
Barbara Hambly Reading Order
25 series · 485 books · Born 1951-08-28
Barbara Hambly is a prolific American novelist and screenwriter whose work spans fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and historical fiction since 1978. She is best known for her Benjamin January mystery series set in antebellum New Orleans, featuring a Black physician and musician navigating a segregated society, as well as her historical novel exploring Mary Todd Lincoln's life. Hambly has also written extensively in established universes including Star Trek and Star Wars, and created original science fiction worlds built on multiverse concepts, demonstrating her versatility across genre and imaginative scope.
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Abigail Adams Series
Complete3 books (2009–2011)
Barbara Hambly's Abigail Adams series spans three complete historical mystery novels published between 2009 and 2011. The books should be read in publication order: The Ninth Daughter, A Marked Man, and Sup with the Devil. This trilogy blends historical fiction with mystery elements, following the American Founding Father's wife as she investigates crimes in colonial and Revolutionary-era America.
Start with The Ninth Daughter and read in order.
Start this series with The Ninth Daughter
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleAkashic Noir Series
Ongoing121 books (2002–2025)
The Akashic Noir series is an ongoing collection of 121 noir and crime fiction anthologies launched in 2002 and still being published as of 2025. Each volume focuses on a different city or region, from San Francisco and Brooklyn to Dublin, London, and beyond, featuring original short stories that capture the dark underbelly of their respective locales. Readers should begin with San Francisco Noir and proceed in publication order to experience how the series has expanded across geography and time. These standalone-friendly anthologies blend mystery, thriller, and historical fiction elements while exploring urban crime through diverse voices and perspectives.
Start with San Francisco Noir, the first of 121 books in the Akashic Noir series.
Start this series with San Francisco Noir
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Anne Steelyard: The Garden of Emptiness Series
Complete3 books (2008–2011)
Barbara Hambly's Anne Steelyard trilogy spans from 2008 to 2011 and follows a complete arc best experienced in publication order. The three books—An Honorary Man, The Gate of Dreams and Starlight, and A Thousand Waters—should be read sequentially to fully appreciate the narrative. This finished series blends fantasy and adventure elements characteristic of Hambly's versatile writing across multiple genres.
Start with An Honorary Man and read in order.
Start this series with An Honorary Man
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleAnthologies Series
Likely Complete10 books (1988–2021)
Barbara Hambly edited ten anthologies spanning from 1988 to 2021, blending fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and historical fiction across diverse themes. The series includes collections focused on Sherlock Holmes pastiches (Gaslight & Ghosts, Gaslight Grimoire, and My Sherlock Holmes), Doctor Who stories (Chicks Unravel Time), and themed compilations like Sisters of the Night and War of the Worlds: Global Dispatches. These anthologies should be read in publication order beginning with Gaslight & Ghosts. The series appears to be complete.
Start with Gaslight & Ghosts, the first of 10 books in the Anthologies series.
Start this series with Gaslight & Ghosts
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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Beauty and the Beast Series
Complete3 books (1989–1990)
Barbara Hambly's Beauty and the Beast trilogy spans three complete novels published between 1989 and 1990. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Beauty and the Beast, followed by Masques, and concluding with Song of Orpheus. This finished fantasy series blends adventure and mystery elements characteristic of Hambly's broader work across multiple genres.
Start with Beauty and the Beast and read in order.
Start this series with Beauty and the Beast
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleBenjamin January Series
Ongoing26 books (1997–2025)
The Benjamin January series comprises 26 books of historical mystery fiction published between 1997 and 2025, with the series still ongoing. Centered on a free Black man navigating antebellum New Orleans, the novels should be read in publication order, beginning with A Free Man of Color. The series follows January through investigations and adventures across early 19th-century Louisiana and beyond, blending historical detail with mystery and thriller elements throughout its expanding catalogue.
Start with A Free Man of Color, the first of 26 books in the Benjamin January series.
