Peter Straub Reading Order
12 series · 135 books · Born 1943-03-02
Peter Straub is an American master of literary horror and mystery whose prolific career spans multiple decades and genres. Known for his atmospheric storytelling and complex narratives, Straub has crafted haunting works including the Blue Rose Trilogy and numerous anthology contributions that explore the darker dimensions of human experience. His body of work—encompassing over 130 books across numerous series—establishes him as a central figure in contemporary horror fiction who seamlessly blends literary sophistication with genuine suspense and dread.
Anthologies Series
Likely Complete54 books (1982–2023)
Start with Fear Itself: The Horror Fiction of Stephen King, the first of 51 books in the Anthologies series.
Start this series with Fear Itself: The Horror Fiction of Stephen King
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Best Horror of the Year Series
Ongoing19 books (2009–2026)
Start with The Best Horror of the Year: Volume One, the first of 18 books in the Best Horror of the Year series.
Start this series with The Best Horror of the Year: Volume One
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Blue Rose Trilogy Series
Complete4 books (1988–2010)
Start with Koko, the first of 4 books in the Blue Rose Trilogy series.
Start this series with Koko
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Criminal Records Series
Complete1 book (2000–2000)
Foundations of Fear Anthology Series
Complete4 books (1992–1994)
Start with An Exploration of Horror: Foundations of Fear(With: George R.R. Martin,Robert A. Heinlein,David G. Hartwell,Richard Matheson,Daphne du Maurier,Clive Barker,Carlos Fuentes,Arthur Machen,Gerald Durrell), the first of 4 books in the Foundations of Fear Anthology series.
Start this series with An Exploration of Horror: Foundations of Fear(With: George R.R. Martin,Robert A. Heinlein,David G. Hartwell,Richard Matheson,Daphne du Maurier,Clive Barker,Carlos Fuentes,Arthur Machen,Gerald Durrell)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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Graphic Novels Series
Complete2 books (2009–2010)
Start with The Talisman: Road of Trials(With: Stephen King,Tony Shasteen) and read in order.
Start this series with The Talisman: Road of Trials(With: Stephen King,Tony Shasteen)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Non-Fiction Series
Complete1 book (2007–2007)
Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete9 books (1990–2017)
Start with Mrs. God, the first of 9 books in the Short Stories/Novellas series.
Start this series with Mrs. God
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Short Story Collections Series
Complete9 books (1972–2016)
Start with Ishmael, the first of 9 books in the Short Story Collections series.
Start this series with Ishmael
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Standalone Novels Series
Complete14 books (1973–2010)
Start with Marriages, the first of 14 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with Marriages
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Talisman Series
Ongoing3 books (1984–2026)
Start with The Talisman and read in order.
Start this series with The Talisman
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror Series
Ongoing15 books (2010–2024)
Start with The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, 2010 Edition, the first of 15 books in the The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror series.
Start this series with The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, 2010 Edition
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Peter Straub written?
- Peter Straub has written 135 books across 12 series. Their published works span from 1972 to 2026.
- What is the first book in each Peter Straub series?
- Here are the first books in Peter Straub's series: Anthologies: Fear Itself: The Horror Fiction of Stephen King; Best Horror of the Year: The Best Horror of the Year: Volume One; Blue Rose Trilogy: Koko; Foundations of Fear Anthology: An Exploration of Horror: Foundations of Fear(With: George R.R. Martin,Robert A. Heinlein,David G. Hartwell,Richard Matheson,Daphne du Maurier,Clive Barker,Carlos Fuentes,Arthur Machen,Gerald Durrell); Graphic Novels: The Talisman: Road of Trials(With: Stephen King,Tony Shasteen).
- What order should I read Peter Straub's books?
- We recommend reading Peter Straub's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Peter Straub still writing new books?
- Yes, Peter Straub has 3 ongoing series: Best Horror of the Year, Talisman, The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror.