
Robert B. Parker Reading Order
11 series Β· 288 books Β· Born 1932-09-17
Robert B. Parker was an American mystery writer best known for his Spenser series, featuring the sharp-witted Boston private detective across forty novels that became a cultural touchstone when adapted into the television series Spenser: For Hire in the mid-1980s. His prolific career spanning nearly a century produced nearly three hundred books across multiple detective series, establishing him as a dominant force in American crime fiction with a distinctive style marked by clever dialogue and complex protagonists. Beyond his signature detective novels, Parker contributed to noir anthologies and mystery profiles, cementing his legacy as both a bestselling novelist and influential figure in the evolution of the modern detective story.
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Akashic Noir Series
Ongoing121 books (2002β2025)
The Akashic Noir series is an expansive collection of noir fiction anthologies featuring mystery and thriller stories set in cities around the world. Beginning with San Francisco Noir in 2002, the series has grown to include 121 books published through 2025 and remains ongoing. Each volume focuses on a different city or region, from Brooklyn and Chicago to London and Dublin, allowing readers to explore noir tales from diverse geographical settings. Read the books in publication order starting with San Francisco Noir to follow the series' development.
Start with San Francisco Noir, the first of 121 books in the Akashic Noir series.
Start this series with San Francisco Noir
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco Noir |
| 2 | Bronx Noir |
| 3 | Seattle Noir |
| 4 | Brooklyn Noir |
| 5 | Hasidic Noir |
| 6 | Brooklyn Noir 2 |
| 7 | Chicago Noir |
| 8 | Dublin Noir |
| 9 | Baltimore Noir |
| 10 | D.C. Noir |
| 11 | London Noir |
| 12 | Manhattan Noir |
| 13 | Miami Noir |
| 14 | Twin Cities Noir |
| 15 | Detroit Noir |
| 16 | Havana Noir |
| 17 | Los Angeles Noir |
| 18 | New Orleans Noir |
| 19 | Wall Street Noir |
| 20 | Brooklyn Noir 3: Nothing But the Truth |
| 21 | D.C. Noir 2 |
| 22 | Istanbul Noir |
| 23 | Las Vegas Noir |
| 24 | Manhattan Noir 2 |
| 25 | Paris Noir |
| 26 | Queens Noir |
| 27 | Toronto Noir |
| 28 | Trinidad Noir |
| 29 | Boston Noir |
| 30 | Delhi Noir |
| 31 | Phoenix Noir |
| 32 | Portland Noir |
| 33 | Rome Noir |
| 34 | San Francisco Noir 2 |
| 35 | Copenhagen Noir |
| 36 | Haiti Noir |
| 37 | Indian Country Noir |
| 38 | Lone Star Noir |
| 39 | Los Angeles Noir 2 |
| 40 | Mexico City Noir |
| 41 | Moscow Noir |
| 42 | Orange County Noir |
| 43 | Philadelphia Noir |
| 44 | Richmond Noir |
| 45 | Barcelona Noir |
| 46 | Cape Cod Noir |
| 47 | New Jersey Noir |
| 48 | Pittsburgh Noir |
| 49 | San Diego Noir |
| 50 | Boston Noir 2 |
| 51 | Kansas City Noir |
| 52 | Kingston Noir |
| 53 | Long Island Noir |
| 54 | Mumbai Noir |
| 55 | St. Petersburg Noir |
| 56 | Staten Island Noir |
| 57 | Venice Noir |
| 58 | Buffalo Noir |
| 59 | Dallas Noir |
| 60 | Haiti Noir 2 |
| 61 | Manila Noir |
| 62 | USA Noir |
| 63 | Belfast Noir |
| 64 | Helsinki Noir |
| 65 | Prison Noir |
| 66 | Rio Noir |
| 67 | Singapore Noir |
| 68 | Tehran Noir |
| 69 | Tel Aviv Noir |
| 70 | Beirut Noir |
| 71 | Chicago Noir: The Classics |
| 72 | Marseille Noir |
| 73 | Memphis Noir |
| 74 | Providence Noir |
| 75 | Zagreb Noir |
| 76 | Brussels Noir |
| 77 | Mississippi Noir |
| 78 | New Orleans Noir: The Classics |
| 79 | Prague Noir |
| 80 | San Juan Noir |
| 81 | St. Louis Noir |
| 82 | Stockholm Noir |
| 83 | 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 | Berlin Noir |
