Reading Order List — Book Series Reading Order Guide
Lawrence Block

Lawrence Block Reading Order

26 series · 505 books · Born 1938-06-24

Lawrence Block is a prolific mystery author known for crafting intricate detective stories that blend noir sensibilities with literary depth. His most celebrated works include the Bernie Rhodenbarr series featuring a charming burglar-turned-sleuth and the Evan Tanner novels about a globe-trotting spy, alongside numerous standalone thrillers that have earned him recognition as a master of the crime genre. With over 435 books published across multiple series since 1958, Block has demonstrated remarkable range, also editing the acclaimed Akashic Noir anthologies that showcase contemporary crime fiction from writers worldwide.

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Akashic Noir Series

Ongoing

121 books (2002–2025)

The Akashic Noir series is an ongoing collection of noir anthologies spanning 121 volumes published from 2002 to 2025, edited by Lawrence Block. Each book focuses on a different city or region, featuring original short fiction by mystery and thriller writers exploring the darker side of that locale. Read the series in publication order, beginning with San Francisco Noir, to follow the expanding geographical scope from American cities to international destinations like Dublin and London. These standalone anthologies can also be enjoyed individually based on your interest in specific locations.

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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#Title
1
San Francisco Noir
2
3
Seattle Noir
4
Brooklyn Noir
5
Cover of Hasidic Noir
Hasidic Noir
6
Cover of Brooklyn Noir 2
Brooklyn Noir 2
7
Chicago Noir
8
9
Baltimore Noir
10
11
12
Cover of Manhattan Noir
Manhattan Noir
13
14
Cover of Twin Cities Noir
Twin Cities Noir
15
Cover of Detroit Noir
Detroit Noir
16
17
Cover of Los Angeles Noir
Los Angeles Noir
18
Cover of New Orleans Noir
New Orleans Noir
19
Wall Street Noir
20
Cover of Brooklyn Noir 3: Nothing But the Truth
Brooklyn Noir 3: Nothing But the Truth
21
22
Istanbul Noir
23
Las Vegas Noir
24
Manhattan Noir 2
25
26
27
Toronto Noir
28
Trinidad Noir
29
30
31
Cover of Phoenix Noir
Phoenix Noir
32
Portland Noir
33
34
San Francisco Noir 2
35
Copenhagen Noir
36
37
Indian Country Noir
38
Cover of Lone Star Noir
Lone Star Noir
39
Los Angeles Noir 2
40
Mexico City Noir
41
42
Cover of Orange County Noir
Orange County Noir
43
Philadelphia Noir
44
Richmond Noir
45
Barcelona Noir
46
Cover of Cape Cod Noir
Cape Cod Noir
47
New Jersey Noir
48
Pittsburgh Noir
49
San Diego Noir
50
Cover of Boston Noir 2
Boston Noir 2
51
Kansas City Noir
52
Kingston Noir
53
Long Island Noir
54
55
St. Petersburg Noir
56
Cover of Staten Island Noir
Staten Island Noir
57
58
Buffalo Noir
59
60
Haiti Noir 2
61
62
63
Belfast Noir
64
Helsinki Noir
65
66
67
Singapore Noir
68
69
Tel Aviv Noir
70
71
Chicago Noir: The Classics
72
Marseille Noir
73
Memphis Noir
74
Providence Noir
75
76
Brussels Noir
77
Cover of Mississippi Noir
Mississippi Noir
78
New Orleans Noir: The Classics
79
80
San Juan Noir
81
St. Louis Noir
82
Cover of Stockholm Noir
Stockholm Noir
83
Cover of Atlanta Noir
Atlanta Noir
84
Buenos Aires Noir
85
Montana Noir
86
Montreal Noir
87
New Haven Noir
88
Oakland Noir
89
Trinidad Noir: The Classics
90
Baghdad Noir
91
92
Hong Kong Noir
93
94
Marrakech Noir
95
Santa Cruz Noir
96
97
São Paulo Noir
98
Vancouver Noir
99
Amsterdam Noir
100
Houston Noir
101
Milwaukee Noir
102
103
Addis Ababa Noir
104
Alabama Noir
105
Belgrade Noir
106
Berkeley Noir
107
Columbus Noir
108
Miami Noir: The Classics
109
Nairobi Noir
110
Santa Fe Noir
111
Tampa Bay Noir
112
Palm Springs Noir
113
114
Paris Noir: The Suburbs
115
Cover of South Central Noir
South Central Noir
116
Cleveland Noir
117
East Jerusalem Noir
118
West Jerusalem Noir
119
Honolulu Noir
120
Cover of Hamburg Noir
Hamburg Noir
121
Sacramento Noir

Anthologies Series

Ongoing

87 books (1983–2025)

Lawrence Block has edited 85 anthologies of crime, mystery, and literary fiction spanning from 1983 to 2025, with new volumes still being released. These collections should be read in publication order, beginning with Alfred Hitchcock's A Choice of Evils and progressing through a mix of curated crime story collections, annual best-of selections, and themed anthologies covering topics from Elvis to monsters. The series includes both standalone volumes and recurring annual editions that showcase short fiction from various mystery and thriller writers. This ongoing series provides a comprehensive catalog of crime and mystery anthology publications edited by Block over more than four decades.

