D

Desmond Cory

Bestselling Author • 5 Series • 37 Books

5
Series
37
Books
5
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books
Start with: Secret Ministry (1951)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of John Dobie Books
Start with: The Strange Attractor (1991)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Lindy Grey Books
Start with: Begin, Murderer! (1951)

About Desmond Cory

Desmond Cory is a pen name that was employed by British author Shaun Lloyd McCarthy. He was born in Sussex on February 16, 1928, and passed away on January 31, 2001. He attended Steyner Grammar School, moving on to St. Peter’s College at Oxford after completing National Service in the Royal Marines. There he read a lot of literature. The author was just nineteen years old when he began writing his Johnny Fedora series, and saw the first one published in 1951 just as he was in the process of graduating university. His books have been released in over ten languages. In the course of his lifetime, his books also won several awards, extending to the Best Crime Novel of the Year from the Sunday Times to Choice of the Year from Crime Critic. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books series, Desmond Cory 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 Desmond Cory

Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books
16 books 1951–1971
1

Secret Ministry

Secret Ministry continues the Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books story arc with Desmond Cory's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1951
2

This Traitor Death

A gripping mystery unfolds in This Traitor Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books series showcases Desmond Cory's mastery of suspense.

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1952
3

Dead Man Falling

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Man Falling as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books series showcases Desmond Cory's mastery of suspense.

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1953
4

Intrigue

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books with Intrigue, another outstanding contribution from Desmond Cory.

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1954
5

Height of Day

Height of Day is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Desmond Cory have come to expect.

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1955
6

High Requiem

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books with High Requiem, another outstanding contribution from Desmond Cory.

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1955
7

Johnny Goes North

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books with Johnny Goes North, another outstanding contribution from Desmond Cory.

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1956
8

Johnny Goes East

Johnny Goes East is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Desmond Cory have come to expect.

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1957
9

Johnny Goes West

Johnny Goes West continues the Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books story arc with Desmond Cory's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1958
10

Johnny Goes South

Johnny Goes South continues the Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books story arc with Desmond Cory's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1959
11

The Head

The Head is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Desmond Cory have come to expect.

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1960
12

Undertow

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books with Undertow, another outstanding contribution from Desmond Cory.

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1962
13

Hammerhead / Shockwave

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books with Hammerhead / Shockwave, another outstanding contribution from Desmond Cory.

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1963
14

Feramontov

Feramontov continues the Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books story arc with Desmond Cory's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1966
15

Timelock

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books with Timelock, another outstanding contribution from Desmond Cory.

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1967
16

Sunburst

Sunburst continues the Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books story arc with Desmond Cory's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1971
Publication Order of John Dobie Books
4 books 1991–2016
1

The Strange Attractor

The Strange Attractor is an essential installment in the Publication Order of John Dobie Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Desmond Cory have come to expect.

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1991
2

The Mask of Zeus

The Mask of Zeus is an essential installment in the Publication Order of John Dobie Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Desmond Cory have come to expect.

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1992
3

The Dobie Paradox

The Dobie Paradox is an essential installment in the Publication Order of John Dobie Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Desmond Cory have come to expect.

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1993
4

The Shy Traffickers

The Shy Traffickers continues the Publication Order of John Dobie Books story arc with Desmond Cory's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
Publication Order of Lindy Grey Books
4 books 1951–1954
1

Begin, Murderer!

A gripping mystery unfolds in Begin, Murderer! as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Lindy Grey Books series showcases Desmond Cory's mastery of suspense.

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1951
2

This is Jezebel

This is Jezebel is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Lindy Grey Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Desmond Cory have come to expect.

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1952
3

Lady Lost

Lady Lost is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Lindy Grey Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Desmond Cory have come to expect.

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1953
4

The Shaken Leaf

The Shaken Leaf is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Lindy Grey Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Desmond Cory have come to expect.

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1954
Publication Order of Mr. Dee Books
2 books 1961–1964
1

Stranglehold

Stranglehold is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Mr. Dee Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Desmond Cory have come to expect.

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1961
2

The Name of the Game

The Name of the Game is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Mr. Dee Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Desmond Cory have come to expect.

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1964
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
11 books 1955–2012
1

The City of Kites

The City of Kites continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Desmond Cory's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1955
2

Pilgrim At the Gate

Pilgrim At the Gate continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Desmond Cory's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1958
3

Jones on the Belgrade Express

Jones on the Belgrade Express continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Desmond Cory's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1960
4

Deadfall

A gripping mystery unfolds in Deadfall as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Desmond Cory's mastery of suspense.

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1965
5

The Night Hawk

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Night Hawk, another outstanding contribution from Desmond Cory.

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1969
6

Take My Drum to England

Take My Drum to England is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Desmond Cory have come to expect.

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1971
7

Even If You Run

Even If You Run continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Desmond Cory's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1972
8

A Bit of a Shunt Up the River

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with A Bit of a Shunt Up the River, another outstanding contribution from Desmond Cory.

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1974
9

The Circe Complex

The Circe Complex is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Desmond Cory have come to expect.

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1975
10

Bennett

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Bennett, another outstanding contribution from Desmond Cory.

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1977
11

On the Gulf

On the Gulf is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Desmond Cory have come to expect.

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2012

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Desmond Cory?

Desmond Cory is a bestselling author known for 5 book series containing over 37 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books, Publication Order of John Dobie Books, Publication Order of Lindy Grey Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Desmond Cory series to start with?

For readers new to Desmond Cory's work, the Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 16 books. Begin with Secret Ministry to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Desmond Cory written?

Desmond Cory has written over 37 books across 5 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Desmond Cory books in order?

Yes, reading Desmond Cory'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 Desmond Cory write in?

Desmond Cory writes primarily in fiction. With 5 series across 37 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Desmond Cory's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Desmond Cory'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 Desmond Cory's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Desmond Cory's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Johnny Fedora Books series. The first book, Secret Ministry, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.