| 92 | Hong Kong Noir |
| 93 | Lagos Noir |
| 94 | Marrakech Noir |
| 95 | Santa Cruz Noir |
| 96 | Sydney Noir |
| 97 | SΓ£o Paulo Noir |
| 98 | Vancouver Noir |
| 99 | Amsterdam Noir |
| 100 | Houston Noir |
| 101 | Milwaukee Noir |
| 102 | Accra Noir |
| 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 | Denver Noir |
| 114 | Paris Noir: The Suburbs |
| 115 | South Central Noir |
| 116 | Cleveland Noir |
| 117 | East Jerusalem Noir |
| 118 | West Jerusalem Noir |
| 119 | Honolulu Noir |
| 120 | Hamburg Noir |
| 121 | Sacramento Noir |
Anthologies Series
Complete3 books (1997β2026)
Robert B. Parker edited two mystery anthology collections published between 1997 and 2011, now complete. These books should be read in publication order, beginning with The Best American Mystery Stories 1997 followed by Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe. Both volumes feature curated collections of short fiction within the mystery and thriller genres.
Start with The Best American Mystery Stories 1997 and read in order.
Start this series with The Best American Mystery Stories 1997
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Best American Mystery Stories 1997 |
| 2 | Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe |
| 3 | Murderers' Row Volume 2 |
Jesse Stone Series
Ongoing24 books (1997β2027)
The Jesse Stone series comprises 23 mystery and thriller novels following the character from Robert B. Parker's creation through works by subsequent authors Michael Brandman and Reed Farrel Coleman. Published from 1997 to 2026, the series remains ongoing with new installments continuing to expand the story. Readers should begin with Night Passage and proceed in publication order to experience the character's development across the expanding narrative. The series follows a consistent protagonist through interconnected cases and storylines that build upon previous entries.
Start with Night Passage, the first of 23 books in the Jesse Stone series.
Start this series with Night Passage
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Night Passage |
| 2 | Trouble in Paradise |
| 3 | Death in Paradise |
| 4 | Stone Cold |
| 5 | Sea Change |
| 6 | High Profile |
| 7 | Stranger in Paradise |
| 8 | Night and Day |
| 9 | Split Image |
| 10 | Killing The Blues(By: Michael Brandman) |
| 11 | Fool Me Twice(By: Michael Brandman) |
| 12 | Damned If You Do(By: Michael Brandman) |
| 13 | Blind Spot(By: Reed Farrel Coleman) |
| 14 | The Devil Wins(By: Reed Farrel Coleman) |
| 15 | Debt to Pay(By: Reed Farrel Coleman) |
| 16 | Colorblind(By: Reed Farrel Coleman) |
| 17 | The Hangman's Sonnet(By: Reed Farrel Coleman) |
| 18 | The Bitterest Pill(By: Reed Farrel Coleman) |
| 19 | Fool's Paradise(By: Mike Lupica) |
| 20 | Stone's Throw(By: Mike Lupica) |
| 21 | Fallout(By: Mike Lupica) |
| 22 | Buried Secrets(By: Christopher Farnsworth) |
| 23 | Big Shot(By: Christopher Farnsworth) |
| 24 | Lockdown(By: Christopher Farnsworth) |
Mysterious Profiles Series
Ongoing34 books (2022β2025)
Mysterious Profiles is an ongoing mystery and thriller series comprising 33 books published between 2022 and 2025, featuring character studies across multiple detective and investigator franchises. The collection includes iconic protagonists such as Jack Reacher, Hieronymus Bosch, Inspector Morse, and Charlie Parker, written by various acclaimed authors including Lee Child, Michael Connelly, Colin Dexter, and John Connolly. Readers should follow the books in publication order to experience the intended progression of these mysterious profiles. Begin with the Alex Delaware entry to start this expanding series from the beginning.
