Reading Order List β€” Book Series Reading Order Guide

Jean Plaidy Reading Order

18 series Β· 190 books

Jean Plaidy is the historical fiction pen name of prolific English author Eleanor Alice Hibbert, who specialized in dramatized accounts of European royal figures and their courts. Writing across multiple genres under different identities, Plaidy focused specifically on fictionalized biography and sweeping historical narratives, publishing extensively from the 1940s through 1990s. Her most recognized works include detailed explorations of figures like Catherine de Medici and the Daughters of England series, alongside her acclaimed three-volume examination of the Spanish Inquisition, establishing her as a dominant voice in historical romance fiction.

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A Novel of the Stuarts Series

Complete

1 book (1966–1966)

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1

Anthologies Series

Complete

1 book (1987–1987)

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1
Cover of A Gothic Treasure Trove
A Gothic Treasure Trove

Catherine De Medici Series

Complete

3 books (1952–1958)

Jean Plaidy's Catherine de Medici trilogy spans three decades of French history through the life of one of Europe's most powerful and controversial queens. The complete series consists of three novels published between 1952 and 1958: Madame Serpent, The Italian Woman, and Queen Jezebel. These books should be read in publication order to follow the chronological progression of Catherine's influence from her arrival in France through her reign as queen mother. This historical fiction series blends Plaidy's signature narrative style with the tumultuous politics and intrigue of the Renaissance French court.

Start with Madame Serpent and read in order.

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1
2
Cover of The Italian Woman / The Unholy Woman
The Italian Woman / The Unholy Woman
3

Daughters Of England Series

Complete

20 books (1972–1995)

The Daughters of England is a 20-book historical fiction series by Jean Plaidy published between 1972 and 1995. This complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Miracle at St. Bruno's and concluding with the final entry. Each novel explores the lives and loves of women connected through English history, spanning centuries of romance, intrigue, and personal drama set against historical backdrops.

Start with The Miracle at St. Bruno's, the first of 20 books in the Daughters Of England series.

Start this series with The Miracle at St. Bruno's

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#Title
1
The Miracle at St. Bruno's
2
3
Cover of The Witch from the Sea
The Witch from the Sea
4
Cover of Saraband for Two Sisters
Saraband for Two Sisters
5
Cover of Lament for a Lost Lover
Lament for a Lost Lover
6
7
Cover of The Song of the Siren
The Song of the Siren
8
Will You Love Me in September
9
10
Cover of Knave of Hearts / Zipporah's Daughter
Knave of Hearts / Zipporah's Daughter
11
Voices in a Haunted Room
12
The Return of the Gypsy
13
14
The Pool of St. Branok
15
16
17
18
19
20
Daughters of England

Famous Childhoods Series

Complete

2 books (1961–1962)

Jean Plaidy's Famous Childhoods series consists of two historical non-fiction works published in 1961 and 1962 that examine the formative years of notable figures in English history. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Young Elizabeth followed by The Young Mary Queen of Scots. These biographical accounts blend historical detail with the author's characteristic narrative style, offering readers insight into the childhoods that shaped two of history's most influential monarchs.

Start with The Young Elizabeth and read in order.

Start this series with The Young Elizabeth

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#Title
1
2
The Young Mary Queen of Scots

French Revolution Series

Complete

3 books (1957–1959)

Jean Plaidy's French Revolution trilogy spans the tumultuous years leading up to the French Revolution, published between 1957 and 1959. The three complete novelsβ€”Flaunting, Extravagant Queen, Louis the Well Beloved, and The Road to Compiegneβ€”should be read in publication order to fully experience the historical narrative. Combining romance with meticulously researched historical fiction, these books explore the lives and intrigues of French royalty during a pivotal era in European history.

Start with Flaunting, Extravagant Queen and read in order.

