluctant readers and anyone who enjoys a laugh-out-loud adventure. While each book contains self-contained stories, reading the Bunny vs Monkey books in publication order lets you watch friendships, rivalries and jokes develop naturally.

​Jamie Smart, the creator of Bunny vs Monkey

British author and illustrator Jamie Smart has become one of the UK’s most celebrated creators of modern children’s comics. Known for his energetic artwork, expressive characters and absurd sense of humour, Smart has introduced a new generation of children to the joy of graphic novels.

​Before becoming a bestselling author, Smart’s work regularly appeared in The Phoenix, an award-winning children’s comic. It was here that readers first met Bunny, Monkey and an increasingly chaotic group of forest residents.

Alongside the Bunny vs Monkey series, Smart has created other popular series including Looshkin, Flember and Max and Chaffy. His books have won numerous awards and continue to encourage children to love reading through humour and imaginative storytelling.

​Bunny vs Monkey books in order

​Bunny vs Monkey (2019)

The Bunny vs Monkey story begins when an experimental monkey crash-lands in a peaceful woodland. While Bunny wants everyone to get along, Monkey immediately decides to be ruler of the forest. His over-the-top inventions, bizarre planes and endless confidence quickly turn everyday life into chaos.

Readers are introduced to many beloved characters, including Pig, Skunky, Action Beaver and Weenie, all of whom react differently to Monkey’s schemes.

​This book is the ultimate place to start your Bunny vs Monkey adventure.

​Bunny vs Monkey and the Human Invasion (2020)

Monkey’s ambitions grow as mysterious humans enter the picture, giving him another chance to prove how spectacularly wrong his plans can go. The woodland gang must work together to survive Monkey’s inventions, misunderstandings and over-the-top attempts to save the day.

​Bunny vs Monkey and the League of Doom! (2021)

Never one to admit defeat, Monkey creates his own League of Doom to outsmart Bunny and take control of the forest. Naturally, things do not go according to plan. Giant machines, ridiculous villains and outrageous adventures keep the pace moving from one hilarious disaster to the next.

Bunny vs Monkey and the Supersonic Aye-Aye (2022)

The fourth book introduces stranger adventures as Monkey’s latest experiments bring new characters and greater mayhem into the woodland. As always, Bunny remains the calm voice of reason, though even he struggles to keep up with Monkey’s increasingly unbelievable ideas.

Bunny vs Monkey: Rise of the Maniacal Badger (2022)

Badger steps into the spotlight as the cast expands again. New personalities, fresh rivalries and more outrageous inventions make the woodland busier than ever. As alliances shift and Monkey’s latest schemes spiral out of control, the forest becomes even more unpredictable, delivering plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

Bunny vs Monkey: Machine Mayhem (2023)

As the title suggests, technology takes centre stage in this collection. Monkey’s inventions become bigger, louder and more dangerous, while Skunky has many chances to showcase his scientific talents. The result is a collection filled with exploding gadgets, malfunctioning machines and chaotic comic moments.

Bunny vs Monkey: Multiverse Mix-up! (2023)

Chaos reaches a new level as Monkey’s latest plan opens the door to alternate universes. Multiple versions of favourite characters lead to hilarious misunderstandings and many surprises, while Bunny tries to restore order.

Bunny vs Monkey: The Impossible Pig (2024)

Pig takes centre stage in this hilarious instalment, while Monkey remains determined to prove his latest invention or outrageous idea is the key to greatness. As one ridiculous situation leads to another, Bunny and the woodland gang try to prevent disaster.

Bunny vs Monkey: Bunny Bonanza! (2024)

Bunny steps further into the spotlight as he tries to keep the unpredictable woodland under control while Monkey dreams up another series of impossible plans. Packed with energetic comic strips, outrageous inventions and the familiar cast of lovable characters, this collection builds on the humour of the earlier books.

Bunny vs Monkey: The Great Big Glitch (2025)

Technology again becomes the source of chaos when glitches, malfunctioning machines and Monkey’s latest inventions throw the woodland into turmoil. As the gang scramble to contain escalating disasters, readers enjoy another collection of inventive stories filled with slapstick humour, clever visual jokes and expressive artwork.

Bunny vs Monkey: Intergalactic Monkey Business! (2025)

Monkey’s ambitions extend beyond the forest as the gang find themselves in an adventure reaching into outer space. Despite the change of scenery, the heart of the series remains the same, with Bunny trying to keep everyone safe. Meanwhile, Monkey’s overconfidence creates one hilarious disaster after another.

Ready to dive into the Bunny vs Monkey books?

Whether you’re discovering the series for the first time or catching up before the next book, reading Bunny vs Monkey in order is the best way to enjoy Jamie Smart’s chaotic world. With fast-paced storytelling, expressive artwork and a memorable cast, the series is packed with inventive gadgets, hilarious mishaps and plenty of mayhem.

​Frequently asked questions

Who is the author of Bunny vs Monkey?

​Jamie Smart is a British author, illustrator and comic creator. He first introduced Bunny vs Monkey in The Phoenix comic before collating the stories into best-selling graphic novels enjoyed by young readers around the world.

​How many Bunny vs Monkey books are there?

There are currently 11 published books in the main series, with book 12, Day of the Heroes! scheduled for release in late 2026.