Start with Alex Delaware(By: Jonathan Kellerman), the first of 33 books in the Mysterious Profiles series.
Start this series with Alex Delaware(By: Jonathan Kellerman)
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Delaware(By: Jonathan Kellerman) |
| 2 | Aloysius X. L. Pendergast(By: Douglas Preston) |
| 3 | Aloysius X. L. Pendergast(By: Douglas Preston,Lincoln Child) |
| 4 | Amos Walker(By: Loren D. Estleman) |
| 5 | Bob Lee Swagger(By: Stephen Hunter) |
| 6 | Charlie Parker(By: John Connolly) |
| 7 | Charlie Resnick(By: John Harvey) |
| 8 | Charlotte and Thomas Pitt(By: Anne Perry) |
| 9 | Dismas Hardy(By: John Lescroart) |
| 10 | Elvis Cole and Joe Pike(By: Robert Crais) |
| 11 | Hieronymus Bosch(By: Michael Connelly) |
| 12 | Ian Rutledge(By: Charles Todd) |
| 13 | Inspector Morse(By: Colin Dexter) |
| 14 | Jack Reacher(By: Lee Child) |
| 15 | Jack Taylor(By: Ken Bruen) |
| 16 | Jane Whitefield(By: Thomas Perry) |
| 17 | John Rebus(By: Ian Rankin) |
| 18 | Lincoln Rhyme(By: Jeffery Deaver) |
| 19 | Lou Boldt(By: Ridley Pearson) |
| 20 | Maisie Dobbs(By: Jacqueline Winspear) |
| 21 | Mallory(By: Carol O'Connell) |
| 22 | Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus(By: Faye Kellerman) |
| 23 | Precious Ramotswe(By: Alexander McCall Smith) |
| 24 | Rambo(By: David Morrell) |
| 25 | Spenser |
| 26 | Tess Monaghan(By: Laura Lippman) |
| 27 | The Lincoln Lawyer(By: Michael Connelly) |
| 28 | Ben Kincaid(By: William Bernhardt) |
| 29 | Condor(By: James Grady) |
| 30 | Repairman Jack(By: F. Paul Wilson) |
| 31 | Joe Pickett(By: C.J. Box) |
| 32 | Nathan Heller(By: Max Allan Collins) |
| 33 | Peter Diamond(By: Peter Lovesey) |
| 34 | Orphan X(By: Gregg Hurwitz) |
Non-Fiction Series
Complete4 books (1974β1994)
Robert B. Parker's non-fiction series consists of four books published between 1974 and 1994, exploring topics ranging from fitness to sports to travel. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Training with Weights, co-authored with John R. Marsh. Several entries were written with Parker's wife Joan H. Parker, while the final book focuses on the author's hometown. These works showcase Parker's interests beyond his acclaimed mystery fiction career.
Start with Training with Weights(With: John R. Marsh), the first of 4 books in the Non-Fiction series.
Start this series with Training with Weights(With: John R. Marsh)
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Training with Weights(With: John R. Marsh) |
| 2 | Three Weeks In Spring(With: Joan H. Parker) |
| 3 | A Year at the Races(With: Joan H. Parker) |
| 4 | Spenser's Boston |
Philip Marlowe Series
Likely Complete13 books (1939β2023)
The Philip Marlowe series spans 13 books published between 1939 and 2023, following the hard-boiled detective through cases across Los Angeles. The series begins with Raymond Chandler's original novels, continues with completions and new cases written by subsequent authors including Robert B. Parker, Benjamin Black, Lawrence Osborne, Joe Ide, and Denise Mina, and should be read in publication order to experience the character's evolution across nearly a century. Though the series has passed through multiple hands, it remains a cornerstone of American detective fiction and likely reaches completion with the final entry.