Start this series with Flaunting, Extravagant Queen

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#Title
1
Cover of Flaunting, Extravagant Queen
Flaunting, Extravagant Queen
2
Cover of Louis the Well Beloved
Louis the Well Beloved
3
Cover of The Road to Compiegne
The Road to Compiegne

Georgian Saga Series

Complete

11 books (1967–1972)

The Georgian Saga is a complete historical fiction series comprising 11 books published between 1967 and 1972, following the lives of British royalty during the Georgian era. Jean Plaidy traces the interconnected stories of multiple generations of the royal family, from early 18th century through the Regency period, with each novel focusing on different members of the dynasty. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Queen in Waiting and concluding with Victoria in the Wings, as each book builds upon events and relationships established in previous installments.

Start with Queen in Waiting, the first of 11 books in the Georgian Saga series.

Start this series with Queen in Waiting

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#Title
1
2
The Princess of Celle
3
4
Cover of The Prince and the Quakeress
The Prince and the Quakeress
5
6
7
Cover of Indiscretions of the Queen
Indiscretions of the Queen
8
Cover of Sweet Lass of Richmond Hill
Sweet Lass of Richmond Hill
9
Cover of Goddess of the Green Room
Goddess of the Green Room
10
Cover of The Regent's Daughter
The Regent's Daughter
11
Victoria in the Wings

Isabella & Ferdinand Series

Complete

3 books (1960–1961)

Jean Plaidy's trilogy follows the lives of Isabella and Ferdinand across three complete volumes published between 1960 and 1961. Beginning with Castile for Isabella, the series should be read in publication order to trace the interconnected narrative spanning from Isabella's early years through the establishment of their joint rule. This historical fiction series combines romance and biographical elements to explore one of history's most influential royal partnerships during medieval Spain's transformative period.

Start with Castile for Isabella and read in order.

Start this series with Castile for Isabella

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#Title
1
Cover of Castile for Isabella
Castile for Isabella
2
Cover of Spain for the Sovereigns
Spain for the Sovereigns
3

Lucrezia Borgia Series

Complete

2 books (1958–1958)

This two-book historical fiction series by Jean Plaidy follows the life of the infamous Renaissance figure Lucrezia Borgia across two novels published in 1958. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Light on Lucrezia followed by Madonna of the Seven Hills. Plaidy blends romance and historical detail to explore one of history's most controversial women during the tumultuous Italian Renaissance.

Start with Light on Lucrezia(As:Jean Plaidy) and read in order.

Start this series with Light on Lucrezia(As:Jean Plaidy)

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#Title
1
Cover of Light on Lucrezia(As:Jean Plaidy)
Light on Lucrezia(As:Jean Plaidy)
2
Cover of Madonna of the Seven Hills(As:Jean Plaidy)
Madonna of the Seven Hills(As:Jean Plaidy)

Mary Stuart, Queen Of Scots Series

Complete

2 books (1955–1963)

Jean Plaidy's Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots series consists of two historical fiction novels published between 1955 and 1963, following the life of Scotland's controversial queen. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with The Royal Road to Fotheringhay and continuing with The Captive Queen of Scots, which chronicles her later years of imprisonment.

Start with The Royal Road to Fotheringhay / Mary, Queen of Scotland: The Triumphant Year and read in order.

Start this series with The Royal Road to Fotheringhay / Mary, Queen of Scotland: The Triumphant Year

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#Title
1
Cover of The Royal Road to Fotheringhay / Mary, Queen of Scotland: The Triumphant Year
The Royal Road to Fotheringhay / Mary, Queen of Scotland: The Triumphant Year
2
Cover of The Captive Queen of Scots
The Captive Queen of Scots

Non-Fiction Series

Complete

5 books (1958–1975)

Jean Plaidy's five-book non-fiction series spans from 1958 to 1975 and is now complete. The collection begins with A Triptych of Poisoners and moves through three volumes examining the Spanish Inquisition before concluding with Mary Queen of Scots: The Fair Devil of Scotland. These books should be read in publication order to experience Plaidy's historical exploration as intended.

