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Craig Rice

Bestselling Author • 5 Series • 26 Books

5
Series
26
Books
5
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of John J. Malone Books
Start with: Eight Faces at Three / Death at Three (1939)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Bingo Riggs and Handsome Kusak Books
Start with: The Sunday Pigeon Murders (1942)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Yesterday's Murder / Telefair (1942)

About Craig Rice

Shortly after her birth, she was abandoned by her mom so that she could go back to her husband overseas. It left Georgiana to travel from one relative to another. They came back in 1911 so that they could meet their now three year old daughter but left for Europe once more, moving on to India once the war broke out. By that time, she had found a permanent home in Wisconsin, living with Mr. and Mrs. Elton Rice, her paternal uncle and aunt. Elton Rice has been credited with stirring up her interest in mysteries by telling her the stories and poems of Edgar Allan Poe. Around 1930, she began working for radio stations, first WCLO before moving to the Beacon Syndicate the following year. She created her first fictional character, called Professor Silvernail, for WCLO Syndicate Serials (1933). Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of John J. Malone Books series, Craig Rice 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 Craig Rice

Publication Order of John J. Malone Books
14 books 1939–1967
1

Eight Faces at Three / Death at Three

A gripping mystery unfolds in Eight Faces at Three / Death at Three as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of John J. Malone Books series showcases Craig Rice's mastery of suspense.

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1939
2

The Corpse Steps Out

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Corpse Steps Out as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of John J. Malone Books series showcases Craig Rice's mastery of suspense.

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1940
3

The Wrong Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Wrong Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of John J. Malone Books series showcases Craig Rice's mastery of suspense.

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1940
4

The Right Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Right Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of John J. Malone Books series showcases Craig Rice's mastery of suspense.

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1941
5

Trial by Fury

Trial by Fury continues the Publication Order of John J. Malone Books story arc with Craig Rice's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1941
6

The Big Midget Murders

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Big Midget Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of John J. Malone Books series showcases Craig Rice's mastery of suspense.

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1942
7

Having a Wonderful Crime

The investigation intensifies in Having a Wonderful Crime, as this installment of the Publication Order of John J. Malone Books series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Craig Rice's creation.

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1943
8

The Lucky Stiff

The Lucky Stiff continues the Publication Order of John J. Malone Books story arc with Craig Rice's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1945
9

The Fourth Postman

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of John J. Malone Books with The Fourth Postman, another outstanding contribution from Craig Rice.

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1948
10

The Double Frame / Knocked for a Loop

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of John J. Malone Books with The Double Frame / Knocked for a Loop, another outstanding contribution from Craig Rice.

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1957
11

My Kingdom for a Hearse

Epic adventure awaits in My Kingdom for a Hearse, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of John J. Malone Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Craig Rice has built.

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1957
12

The Name is Malone

The Name is Malone is an essential installment in the Publication Order of John J. Malone Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Craig Rice have come to expect.

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1958
13

Murder, Mystery and Malone

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder, Mystery and Malone as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of John J. Malone Books series showcases Craig Rice's mastery of suspense.

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1963
14

But the Doctor Died

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of John J. Malone Books with But the Doctor Died, another outstanding contribution from Craig Rice.

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1967
Publication Order of Bingo Riggs and Handsome Kusak Books
2 books 1942–1943
1

The Sunday Pigeon Murders

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Sunday Pigeon Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Bingo Riggs and Handsome Kusak Books series showcases Craig Rice's mastery of suspense.

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1942
2

The Thursday Turkey Murders

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Thursday Turkey Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Bingo Riggs and Handsome Kusak Books series showcases Craig Rice's mastery of suspense.

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1943
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
6 books 1942–1953
1

Yesterday's Murder / Telefair

A gripping mystery unfolds in Yesterday's Murder / Telefair as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Craig Rice's mastery of suspense.

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1942
2

To Catch a Thief

To Catch a Thief is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Craig Rice have come to expect.

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1943
3

Home Sweet Homicide

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Home Sweet Homicide, another outstanding contribution from Craig Rice.

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1944
4

Innocent Bystander

Innocent Bystander continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Craig Rice's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1949
5

Once Upon a Train

Once Upon a Train continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Craig Rice's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1950
6

Don't Go Near

Don't Go Near continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Craig Rice's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1953
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
1 books 2010–2010
1

I'm a Stranger Here Myself and Other Stories

I'm a Stranger Here Myself and Other Stories continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Craig Rice's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
Publication Order of Anthologies
3 books 1968–2003
1

The Locked Room Reader: Stories of Impossible Crimes and Escapes

The investigation intensifies in The Locked Room Reader: Stories of Impossible Crimes and Escapes, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Craig Rice's creation.

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1968
2

Murder Plus

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder Plus as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Craig Rice's mastery of suspense.

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1992
3

Murder On The Railways

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder On The Railways as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Craig Rice's mastery of suspense.

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2003

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Craig Rice?

Craig Rice is a bestselling author known for 5 book series containing over 26 books. Popular series include Publication Order of John J. Malone Books, Publication Order of Bingo Riggs and Handsome Kusak Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Craig Rice series to start with?

For readers new to Craig Rice's work, the Publication Order of John J. Malone Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 14 books. Begin with Eight Faces at Three / Death at Three to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Craig Rice written?

Craig Rice has written over 26 books across 5 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Craig Rice books in order?

Yes, reading Craig Rice'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 Craig Rice write in?

Craig Rice writes primarily in fiction. With 5 series across 26 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Craig Rice's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Craig Rice'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 Craig Rice's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Craig Rice's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of John J. Malone Books series. The first book, Eight Faces at Three / Death at Three, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.