Start with The Big Sleep(By: Raymond Chandler), the first of 13 books in the Philip Marlowe series.
Start this series with The Big Sleep(By: Raymond Chandler)
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Big Sleep(By: Raymond Chandler) |
| 2 | Farewell, My Lovely(By: Raymond Chandler) |
| 3 | The High Window(By: Raymond Chandler) |
| 4 | The Lady in the Lake(By: Raymond Chandler) |
| 5 | The Little Sister(By: Raymond Chandler) |
| 6 | The Long Goodbye(By: Raymond Chandler) |
| 7 | Playback(By: Raymond Chandler) |
| 8 | Poodle Springs(With: Raymond Chandler) |
| 9 | Perchance to Dream |
| 10 | The Black-Eyed Blonde / Marlowe(By: Benjamin Black) |
| 11 | Only to Sleep(By: Lawrence Osborne) |
| 12 | The Goodbye Coast(By: Joe Ide) |
| 13 | The Second Murderer(By: Denise Mina) |
Spenser Series
Ongoing54 books (1973β2026)
The Spenser series consists of 53 mystery novels following the investigations of a Boston private detective, beginning with The Godwulf Manuscript in 1973 and continuing through 2025. Robert B. Parker's long-running franchise should be read in publication order to appreciate the character's development across decades. The series remains ongoing, with new cases still being added to Spenser's caseload.
Start with The Godwulf Manuscript, the first of 53 books in the Spenser series.
Start this series with The Godwulf Manuscript
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Godwulf Manuscript |
| 2 | God Save the Child |
| 3 | Mortal Stakes |
| 4 | Promised Land |
| 5 | The Judas Goat |
| 6 | Looking for Rachel Wallace |
| 7 | A Savage Place |
| 8 | Early Autumn |
| 9 | Ceremony |
| 10 | The Widening Gyre |
| 11 | Valediction |
| 12 | A Catskill Eagle |
| 13 | Taming a Sea-Horse |
| 14 | Pale Kings and Princes |
| 15 | Crimson Joy |
| 16 | Playmates |
| 17 | Stardust |
| 18 | Pastime |
| 19 | Double Deuce |
| 20 | Paper Doll |
| 21 | Walking Shadow |
| 22 | Thin Air |
| 23 | Chance |
| 24 | Small Vices |
| 25 | Sudden Mischief |
| 26 | Hush Money |
| 27 | Hugger Mugger |
| 28 | Potshot |
| 29 | Widow's Walk |
| 30 | Back Story |
| 31 | Bad Business |
| 32 | Cold Service |
| 33 | School Days |
| 34 | Hundred-Dollar Baby / Dream Girl |
| 35 | Now and Then |
| 36 | Rough Weather |
| 37 | The Professional |
| 38 | Painted Ladies |
| 39 | Silent Night(With: Helen Brann) |
| 40 | Sixkill |
| 41 | Lullaby(By: Ace Atkins) |
| 42 | Wonderland / Spenser Confidential(By: Ace Atkins) |
| 43 | Cheap Shot(By: Ace Atkins) |
| 44 | Kickback(By: Ace Atkins) |
| 45 | Slow Burn(By: Ace Atkins) |
| 46 | Little White Lies(By: Ace Atkins) |
| 47 | Old Black Magic(By: Ace Atkins) |
| 48 | Angel Eyes(By: Ace Atkins) |
| 49 | Someone to Watch Over Me(By: Ace Atkins) |
| 50 | Bye Bye Baby(By: Ace Atkins) |
| 51 | Broken Trust(By: Mike Lupica) |
| 52 | Hot Property(By: Mike Lupica) |
| 53 | Showdown(By: Mike Lupica) |
| 54 | Framed(By: Mike Lupica) |
Standalone Novels Series
Complete9 books (1951β2008)
Robert B. Parker wrote nine standalone novels between 1951 and 2008 across the mystery and thriller genres. These books should be read in publication order, beginning with Passport to Peril and concluding with The Boxer and the Spy. The series is complete with no additional volumes planned.