Start with A Triptych of Poisoners(As:Jean Plaidy), the first of 5 books in the Non-Fiction series.

Start this series with A Triptych of Poisoners(As:Jean Plaidy)

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#Title
1
Cover of A Triptych of Poisoners(As:Jean Plaidy)
A Triptych of Poisoners(As:Jean Plaidy)
2
Cover of The Rise of the Spanish Inquisition(As:Jean Plaidy)
The Rise of the Spanish Inquisition(As:Jean Plaidy)
3
The Growth of the Spanish Inquisition(As:Jean Plaidy)
4
Cover of The End of the Spanish Inquisition(As:Jean Plaidy)
The End of the Spanish Inquisition(As:Jean Plaidy)
5
Cover of Mary Queen of Scots: The Fair Devil of Scotland(As: Jean Plaidy)
Mary Queen of Scots: The Fair Devil of Scotland(As: Jean Plaidy)

Norman Trilogy Series

Complete

3 books (1974–1976)

Jean Plaidy's Norman Trilogy is a three-book historical fiction series consisting of The Bastard King, The Lion of Justice, and The Passionate Enemies, published between 1974 and 1976. The complete series should be read in publication order to follow the narrative arc across its three installments. This romantic historical fiction explores the Norman dynasty through interconnected stories spanning the late 11th and 12th centuries.

Start with The Bastard King and read in order.

Start this series with The Bastard King

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#Title
1
2
3
Cover of The Passionate Enemies
The Passionate Enemies

Plantagenet Saga Series

Complete

14 books (1976–1982)

Jean Plaidy's Plantagenet Saga is a 14-book historical fiction series following the English royal house across nearly two centuries, published between 1976 and 1982. The complete series traces the dynasty from its origins through the Wars of the Roses, with each installment focusing on key monarchs and pivotal historical moments. Readers should follow the books in publication order, beginning with The Plantagenet Prelude and concluding with The Sun in Splendour, to experience the full chronological sweep of this royal dynasty's rise and conflicts.

Start with The Plantagenet Prelude, the first of 14 books in the Plantagenet Saga series.

Start this series with The Plantagenet Prelude

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#Title
1
Cover of The Plantagenet Prelude
The Plantagenet Prelude
2
Cover of The Heart of the Lion
The Heart of the Lion
3
Cover of The Revolt of the Eaglets
The Revolt of the Eaglets
4
The Battle of the Queens
5
Cover of The Prince of Darkness
The Prince of Darkness
6
Cover of Hammer of the Scots / Edward Longshanks
Hammer of the Scots / Edward Longshanks
7
Cover of The Queen from Provence
The Queen from Provence
8
Cover of The Follies of the King
The Follies of the King
9
Cover of The Vow on the Heron
The Vow on the Heron
10
Cover of Epitaph for Three Women
Epitaph for Three Women
11
Cover of Passage to Pontefract
Passage to Pontefract
12
Cover of The Star of Lancaster
The Star of Lancaster
13
Cover of The Red Rose of Anjou
The Red Rose of Anjou
14
Cover of The Sun in Splendour
The Sun in Splendour

Queen Victoria Series

Complete

4 books (1972–1974)

Jean Plaidy's Queen Victoria series comprises four historical fiction novels published between 1972 and 1974, following the life of Britain's longest-reigning monarch from her youth through her widowhood. The complete series should be read in publication order: The Captive of Kensington Palace, The Queen and Lord M, The Queen's Husband, and The Widow of Windsor. Each book traces a different phase of Victoria's extraordinary life, from her sheltered upbringing to her reign and her years following Prince Albert's death.

Start with The Captive of Kensington Palace, the first of 4 books in the Queen Victoria series.