​What is the order of the Bunny vs Monkey books?

1. Book 1: Bunny vs Monkey
2. Book 2: Bunny vs Monkey and the Human Invasion
3. Book 3: Bunny vs Monkey and the League of Doom!
4. Book 4: Bunny vs Monkey and the Supersonic Aye-Aye
5. Book 5: Bunny vs Monkey: Rise of the Maniacal Badger
6. Book 6: Bunny vs Monkey: Machine Mayhem
7. Book 7: Bunny vs Monkey: Multiverse Mix-Up!
8. Book 8: Bunny vs Monkey: The Impossible Pig
9. Book 9: Bunny vs Monkey: Bunny Bonanza!
10. Book 10: Bunny vs Monkey: The Great Big Glitch
11. Book 11: Bunny vs Monkey: Intergalactic Monkey Business!

When is the next Bunny vs Monkey book coming out?

The next main-series instalment is Bunny vs Monkey: Day of the Heroes!, and it is due for publication in October 2026.

The post Bunny vs Monkey Books in Order by Jamie Smart appeared first on British Authors & Their Books.

To celebrate the changing colours and quieter pace of the season ahead, we’ve gathered some of the season’s best Bristian reads. So make yourself a cup of tea, get your favourite reading nook ready, and settle in with a collection of stories perfect for autumn.  

The Ministry of Time

A routine government job takes an extraordinary turn when a civil servant is recruited into a secretive new ministry with an incredible mission: bringing people from the past into the present to determine whether time travel is truly possible. Assigned as the “bridge” for Commander Graham Gore, a Victorian-era Arctic explorer, she helps him navigate a modern world of smartphones, streaming music and shifting societal expectations. What begins as a professional arrangement gradually develops into an unlikely friendship and, over the course of one unforgettable summer, something far deeper. As hidden truths about the ministry’s work come to light, both must grapple with the consequences of history, fate and the choices that define their lives. 

Read The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradly

The Marriage Portrait

Set in Renaissance Italy, this historical novel follows Lucrezia de’ Medici, a young noblewoman whose life changes overnight when she is unexpectedly chosen to marry Alfonso d’Este, the Duke of Ferrara, after the death of her older sister. Torn from the familiar surroundings of Florence, Lucrezia must navigate the intrigue, expectations and hidden dangers of a powerful ducal court. As she struggles to understand her mysterious husband and adapt to a world governed by politics and appearances, Lucrezia discovers that her future depends on far more than her noble birth. 

Read The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell

The Thursday Murder Club

The Thursday Murder Club introduces readers to one of modern crime fiction’s most charming and unconventional detective teams. Set in a quiet retirement village, the story follows four residents – Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron – who meet each week to discuss cold cases and unsolved murders. But when a real murder occurs on their doorstep, the amateur sleuths suddenly find themselves investigating a live case. 

Read The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Death by Noir

Death by Noir introduces readers to Barclay Flint, the charismatic owner of a boutique wine shop in the Sussex countryside whose extraordinary palate is as useful for solving crimes as it is for recommending the perfect bottle. When a close friend and local vineyard owner is found murdered, Barclay quickly becomes the prime suspect and sets out to uncover the truth before the real killer strikes again. 

Read Death by Noir by Olly Smith

Everything was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt

Travis is the embodiment of Death. His job is to quietly guide people through their final moments with compassion and dignity. Living a solitary existence, he never questions the natural order of life and death until an unexpected friendship begins to change his perspective. When Travis meets his neighbour Dalia, a devoted midwife, and her spirited young daughter Layla, he experiences the warmth of human connection for the first time. As he becomes drawn into their lives, he begins to understand the beauty, joy and heartbreak that make life so precious. 

Read Everything was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves

Helm

Set against the dramatic landscape of England’s Eden Valley, this imaginative novel tells the story of Helm, a legendary wind that has shaped the land and lives of those who have encountered it for thousands of years. Blending folklore, history and mythology, the narrative unfolds from the perspectives of people across different eras, each captivated by the mysterious force in their own way. From ancient tribes and medieval mystics to Victorian inventors and modern scientists, every generation seeks to understand, control or coexist with Helm. 

Read Helm by Sarah Hall

Belgrave Road

Set in contemporary England, follow Mira as she adjusts to an arranged marriage and a new life far from everything she has known. Struggling to find her place in an unfamiliar country, she longs for independence and the chance to shape her own future. When Mira meets Tahliil, a quiet and thoughtful man, an unexpected connection begins to grow. As both navigate the responsibilities, expectations and cultural pressures that define their lives, they are forced to consider what freedom, belonging and love really mean. 

Read Belgrave Road by Manish Chauhan

Nine Lives

This gripping psychological thriller follows Frankie, who is determined to make a fresh start after her divorce by settling into a new home in an exclusive London neighbourhood with her beloved cat, Blue. But her peaceful new beginning is shattered when Blue returns home one evening with his collar bearing a chilling message: “Help Me”. Driven to uncover the truth, Frankie fits Blue with a camera and soon finds herself drawn into the hidden lives of her neighbours. What began as a search for answers quickly spirals into a dangerous investigation full of secrets, deception and unexpected twists. 

Read Nine Lives by Catherine Steadman

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