Start with Alfred Hitchcock's A Choice of Evils, the first of 85 books in the Anthologies series.

Start this series with Alfred Hitchcock's A Choice of Evils

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#Title
1
Cover of Alfred Hitchcock's A Choice of Evils
Alfred Hitchcock's A Choice of Evils
2
Cover of The Eyes Have It
The Eyes Have It
3
Cover of Chapter and Hearse
Chapter and Hearse
4
Cover of The Second Black Lizard Anthology of Crime Fiction
The Second Black Lizard Anthology of Crime Fiction
5
Cover of The Perfect Murder
The Perfect Murder
6
Cover of The Year’s 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1991
The Year’s 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1991
7
Cover of Dark Crimes 2
Dark Crimes 2
8
Cover of Monsters in Our Midst
Monsters in Our Midst
9
Cover of The Fine Art of Murder: The Mystery Reader's Indispensable Companion
The Fine Art of Murder: The Mystery Reader's Indispensable Companion
10
Cover of The New Mystery
The New Mystery
11
Cover of The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1992
The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1992
12
Cover of The King is Dead: Tales of Elvis Postmortem
The King is Dead: Tales of Elvis Postmortem
13
Cover of The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1993
The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1993
14
Cover of Bad Behavior
Bad Behavior
15
Cover of The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1996
The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1996
16
Cover of First Cases, Volume 1
First Cases, Volume 1
17
Cover of Night Screams
Night Screams
18
Win, Lose or Die
19
Crimes of Passion
20
Cover of First Cases, Volume 2
First Cases, Volume 2
21
Cover of Law and Order
Law and Order
22
Cover of Mystery's Most Wanted
Mystery's Most Wanted
23
Cover of The Plot Thickens
The Plot Thickens
24
25
Cover of Murder on the Run
Murder on the Run
26
Cover of The Best American Mystery Stories 1998
The Best American Mystery Stories 1998
27
Cover of The Best of the Best
The Best of the Best
28
The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1997
29
Cover of Death Cruise: Crime Stories on the Open Seas
Death Cruise: Crime Stories on the Open Seas
30
Cover of The Best American Mystery Stories 1999
The Best American Mystery Stories 1999
31
Cover of Master's Choice: Mystery Stories by Today's Top Writers and the Masters Who Inspired Them
Master's Choice: Mystery Stories by Today's Top Writers and the Masters Who Inspired Them
32
Cover of Opening Shots: Great Mystery and Crime Writers Share Their First Published Stories
Opening Shots: Great Mystery and Crime Writers Share Their First Published Stories
33
Cover of The Best American Mystery Stories of the Century
The Best American Mystery Stories of the Century
34
Cover of The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 1
The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 1
35
Cover of The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 2
The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 2
36
Cover of Opening Shots, Vol. II
Opening Shots, Vol. II
37
Cover of Pulp Masters
Pulp Masters
38
Tails of Wonder and Imagination
39
The Best American Mystery Stories 2000
40
Cover of The Best American Mystery Stories 2001
The Best American Mystery Stories 2001
41
42
Cover of Murder Most Merry
Murder Most Merry
43
Cover of The Mighty Johns
The Mighty Johns
44
Cover of The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 3
The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 3
45
Cover of Blood on Their Hands
Blood on Their Hands
46
47
Cover of In the Shadow of the Master
In the Shadow of the Master
48
The Best American Mystery Stories 2
49
Cover of The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 4
The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 4
50
Cover of Greatest Hits
Greatest Hits
51
Cover of Transgressions
Transgressions
52
Cover of These Guns for Hire
These Guns for Hire
53
Cover of Transgressions, Vol. 2
Transgressions, Vol. 2
54
Cover of The Best American Mystery Stories 2007
The Best American Mystery Stories 2007
55
Cover of A Prisoner of Memory and 24 of the Year's Finest Crime and Mystery Stories
A Prisoner of Memory and 24 of the Year's Finest Crime and Mystery Stories
56
Cover of Indian Country Noir
Indian Country Noir
57
L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories
58
Masters of Noir, Volume One
59
Masters of Noir, Volume Three
60
Cover of The Dark End of the Street
The Dark End of the Street
61
The Shamus Winners
62
The Sounds Of Crime
63
The Best American Mystery Stories 2011
64
65
In Pursuit of Spenser
66
Cover of Obsession: Tales of Irresistible Desire
Obsession: Tales of Irresistible Desire
67
68
Dangerous Women
69
Cover of Inherit the Dead
Inherit the Dead
70
The Crooked Road, Volume 2
71
Cover of Weasels Ripped My Flesh!: Two-Fisted Stories From Men's Adventure Magazines of the 1950s, '60s & '70s
Weasels Ripped My Flesh!: Two-Fisted Stories From Men's Adventure Magazines of the 1950s, '60s & '70s
72
Cover of Have a NYC 3: New York Short Stories
Have a NYC 3: New York Short Stories
73
Cover of Dark City Lights: New York Stories (Have a NYC)
Dark City Lights: New York Stories (Have a NYC)
74
Gym Rat & Murder Club
75
Cover of In Sunlight or In Shadow
In Sunlight or In Shadow
76
Mostly Murder
77
Cover of Alive in Shape and Color
Alive in Shape and Color
78
Cover of Florida Happens
Florida Happens
79
Cover of At Home in the Dark
At Home in the Dark
80
Cover of The Darkling Halls of Ivy
The Darkling Halls of Ivy
81
The Misadventures of Nero Wolfe
82
Cover of Collectibles
Collectibles
83
Jewish Noir II: Tales of Crime and Other Dark Deeds
84
Playing Games
85
The Dark Waves of Winter
86
The Amber Waves of Autumn
87
Murderers' Row: Original Baseball Mysteries: Volume 1

