D

Donald J. Sobol

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 54 Books

4
Series
54
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books
Start with: Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective (1963)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Secret Agents Four (1967)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Collections
Start with: Two-Minute Mysteries (1969)

About Donald J. Sobol

Donald J Sobol is an inspirational and children fiction author best known for writing the “Encyclopedia Brown” series of novels. Sobol was born in New York City and went to the NYC Ethical Culture Fieldston School from where he graduated in 1942. During the Second World War, he served in the Pacific Theater in the Army Corps of Engineers. After the end of the war, he went back to school attending Oberlin College and graduating with a bachelor’s degree. Post-graduation he became a copy boy and worked several years for the New York Sun before he moved up the ranks to become a reporter. In 1949, he was offered a job at the New York Daily News a job that he held for two years before he left to go become a buyer at the New York office of Macy’s. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books series, Donald J. Sobol 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 Donald J. Sobol

Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books
30 books 1963–2013
1

Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective

The investigation intensifies in Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective, as this installment of the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Donald J. Sobol's creation.

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1963
2

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Secret Pitch

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books with Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Secret Pitch, another outstanding contribution from Donald J. Sobol.

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1965
3

Encyclopedia Brown Finds the Clues

Encyclopedia Brown Finds the Clues continues the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books story arc with Donald J. Sobol's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1966
4

Encyclopedia Brown Gets His Man

Encyclopedia Brown Gets His Man is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1967
5

Encyclopedia Brown Solves Them All

Encyclopedia Brown Solves Them All is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1968
6

Encyclopedia Brown Keeps the Peace

Encyclopedia Brown Keeps the Peace is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1969
7

Encyclopedia Brown Saves the Day

Encyclopedia Brown Saves the Day is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1970
8

Encyclopedia Brown Tracks Them Down

Encyclopedia Brown Tracks Them Down continues the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books story arc with Donald J. Sobol's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1971
9

Encyclopedia Brown Shows the Way

Encyclopedia Brown Shows the Way continues the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books story arc with Donald J. Sobol's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1972
10

Encyclopedia Brown Takes the Case

Encyclopedia Brown Takes the Case is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1973
11

Encyclopedia Brown Lends a Hand

Encyclopedia Brown Lends a Hand continues the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books story arc with Donald J. Sobol's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1974
12

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Dead Eagles

A gripping mystery unfolds in Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Dead Eagles as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books series showcases Donald J. Sobol's mastery of suspense.

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1975
13

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Midnight Visitor

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books with Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Midnight Visitor, another outstanding contribution from Donald J. Sobol.

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1977
14

Encyclopedia Brown Carries On

Encyclopedia Brown Carries On continues the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books story arc with Donald J. Sobol's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1980
15

Encyclopedia Brown Sets The Pace

Encyclopedia Brown Sets The Pace continues the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books story arc with Donald J. Sobol's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1982
16

Encyclopedia Brown Cracks the Case

Encyclopedia Brown Cracks the Case is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1982
17

Encyclopedia Brown Takes the Cake!

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books with Encyclopedia Brown Takes the Cake!, another outstanding contribution from Donald J. Sobol.

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1982
18

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Mysterious Handprints

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Mysterious Handprints is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1985
19

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Treasure Hunt

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Treasure Hunt is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1988
20

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Disgusting Sneakers

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books with Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Disgusting Sneakers, another outstanding contribution from Donald J. Sobol.

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1990
21

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Two Spies

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books with Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Two Spies, another outstanding contribution from Donald J. Sobol.

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1994
22

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of Pablo's Nose

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of Pablo's Nose is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1996
23

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Sleeping Dog

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Sleeping Dog continues the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books story arc with Donald J. Sobol's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1998
24

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Slippery Salamander

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Slippery Salamander is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1999
25

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Jumping Frogs

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Jumping Frogs continues the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books story arc with Donald J. Sobol's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2003
26

Encyclopedia Brown, Super Sleuth

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books with Encyclopedia Brown, Super Sleuth, another outstanding contribution from Donald J. Sobol.

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2009
27

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Secret UFOs

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books with Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Secret UFOs, another outstanding contribution from Donald J. Sobol.

