James Oswald Reading Order
6 series · 34 books
James Oswald is a prolific author known for his gripping detective mysteries, particularly the acclaimed Inspector McLean series. With a writing career spanning from 1997 to 2025, he has published 34 books across six series, including titles like DC Constance Fairchild and the Ballad of Sir Benfro. His work, characterized by rich storytelling and intricate plots, has garnered significant attention and acclaim in the crime fiction genre.
Anthologies Series
Likely Complete2 books (2019–2023)
Start with Exit Wounds and read in order.
Ballad of Sir Benfro Series
Complete5 books (2012–2016)
Start with Dreamwalker, the first of 5 books in the Ballad of Sir Benfro series.
Christopher Fowler Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete9 books (1997–2019)
Start with Wage Slaves(By: Christopher Fowler), the first of 9 books in the Christopher Fowler Short Stories/Novellas series.
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wage Slaves(By: Christopher Fowler) 1997Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 2 | The Green Man(By: Christopher Fowler) 2002Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 3 |  American Waitress(By: Christopher Fowler) 2003Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 4 |  The Spider Kiss(By: Christopher Fowler) 2007Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 5 |  Beautiful Men(By: Christopher Fowler) 2010Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 6 | #ChooseThePlot(With: Jane Casey,Christopher Fowler) 2014Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 7 | Bryant & May and the Nameless Woman(By: Christopher Fowler) 2015Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 8 | Reconciliation Day(By: Christopher Fowler) 2016Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 9 |  The Washing(By: Christopher Fowler) 2019Buy 🇺🇸 |
DC Constance Fairchild Series
Likely Complete3 books (2018–2021)
Start with No Time to Cry and read in order.
Inspector McLean Series
Ongoing14 books (2012–2025)
Start with Natural Causes, the first of 14 books in the Inspector McLean series.
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 |  Natural Causes 2012Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 2 |  The Book of Souls 2012Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 3 |  Dead Men's Bones 2014Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 4 |  The Hangman's Song 2014Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 5 |  Prayer for the Dead 2015Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 6 |  The Damage Done 2016Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 7 |  Written in Bones 2017Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 8 |  The Gathering Dark 2018Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 9 |  Cold as the Grave 2019Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 10 |  Bury Them Deep 2020Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 11 |  What Will Burn 2021Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 12 | All That Lives 2022Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 13 | For Our Sins 2024Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 14 | The Rest Is Death 2025Buy 🇺🇸 |
Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete1 book (2014–2014)
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | #ChooseThePlot(With: Jane Casey,Christopher Fowler) 2014Buy 🇺🇸 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has James Oswald written?
- James Oswald has written 34 books across 6 series. Their published works span from 1997 to 2025.
- What is the first book in each James Oswald series?
- Here are the first books in James Oswald's series: Anthologies: Exit Wounds; Ballad of Sir Benfro: Dreamwalker; Christopher Fowler Short Stories/Novellas: Wage Slaves(By: Christopher Fowler); DC Constance Fairchild: No Time to Cry; Inspector McLean: Natural Causes.
- What order should I read James Oswald's books?
- We recommend reading James Oswald's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is James Oswald still writing new books?
- Yes, James Oswald has 1 ongoing series: Inspector McLean.