Bernie Rhodenbarr Series

Likely Complete

18 books (1977–2022)

The Bernie Rhodenbarr series follows a charming burglar protagonist across 18 mystery novels written by Lawrence Block between 1977 and 2022. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Burglars Can't Be Choosers and continuing through titles featuring Rhodenbarr's clever heists and witty observations. Though there may be no new installments planned, the series appears complete with its final entries published in recent years. Fans of mystery and thriller fiction will appreciate Block's blend of clever plotting and literary flair throughout this long-running saga.

Start with Burglars Can't Be Choosers, the first of 18 books in the Bernie Rhodenbarr series.

Start this series with Burglars Can't Be Choosers

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#Title
1
Cover of Burglars Can't Be Choosers
Burglars Can't Be Choosers
2
The Burglar in the Closet
3
Cover of The Burglar Who Liked to Quote Kipling
The Burglar Who Liked to Quote Kipling
4
Cover of The Burglar Who Studied Spinoza
The Burglar Who Studied Spinoza
5
Like a Thief in the Night
6
Cover of The Burglar Who Painted Like Mondrian
The Burglar Who Painted Like Mondrian
7
The Burglar Takes a Cat
8
Cover of The Burglar Who Traded Ted Williams
The Burglar Who Traded Ted Williams
9
Cover of The Burglar Who Thought He Was Bogart
The Burglar Who Thought He Was Bogart
10
The Burglar in the Library
11
Cover of The Burglar in the Rye
The Burglar in the Rye
12
The Burglar Who Dropped in on Elvis
13
Cover of The Burglar on the Prowl
The Burglar on the Prowl
14
A Bad Night for Burglars
15
The Burglar Who Smelled Smoke
16
Cover of The Burglar Who Counted the Spoons
The Burglar Who Counted the Spoons
17
The Burglar in Short Order
18
The Burglar Who Met Fredric Brown

Chip Harrison Series

Complete

6 books (1970–2016)

Lawrence Block's Chip Harrison series consists of six complete mystery novels published between 1970 and 2016, beginning with No Score and concluding with Death of the Mallory Queen. These books should be read in publication order to follow the character's development across the span of decades. The series blends mystery and thriller elements with literary fiction, offering action-driven narratives that appeal to fans of Block's crime and mystery work.

Start with No Score, the first of 6 books in the Chip Harrison series.

Start this series with No Score

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#Title
1
2
Cover of Chip Harrison Scores Again
Chip Harrison Scores Again
3
Cover of Make Out with Murder
Make Out with Murder
4
Cover of The Topless Tulip Caper
The Topless Tulip Caper
5
As Dark as Christmas Gets
6
Death of the Mallory Queen

Ehrengraf for the Defense Series

Complete

10 books (1976–1976)

The Ehrengraf for the Defense series comprises ten mystery novels by Lawrence Block, beginning with The Ehrengraf Affirmation in 1976. This complete series should be read in publication order, following the ten entries from The Ehrengraf Affirmation through The Ehrengraf Riposte. Each book features the enigmatic lawyer at the center of these legal thrillers that blend mystery with literary fiction.

Start with The Ehrengraf Affirmation, the first of 10 books in the Ehrengraf for the Defense series.

Start this series with The Ehrengraf Affirmation

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#Title
1
The Ehrengraf Affirmation
2
The Ehrengraf Alternative
3
The Ehrengraf Appointment
4
The Ehrengraf Defense
5
The Ehrengraf Experience
6
The Ehrengraf Nostrum
7
The Ehrengraf Obligation
8
The Ehrengraf Presumption
9
The Ehrengraf Reverse
10
The Ehrengraf Riposte

Evan Tanner Series

Complete

8 books (1966–1998)

Lawrence Block's Evan Tanner series consists of eight complete novels published between 1966 and 1998, beginning with The Canceled Czech. The books should be read in publication order to follow the character's development across the span of adventures. This mystery and thriller series combines elements of action and literary fiction, featuring a protagonist navigating a world of espionage and intrigue across multiple installments concluding with Tanner on Ice.

Start with The Canceled Czech, the first of 8 books in the Evan Tanner series.