Start this series with A Free Man of Color
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Benjamin January Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete5 books (2015–2016)
Barbara Hambly's Benjamin January Short Stories and Novellas collection comprises five interconnected tales published between 2015 and 2016, best read in publication order starting with A Time For Every Purpose Under Heaven. This complete series follows the chronological release of stories featuring the historical mystery protagonist across varied settings and scenarios. The five entries are A Time For Every Purpose Under Heaven, Hagar, Libre, There Shall Your Heart Be Also, and Death on the Moon, offering standalone yet thematically linked narratives that deepen the character's world.
Start with A Time For Every Purpose Under Heaven, the first of 5 books in the Benjamin January Short Stories/Novellas series.
Start this series with A Time For Every Purpose Under Heaven
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleColossus Films Series
Complete1 book (2016–2016)
Darwath Series
Complete8 books (1982–2017)
The Darwath series consists of eight fantasy novels by Barbara Hambly, beginning with The Time of the Dark in 1982 and concluding with Elsewhere in 2017. The complete series should be read in publication order to follow the interconnected narrative across all eight books. This finished series blends fantasy worldbuilding with science fiction and mystery elements across its span.
Start with The Time of the Dark, the first of 8 books in the Darwath series.
Start this series with The Time of the Dark
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleJames Asher Series
Complete9 books (1988–2019)
Barbara Hambly's James Asher series comprises nine books published between 1988 and 2019, following publication order from the first entry, Those Who Hunt the Night, through to the final novel, Prisoner of Midnight. The complete series blends fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, and adventure elements across a mix of standalone and interconnected narratives. Readers should begin with Those Who Hunt the Night and proceed through the books in order of publication to experience the full scope of Hambly's storytelling across this finished sequence.
Start with Those Who Hunt the Night, the first of 9 books in the James Asher series.
Start this series with Those Who Hunt the Night
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Magic Time Series
Complete3 books (2001–2009)
Barbara Hambly's Magic Time series spans three complete novels published between 2001 and 2009, with later books authored by collaborators Robert Charles Wilson, Marc Scott Zicree, and Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff. This fantasy and science fiction blend should be read in publication order, beginning with Magic Time, followed by Ghostlands, and concluding with Angelfire. The series combines elements of action, adventure, and thriller narratives across its interconnected storylines.
Start with Magic Time and read in order.
Start this series with Magic Time
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleSherlock Holmes Adventures Series
Complete2 books (2015–2015)
Barbara Hambly's Sherlock Holmes Adventures is a complete two-book mystery series published in 2015 that should be read in publication order. The first installment is Sherlock Holmes: Adventure of the Lost Boy, followed by Sherlock Holmes: Adventure of the Sinister Chinaman. These standalone adventures blend mystery with historical fiction elements characteristic of Hambly's diverse writing across fantasy, science fiction, and adventure genres.
Start with Sherlock Holmes - Adventure of the Lost Boy and read in order.
Start this series with Sherlock Holmes - Adventure of the Lost Boy
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleShort Stories/Novellas Series
Ongoing3 books (2015–2024)
Barbara Hambly's collection of short stories and novellas spans from 2015 to 2024, with three titles published to date and the series marked as ongoing. These works should be read in publication order, beginning with Sherlock Holmes - The Dollmaker of Marigold Walk, followed by Sunrise On Running Water and Temporary Quarters. The series reflects Hambly's versatility across multiple genres including fantasy, science fiction, mystery, historical fiction, and adventure.
Start with Sherlock Holmes - The Dollmaker of Marigold Walk and read in order.
Start this series with Sherlock Holmes - The Dollmaker of Marigold Walk
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleSilver Screen Historical Mystery Series
Ongoing4 books (2021–2026)
Barbara Hambly's Silver Screen Historical Mystery series comprises four books published between 2021 and 2026, with the series still ongoing. These mysteries should be read in publication order, beginning with Scandal in Babylon, followed by One Extra Corpse, Saving Susy Sweetchild, and Death in the Palace. The series blends historical fiction with mystery and thriller elements set against the backdrop of early Hollywood.