Start this series with The Captive of Kensington Palace

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#Title
1
Cover of The Captive of Kensington Palace
The Captive of Kensington Palace
2
Cover of The Queen and Lord M
The Queen and Lord M
3
4
Cover of The Widow of Windsor
The Widow of Windsor

Queens Of England Series

Complete

11 books (1983–1993)

Jean Plaidy's Queens of England series consists of eleven historical fiction novels published between 1983 and 1993, each exploring the lives of English monarchs and their consorts from different periods. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Myself My Enemy. Plaidy blends romance and historical detail to dramatize the personal stories behind the crown, offering readers intimate portrayals of queens and their roles in shaping England's history.

Start with Myself My Enemy / Loyal in Love, the first of 11 books in the Queens Of England series.

Start this series with Myself My Enemy / Loyal in Love

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#Title
1
Cover of Myself My Enemy / Loyal in Love
Myself My Enemy / Loyal in Love
2
3
4
Cover of The Lady in the Tower
The Lady in the Tower
5
6
Cover of In the Shadow of the Crown
In the Shadow of the Crown
7
8
9
Cover of William's Wife / The Queen's Devotion
William's Wife / The Queen's Devotion
10
The Pleasures of Love / The Merry Monarch's Wife
11
Cover of The Rose Without a Thorn
The Rose Without a Thorn

Standalone Novels Series

Complete

86 books (1940–1993)

Jean Plaidy's standalone novels comprise 85 complete works of historical romance and fiction published between 1940 and 1993, with titles beginning with Daughter of Anna and extending through numerous entries written under various pseudonyms including Victoria Holt and Elbur Ford. Each novel functions independently and can be read on its own, though readers interested in experiencing Plaidy's full body of work should follow publication order to trace her evolving style across more than five decades. The series spans diverse historical periods and settings, showcasing the author's expertise in weaving romance through factual historical contexts.

Start with Daughter of Anna, the first of 85 books in the Standalone Novels series.

