Joseph Wambaugh Reading Order
4 series · 24 books
Joseph Wambaugh was a prominent American author celebrated for his captivating stories focused on police work, blending fiction and nonfiction. With a remarkable career spanning from 1970 to 2016, he penned 24 books across four series, including the acclaimed Hollywood Station, as well as standalone novels, nonfiction works, and anthologies. His storytelling often provides a gritty yet poignant glimpse into the lives of law enforcement in Los Angeles and beyond.
Anthologies Series
Complete3 books (1995–2016)
Start with The Crown Crime Companion and read in order.
Hollywood Station Series
Complete5 books (2006–2012)
Start with Hollywood Station, the first of 5 books in the Hollywood Station series.
Non-Fiction Series
Complete5 books (1973–2002)
Start with The Onion Field, the first of 5 books in the Non-Fiction series.
Standalone Novels Series
Complete11 books (1970–1996)
Start with The New Centurions, the first of 11 books in the Standalone Novels series.
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 |  The New Centurions 1970Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 2 |  The Blue Knight 1972Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 3 |  The Choirboys 1976Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 4 |  The Black Marble 1977Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 5 |  The Glitter Dome 1981Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 6 |  The Delta Star 1983Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 7 |  The Secrets of Harry Bright 1985Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 8 |  The Golden Orange 1990Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 9 |  Fugitive Nights 1992Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 10 |  Finnegan's Week 1993Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 11 |  Floaters 1996Buy 🇺🇸 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Joseph Wambaugh written?
- Joseph Wambaugh has written 24 books across 4 series. Their published works span from 1970 to 2016.
- What is the first book in each Joseph Wambaugh series?
- Here are the first books in Joseph Wambaugh's series: Anthologies: The Crown Crime Companion; Hollywood Station: Hollywood Station; Non-Fiction: The Onion Field.
- What order should I read Joseph Wambaugh's books?
- We recommend reading Joseph Wambaugh's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Are Joseph Wambaugh's series complete?
- Joseph Wambaugh has 4 completed series.