Start this series with The Canceled Czech

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#Title
1
Cover of The Canceled Czech
The Canceled Czech
2
Cover of The Thief Who Couldn't Sleep
The Thief Who Couldn't Sleep
3
Cover of Tanner's Twelve Swingers
Tanner's Twelve Swingers
4
Cover of Here Comes a Hero / Tanner's Virgin
Here Comes a Hero / Tanner's Virgin
5
Cover of Tanner's Tiger
Tanner's Tiger
6
The Scoreless Thai / Two for Tanner
7
Cover of Me Tanner, You Jane
Me Tanner, You Jane
8
Cover of Tanner on Ice
Tanner on Ice

JillEmerson Series

Complete

8 books (1972–2016)

Lawrence Block's JillEmerson series comprises eight books published between 1972 and 2016, following publication order from A Madwoman's Diary / Sensuous through Warm and Willing. This complete series blends mystery, literary fiction, and adult themes across its standalone entries. Readers should begin with the first installment and proceed in publication sequence to experience the full arc of Block's exploration of desire, identity, and consequence.

Start with A Madwoman's Diary / Sensuous, the first of 8 books in the JillEmerson series.

Start this series with A Madwoman's Diary / Sensuous

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#Title
1
Cover of A Madwoman's Diary / Sensuous
A Madwoman's Diary / Sensuous
2
3
Cover of Enough of Sorrow
Enough of Sorrow
4
5
Cover of The Trouble with Eden
The Trouble with Eden
6
7
8
Cover of Warm and Willing
Warm and Willing

John Keller Series

Likely Complete

23 books (1998–2021)

The John Keller series consists of 17 books by Lawrence Block following a professional assassin character, published between 1998 and 2021. The series appears to be complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Hit Man. These mystery and thriller novels blend literary fiction with crime narrative, spanning over two decades of the author's output.

Start with Hit Man, the first of 17 books in the John Keller series.

#Title
1
2
Keller's Last Refuge
3
4
5
6
Keller in Dallas
7
8
Keller's Adjustment
9
Keller on the Spot
10
Keller's Horoscope
11
Keller's Therapy
12
Keller in Des Moines
13
Keller the Dogkiller
14
Keller's Designated Hitter
15
Cover of Keller's Fedora
Keller's Fedora
16
Keller's Homecoming
17
Quotidian Keller
18
Answers to Soldier
19
Dogs Walked, Plants Watered
20
Keller in Retirement
21
Keller in Shining Armor
22
Keller on Horseback
23
Keller's Karma

John Warren Wells on Sexual Behavior Series

Complete

8 books (2012–2012)

Lawrence Block's John Warren Wells on Sexual Behavior is a complete eight-book series published in 2012 that should be read in publication order. The series comprises Eros & Capricorn, Love at a Tender Age, Sex Without Strings, The Mrs. Robinson Syndrome, The New Sexual Underground, The Taboo Breakers, Tricks of the Trade, and Versatile Ladies. Most entries feature the John Warren Wells byline, offering explorations of sexuality across various themes and scenarios.

Start with Eros & Capricorn(As: John Warren Wells), the first of 8 books in the John Warren Wells on Sexual Behavior series.

Start this series with Eros & Capricorn(As: John Warren Wells)

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#Title
1
Eros & Capricorn(As: John Warren Wells)
2
Love at a Tender Age(As: John Warren Wells)
3
Sex Without Strings(As: John Warren Wells)
4
The Mrs. Robinson Syndrome(As: John Warren Wells)
5
The New Sexual Underground(As: John Warren Wells)
6
The Taboo Breakers
7
Tricks of the Trade(As: John Warren Wells)
8
Versatile Ladies(As: John Warren Wells)

Kit Tolliver Series

Complete

12 books (2013–2013)

Lawrence Block's Kit Tolliver series comprises twelve mystery and thriller novels published in 2013 as a complete collection. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Clean Slate and concluding with Zeroing In. This finished series offers readers a full arc across all twelve interconnected installments.

Start with Clean Slate, the first of 12 books in the Kit Tolliver series.

Start this series with Clean Slate

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#Title
1
2
Conjugal Rites
3
Don't Get in the Car
4
Fun with Brady and Angelica
5
If You Can't Stand the Heat
6
7
One Kind Favor I Ask of You
8
Rude Awakening
9
Unfinished Business
10
Waitress Wanted
11
You Can Call Me Lucky
12

L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories Series

Complete

2 books (2010–2011)

This complete mystery series by Lawrence Block comprises two books published between 2010 and 2011. The collection should be read in publication order, beginning with L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories followed by Black Dahlia White Rose. The series combines elements of mystery, thriller, and literary fiction within an action-driven narrative framework.

Start with L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories and read in order.

