I

I.J. Parker

Bestselling Author • 5 Series • 57 Books

5
Series
57
Books
5
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books
Start with: Rashomon Gate (2002)
Popular Choice
Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books
Start with: The Dragon Scroll (2005)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: The Kamo Horse (2003)

About I.J. Parker

I.J. Parker is an author of fiction. Her first name is Ingrid. She was not always a published writer. Before she was an author, she taught at a university in Virginia. She has since retired from teaching. Parker is known for writing novels that primarily focus on Asian culture. In particular, she focuses on research on Japan (in the 11th century). She has an interest professionally in the literature of that culture too. Her first Akitada-inspired short story came out in October 1997 in a mystery magazine. She has a background of knowing multiple languages and does have some experience with the Japanese language. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series, I.J. Parker 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 I.J. Parker

Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books
22 books 2002–2023
1

Rashomon Gate

Rashomon Gate is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of I.J. Parker have come to expect.

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2002
2

The Hell Screen

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books with The Hell Screen, another outstanding contribution from I.J. Parker.

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2003
3

The Dragon Scroll

Epic adventure awaits in The Dragon Scroll, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series that raises the stakes across the realm I.J. Parker has built.

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2005
4

Black Arrow

Black Arrow continues the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books story arc with I.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2006
5

Island of Exiles

Island of Exiles is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of I.J. Parker have come to expect.

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2007
6

The Convict's Sword

Epic adventure awaits in The Convict's Sword, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series that raises the stakes across the realm I.J. Parker has built.

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2009
7

The Fires of the Gods

The Fires of the Gods is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of I.J. Parker have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2010
8

The Masuda Affair

The Masuda Affair continues the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books story arc with I.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2010
9

Death on an Autumn River

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death on an Autumn River as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series showcases I.J. Parker's mastery of suspense.

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2011
10

The Emperor's Woman

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books with The Emperor's Woman, another outstanding contribution from I.J. Parker.

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2012
11

Death of a Doll Maker

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death of a Doll Maker as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series showcases I.J. Parker's mastery of suspense.

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2013
12

The Crane Pavilion

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books with The Crane Pavilion, another outstanding contribution from I.J. Parker.

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2014
13

The Old Men of Omi

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books with The Old Men of Omi, another outstanding contribution from I.J. Parker.

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2014
14

The Shrine Virgin

The Shrine Virgin is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of I.J. Parker have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2015
15

The Assassin's Daughter

The Assassin's Daughter continues the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books story arc with I.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
16

The Island of the Gods

The Island of the Gods is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of I.J. Parker have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2015
17

Ikiryo: Vengeance and Justice

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books with Ikiryo: Vengeance and Justice, another outstanding contribution from I.J. Parker.

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2017
18

The Kindness of Dragons

Epic adventure awaits in The Kindness of Dragons, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series that raises the stakes across the realm I.J. Parker has built.

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2018
19

The Nuns of Nara

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books with The Nuns of Nara, another outstanding contribution from I.J. Parker.

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2019
20

Massacre at Shirakawa

Massacre at Shirakawa is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of I.J. Parker have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2020
21

The Lucky Gods of Otsu

The Lucky Gods of Otsu is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of I.J. Parker have come to expect.

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2021
22

Spring Festival in Akaiwa

Spring Festival in Akaiwa continues the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books story arc with I.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2023
Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books
22 books 2005–2023
1

The Dragon Scroll

Epic adventure awaits in The Dragon Scroll, a landmark entry in the Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series that raises the stakes across the realm I.J. Parker has built.

Buy on Amazon
2005
2

Rashomon Gate

Rashomon Gate is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of I.J. Parker have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2002
3

Black Arrow

Black Arrow continues the Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books story arc with I.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2006
4

Island of Exiles

Island of Exiles is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of I.J. Parker have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2007
5

The Hell Screen

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books with The Hell Screen, another outstanding contribution from I.J. Parker.

Buy on Amazon
2003
6

The Convict's Sword

Epic adventure awaits in The Convict's Sword, a landmark entry in the Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series that raises the stakes across the realm I.J. Parker has built.

Buy on Amazon
2009
7

The Masuda Affair

The Masuda Affair continues the Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books story arc with I.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2010
8

The Fires of the Gods

The Fires of the Gods is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of I.J. Parker have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2010
9

Death on an Autumn River

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death on an Autumn River as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series showcases I.J. Parker's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
2011
10

The Emperor's Woman

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books with The Emperor's Woman, another outstanding contribution from I.J. Parker.

