Alan Bradley Reading Order
3 series Β· 16 books
Alan Bradley is a Canadian author who writes atmospheric mysteries and literary fiction, best known for his Flavia de Luce series featuring a brilliant young chemist solving crimes in 1950s England. Beginning with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, Bradley's work combines historical detail with intricate plotting and distinctive character voices. His catalog spans mysteries, literary fiction, and nonfiction across multiple series and anthologies published over nearly four decades.
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Anthologies Series
Complete1 book (2011β2011)
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | A Study in Sherlock |
Flavia de Luce Series
Ongoing13 books (2009β2026)
Alan Bradley's Flavia de Luce mystery series comprises twelve books published between 2009 and 2024, with the series ongoing. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie and continuing through Numb Were the Beadsman's Fingers. This literary mystery series follows a young protagonist solving crimes in post-war England, blending detective work with coming-of-age elements across the expanding collection.
Start with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, the first of 12 books in the Flavia de Luce series.
Start this series with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie |
| 2 | The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag |
| 3 | A Red Herring Without Mustard |
| 4 | I Am Half-Sick of Shadows |
| 5 | Speaking from Among the Bones |
| 6 | The Curious Case of the Copper Corpse |
| 7 | The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches |
| 8 | As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust |
| 9 | Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd |
| 10 | The Grave's a Fine and Private Place |
| 11 | The Golden Tresses of the Dead |
| 12 | What Time the Sexton's Spade Doth Rust |
| 13 | Numb Were the Beadsman's Fingers |
Non-Fiction Series
Complete2 books (1989β2006)
Alan Bradley's two-book non-fiction series explores literary subjects through an unconventional lens. Published between 1989 and 2006, the complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with Ms Holmes of Baker Street: The Truth About Sherlock followed by The Shoebox Bible. These standalone essays and analyses blend mystery, literary criticism, and creative non-fiction into a unique examination of iconic works and their cultural significance.
Start with Ms Holmes of Baker Street: The Truth About Sherlock and read in order.
Start this series with Ms Holmes of Baker Street: The Truth About Sherlock
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ms Holmes of Baker Street: The Truth About Sherlock |
| 2 | The Shoebox Bible |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Alan Bradley written?
- Alan Bradley has written 16 books across 3 series. Their published works span from 1989 to 2026.
- What is the first book in each Alan Bradley series?
- Here are the first books in Alan Bradley's series: Flavia de Luce: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie; Non-Fiction: Ms Holmes of Baker Street: The Truth About Sherlock.
- What order should I read Alan Bradley's books?
- We recommend reading Alan Bradley's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Alan Bradley still writing new books?
- Yes, Alan Bradley has 1 ongoing series: Flavia de Luce.

