Linda Barnes Reading Order
6 series · 147 books
Linda Barnes is an American mystery writer whose career spans four decades with multiple interconnected series that have established her as a consistent voice in crime fiction. Her best-known work features private investigator Carlotta Carlyle, a Boston-based cab driver turned sleuth, alongside the Michael Spraggue mystery series, both showcasing Barnes's talent for creating complex protagonists navigating urban landscapes. With nearly 150 books published since 1982, including contributions to the celebrated Akashic Noir anthology series, Barnes has built a substantial body of work that blends sharp character development with intricate plotting across mystery and thriller genres.
Akashic Noir Series
Ongoing121 books (2002–2025)
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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Anthologies Series
Complete2 books (1996–2009)
Start with First Cases, Volume 1 and read in order.
Start this series with First Cases, Volume 1
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Carlotta Carlyle Series
Complete16 books (1987–2015)
Start with A Trouble of Fools, the first of 16 books in the Carlotta Carlyle series.
Start this series with A Trouble of Fools
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Harold Middleton Series
Complete3 books (2007–2014)
Start with The Chopin Manuscript and read in order.
Start this series with The Chopin Manuscript
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Michael Spraggue Mystery Series
Complete4 books (1982–1986)
Start with Blood Will Have Blood, the first of 4 books in the Michael Spraggue Mystery series.
Start this series with Blood Will Have Blood
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Standalone Novels Series
Complete1 book (2013–2013)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Linda Barnes written?
- Linda Barnes has written 147 books across 6 series. Their published works span from 1982 to 2025.
- What is the first book in each Linda Barnes series?
- Here are the first books in Linda Barnes's series: Akashic Noir: San Francisco Noir; Anthologies: First Cases, Volume 1; Carlotta Carlyle: A Trouble of Fools; Harold Middleton: The Chopin Manuscript; Michael Spraggue Mystery: Blood Will Have Blood.
- What order should I read Linda Barnes's books?
- We recommend reading Linda Barnes's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Linda Barnes still writing new books?
- Yes, Linda Barnes has 1 ongoing series: Akashic Noir.