J

John Bellairs

Bestselling Author • 6 Series • 13 Books

6
Series
13
Books
6
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Lewis Barnavelt Books
Start with: The Figure in the Shadows (1975)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Anthony Monday Mysteries Books
Start with: The Treasure of Alpheus Winterborn (1978)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Johnny Dixon Books
Start with: The Revenge of the Wizard's Ghost (1985)

About John Bellairs

John Bellairs was an American author who focused the majority of his work in the Gothic genre. He is best known for his books The Face in the Frost and The House with a Clock in its Walls. His novel The House with a Clock in its Walls was adapted into a movie starring Owen Vaccaro as Lewis, Jack Black as Uncle Jonathan. The movie was directed by Eli Roth and released in September 2018. Some of Bellairs’s work was continued and published posthumously by Brad Strickland. The House with a Clock on its Walls The House with a Clock on its Walls features Lewis Barnavelt, a young man who lost his parents in a grisly accident. He goes to stay with his uncle Jonathan in Marshall, Michigan. Lewis expects to have a normal childhood. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Lewis Barnavelt Books series, John Bellairs 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 John Bellairs

Publication Order of Lewis Barnavelt Books
3 books 1975–1993
1

The Figure in the Shadows

The Figure in the Shadows is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Lewis Barnavelt Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Bellairs have come to expect.

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1975
2

The Letter, the Witch and the Ring

Magic takes center stage in The Letter, the Witch and the Ring, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Lewis Barnavelt Books series that expands the enchanting world created by John Bellairs.

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1976
3

The Vengeance of the Witch-Finder

Magic takes center stage in The Vengeance of the Witch-Finder, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Lewis Barnavelt Books series that expands the enchanting world created by John Bellairs.

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1993
Publication Order of Anthony Monday Mysteries Books
3 books 1978–1988
1

The Treasure of Alpheus Winterborn

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthony Monday Mysteries Books with The Treasure of Alpheus Winterborn, another outstanding contribution from John Bellairs.

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1978
2

The Dark Secret of Weatherend

The Dark Secret of Weatherend is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthony Monday Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Bellairs have come to expect.

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1984
3

The Lamp from the Warlock's Tomb

Conflict and courage define The Lamp from the Warlock's Tomb, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthony Monday Mysteries Books series by John Bellairs that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1988
Publication Order of Johnny Dixon Books
2 books 1985–1990
1

The Revenge of the Wizard's Ghost

Magic takes center stage in The Revenge of the Wizard's Ghost, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Johnny Dixon Books series that expands the enchanting world created by John Bellairs.

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1985
2

The Secret of the Underground Room

The Secret of the Underground Room continues the Publication Order of Johnny Dixon Books story arc with John Bellairs's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1990
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
2 books 1968–1969
1

The Pedant and the Shuffly

The Pedant and the Shuffly is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Bellairs have come to expect.

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1968
2

The Face in the Frost

The Face in the Frost is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Bellairs have come to expect.

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1969
Publication Order of Children's Books
1 books 2015–2015
1

The Gargoyle in the Dump

The Gargoyle in the Dump is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Children's Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Bellairs have come to expect.

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2015
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
2 books 1966–2009
1

St. Fidgeta And Other Parodies

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with St. Fidgeta And Other Parodies, another outstanding contribution from John Bellairs.

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1966
2

Magic Mirrors

Magic takes center stage in Magic Mirrors, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series that expands the enchanting world created by John Bellairs.

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2009

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is John Bellairs?

John Bellairs is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 13 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Lewis Barnavelt Books, Publication Order of Anthony Monday Mysteries Books, Publication Order of Johnny Dixon Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best John Bellairs series to start with?

For readers new to John Bellairs's work, the Publication Order of Lewis Barnavelt Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 3 books. Begin with The Figure in the Shadows to start from the very beginning.

How many books has John Bellairs written?

John Bellairs has written over 13 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read John Bellairs books in order?

Yes, reading John Bellairs'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 John Bellairs write in?

John Bellairs writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 13 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are John Bellairs's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of John Bellairs'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 John Bellairs's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, John Bellairs's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Lewis Barnavelt Books series. The first book, The Figure in the Shadows, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.