J

James Herbert

Bestselling Author • 6 Series • 29 Books

6
Series
29
Books
6
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: The Fog (1975)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Rats Graphic Novels
Start with: The City (1994)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of David Ash Books
Start with: Haunted (1988)

About James Herbert

James Herbert was one of the award winning and bestselling authors from England, who was particularly famous for writing down horror novels. Originally, he used to work as an art director at an advertising agency. Working as a full time author, Herbert used to design the covers of his books as well as do their publicity on his own. A total of 54 million printed copies of his books has been sold worldwide. Many of them have also been translated in as many as 34 foreign languages, including Russian and Chinese. Author Herbert holds an OBE, which was awarded to him by the British government. He was born as James John Herbert in London on April 8, 1943, and died on March 20, 2013. His father, Herbert Herbert, used to work as a stall holder in the Brick Lane Market in London. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, James Herbert 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 James Herbert

Publication Order of Rats Books
3 books 1974–1983
1

The Rats / Deadly Eyes

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Rats / Deadly Eyes as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Rats Books series showcases James Herbert's mastery of suspense.

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1974
2

Lair

Lair continues the Publication Order of Rats Books story arc with James Herbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1979
3

Domain

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rats Books with Domain, another outstanding contribution from James Herbert.

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1983
Publication Order of Rats Graphic Novels
1 books 1994–1994
1

The City

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rats Graphic Novels with The City, another outstanding contribution from James Herbert.

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1994
Publication Order of David Ash Books
4 books 1988–2012
1

Haunted

Haunted is an essential installment in the Publication Order of David Ash Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of James Herbert have come to expect.

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1988
2

The Ghosts Of Sleath

The Ghosts Of Sleath continues the Publication Order of David Ash Books story arc with James Herbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
3

'48

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of David Ash Books with '48, another outstanding contribution from James Herbert.

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1996
4

Ash

Ash is an essential installment in the Publication Order of David Ash Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of James Herbert have come to expect.

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2012
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
16 books 1975–2006
1

The Fog

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Fog, another outstanding contribution from James Herbert.

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1975
2

The Survivor

The Survivor is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of James Herbert have come to expect.

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1976
3

Fluke

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

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1977
4

The Spear

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Spear, another outstanding contribution from James Herbert.

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1978
5

The Dark

The Dark continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with James Herbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1980
6

The Jonah

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Jonah, another outstanding contribution from James Herbert.

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1981
7

Shrine

Shrine continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with James Herbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1983
8

Moon

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Moon, another outstanding contribution from James Herbert.

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1985
9

The Magic Cottage

Magic takes center stage in The Magic Cottage, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that expands the enchanting world created by James Herbert.

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1986
10

Sepulchre

Sepulchre continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with James Herbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1987
11

Creed

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Creed, another outstanding contribution from James Herbert.

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1990
12

Portent

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Portent, another outstanding contribution from James Herbert.

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1992
13

Others

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Others, another outstanding contribution from James Herbert.

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1999
14

Once...

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Once..., another outstanding contribution from James Herbert.

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2001
15

Nobody True

Nobody True is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of James Herbert have come to expect.

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2003
16

The Secret of Crickley Hall

The Secret of Crickley Hall is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of James Herbert have come to expect.

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2006
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
1 books 1993–1993
1

James Herbert's Dark Places

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with James Herbert's Dark Places, another outstanding contribution from James Herbert.

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1993
Publication Order of Anthologies
4 books 1988–2012
1

Gaslight & Ghosts

Gaslight & Ghosts continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with James Herbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1988
2

Now We Are Sick

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Now We Are Sick, another outstanding contribution from James Herbert.

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1991
3

The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror, #11

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror, #11, another outstanding contribution from James Herbert.

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2000
4

The Mammoth Book of Body Horror

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Mammoth Book of Body Horror, another outstanding contribution from James Herbert.

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2012

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is James Herbert?

James Herbert is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 29 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Rats Books, Publication Order of Rats Graphic Novels, Publication Order of David Ash Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best James Herbert series to start with?

For readers new to James Herbert's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 16 books. Begin with The Fog to start from the very beginning.

How many books has James Herbert written?

James Herbert has written over 29 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read James Herbert books in order?

Yes, reading James Herbert'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 James Herbert write in?

James Herbert writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 29 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are James Herbert's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of James Herbert'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 James Herbert's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, James Herbert's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, The Fog, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.