Start this series with L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories

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#Title
1
L.A. Noire: The Collected Stories
2
Cover of Black DahliaWhite Rose(By: Joyce Carol Oates)
Black DahliaWhite Rose(By: Joyce Carol Oates)

Lou Largo Series

Complete

1 book (1960–1960)

#Title
1
Babe in the Woods

Manhattan Noir Series

Complete

2 books (2006–2008)

Lawrence Block's Manhattan Noir series comprises two anthologies published between 2006 and 2008, collecting noir and mystery fiction from various authors set in New York City. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Manhattan Noir followed by Manhattan Noir 2: The Classics. These volumes showcase the literary mystery and thriller genre through curated selections of dark, atmospheric stories centered around Manhattan's criminal underworld and morally complex characters.

Start with Manhattan Noir and read in order.

Start this series with Manhattan Noir

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#Title
1
Cover of Manhattan Noir
Manhattan Noir
2
Cover of Manhattan Noir 2: The Classics
Manhattan Noir 2: The Classics

Matthew Scudder Series

Likely Complete

29 books (1976–2023)

Lawrence Block's Matthew Scudder series comprises 29 mystery novels published from 1976 to 2023, following a hard-boiled private investigator navigating the gritty streets of New York City. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with In the Midst of Death, as the character and his world develop progressively across the books. The series appears to be complete, offering readers a substantial and concluded detective narrative spanning nearly five decades of storytelling.

Start with In the Midst of Death, the first of 29 books in the Matthew Scudder series.

Start this series with In the Midst of Death

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#Title
1
Cover of In the Midst of Death
In the Midst of Death
2
The Sins of the Fathers
3
Cover of Time to Murder and Create
Time to Murder and Create
4
A Candle for the Bag Lady
5
Cover of A Stab in the Dark
A Stab in the Dark
6
Cover of Eight Million Ways to Die
Eight Million Ways to Die
7
By the Dawn's Early Light
8
Cover of When the Sacred Ginmill Closes
When the Sacred Ginmill Closes
9
Cover of Out on the Cutting Edge
Out on the Cutting Edge
10
Cover of A Ticket to the Boneyard
A Ticket to the Boneyard
11
Cover of Batman’s Helpers
Batman’s Helpers
12
Cover of A Dance at the Slaughterhouse
A Dance at the Slaughterhouse
13
Cover of A Walk Among the Tombstones
A Walk Among the Tombstones
14
The Devil Knows You're Dead
15
Cover of The Merciful Angel of Death
The Merciful Angel of Death
16
Cover of A Long Line of Dead Men
A Long Line of Dead Men
17
Cover of Even the Wicked
Even the Wicked
18
Looking for David
19
Out the Window
20
Cover of Everybody Dies
Everybody Dies
21
Let's Get Lost
22
23
A Moment of Wrong Thinking
24
Cover of All the Flowers are Dying
All the Flowers are Dying
25
Cover of A Drop of the Hard Stuff
A Drop of the Hard Stuff
26
Mick Ballou Looks at the Blank Screen
27
One Last Night at Grogan’s
28
Cover of A Time to Scatter Stones
A Time to Scatter Stones
29
The Autobiography of Matthew Scudder

Matthew Scudder Short Story Collections Series

Complete

2 books (1999–2011)

Lawrence Block compiled two collections of Matthew Scudder short stories, with One Night Stands and Lost Weekends published in 1999 and The Night and the Music arriving in 2011. These stories should be read in publication order and represent the complete collection of Scudder short fiction. The series complements Block's longer Scudder novels, offering standalone tales featuring the private investigator in various cases and situations.

Start with One Night Stands and Lost Weekends and read in order.

Start this series with One Night Stands and Lost Weekends

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#Title
1
One Night Stands and Lost Weekends
2
Cover of The Night and the Music
The Night and the Music

Murderous Christmas Stories Series

Likely Complete

7 books (2016–2022)

Lawrence Block's Murderous Christmas Stories consists of seven mystery and thriller novellas published between 2016 and 2022, following publication order from Murder under the Christmas Tree through Murder in the Falling Snow. The series appears to be complete and should be read in the order it was released. Each installment offers a festive yet dark take on the mystery genre, combining Block's signature storytelling with seasonal settings and murderous intrigue.

Start with Murder under the Christmas Tree, the first of 7 books in the Murderous Christmas Stories series.

Start this series with Murder under the Christmas Tree

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#Title
1
Cover of Murder under the Christmas Tree
Murder under the Christmas Tree
2
Cover of Murder on Christmas Eve
Murder on Christmas Eve
3
Cover of A Very Murderous Christmas
A Very Murderous Christmas
4
Murder at Christmas
5
Cover of Murder in Midwinter
Murder in Midwinter
6
Murder on a Winter's Night
7
Murder in the Falling Snow

Non-Fiction Series

Likely Complete

27 books (1970–2025)

Lawrence Block's non-fiction series spans 51 years and includes 24 books published between 1970 and 2021, likely representing his complete output in this category. The collection encompasses works on writing craft, memoirs, true crime narratives, and essays on sexuality and contemporary life. These books should be read in publication order to follow the author's evolving perspectives and interests across five decades. The series appears to be complete, with the final entry published in 2021.

Start with The Wife-Swap Report, the first of 24 books in the Non-Fiction series.

