Gail Bowen Reading Order
8 series · 156 books · Born 1942
Gail Bowen is a Canadian mystery writer and playwright whose career spans nearly four decades and encompasses over 150 books across multiple series. She is best known for her Joanne Kilbourn Mystery series, which follows a Saskatchewan-based protagonist through complex criminal investigations, alongside her Charlie D series featuring a different cast of characters in the crime genre. Bowen's prolific output and contributions to various anthologies and noir collections have established her as a significant figure in contemporary Canadian crime fiction.
Akashic Noir Series
Ongoing121 books (2002–2025)
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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Anthologies Series
Complete1 book (2018–2018)
Charlie D Series
Complete4 books (2010–2013)
Start with Love You to Death, the first of 4 books in the Charlie D series.
Start this series with Love You to Death
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Gail Bowen Omnibus Series
Complete4 books (2004–2014)
Start with The Early Investigations of Joanne Kilbourn, the first of 4 books in the Gail Bowen Omnibus series.
Start this series with The Early Investigations of Joanne Kilbourn
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Joanne Kilbourn Mystery Series
Ongoing23 books (1990–2025)
Start with Deadly Appearances, the first of 23 books in the Joanne Kilbourn Mystery series.
Start this series with Deadly Appearances
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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Non-Fiction Series
Complete1 book (2018–2018)
Plays Series
Complete1 book (2002–2002)
Standalone Novels Series
Complete1 book (1987–1987)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Gail Bowen written?
- Gail Bowen has written 156 books across 8 series. Their published works span from 1987 to 2025.
- What is the first book in each Gail Bowen series?
- Here are the first books in Gail Bowen's series: Akashic Noir: San Francisco Noir; Charlie D: Love You to Death; Gail Bowen Omnibus: The Early Investigations of Joanne Kilbourn; Joanne Kilbourn Mystery: Deadly Appearances.
- What order should I read Gail Bowen's books?
- We recommend reading Gail Bowen's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Gail Bowen still writing new books?
- Yes, Gail Bowen has 2 ongoing series: Akashic Noir, Joanne Kilbourn Mystery.