Start this series with Daughter of Anna

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#Title
1
2
3
4
When the Entire World is Young
5
So the Dreams Depart
6
7
Together They Ride(As: Jean Plaidy)
8
Cover of Beyond the Blue Mountains(As:Jean Plaidy)
Beyond the Blue Mountains(As:Jean Plaidy)
9
10
11
The House at Cupid's Cross
12
13
Poison in Pimlico(As: Elbur Ford)
14
The Flesh and the Devil(As: Elbur Ford)
15
Cover of The Goldsmith's Wife / The King's Mistress(As: Victoria Holt)
The Goldsmith's Wife / The King's Mistress(As: Victoria Holt)
16
17
18
Danse Macabre(As:Kathleen Kellow)
19
Cover of Daughter of Satan(As:Jean Plaidy)
Daughter of Satan(As:Jean Plaidy)
20
21
Rooms at Mrs. Oliver's(As:Kathleen Kellow)
22
The Bed Disturbed(As: Elbur Ford)
23
Evil in the House / Such Bitter Business(As: Elbur Ford)
24
25
26
27
Cover of Lilith(As:Jean Plaidy)
Lilith(As:Jean Plaidy)
28
Cover of It Began in Vauxhall Gardens(As:Jean Plaidy)
It Began in Vauxhall Gardens(As:Jean Plaidy)
29
Two Loves in Her Life
30
31
32
Call of the Blood(As:Kathleen Kellow)
33
Cover of Defenders of the Faith(As: Ellalice Tate)
Defenders of the Faith(As: Ellalice Tate)
34
35
Rochester(As:Kathleen Kellow)
36
Cover of The Scarlet Cloak(As: Ellalice Tate)
The Scarlet Cloak(As: Ellalice Tate)
37
38
39
Cover of The Queen of Diamonds(As: Ellalice Tate)
The Queen of Diamonds(As: Ellalice Tate)
40
Cover of Madame Du Barry(As: Ellalice Tate)
Madame Du Barry(As: Ellalice Tate)
41
Cover of Milady Charlotte(As:Jean Plaidy)
Milady Charlotte(As:Jean Plaidy)
42
43
44
Cover of Mistress of Mellyn(As: Victoria Holt)
Mistress of Mellyn(As: Victoria Holt)
45
46
The Brides of Lanlory(As: Anna Percival)
47
The World's a Stage(As:Kathleen Kellow)
48
Meg Roper(As: Jean Plaidy)
49
Now That April's Gone
50
Cover of This Was a Man / The King's Adventurer(As: Ellalice Tate)
This Was a Man / The King's Adventurer(As: Ellalice Tate)
51
Cover of Katharine of Aragon(As:Jean Plaidy)
Katharine of Aragon(As:Jean Plaidy)
52
Cover of Kirkland Revels(As: Victoria Holt)
Kirkland Revels(As: Victoria Holt)
53
54
Cover of Bride of Pendorric(As: Victoria Holt)
Bride of Pendorric(As: Victoria Holt)
55
Cover of The Legend of the Seventh Virgin(As:Victoria Holt)
The Legend of the Seventh Virgin(As:Victoria Holt)
56
Cover of Evergreen Gallant(As: Jean Plaidy)
Evergreen Gallant(As: Jean Plaidy)
57
Cover of Menfreya in the Morning(As: Victoria Holt)
Menfreya in the Morning(As: Victoria Holt)
58
Cover of The King of the Castle(As: Victoria Holt)
The King of the Castle(As: Victoria Holt)
59
Cover of The Queen's Confession(As: Victoria Holt)
The Queen's Confession(As: Victoria Holt)
60
Cover of The Shivering Sands(As: Victoria Holt)
The Shivering Sands(As: Victoria Holt)
61
Cover of The Secret Woman(As: Victoria Holt)
The Secret Woman(As: Victoria Holt)
62
Cover of The Shadow of the Lynx(As: Victoria Holt)
The Shadow of the Lynx(As: Victoria Holt)
63
On the Night of the Seventh Moon(As: Victoria Holt, With: Jean Plaidy,James Ramsey Ullman)
64
Cover of The Curse of the Kings(As: Victoria Holt)
The Curse of the Kings(As: Victoria Holt)
65
Cover of The House of a Thousand Lanterns(As: Victoria Holt)
The House of a Thousand Lanterns(As: Victoria Holt)
66
Cover of Lord of the Far Island(As: Victoria Holt)
Lord of the Far Island(As: Victoria Holt)
67
Cover of Mary Queen of Scots: The Fair Devil of Scotland(As: Jean Plaidy)
Mary Queen of Scots: The Fair Devil of Scotland(As: Jean Plaidy)
68
Cover of The Pride of the Peacock(As: Victoria Holt)
The Pride of the Peacock(As: Victoria Holt)
69
Cover of The Devil on Horseback(As: Victoria Holt)
The Devil on Horseback(As: Victoria Holt)
70
Cover of My Enemy, the Queen(As: Victoria Holt)
My Enemy, the Queen(As: Victoria Holt)
71
Cover of The Spring of the Tiger(As: Victoria Holt)
The Spring of the Tiger(As: Victoria Holt)
72
Cover of The Mask of the Enchantress(As: Victoria Holt)
The Mask of the Enchantress(As: Victoria Holt)
73
Cover of The Judas Kiss(As: Victoria Holt)
The Judas Kiss(As: Victoria Holt)
74
Cover of The Demon Lover(As: Victoria Holt)
The Demon Lover(As: Victoria Holt)
75
The Time of the Hunter's Moon(As: Victoria Holt)
76
Cover of The Landower Legacy(As:Victoria Holt)
The Landower Legacy(As:Victoria Holt)
77
Cover of Story of Elizabeth I(As:Jean Plaidy)
Story of Elizabeth I(As:Jean Plaidy)
78
Cover of The Road to Paradise Island(As: Victoria Holt)
The Road to Paradise Island(As: Victoria Holt)
79
Cover of Secret for a Nightingale(As: Victoria Holt)
Secret for a Nightingale(As: Victoria Holt)
80
Cover of The Silk Vendetta(As: Victoria Holt)
The Silk Vendetta(As: Victoria Holt)
81
Cover of The Captive(As: Victoria Holt)
The Captive(As: Victoria Holt)
82
Cover of The India Fan(As: Victoria Holt)
The India Fan(As: Victoria Holt)
83
Cover of Snare of Serpents(As: Victoria Holt)
Snare of Serpents(As: Victoria Holt)
84
Cover of Daughter of Deceit(As: Victoria Holt)
Daughter of Deceit(As: Victoria Holt)
85
Cover of Seven for a Secret(As: Victoria Holt)
Seven for a Secret(As: Victoria Holt)
86
Cover of The Black Opal(As: Victoria Holt)
The Black Opal(As: Victoria Holt)