Start this series with The Wife-Swap Report

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#Title
1
The Wife-Swap Report
2
3 is Not a Crowd
3
Sex and the Stewardess
4
The Sex Therapists
5
Cover of Different Strokes
Different Strokes
6
Total Sexuality
7
Cover of Writing the Novel from Plot to Print to Pixel
Writing the Novel from Plot to Print to Pixel
8
Cover of Telling Lies for Fun & Profit: A Manual for Fiction Writers
Telling Lies for Fun & Profit: A Manual for Fiction Writers
9
Cover of Write for Your Life
Write for Your Life
10
On Writing Fiction
11
Cover of Spider, Spin Me A Web: A Handbook for Fiction Writers
Spider, Spin Me A Web: A Handbook for Fiction Writers
12
Cover of After Hours: Conversations With Lawrence Block
After Hours: Conversations With Lawrence Block
13
Cover of Gangsters, Swindlers, Killers, and Thieves: The Lives and Crimes of Fifty American Villains
Gangsters, Swindlers, Killers, and Thieves: The Lives and Crimes of Fifty American Villains
14
Cover of Step by Step: A Pedestrian Memoir
Step by Step: A Pedestrian Memoir
15
Generally Speaking
16
Cover of The Liar's Bible
The Liar's Bible
17
Cover of The Liar's Companion
The Liar's Companion
18
Beyond Group Sex
19
Come Fly With Us
20
Doing It! - Going Beyond the Sexual Revolution
21
The Male Hustler
22
23
Cover of The Crime of Our Lives
The Crime of Our Lives
24
Hunting Buffalo With Bent Nails
25
A Writer Prepares
26
Cover of Afterthoughts: Version 2.0
Afterthoughts: Version 2.0
27
Writing Drunk, Writing Sober

Paul Kavanagh Series

Complete

3 books (1969–1974)

Lawrence Block's Paul Kavanagh series consists of three complete mystery and thriller novels published between 1969 and 1974. Read the books in publication order, beginning with Such Men are Dangerous, followed by The Triumph of Evil and Not Comin' Home to You. This action-driven series should be experienced chronologically as Block intended, with each installment building on the previous entries.

Start with Such Men are Dangerous and read in order.

Start this series with Such Men are Dangerous

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#Title
1
Cover of Such Men are Dangerous
Such Men are Dangerous
2
Cover of The Triumph of Evil
The Triumph of Evil
3
Cover of Not Comin' Home to You
Not Comin' Home to You

Plays Series

Complete

1 book (2011–2011)

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1

Seven Deadly Sins Series

Complete

5 books (2001–2002)

Lawrence Block's Seven Deadly Sins series consists of three complete collections published between 2001 and 2002, best read in publication order. The series uses each of the seven deadly sins as a framework for exploring interconnected short stories and narratives. This finished series blends mystery, thriller, and literary fiction elements across its volumes.

Start with Speaking of Greed: Stories of Envious Desire and read in order.

Start this series with Speaking of Greed

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#Title
1
Speaking of Greed
2
Cover of Speaking of Greed: Stories of Envious Desire
Speaking of Greed: Stories of Envious Desire
3
Speaking of Lust
4
Cover of Speaking of Lust: Stories of Forbidden Desire
Speaking of Lust: Stories of Forbidden Desire
5
Cover of Speaking of Wrath
Speaking of Wrath

Short Stories/Novellas Series

Complete

29 books (1958–2016)

Lawrence Block's Short Stories/Novellas series comprises 17 books published between 1979 and 2016, collecting a variety of mystery, thriller, and literary fiction pieces across four decades. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Collecting Ackermans. These standalone stories and novellas showcase Block's range across mystery, crime, and contemporary fiction themes. The collection represents the author's shorter form work spanning nearly forty years of his writing career.

Start with Collecting Ackermans, the first of 17 books in the Short Stories/Novellas series.

Start this series with A Fire At Night

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#Title
1
A Fire At Night
2
I'll Love You to Death
3
Package Deal
4
Strangers on a Handball Court
5
Collecting Ackermans
6
The Boy Who Disappeared Clouds
7
Cleveland In My Dreams
8
Almost Perfect
9
Terrible Tommy Terhune
10
A Vision in White
11
A Chance to Get Even
12
Dolly's Trash & Treasures
13
Headaches and Bad Dreams
14
In For a Penny
15
Like a Bone in the Throat
16
17
Sweet Little Hands
18
Three in the Side Pocket
19
Welcome to the Real World
20
Who Knows Where It Goes
21
You Don't Even Feel It
22
Funny You Should Ask
23
Nothing Short of Highway Robbery
24
One Thousand Dollars A Word
25
The Dettweiler Solution
26
I Know How to Pick 'Em
27
Cover of The Ehrengraf Fandango
The Ehrengraf Fandango
28
Cover of Autumn at the Automat
Autumn at the Automat
29
Cover of Resume Speed
Resume Speed

Short Story Collections Series

Complete

11 books (1984–2019)

Lawrence Block's Short Story Collections series spans eleven volumes of mystery, thriller, and literary fiction from 1984 to 2019. These stories should be read in publication order, beginning with Like a Lamb to Slaughter and concluding with From Sea to Stormy Sea. The series is complete and showcases Block's skill across multiple genres and narrative formats throughout its thirty-five year publication history.

