D

Dorothy Dunnett

Bestselling Author • 7 Series • 35 Books

7
Series
35
Books
7
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of The Lymond Chronicles Books
Start with: The Game of Kings (1961)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Johnson Johnson Books
Start with: Dolly and the Singing Bird (1968)
Popular Choice
Chronological Order of Johnson Johnson Books
Start with: Dolly and the Nanny Bird (1976)

About Dorothy Dunnett

Dorothy Dunnett was one of the most popular Scottish authors who used to write her novels based on the mystery and historical fiction genres. She was particularly famous for writing down The Lymond Chronicles, which is based on Francis Crawford hailing from Lymond. This series is a 6 volume series, which was followed by an 8 part prequel series known as The House of Nicolo. Other than her successful historical novel series, author Dunnett also wrote a book based on Macbeth, which is called as King Hereafter. In the mystery genre, she wrote a series called Johnson Johnson, which is based on the life of a spy/portrait painter of the same name. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of The Lymond Chronicles Books series, Dorothy Dunnett 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 Dorothy Dunnett

Publication Order of The Lymond Chronicles Books
6 books 1961–1975
1

The Game of Kings

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Lymond Chronicles Books with The Game of Kings, another outstanding contribution from Dorothy Dunnett.

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1961
2

Queens' Play

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Lymond Chronicles Books with Queens' Play, another outstanding contribution from Dorothy Dunnett.

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1964
3

The Disorderly Knights

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Lymond Chronicles Books with The Disorderly Knights, another outstanding contribution from Dorothy Dunnett.

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1966
4

Pawn in Frankincense

Pawn in Frankincense continues the Publication Order of The Lymond Chronicles Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1969
5

The Ringed Castle

The Ringed Castle continues the Publication Order of The Lymond Chronicles Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1971
6

Checkmate

Checkmate is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Lymond Chronicles Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dorothy Dunnett have come to expect.

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1975
Publication Order of Johnson Johnson Books
7 books 1968–1991
1

Dolly and the Singing Bird

Dolly and the Singing Bird continues the Publication Order of Johnson Johnson Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1968
2

Dolly and the Cookie Bird

Dolly and the Cookie Bird continues the Publication Order of Johnson Johnson Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1970
3

Dolly and the Doctor Bird

Dolly and the Doctor Bird continues the Publication Order of Johnson Johnson Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1971
4

Dolly and the Starry Bird

Dolly and the Starry Bird is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Johnson Johnson Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dorothy Dunnett have come to expect.

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1973
5

Dolly and the Nanny Bird

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Johnson Johnson Books with Dolly and the Nanny Bird, another outstanding contribution from Dorothy Dunnett.

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1976
6

Dolly and the Bird of Paradise

Dolly and the Bird of Paradise continues the Publication Order of Johnson Johnson Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1983
7

Moroccan Traffic

Moroccan Traffic is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Johnson Johnson Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dorothy Dunnett have come to expect.

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1991
Chronological Order of Johnson Johnson Books
7 books 1976–1983
1

Dolly and the Nanny Bird

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Johnson Johnson Books with Dolly and the Nanny Bird, another outstanding contribution from Dorothy Dunnett.

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1976
2

Moroccan Traffic

Moroccan Traffic is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Johnson Johnson Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dorothy Dunnett have come to expect.

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1991
3

Dolly and the Singing Bird

Dolly and the Singing Bird continues the Chronological Order of Johnson Johnson Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1968
4

Dolly and the Cookie Bird

Dolly and the Cookie Bird continues the Chronological Order of Johnson Johnson Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1970
5

Dolly and the Doctor Bird

Dolly and the Doctor Bird continues the Chronological Order of Johnson Johnson Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1971
6

Dolly and the Starry Bird

Dolly and the Starry Bird is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Johnson Johnson Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dorothy Dunnett have come to expect.

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1973
7

Dolly and the Bird of Paradise

Dolly and the Bird of Paradise continues the Chronological Order of Johnson Johnson Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1983
Publication Order of Johnson Johnson Mystery Books
4 books 1991–2012
1

Rum Affair

Rum Affair continues the Publication Order of Johnson Johnson Mystery Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1991
2

Roman Nights

Roman Nights is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Johnson Johnson Mystery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dorothy Dunnett have come to expect.

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2012
3

Ibiza Surprise

Ibiza Surprise is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Johnson Johnson Mystery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dorothy Dunnett have come to expect.

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2012
4

Operation Nassau

Operation Nassau continues the Publication Order of Johnson Johnson Mystery Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
Publication Order of The House of Niccolò Books
8 books 1986–2000
1

Niccolò Rising

Niccolò Rising continues the Publication Order of The House of Niccolò Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1986
2

The Spring of the Ram

The Spring of the Ram is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The House of Niccolò Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dorothy Dunnett have come to expect.

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1987
3

Race of Scorpions

Race of Scorpions continues the Publication Order of The House of Niccolò Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1990
4

Scales of Gold

Scales of Gold continues the Publication Order of The House of Niccolò Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1991
5

The Unicorn Hunt

The Unicorn Hunt is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The House of Niccolò Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dorothy Dunnett have come to expect.

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1993
6

To Lie with Lions

To Lie with Lions continues the Publication Order of The House of Niccolò Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1995
7

Caprice and Rondo

Caprice and Rondo is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The House of Niccolò Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Dorothy Dunnett have come to expect.

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1997
8

Gemini

Gemini continues the Publication Order of The House of Niccolò Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
1 books 1982–1982
1

King Hereafter

King Hereafter continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1982
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
2 books 1988–2012
1

The Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Dorothy Dunnett's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1988
2

The Miraculous Mirror

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Miraculous Mirror, another outstanding contribution from Dorothy Dunnett.

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2012

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Dorothy Dunnett?

Dorothy Dunnett is a bestselling author known for 7 book series containing over 35 books. Popular series include Publication Order of The Lymond Chronicles Books, Publication Order of Johnson Johnson Books, Chronological Order of Johnson Johnson Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Dorothy Dunnett series to start with?

For readers new to Dorothy Dunnett's work, the Publication Order of The Lymond Chronicles Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 6 books. Begin with The Game of Kings to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Dorothy Dunnett written?

Dorothy Dunnett has written over 35 books across 7 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Dorothy Dunnett books in order?

Yes, reading Dorothy Dunnett'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 Dorothy Dunnett write in?

Dorothy Dunnett writes primarily in fiction. With 7 series across 35 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Dorothy Dunnett's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Dorothy Dunnett'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 Dorothy Dunnett's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Dorothy Dunnett's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of The Lymond Chronicles Books series. The first book, The Game of Kings, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.