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2010
28

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Carnival Crime

The investigation intensifies in Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Carnival Crime, as this installment of the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Donald J. Sobol's creation.

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2011
29

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Soccer Scheme

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Soccer Scheme continues the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books story arc with Donald J. Sobol's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
30

Encyclopedia Brown and his Best Cases Ever

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books with Encyclopedia Brown and his Best Cases Ever, another outstanding contribution from Donald J. Sobol.

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2013
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
6 books 1967–1994
1

Secret Agents Four

The investigation intensifies in Secret Agents Four, as this installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Donald J. Sobol's creation.

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1967
2

Greta the Strong

Greta the Strong continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Donald J. Sobol's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1970
3

Milton, the Model A

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Milton, the Model A, another outstanding contribution from Donald J. Sobol.

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1971
4

Angie's First Case

Angie's First Case is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1981
5

The Amazing Power of Ashur Fine

The Amazing Power of Ashur Fine continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Donald J. Sobol's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1986
6

My Name is Amelia

My Name is Amelia is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1994
Publication Order of Collections
4 books 1969–1975
1

Two-Minute Mysteries

Two-Minute Mysteries continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Donald J. Sobol's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1969
2

Two-Minute Mysteries Collection

Two-Minute Mysteries Collection is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1969
3

More Two-Minute Mysteries

More Two-Minute Mysteries is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1971
4

Still More Two-Minute Mysteries

Still More Two-Minute Mysteries is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1975
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
14 books 1961–1992
1

The Wright Brothers At Kitty Hawk

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Wright Brothers At Kitty Hawk, another outstanding contribution from Donald J. Sobol.

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1961
2

The Amazons of Greek Mythology

The Amazons of Greek Mythology is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1973
3

True Sea Adventures

True Sea Adventures is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1975
4

Encyclopedia Brown's Record Book of Weird and Wonderful Facts

Encyclopedia Brown's Record Book of Weird and Wonderful Facts continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Donald J. Sobol's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1979
5

Disaster

Disaster is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1979
6

Encyclopedia Brown's Second Record Book of Weird and Wonderful Facts

Encyclopedia Brown's Second Record Book of Weird and Wonderful Facts continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Donald J. Sobol's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1981
7

Encyclopedia Brown's Book of Wacky Crimes

The investigation intensifies in Encyclopedia Brown's Book of Wacky Crimes, as this installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Donald J. Sobol's creation.

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1982
8

Encyclopedia Brown's Book of Wacky Spies

Encyclopedia Brown's Book of Wacky Spies is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1984
9

Encyclopedia Brown's Book Of Wacky Sports

Encyclopedia Brown's Book Of Wacky Sports is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1984
10

Encyclopedia Brown's Book of Wacky Animals

Encyclopedia Brown's Book of Wacky Animals is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1985
11

Encyclopedia Brown's Third Record Book of Weird and Wonderful Facts

Encyclopedia Brown's Third Record Book of Weird and Wonderful Facts continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Donald J. Sobol's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1985
12

Encyclopedia Brown's Book of Wacky Cars

Encyclopedia Brown's Book of Wacky Cars is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1987
13

Encyclopedia Brown's Book of the Wacky Outdoors

Encyclopedia Brown's Book of the Wacky Outdoors is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Donald J. Sobol have come to expect.

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1987
14

Encyclopedia Brown's Book Of Strange But True Crimes

The investigation intensifies in Encyclopedia Brown's Book Of Strange But True Crimes, as this installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Donald J. Sobol's creation.

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1992

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Donald J. Sobol?

Donald J. Sobol is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 54 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Collections. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Donald J. Sobol series to start with?

For readers new to Donald J. Sobol's work, the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 30 books. Begin with Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Donald J. Sobol written?

Donald J. Sobol has written over 54 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Donald J. Sobol books in order?

Yes, reading Donald J. Sobol'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 Donald J. Sobol write in?

Donald J. Sobol writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 54 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Donald J. Sobol's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Donald J. Sobol'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 Donald J. Sobol's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Donald J. Sobol's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Encyclopedia Brown Books series. The first book, Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.