Start with Like a Lamb to Slaughter, the first of 11 books in the Short Story Collections series.

Start this series with Like a Lamb to Slaughter

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#Title
1
Cover of Like a Lamb to Slaughter
Like a Lamb to Slaughter
2
Cover of Sometimes They Bite
Sometimes They Bite
3
Cover of Some Days You Get the Bear
Some Days You Get the Bear
4
By the Dawn's Early Light: And Other Stories
5
Cover of The Collected Mystery Stories
The Collected Mystery Stories
6
7
Cover of The Crazy Years
The Crazy Years
8
Cover of Catch and Release
Catch and Release
9
Cover of Defender of the Innocent: The Casebook of Martin Ehrengraf
Defender of the Innocent: The Casebook of Martin Ehrengraf
10
Cover of Resume Speed and Other Stories
Resume Speed and Other Stories
11
From Sea to Stormy Sea

Standalone Novels Series

Complete

60 books (1958–2020)

Lawrence Block's standalone novels span from 1958 to 2020 and comprise 38 complete works across mystery, thriller, literary fiction, and adventure genres. These books should be read in publication order beginning with Carla. The series encompasses diverse narratives independent of recurring characters or storylines, offering Block's versatility across multiple writing styles and subjects throughout his prolific career.

Start with Carla, the first of 38 books in the Standalone Novels series.

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1
2
Cover of 69 Barrow Street
69 Barrow Street
3
Cover of Campus Tramp
Campus Tramp
4
Cover of Into the Night(With: Cornell Woolrich)
Into the Night(With: Cornell Woolrich)
5
Cover of A Girl Called Honey
A Girl Called Honey
6
Cover of A Strange Kind of Love
A Strange Kind of Love
7
A Woman Must Love
8
9
10
11
12
Cover of The Adulterers
The Adulterers
13
The Sin-Damned
14
The Wife-Swappers
15
Cover of $20 Lust / Cinderella Sims
$20 Lust / Cinderella Sims
16
Cover of A Diet of Treacle
A Diet of Treacle
17
Cover of Cinderella Sims
Cinderella Sims
18
Cover of Coward's Kiss / Death Pulls a Doublecross
Coward's Kiss / Death Pulls a Doublecross
19
Gigolo Johnny Wells
20
Girls on the Prowl(With: Andrew Shaw)
21
Cover of Grifter's Game / Mona / Sweet Slow Death
Grifter's Game / Mona / Sweet Slow Death
22
Cover of Killing Castro
Killing Castro
23
Man For Rent
24
25
Cover of The Twisted Ones
The Twisted Ones
26
27
28
29
30
Flesh Parade
31
Lust Weekend
32
Passion Nightmare
33
34
35
Strange Embrace
36
Cover of The Case of the Pornographic Photos / Markham / You Could Call it Murder
The Case of the Pornographic Photos / Markham / You Could Call it Murder
37
38
Cover of Lucky at Cards
Lucky at Cards
39
Sex Takes a Holiday
40
Trailer Trollop
41
Cover of The Girl with the Long Green Heart
The Girl with the Long Green Heart
42
Cover of Deadly Honeymoon
Deadly Honeymoon
43
Cover of After the First Death
After the First Death
44
Cover of The Specialists
The Specialists
45
Cover of Ronald Rabbit is a Dirty Old Man
Ronald Rabbit is a Dirty Old Man
46
Cover of A Week as Andrea Benstock
A Week as Andrea Benstock
47
48
A Star in The Dark
49
Cover of Code of Arms(With: Harold King)
Code of Arms(With: Harold King)
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51
Cover of The Lost Cases of Ed London
The Lost Cases of Ed London
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53
Cover of Community of Women
Community of Women
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Cover of The Girl with the Deep Blue Eyes
The Girl with the Deep Blue Eyes
55
College for Sinners
56
Of Shame and Joy
57
Passport to Peril(With: Anne Campbell Clark)
58
59
Cover of April North / High School Sex Club
April North / High School Sex Club
60
Cover of Dead Girl Blues
Dead Girl Blues

The Classic Crime Library Series

Complete

3 books (1962–1979)

Lawrence Block's Classic Crime Library consists of three complete mysteries published between 1962 and 1979. These books should be read in publication order, beginning with Broadway Can Be Murder, followed by Four Lives at the Crossroads, and concluding with Ariel. The series blends literary fiction with the mystery and thriller genre, offering readers Block's earlier crime narratives across nearly two decades of his writing career.

Start with Broadway Can Be Murder and read in order.

