H

Harold Schechter

Bestselling Author • 5 Series • 45 Books

5
Series
45
Books
5
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: The New Gods (1980)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Bloodlands Collection Books
Start with: Panic (2018)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Outcry (1997)

About Harold Schechter

Harold Schechter is a former professor of City University of New York’s Queen’s College. When he was active as a professor, he taught American culture and literature for more than four decades. Over the years, his essays on media violence, psychopathy and crime have been featured in many magazines and newspapers including the International Herald Tribune, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and the Wall Street Journal among others. He has also been a true crime expert on many cable channels such as Court TV, Investigation Discovery and History Detectives on PBS. Since he published “Outcry,” his debut novel in 1997, he has gone on to write more than 40 historical true crime stories exploring the life and times of the most infamous serial killers in the United States. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, Harold Schechter 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 Harold Schechter

Publication Order of Edgar Allan Poe Mystery Books
4 books 1999–2006
1

Nevermore

Nevermore continues the Publication Order of Edgar Allan Poe Mystery Books story arc with Harold Schechter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1999
2

The Hum Bug

The Hum Bug is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Edgar Allan Poe Mystery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Harold Schechter have come to expect.

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2001
3

The Mask of Red Death

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Mask of Red Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Edgar Allan Poe Mystery Books series showcases Harold Schechter's mastery of suspense.

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2004
4

The Tell-Tale Corpse

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Tell-Tale Corpse as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Edgar Allan Poe Mystery Books series showcases Harold Schechter's mastery of suspense.

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2006
Publication Order of Bloodlands Collection Books
6 books 2018–2018
1

Panic

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Bloodlands Collection Books with Panic, another outstanding contribution from Harold Schechter.

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2018
2

The Brick Slayer

The Brick Slayer is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Bloodlands Collection Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Harold Schechter have come to expect.

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2018
3

The Pirate

The Pirate continues the Publication Order of Bloodlands Collection Books story arc with Harold Schechter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
4

Rampage

Rampage is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Bloodlands Collection Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Harold Schechter have come to expect.

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2018
5

The Pied Piper

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Bloodlands Collection Books with The Pied Piper, another outstanding contribution from Harold Schechter.

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2018
6

Little Slaughterhouse on the Prairie

Little Slaughterhouse on the Prairie continues the Publication Order of Bloodlands Collection Books story arc with Harold Schechter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
1 books 1997–1997
1

Outcry

Outcry is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Harold Schechter have come to expect.

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1997
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
31 books 1980–2025
1

The New Gods

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The New Gods, another outstanding contribution from Harold Schechter.

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1980
2

The Manly Handbook

The Manly Handbook is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Harold Schechter have come to expect.

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1982
3

Discoveries

Discoveries is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Harold Schechter have come to expect.

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1983
4

The Bosom Serpent

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Bosom Serpent, another outstanding contribution from Harold Schechter.

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1988
5

American Voices

American Voices is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Harold Schechter have come to expect.

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1988
6

Deviant

Deviant is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Harold Schechter have come to expect.

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1989
7

Deranged

Deranged continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Harold Schechter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1990
8

Start Collecting Comic Books

Start Collecting Comic Books continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Harold Schechter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1990
9

Depraved

Depraved continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Harold Schechter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
10

Original Sin: The Visionary Art of Joe Coleman

Original Sin: The Visionary Art of Joe Coleman is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Harold Schechter have come to expect.

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1997
11

The Manipulator: Virile Video & Two-Fisted Cinema

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Manipulator: Virile Video & Two-Fisted Cinema, another outstanding contribution from Harold Schechter.

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1997
12

Bestial

Bestial continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Harold Schechter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1998
13

Real to Reel

Real to Reel is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Harold Schechter have come to expect.

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2000
14

Fiend

Fiend continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Harold Schechter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
15

Panzram: A Journal of Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in Panzram: A Journal of Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series showcases Harold Schechter's mastery of suspense.

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2002
16

Fatal

Fatal continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Harold Schechter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2003
17

The Serial Killer Files

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Serial Killer Files as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series showcases Harold Schechter's mastery of suspense.

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2003
18

Savage Pastimes

Savage Pastimes continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Harold Schechter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2005
19

The Devil's Gentleman

The Devil's Gentleman continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Harold Schechter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
20

The Whole Death Catalog

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Whole Death Catalog as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series showcases Harold Schechter's mastery of suspense.

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2009
21

Killer Colt

A gripping mystery unfolds in Killer Colt as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series showcases Harold Schechter's mastery of suspense.

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2010
22

Psycho USA

Psycho USA is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Harold Schechter have come to expect.

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2012
23

The Mad Sculptor

The Mad Sculptor continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Harold Schechter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
24

Man-Eater

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Man-Eater, another outstanding contribution from Harold Schechter.

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2015
25

Beauty Slain in Bath

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Beauty Slain in Bath, another outstanding contribution from Harold Schechter.

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2015
26

Hell's Princess

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Hell's Princess, another outstanding contribution from Harold Schechter.

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2018
27

Ripped from the Headlines!

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Ripped from the Headlines!, another outstanding contribution from Harold Schechter.

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2020
28

Maniac

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Maniac, another outstanding contribution from Harold Schechter.

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2021
29

Butcher's Work

Butcher's Work is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Harold Schechter have come to expect.

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2022
30

Murderabilia

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

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2023
31

50 States of Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in 50 States of Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series showcases Harold Schechter's mastery of suspense.

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2025
Publication Order of Anthologies
3 books 2011–2019
1

Killer Verse: Poems of Murder and Mayhem

A gripping mystery unfolds in Killer Verse: Poems of Murder and Mayhem as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Harold Schechter's mastery of suspense.

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2011
2

Serial Killer Quarterly Vol.1 No.3 "Unsolved in North America"

A gripping mystery unfolds in Serial Killer Quarterly Vol.1 No.3 "Unsolved in North America" as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Harold Schechter's mastery of suspense.

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2014
3

Reel Verse

Reel Verse continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Harold Schechter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Harold Schechter?

Harold Schechter is a bestselling author known for 5 book series containing over 45 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Edgar Allan Poe Mystery Books, Publication Order of Bloodlands Collection Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Harold Schechter series to start with?

For readers new to Harold Schechter's work, the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 31 books. Begin with The New Gods to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Harold Schechter written?

Harold Schechter has written over 45 books across 5 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Harold Schechter books in order?

Yes, reading Harold Schechter'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 Harold Schechter write in?

Harold Schechter writes primarily in fiction. With 5 series across 45 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Harold Schechter's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Harold Schechter'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 Harold Schechter's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Harold Schechter's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series. The first book, The New Gods, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.