J

James Oswald

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 24 Books

4
Series
24
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books
Start with: Natural Causes (2012)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of DC Constance Fairchild Books
Start with: No Time to Cry (2018)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Ballad of Sir Benfro Books
Start with: Dreamwalker (2012)

About James Oswald

James Oswald is, primarily, a Scottish farmer who doubles up as an author. He studied psychology at the Aberdeen University where he had a penchant for penning comic strip books. Among the literary figures that influenced Oswald are English authors J.R.R. Tolkien and Terry Pratchett, and American writers Robin Hobb and Tad Williams. James Oswald, who is a livestock farmer, lives in North East Fife where he owns an expansive farm where he rears Highland cattle and New Zealand sheep. James had been writing for two decades albeit with little success. His own family gave scant credence to his writing ambitions. Friends of his parents thought he lack the hallmarks of a noteworthy author. His father, though somewhat helpful, was equally bewildered. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books series, James Oswald 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 Oswald

Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books
14 books 2012–2025
1

Natural Causes

Natural Causes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of James Oswald have come to expect.

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2012
2

The Book of Souls

The Book of Souls continues the Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books story arc with James Oswald's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
3

The Hangman's Song

The Hangman's Song is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of James Oswald have come to expect.

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2014
4

Dead Men's Bones

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Men's Bones as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books series showcases James Oswald's mastery of suspense.

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2014
5

Prayer for the Dead

A gripping mystery unfolds in Prayer for the Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books series showcases James Oswald's mastery of suspense.

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2015
6

The Damage Done

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books with The Damage Done, another outstanding contribution from James Oswald.

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2016
7

Written in Bones

Written in Bones is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of James Oswald have come to expect.

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2017
8

The Gathering Dark

The Gathering Dark continues the Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books story arc with James Oswald's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
9

Cold as the Grave

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books with Cold as the Grave, another outstanding contribution from James Oswald.

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2019
10

Bury Them Deep

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books with Bury Them Deep, another outstanding contribution from James Oswald.

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2020
11

What Will Burn

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books with What Will Burn, another outstanding contribution from James Oswald.

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2021
12

All That Lives

All That Lives is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of James Oswald have come to expect.

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2022
13

For Our Sins

For Our Sins continues the Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books story arc with James Oswald's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2024
14

The Rest Is Death

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Rest Is Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books series showcases James Oswald's mastery of suspense.

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2025
Publication Order of DC Constance Fairchild Books
3 books 2018–2021
1

No Time to Cry

No Time to Cry is an essential installment in the Publication Order of DC Constance Fairchild Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of James Oswald have come to expect.

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2018
2

Nothing to Hide

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of DC Constance Fairchild Books with Nothing to Hide, another outstanding contribution from James Oswald.

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2019
3

Nowhere to Run

Nowhere to Run continues the Publication Order of DC Constance Fairchild Books story arc with James Oswald's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2021
Publication Order of Ballad of Sir Benfro Books
5 books 2012–2016
1

Dreamwalker

Dreamwalker continues the Publication Order of Ballad of Sir Benfro Books story arc with James Oswald's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
2

The Rose Cord

The Rose Cord continues the Publication Order of Ballad of Sir Benfro Books story arc with James Oswald's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
3

The Golden Cage

The Golden Cage continues the Publication Order of Ballad of Sir Benfro Books story arc with James Oswald's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
4

The Broken World

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Ballad of Sir Benfro Books with The Broken World, another outstanding contribution from James Oswald.

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2015
5

The Obsidian Throne

Epic adventure awaits in The Obsidian Throne, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Ballad of Sir Benfro Books series that raises the stakes across the realm James Oswald has built.

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2016
Publication Order of Anthologies
2 books 2019–2023
1

Exit Wounds

Exit Wounds continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with James Oswald's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
2

An Unnecessary Assassin

An Unnecessary Assassin is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of James Oswald have come to expect.

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2023

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is James Oswald?

James Oswald is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 24 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books, Publication Order of DC Constance Fairchild Books, Publication Order of Ballad of Sir Benfro Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best James Oswald series to start with?

For readers new to James Oswald's work, the Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 14 books. Begin with Natural Causes to start from the very beginning.

How many books has James Oswald written?

James Oswald has written over 24 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read James Oswald books in order?

Yes, reading James Oswald'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 Oswald write in?

James Oswald writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 24 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

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

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

Based on reader reviews and sales data, James Oswald's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Inspector McLean Books series. The first book, Natural Causes, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.