Start this series with Broadway Can Be Murder

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#Title
1
Broadway Can Be Murder
2
Four Lives at the Crossroads
3
Ariel (Classic Crime Library Book 16)

The Men's Adventure Library Journal Series

Likely Complete

16 books (2013–2023)

The Men's Adventure Library Journal is a sixteen-book nonfiction series edited by Robert Deis and Wyatt Doyle, published between 2013 and 2023 and likely now complete. Each volume features curated articles, illustrations, and retrospectives celebrating the golden age of men's adventure magazines, with contributions from various authors and artists including Robert Silverberg and Mort Künstler. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with He-Men, Bag Men & Nymphos and continuing through the final volume. These anthologies chronicle the history, artwork, and cultural impact of a distinctive genre of pulp magazines that dominated newsstands from the 1950s through the 1980s.

Start with He-Men, Bag Men & Nymphos(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle,Walter Kaylin), the first of 16 books in the The Men's Adventure Library Journal series.

Start this series with He-Men, Bag Men & Nymphos(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle,Walter Kaylin)

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#Title
1
He-Men, Bag Men & Nymphos(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle,Walter Kaylin)
2
Cryptozoology Anthology(By: David Coleman,Wyatt Doyle)
3
A Handful of Hell(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle,Robert F. Dorr)
4
Cover of Barbarians on Bikes(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle)
Barbarians on Bikes(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle)
5
I Watched Them Eat Me Alive(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle)
6
Cover of Cuba: Sugar, Sex, and Slaughter(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle)
Cuba: Sugar, Sex, and Slaughter(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle)
7
Cover of Pollen's Women(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle,Samson Pollen)
Pollen's Women(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle,Samson Pollen)
8
Cover of Eva: Men's Adventure Supermodel(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle)
Eva: Men's Adventure Supermodel(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle)
9
Cover of Mort Kunstler(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle)
Mort Kunstler(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle)
10
Pollen's Action(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle,Samson Pollen)
11
Cover of One Man Army(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle,Gil Cohen)
One Man Army(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle,Gil Cohen)
12
Cover of Exotic Adventures of Robert Silverberg(By: Robert Silverberg,Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle)
Exotic Adventures of Robert Silverberg(By: Robert Silverberg,Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle)
13
Cover of Maneaters(By: Mort Künstler,Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle)
Maneaters(By: Mort Künstler,Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle)
14
George Gross: Covered(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle)
15
Cover of Atomic Werewolves and Man-Eating Plants(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle)
Atomic Werewolves and Man-Eating Plants(By: Robert Deis,Wyatt Doyle)
16
The Naked and the Deadly

Transgressions Series

Complete

6 books (2005–2006)

Transgressions is a four-volume anthology series edited by Lawrence Block, published between 2005 and 2006. Each volume features short stories from renowned mystery and thriller authors including Stephen King, Jeffery Deaver, Ed McBain, Donald E. Westlake, and Joyce Carol Oates, among others. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with the first volume and progressing through volumes two, three, and four.

Start with Transgressions(With: Stephen King,Anne Perry,Jeffery Deaver,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain,Donald E Westlake,Bonnie Jeanne Perry,Joyce Carol Oates,Walter Mosley,John Farris), the first of 4 books in the Transgressions series.

Start this series with Transgressions(With: Stephen King,Anne Perry,Jeffery Deaver,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain,Donald E Westlake,Bonnie Jeanne Perry,Joyce Carol Oates,Walter Mosley,John Farris)

Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
#Title
1
Cover of Transgressions(With: Stephen King,Anne Perry,Jeffery Deaver,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain,Donald E Westlake,Bonnie Jeanne Perry,Joyce Carol Oates,Walter Mosley,John Farris)
Transgressions(With: Stephen King,Anne Perry,Jeffery Deaver,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain,Donald E Westlake,Bonnie Jeanne Perry,Joyce Carol Oates,Walter Mosley,John Farris)
2
Transgressions(With: Stephen King,Anne Perry,Jeffery Deaver,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain,Donald E. Westlake,Bonnie Jeanne Perry,Joyce Carol Oates,Walter Mosley,John Farris)
3
Cover of Transgressions, Vol. 2(With: Stephen King,Ed McBain,John Farris)
Transgressions, Vol. 2(With: Stephen King,Ed McBain,John Farris)
4
Cover of Transgressions, Vol. 3(By: Anne Perry,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain,Donald E Westlake,John Farris)
Transgressions, Vol. 3(By: Anne Perry,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain,Donald E Westlake,John Farris)
5
Transgressions, Vol. 3(By: Anne Perry,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain,Donald E. Westlake,John Farris)
6
Cover of Transgressions, Vol. 4(By: Anne Perry,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain)
Transgressions, Vol. 4(By: Anne Perry,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books has Lawrence Block written?
Lawrence Block has written 505 books across 26 series. Their published works span from 1958 to 2025.
What is the first book in each Lawrence Block series?
Here are the first books in Lawrence Block's series: Akashic Noir: San Francisco Noir; Anthologies: Alfred Hitchcock's A Choice of Evils; Bernie Rhodenbarr: Burglars Can't Be Choosers; Chip Harrison: No Score; Ehrengraf for the Defense: The Ehrengraf Affirmation.
What order should I read Lawrence Block's books?
We recommend reading Lawrence Block's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
Is Lawrence Block still writing new books?
Yes, Lawrence Block has 2 ongoing series: Akashic Noir, Anthologies.

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