William Johnston Reading Order
10 series · 64 books
William Johnston was an American novelist recognized for his extensive work in tie-in fiction, contributing significantly to popular culture through adaptations. He authored 64 books across 10 series, including notable works tied to Doctor Kildare, The Flying Nun, Happy Days, Lancer Brady Bunch novelizations, and Max Smart. Active from 1960 to 1990, Johnston's creative storytelling left a lasting imprint on the realm of franchise literature.
Children's Series
Complete1 book (1963–1963)
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Yogi Bear and the Cranky Magician 1963Buy 🇺🇸 |
Doctor Kildare Series
Complete3 books (1963–1964)
Start with The Faces of Love and read in order.
Flying Nun Series
Complete5 books (1968–1968)
Start with Miracle at San Tanco, the first of 5 books in the Flying Nun series.
Happy Days Series
Complete8 books (1974–1977)
Start with Fonzie Drops In, the first of 8 books in the Happy Days series.
Lancer Brady Bunch Novelizations Series
Complete1 book (1970–1970)
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 |  Brady Bunch 1970Buy 🇺🇸 |
Max Smart Series
Complete9 books (1965–1969)
Start with Get Smart, the first of 9 books in the Max Smart series.
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Get Smart 1965Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 2 | Get Smart Once Again 1966Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 3 | Max Smart and the Perilous Pellets 1966Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 4 | Missed It By That Much! 1966Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 5 | Sorry, Chief... 1966Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 6 | And Loving It! 1967Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 7 | Max Smart Loses Control 1968Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 8 | The Spy Who Went Out to the Cold 1968Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 9 | Max Smart and the Ghastly Ghost Affair 1969Buy 🇺🇸 |
Standalone Novels Series
Complete27 books (1960–1990)
Start with Searching Spector, the first of 27 books in the Standalone Novels series.
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 |  Searching Spector 1960Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 2 | Ben Casey 1962Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 3 | The Marriage Cage 1962Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 4 | A Fear in Borzano 1966Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 5 | A Silent Voice 1967Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 6 | Captain Nice 1967Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 7 | They Came From the Sea 1969Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 8 |  Barney 1970Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 9 | Bewitched - the Opposite Uncle 1970Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 10 |  Room 222 1970Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 11 | Sam Weskit on the Planet Framingham 1970Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 12 |  Bomb in the Classroom 1971Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 13 |  Klute 1971Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 14 | Madness at the Castle 1971Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 15 |  Asylum 1972Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 16 |  Banyon 1972Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 17 | Master of Foxhollow 1973Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 18 |  Clock and Bell 1974Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 19 |  Sons and Daughters 1974Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 20 | The Other Brother 1974Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 21 |  Echoes of a Summer 1976Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 22 |  Follow the Heart 1976Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 23 | Mrs. Barthelme's Madness 1976Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 24 | The Remembered Kiss 1976Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 25 |  Gore Vidal's Caligula 1979Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 26 |  Cradle to Grave 1983Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 27 |  Dick Tracy 1990Buy 🇺🇸 |
The Munsters Series
Complete2 books (1965–1966)
Start with The Great Camera Caper and read in order.
The Nurses Series
Complete2 books (1963–1963)
Start with The Nurses and read in order.
Welcome Back, Kotter Series
Complete6 books (1976–1977)
Start with 10-4 Sweathogs!, the first of 6 books in the Welcome Back, Kotter series.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has William Johnston written?
- William Johnston has written 64 books across 10 series. Their published works span from 1960 to 1990.
- What is the first book in each William Johnston series?
- Here are the first books in William Johnston's series: Doctor Kildare: The Faces of Love; Flying Nun: Miracle at San Tanco; Happy Days: Fonzie Drops In; Max Smart: Get Smart; The Munsters: The Great Camera Caper.
- What order should I read William Johnston's books?
- We recommend reading William Johnston's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Are William Johnston's series complete?
- William Johnston has 10 completed series.