Start with Passport To Peril, the first of 9 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with Passport To Peril
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Passport To Peril |
| 2 | Wilderness |
| 3 | Surrogate |
| 4 | Love and Glory |
| 5 | All Our Yesterdays |
| 6 | Gunman's Rhapsody |
| 7 | Double Play |
| 8 | Edenville Owls |
| 9 | The Boxer and the Spy |
Sunny Randall Series
Ongoing14 books (1999β2026)
The Sunny Randall series follows a tough Boston-based private investigator through 14 novels spanning from 1999 to 2026. Robert B. Parker authored the first six books before the series was continued by Mike Lupica for four entries, followed by Alison Gaylin taking over the character for the remaining installments. This ongoing series should be read in publication order to follow Randall's character development and case progression. Each book can function as a standalone mystery, but reading sequentially provides the most rewarding experience with recurring relationships and character arcs.
Start with Family Honor, the first of 14 books in the Sunny Randall series.
Start this series with Family Honor
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Family Honor |
| 2 | Perish Twice |
| 3 | Shrink Rap |
| 4 | Melancholy Baby |
| 5 | Blue Screen |
| 6 | Spare Change |
| 7 | Blood Feud(By: Mike Lupica) |
| 8 | Grudge Match(By: Mike Lupica) |
| 9 | Payback(By: Mike Lupica) |
| 10 | Revenge Tour(By: Mike Lupica) |
| 11 | Bad Influence(By: Alison Gaylin) |
| 12 | Buzz Kill(By: Alison Gaylin) |
| 13 | Booked(By: Alison Gaylin) |
| 14 | Booked(By: Alison Gaylin) |
Virgil Cole & Everett Hitch Series
Ongoing11 books (2005β2027)
The Virgil Cole & Everett Hitch series consists of 11 Western novels following two lawmen in the Old West. Robert B. Parker wrote the first four books (2005β2012), while Robert Knott has continued the series from the fifth book onward, expanding the saga through 2027. The series is ongoing and should be read in publication order, beginning with Appaloosa. Each installment builds on the partnership and adventures of the two protagonists as they navigate frontier justice and conflict.
Start with Appaloosa, the first of 11 books in the Virgil Cole & Everett Hitch series.
Start this series with Appaloosa
Buy Book 1 πΊπΈπ§ Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Appaloosa |
| 2 | Resolution |
| 3 | Brimstone |
| 4 | Blue-Eyed Devil |
| 5 | Ironhorse(By: Robert Knott) |
| 6 | Bull River(By: Robert Knott) |
| 7 | The Bridge(By: Robert Knott) |
| 8 | Blackjack(By: Robert Knott) |
| 9 | Revelation(By: Robert Knott) |
| 10 | Buckskin(By: Robert Knott) |
| 11 | Opium Rose(By: Robert Knott) |
Young Spenser Series
Complete1 book (2009β2009)
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chasing the Bear |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Robert B. Parker written?
- Robert B. Parker has written 288 books across 11 series. Their published works span from 1939 to 2027.
- What is the first book in each Robert B. Parker series?
- Here are the first books in Robert B. Parker's series: Akashic Noir: San Francisco Noir; Anthologies: The Best American Mystery Stories 1997; Jesse Stone: Night Passage; Mysterious Profiles: Alex Delaware(By: Jonathan Kellerman); Non-Fiction: Training with Weights(With: John R. Marsh).
- What order should I read Robert B. Parker's books?
- We recommend reading Robert B. Parker's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Robert B. Parker still writing new books?
- Yes, Robert B. Parker has 6 ongoing series: Akashic Noir, Jesse Stone, Mysterious Profiles, Spenser, Sunny Randall and 1 more.