Start with Scandal in Babylon, the first of 4 books in the Silver Screen Historical Mystery series.
Start this series with Scandal in Babylon
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleSisters of the Raven Series
Complete2 books (2002–2005)
This complete fantasy series consists of two books published between 2002 and 2005. The novels should be read in publication order, beginning with Sisters of the Raven followed by Circle of the Moon. Barbara Hambly's fantasy duology is self-contained and concludes with the second installment.
Start with Sisters of the Raven and read in order.
Start this series with Sisters of the Raven
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleStandalone Novels Series
Likely Complete7 books (1983–2023)
Barbara Hambly's collection of seven standalone novels spans four decades from 1983 to 2023, each exploring different historical periods and genres including fantasy, mystery, and historical fiction. Though unconnected in plot and characters, these works should be read in publication order starting with The Quirinal Hill Affair, followed by Bride of the Rat God, The Emancipator's Wife, Renfield, Patriot Hearts, Homeland, and concluding with The Iron Princess. The series appears to be complete, offering readers a diverse range of narratives that showcase Hambly's versatility across multiple genres and time periods.
Start with The Quirinal Hill Affair/Search the Seven Hills, the first of 7 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with The Quirinal Hill Affair/Search the Seven Hills
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleStar Trek: TOS Series
Complete62 books (1982–2013)
The Star Trek: TOS series comprises 61 licensed novels set in the original series universe, published between 1982 and 2013 by various authors including Barbara Hambly, Diane Duane, Greg Bear, and Janet Kagan. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with The Abode of Life. These books expand on the adventures of Kirk, Spock, and the Enterprise crew with additional storylines spanning mystery, science fiction, and action-adventure elements.
Start with The Abode of Life(By: Lee Correy), the first of 61 books in the Star Trek: TOS series.
Start this series with The Abode of Life(By: Lee Correy)
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Star Trek: TOS (Original) Series
Ongoing113 books (1981–2026)
The Star Trek: The Original Series novel adaptations and continuations comprise 112 books published between 1981 and 2025, with new entries still being released. Written by various authors including Vonda N. McIntyre, Diane Duane, A.C. Crispin, and many others, these books expand the adventures of Kirk, Spock, and the Enterprise crew beyond the television series. Reading in publication order is essential to experience the interconnected storylines and character development that unfold across the decades of releases. This ongoing series blends science fiction action, mystery, and drama across one of the most extensive literary universes in publishing.
Start with Entropy Effect(By: Vonda N. McIntyre,Leonard Nimoy,George Takei), the first of 112 books in the Star Trek: TOS (Original) series.
Start this series with Entropy Effect(By: Vonda N. McIntyre,Leonard Nimoy,George Takei)
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Star Wars Legends Series
Complete68 books (1978–2013)
The Star Wars Legends series comprises 65 books published between 1978 and 2013, featuring contributions from multiple authors including Barbara Hambly, Alan Dean Foster, Brian Daley, and many others. This complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with Splinter of the Mind's Eye and concluding with the final entry in 2013. The collection expands the Star Wars universe beyond the films with interconnected stories spanning different time periods and character perspectives throughout the galaxy.
Start with Splinter of the Mind's Eye(By: Alan Dean Foster), the first of 65 books in the Star Wars Legends series.
Start this series with Splinter of the Mind's Eye(By: Alan Dean Foster)
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| 51 | Star Wars: The Clone Wars - A Jedi Adventure in 3-D(By: Pablo Hidalgo) 2010 |
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| 63 | Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace 3D Storybook(By: Pablo Hidalgo) 2012 |
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Sun Wolf and Starhawk Series
Complete8 books (1984–2018)
Barbara Hambly's Sun Wolf and Starhawk series comprises eight fantasy adventure novels following the titular mercenary and his companion. Published between 1984 and 2018, the series is complete and should be read in publication order beginning with The Ladies of Mandrigyn. The books chronicle their exploits across a richly imagined world filled with magic, danger, and complex relationships forged through shared struggle.
