A

Arthur Upfield

Bestselling Author • 6 Series • 43 Books

6
Series
43
Books
6
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books
Start with: The Barrakee Mystery / The Lure of the Bush (1929)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: The House of Cain (1928)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: Up and Down Australia (2008)

About Arthur Upfield

Arthur Upfield was a prominent author of half English and half Australian descent. He was born as Arthur William Upfield on September 01, 1890, and died on February 12, 1964. He is best remembered for his exciting works based on the detective fiction genre. The most famous book series written by author Upfield was titled as DI Napoleon Bonaparte series. This series features an Australian police officer named Napoleon Bonaparte from the Police Force of Queensland. He has been described by author Upfield in the series as a half caste Aborigine. The books written by author Upfield were used as the basis for the development of the successful Australian television detective series named ‘Boney’ during the 1970s, and a 1990 film and a television spin-off series in the year 1992. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books series, Arthur Upfield has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Arthur Upfield

Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books
29 books 1929–1966
1

The Barrakee Mystery / The Lure of the Bush

The Barrakee Mystery / The Lure of the Bush continues the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books story arc with Arthur Upfield's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1929
2

The Sands of Windee

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books with The Sands of Windee, another outstanding contribution from Arthur Upfield.

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1931
3

Wings Above the Diamantina / Wings Above the Claypan

Wings Above the Diamantina / Wings Above the Claypan is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Arthur Upfield have come to expect.

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1936
4

Mr. Jelly's Business/Murder Down Under

A gripping mystery unfolds in Mr. Jelly's Business/Murder Down Under as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books series showcases Arthur Upfield's mastery of suspense.

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1937
5

Winds of Evil

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books with Winds of Evil, another outstanding contribution from Arthur Upfield.

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1937
6

The Bone is Pointed

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books with The Bone is Pointed, another outstanding contribution from Arthur Upfield.

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1938
7

The Mystery of Swordfish Reef

Epic adventure awaits in The Mystery of Swordfish Reef, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Arthur Upfield has built.

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1939
8

Bushranger of the Skies / No Footprints in the Bush

Bushranger of the Skies / No Footprints in the Bush continues the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books story arc with Arthur Upfield's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1940
9

Death of a Swagman

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death of a Swagman as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books series showcases Arthur Upfield's mastery of suspense.

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1945
10

The Devil's Steps

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books with The Devil's Steps, another outstanding contribution from Arthur Upfield.

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1946
11

An Author Bites the Dust

An Author Bites the Dust continues the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books story arc with Arthur Upfield's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1948
12

The Mountains Have a Secret

The Mountains Have a Secret continues the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books story arc with Arthur Upfield's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1948
13

The Bachelors of Broken Hill

The Bachelors of Broken Hill is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Arthur Upfield have come to expect.

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1950
14

The Widows of Broome

The Widows of Broome is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Arthur Upfield have come to expect.

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1951
15

The New Shoe/The Clue of the New Shoe

The New Shoe/The Clue of the New Shoe is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Arthur Upfield have come to expect.

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1951
16

Venom House

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books with Venom House, another outstanding contribution from Arthur Upfield.

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1952
17

Murder Must Wait

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder Must Wait as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books series showcases Arthur Upfield's mastery of suspense.

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1953
18

Death of a Lake

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death of a Lake as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books series showcases Arthur Upfield's mastery of suspense.

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1954
19

Sinister Stones/Cake in the Hat Box

Sinister Stones/Cake in the Hat Box continues the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books story arc with Arthur Upfield's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1954
20

The Battling Prophet

The Battling Prophet continues the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books story arc with Arthur Upfield's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1956
21

Man of Two Tribes

Man of Two Tribes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Arthur Upfield have come to expect.

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1956
22

Bony Buys a Woman / The Bushman Who Came Back

Bony Buys a Woman / The Bushman Who Came Back is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Arthur Upfield have come to expect.

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1957
23

Bony and the Mouse / Journey to the Hangman

Bony and the Mouse / Journey to the Hangman continues the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books story arc with Arthur Upfield's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1959
24

Bony and the Black Virgin / The Torn Branch

Bony and the Black Virgin / The Torn Branch continues the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books story arc with Arthur Upfield's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1959
25

Bony and the Kelly Gang / Valley of Smugglers

Bony and the Kelly Gang / Valley of Smugglers is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Arthur Upfield have come to expect.

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1960
26

Bony and the White Savage

Bony and the White Savage continues the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books story arc with Arthur Upfield's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1961
27

The Will of the Tribe

The Will of the Tribe continues the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books story arc with Arthur Upfield's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1962
28

Madman's Bend / The Body at Madman's Bend

Madman's Bend / The Body at Madman's Bend continues the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books story arc with Arthur Upfield's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1963
29

The Lake Frome Monster

The Lake Frome Monster is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Arthur Upfield have come to expect.

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1966
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
6 books 1928–1987
1

The House of Cain

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The House of Cain, another outstanding contribution from Arthur Upfield.

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1928
2

The Beach of Atonement

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Beach of Atonement, another outstanding contribution from Arthur Upfield.

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1930
3

The Great Melbourne Cup Mystery

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Great Melbourne Cup Mystery, another outstanding contribution from Arthur Upfield.

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1932
4

Gripped by Drought

Gripped by Drought continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Arthur Upfield's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1932
5

A Royal Abduction

A Royal Abduction is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Arthur Upfield have come to expect.

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1932
6

Breakaway House

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Breakaway House, another outstanding contribution from Arthur Upfield.

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1987
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
3 books 2008–2010
1

Up and Down Australia

Up and Down Australia continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Arthur Upfield's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
2

Up and Down the Real Australia

Up and Down the Real Australia continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Arthur Upfield's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2009
3

Up and Down Australia Again

Up and Down Australia Again is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Arthur Upfield have come to expect.

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2010
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
1 books 2021–2021
1

Walkabout

Walkabout is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Arthur Upfield have come to expect.

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2021
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
3 books 1934–2020
1

Murchison Murders

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murchison Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series showcases Arthur Upfield's mastery of suspense.

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1934
2

The Gifts of Frank Cobbold

The Gifts of Frank Cobbold is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Arthur Upfield have come to expect.

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2008
3

Beyond the Mirage

Beyond the Mirage is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Arthur Upfield have come to expect.

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2020
Publication Order of Anthologies
1 books 2019–2019
1

Bodies from the Library

Bodies from the Library continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Arthur Upfield's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Arthur Upfield?

Arthur Upfield is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 43 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Arthur Upfield series to start with?

For readers new to Arthur Upfield's work, the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 29 books. Begin with The Barrakee Mystery / The Lure of the Bush to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Arthur Upfield written?

Arthur Upfield has written over 43 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Arthur Upfield books in order?

Yes, reading Arthur Upfield's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Arthur Upfield write in?

Arthur Upfield writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 43 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Arthur Upfield's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Arthur Upfield's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Arthur Upfield's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Arthur Upfield's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books series. The first book, The Barrakee Mystery / The Lure of the Bush, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.