Laura Joh Rowland Reading Order
3 series · 27 books · Born 1954
Laura Joh Rowland is an American author who specializes in historical mysteries spanning three distinct time periods and locations. Her most acclaimed work follows Sano Ichiro, a samurai detective navigating corruption and crime in 17th-century Edo Japan, while her other series reimagine real historical figures like Charlotte Brontë and fictional detectives confronting the dark underbelly of Victorian England during the Jack the Ripper era. With nearly three decades of published work, Rowland combines meticulous historical detail with intricate plots that appeal to readers seeking adventure and suspense grounded in authentic settings.
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Sano Ichiro Series
Complete18 books (1994–2014)
The Sano Ichiro series comprises 18 mystery novels set in historical Japan, published between 1994 and 2014. This complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with Shinju, as each book builds on the investigative journey of its protagonist. The books combine historical fiction with mystery and thriller elements, following Sano Ichiro as he navigates cases within the shogun's court and the complexities of feudal Japan.
Start with Shinju, the first of 18 books in the Sano Ichiro series.
Start this series with Shinju
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The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Brontë Series
Complete2 books (2008–2010)
This two-book historical mystery series by Laura Joh Rowland follows a fictional version of the famous author Charlotte Brontë as she becomes entangled in dark intrigue and danger. Published between 2008 and 2010, the complete series blends historical fiction with thriller elements as it reimagines the Brontë sister's life beyond the page. Readers should begin with The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Brontë before moving to Bedlam: The Further Secret Adventures of Charlotte Brontë to experience the story in its intended sequence.
Start with The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Brontë and read in order.
Start this series with The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Brontë
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Victorian Mystery Series
Likely Complete7 books (2017–2023)
Laura Joh Rowland's Victorian Mystery series comprises seven historical mystery novels published between 2017 and 2023, with the series likely complete. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with The Ripper's Shadow and continuing through A Mortal Likeness, The Hangman's Secret, The Woman in the Veil, Portrait of Peril, Garden of Sins, and concluding with River of Fallen Angels. This series blends mystery and thriller elements with historical fiction and action throughout its seven-book arc.
Start with The Ripper's Shadow, the first of 7 books in the Victorian Mystery series.
Start this series with The Ripper's Shadow
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Laura Joh Rowland written?
- Laura Joh Rowland has written 27 books across 3 series. Their published works span from 1994 to 2023.
- What is the first book in each Laura Joh Rowland series?
- Here are the first books in Laura Joh Rowland's series: Sano Ichiro: Shinju; The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Brontë: The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Brontë; Victorian Mystery: The Ripper's Shadow.
- What order should I read Laura Joh Rowland's books?
- We recommend reading Laura Joh Rowland's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Are Laura Joh Rowland's series complete?
- Laura Joh Rowland has 2 completed series.