H

Hilary Mantel

Bestselling Author • 7 Series • 21 Books

7
Series
21
Books
7
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Axon Family Books
Start with: Every Day is Mother's Day (1985)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of The Wolf Hall Books
Start with: Wolf Hall (2009)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Eight Months on Ghazzah Street (1988)

About Hilary Mantel

Hilary Mary Dame Mantel was a renowned writer known for her diverse works that spanned personal memoirs, short stories, essays, and historical fiction. Mantel was born on July 6, 1952, in Glossop, a marketplace within the Borough of High Peak, located in Derbyshire, a county in the East Midlands of England. Sadly, she passed away on September 20, 2022. During her lifetime, Mantel was twice awarded the Booker Prize, an annual literary award given to the best original novel written in English and published in the United Kingdom. Her first Booker Prize was awarded in 2009 after the publication of her novel “Wolf Hall.” This historical fiction, based on the life of Thomas Cromwell and his rise to power during the reign of Henry VIII, was met with widespread acclaim. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Axon Family Books series, Hilary Mantel 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 Hilary Mantel

Publication Order of Axon Family Books
2 books 1985–1986
1

Every Day is Mother's Day

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Axon Family Books with Every Day is Mother's Day, another outstanding contribution from Hilary Mantel.

Buy on Amazon
1985
2

Vacant Possession

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Axon Family Books with Vacant Possession, another outstanding contribution from Hilary Mantel.

Buy on Amazon
1986
Publication Order of The Wolf Hall Books
3 books 2009–2020
1

Wolf Hall

Wolf Hall continues the Publication Order of The Wolf Hall Books story arc with Hilary Mantel's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2009
2

Bring Up the Bodies

Bring Up the Bodies continues the Publication Order of The Wolf Hall Books story arc with Hilary Mantel's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2012
3

The Mirror and the Light

The Mirror and the Light is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Wolf Hall Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Hilary Mantel have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2020
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
7 books 1988–2005
1

Eight Months on Ghazzah Street

Eight Months on Ghazzah Street is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Hilary Mantel have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1988
2

Fludd

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

Buy on Amazon
1989
3

A Place of Greater Safety

A Place of Greater Safety is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Hilary Mantel have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1992
4

A Change of Climate

A Change of Climate continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Hilary Mantel's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1994
5

An Experiment in Love

An Experiment in Love explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Hilary Mantel.

Buy on Amazon
1995
6

The Giant, O'Brien

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Giant, O'Brien, another outstanding contribution from Hilary Mantel.

Buy on Amazon
1998
7

Beyond Black

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Beyond Black, another outstanding contribution from Hilary Mantel.

Buy on Amazon
2005
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
2 books 2014–2015
1

How Shall I Know You?

How Shall I Know You? is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Hilary Mantel have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2014
2

The School of English

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The School of English, another outstanding contribution from Hilary Mantel.

Buy on Amazon
2015
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
3 books 2003–2020
1

Learning to Talk

Learning to Talk is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Hilary Mantel have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2003
2

The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher, another outstanding contribution from Hilary Mantel.

Buy on Amazon
2014
3

Mantel Pieces

Mantel Pieces is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Hilary Mantel have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2020
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
2 books 2003–2023
1

Giving Up the Ghost

Giving Up the Ghost is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Hilary Mantel have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2003
2

A Memoir of My Former Self: A Life in Writing

A Memoir of My Former Self: A Life in Writing continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Hilary Mantel's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2023
Publication Order of Anthologies
2 books 2010–2014
1

Best European Fiction 2011

Best European Fiction 2011 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Hilary Mantel's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2010
2

By the Book

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with By the Book, another outstanding contribution from Hilary Mantel.

Buy on Amazon
2014

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Hilary Mantel?

Hilary Mantel is a bestselling author known for 7 book series containing over 21 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Axon Family Books, Publication Order of The Wolf Hall Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Hilary Mantel series to start with?

For readers new to Hilary Mantel's work, the Publication Order of Axon Family Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 2 books. Begin with Every Day is Mother's Day to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Hilary Mantel written?

Hilary Mantel has written over 21 books across 7 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Hilary Mantel books in order?

Yes, reading Hilary Mantel'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 Hilary Mantel write in?

Hilary Mantel writes primarily in fiction. With 7 series across 21 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Hilary Mantel's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Hilary Mantel'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 Hilary Mantel's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Hilary Mantel's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Axon Family Books series. The first book, Every Day is Mother's Day, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.