Start with The Ladies of Mandrigyn, the first of 8 books in the Sun Wolf and Starhawk series.
Start this series with The Ladies of Mandrigyn
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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Sun-Cross Series
Complete2 books (1991–1992)
Barbara Hambly's Sun-Cross duology consists of two fantasy novels published in the early 1990s. The series is complete with The Rainbow Abyss arriving in 1991 followed by The Magicians of Night in 1992. Readers should approach these books in publication order to experience the story as intended.
Start with The Rainbow Abyss and read in order.
Start this series with The Rainbow Abyss
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleWindrose Chronicles Series
Complete5 books (1986–2019)
The Windrose Chronicles is a complete five-book fantasy series by Barbara Hambly, published between 1986 and 2019. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with The Silent Tower. The series blends fantasy and science fiction elements across its entries: The Silent Tower, The Silicon Mage, Dog Wizard, Stranger at the Wedding, and Just Like Real People.
Start with The Silent Tower, the first of 5 books in the Windrose Chronicles series.
Start this series with The Silent Tower
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleWindrose Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete8 books (2015–2019)
Barbara Hambly's Windrose Short Stories and Novellas collection comprises eight complete works published between 2015 and 2019, best read in publication order beginning with And Pretty Maids All In A Row. The series showcases Hambly's versatility across fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and historical fiction in shorter format. All eight entries—And Pretty Maids All In A Row, Corridor, Firemaggot, Personal Paradise, Plus-One, Zenobie, Karate Masters vs the Invaders From Outer Space, and Just Like Real People—are now available and should be approached sequentially as originally published.
Start with And Pretty Maids All In A Row, the first of 8 books in the Windrose Short Stories/Novellas series.
Start this series with And Pretty Maids All In A Row
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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Winterlands (Dragonsbane) Series
Ongoing5 books (1985–2024)
The Winterlands series comprises five fantasy books by Barbara Hambly, beginning with Dragonsbane in 1985 and continuing through Cat's Paw in 2024. The series remains ongoing and should be read in publication order to follow the narrative progression. These books blend fantasy adventure with elements of mystery and darker themes across their four-decade span.
Start with Dragonsbane, the first of 5 books in the Winterlands (Dragonsbane) series.
Start this series with Dragonsbane
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleWinterlands Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete4 books (2015–2017)
Barbara Hambly's Winterlands Short Stories and Novellas collection comprises four complete works published between 2015 and 2017. These interconnected fantasy tales should be read in publication order, beginning with Damselblossom and continuing through Princess, Shadowbaby, and Hag in the Water. The series explores the dark and magical world of the Winterlands through separate but related narratives.
Start with Damselblossom, the first of 4 books in the Winterlands Short Stories/Novellas series.
Start this series with Damselblossom
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleFrequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Barbara Hambly written?
- Barbara Hambly has written 485 books across 25 series. Their published works span from 1978 to 2026.
- What is the first book in each Barbara Hambly series?
- Here are the first books in Barbara Hambly's series: Abigail Adams: The Ninth Daughter; Akashic Noir: San Francisco Noir; Anne Steelyard: The Garden of Emptiness: An Honorary Man; Anthologies: Gaslight & Ghosts; Beauty and the Beast: Beauty and the Beast.
- What order should I read Barbara Hambly's books?
- We recommend reading Barbara Hambly's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Barbara Hambly still writing new books?
- Yes, Barbara Hambly has 6 ongoing series: Akashic Noir, Benjamin January, Short Stories/Novellas, Silver Screen Historical Mystery, Star Trek: TOS (Original) and 1 more.