Stuart Saga Series

Complete

8 books (1956–1972)

Jean Plaidy's Stuart Saga is a seven-book historical fiction series published between 1956 and 1966, following the lives and reign of the Stuart dynasty in England. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with A Health Unto His Majesty. Each novel explores the political intrigue, personal relationships, and historical events that shaped this turbulent period of English history. This finished series combines romance and historical detail to bring the Stuart era to life through interconnected narratives.

Start with A Health Unto His Majesty, the first of 7 books in the Stuart Saga series.

Start this series with A Health Unto His Majesty

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#Title
1
Cover of A Health Unto His Majesty
A Health Unto His Majesty
2
Cover of The Wandering Prince
The Wandering Prince
3
Cover of Here Lies Our Sovereign Lord
Here Lies Our Sovereign Lord
4
Cover of The Murder in the Tower
The Murder in the Tower
5
6
Cover of The Haunted Sisters / Royal Sisters
The Haunted Sisters / Royal Sisters
7
Cover of The Queen's Favourites / Courting Her Highness
The Queen's Favourites / Courting Her Highness
8
The Loves of Charles II

Tudor Saga Series

Complete

11 books (1949–1982)

Jean Plaidy's Tudor Saga is a complete historical fiction series comprising eleven novels published between 1949 and 1982, following the lives and intrigues of the Tudor dynasty. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with Murder Most Royal, to experience the narrative arc spanning generations of English royalty. This series blends romance and historical detail to chronicle the reigns and personal stories of Tudor monarchs and the figures connected to them.

Start with Murder Most Royal / King's Pleasure, the first of 11 books in the Tudor Saga series.

Start this series with Murder Most Royal / King's Pleasure

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#Title
1
Cover of Murder Most Royal / King's Pleasure
Murder Most Royal / King's Pleasure
2
3
Cover of Saint Thomas' Eve / The King's Confidante
Saint Thomas' Eve / The King's Confidante
4
Cover of The Spanish Bridegroom / For a Queen's Love
The Spanish Bridegroom / For a Queen's Love
5
Cover of Gay Lord Robert / Lord Robert / A Favorite of the Queen
Gay Lord Robert / Lord Robert / A Favorite of the Queen
6
Cover of Katharine, the Virgin Widow
Katharine, the Virgin Widow
7
Cover of The King's Secret Matter
The King's Secret Matter
8
Cover of The Shadow of the Pomegranate
The Shadow of the Pomegranate
9
Cover of The Thistle and the Rose
The Thistle and the Rose
10
Cover of Mary, Queen of France
Mary, Queen of France
11
Cover of Uneasy Lies the Head / To Hold the Crown
Uneasy Lies the Head / To Hold the Crown

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books has Jean Plaidy written?
Jean Plaidy has written 190 books across 18 series. Their published works span from 1940 to 1995.
What is the first book in each Jean Plaidy series?
Here are the first books in Jean Plaidy's series: Catherine De Medici: Madame Serpent; Daughters Of England: The Miracle at St. Bruno's; Famous Childhoods: The Young Elizabeth; French Revolution: Flaunting, Extravagant Queen; Georgian Saga: Queen in Waiting.
What order should I read Jean Plaidy's books?
We recommend reading Jean Plaidy's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
Are Jean Plaidy's series complete?
Jean Plaidy has 18 completed series.

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