I

Iain Pears

Bestselling Author • 3 Series • 14 Books

3
Series
14
Books
3
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Jonathan Argyll Books
Start with: The Raphael Affair (1990)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: An Instance of the Fingerpost (1997)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: The Discovery of Painting: The Growth of Interest in the Arts in England, 1680-1768 (1988)

About Iain Pears

Iain Pears is an English novelist, journalist, and art historian. He is best known for writing his Jonathan Argyll/Art History Mystery series. He was born on 1st January, the year 1955, in Coventry town in the United Kingdom. During his childhood he was a very focused student and he took his education seriously. He would attend Warwick for junior and then high school education. Iain worked hard to pass his high school education and as a result, he was able to secure a chance at Wadham College where he started pursuing his college education. However, Iain Pears did not end up completing his college education at Wadham College and ended up heating to Wolfson College, located at Oxford. This is where he pursued a career in journalism. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Jonathan Argyll Books series, Iain Pears 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 Iain Pears

Publication Order of Jonathan Argyll Books
7 books 1990–2000
1

The Raphael Affair

The Raphael Affair continues the Publication Order of Jonathan Argyll Books story arc with Iain Pears's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1990
2

The Titian Committee

The Titian Committee is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Jonathan Argyll Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Iain Pears have come to expect.

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1991
3

The Bernini Bust

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Jonathan Argyll Books with The Bernini Bust, another outstanding contribution from Iain Pears.

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1992
4

The Last Judgement

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Jonathan Argyll Books with The Last Judgement, another outstanding contribution from Iain Pears.

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1993
5

Giotto's Hand

Giotto's Hand is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Jonathan Argyll Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Iain Pears have come to expect.

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1995
6

Death and Restoration

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death and Restoration as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Jonathan Argyll Books series showcases Iain Pears's mastery of suspense.

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1996
7

The Immaculate Deception

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Jonathan Argyll Books with The Immaculate Deception, another outstanding contribution from Iain Pears.

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2000
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
6 books 1997–2025
1

An Instance of the Fingerpost

An Instance of the Fingerpost is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Iain Pears have come to expect.

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1997
2

The Dream of Scipio

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Dream of Scipio, another outstanding contribution from Iain Pears.

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2002
3

The Portrait

The Portrait continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Iain Pears's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2004
4

Stone's Fall

Stone's Fall is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Iain Pears have come to expect.

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2009
5

Arcadia

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

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2015
6

Parallel Lives

Parallel Lives continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Iain Pears's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2025
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
1 books 1988–1988
1

The Discovery of Painting: The Growth of Interest in the Arts in England, 1680-1768

The Discovery of Painting: The Growth of Interest in the Arts in England, 1680-1768 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Iain Pears have come to expect.

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1988

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Iain Pears?

Iain Pears is a bestselling author known for 3 book series containing over 14 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Jonathan Argyll Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Iain Pears series to start with?

For readers new to Iain Pears's work, the Publication Order of Jonathan Argyll Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 7 books. Begin with The Raphael Affair to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Iain Pears written?

Iain Pears has written over 14 books across 3 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Iain Pears books in order?

Yes, reading Iain Pears'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 Iain Pears write in?

Iain Pears writes primarily in fiction. With 3 series across 14 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Iain Pears's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Iain Pears'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 Iain Pears's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Iain Pears's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Jonathan Argyll Books series. The first book, The Raphael Affair, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.