Buy on Amazon
2012
11

Death of a Doll Maker

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death of a Doll Maker as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series showcases I.J. Parker's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
2013
12

The Crane Pavilion

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books with The Crane Pavilion, another outstanding contribution from I.J. Parker.

Buy on Amazon
2014
13

The Old Men of Omi

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books with The Old Men of Omi, another outstanding contribution from I.J. Parker.

Buy on Amazon
2014
14

The Shrine Virgin

The Shrine Virgin is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of I.J. Parker have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2015
15

The Assassin's Daughter

The Assassin's Daughter continues the Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books story arc with I.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2015
16

The Island of the Gods

The Island of the Gods is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of I.J. Parker have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2015
17

Ikiryo: Vengeance and Justice

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books with Ikiryo: Vengeance and Justice, another outstanding contribution from I.J. Parker.

Buy on Amazon
2017
18

The Kindness of Dragons

Epic adventure awaits in The Kindness of Dragons, a landmark entry in the Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series that raises the stakes across the realm I.J. Parker has built.

Buy on Amazon
2018
19

The Nuns of Nara

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books with The Nuns of Nara, another outstanding contribution from I.J. Parker.

Buy on Amazon
2019
20

Massacre at Shirakawa

Massacre at Shirakawa is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of I.J. Parker have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2020
21

The Lucky Gods of Otsu

The Lucky Gods of Otsu is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of I.J. Parker have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2021
22

Spring Festival in Akaiwa

Spring Festival in Akaiwa continues the Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books story arc with I.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2023
Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Short Stories/Novellas
9 books 2003–2012
1

The Kamo Horse

The Kamo Horse continues the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Short Stories/Novellas story arc with I.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2003
2

Fox Magic

Magic takes center stage in Fox Magic, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Short Stories/Novellas series that expands the enchanting world created by I.J. Parker.

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2011
3

The Water Sprite

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Short Stories/Novellas with The Water Sprite, another outstanding contribution from I.J. Parker.

Buy on Amazon
2011
4

The Curio Dealer's Wife

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Short Stories/Novellas with The Curio Dealer's Wife, another outstanding contribution from I.J. Parker.

Buy on Amazon
2011
5

Akitada's First Case

Akitada's First Case continues the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Short Stories/Novellas story arc with I.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2011
6

Akitada and the Way of Justice

Akitada and the Way of Justice is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of I.J. Parker have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2011
7

Akitada's Holiday

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Short Stories/Novellas with Akitada's Holiday, another outstanding contribution from I.J. Parker.

Buy on Amazon
2012
8

Three Tales of Love and Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in Three Tales of Love and Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Short Stories/Novellas series showcases I.J. Parker's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
2012
9

Confessions

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Short Stories/Novellas with Confessions, another outstanding contribution from I.J. Parker.

Buy on Amazon
2012
Publication Order of Hollow Reed Books
2 books 2011–2012
1

Dream of a Spring Night

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Hollow Reed Books with Dream of a Spring Night, another outstanding contribution from I.J. Parker.

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2011
2

Dust Before the Wind

Dust Before the Wind continues the Publication Order of Hollow Reed Books story arc with I.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2012
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
2 books 2012–2013
1

The Sword Master

Epic adventure awaits in The Sword Master, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that raises the stakes across the realm I.J. Parker has built.

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2012
2

The Left-Handed God

The Left-Handed God continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with I.J. Parker's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2013

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is I.J. Parker?

I.J. Parker is a bestselling author known for 5 book series containing over 57 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books, Chronological Order of Sugawara Akitada Books, Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Short Stories/Novellas. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best I.J. Parker series to start with?

For readers new to I.J. Parker's work, the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 22 books. Begin with Rashomon Gate to start from the very beginning.

How many books has I.J. Parker written?

I.J. Parker has written over 57 books across 5 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read I.J. Parker books in order?

Yes, reading I.J. Parker'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 I.J. Parker write in?

I.J. Parker writes primarily in fiction. With 5 series across 57 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

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

Most of I.J. Parker'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 I.J. Parker's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, I.J. Parker's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Sugawara Akitada Books series. The first book, Rashomon Gate, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.