J

John Pilkington

Bestselling Author • 9 Series • 29 Books

9
Series
29
Books
9
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Betsy Brand Books
Start with: After the Fire (2011)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Elizabethan Mysteries Books
Start with: Rogues' Gold (2007)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Justice Belstrang Mysteries Books
Start with: Legacy / A Dangerous Justice (2020)

About John Pilkington

John Pilkington is a British author. Born on January 1, 1948 in Preston, Lancashire in England, Pilkington is also recognized for writing radio plays in the eighties. He then wrote some television scripts for the BCC before going on to write mystery books for kids. He has been a writer for over forty years. His family was one of the oldest in the Lancashire area. His father directed a family cotton mill that been built by their Victorian forebears in Leyland. John grew up there in the fifties, the oldest of four. He went to private schools until he was ten years old. His parents separated and he went to grammar school, coming out a teen who loved pop music and himself played drums and guitar. He played with different bands before realizing he wasn’t likely to be a rock star in the future. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Betsy Brand Books series, John Pilkington 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 Pilkington

Publication Order of Betsy Brand Books
2 books 2011–2012
1

After the Fire

After the Fire is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Betsy Brand Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Pilkington have come to expect.

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2011
2

The Judas Blade

The Judas Blade continues the Publication Order of Betsy Brand Books story arc with John Pilkington's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
Publication Order of Elizabethan Mysteries Books
4 books 2007–2009
1

Rogues' Gold

Rogues' Gold is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Elizabethan Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Pilkington have come to expect.

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2007
2

Traitor!

Traitor! is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Elizabethan Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Pilkington have come to expect.

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2008
3

Revenge!

Revenge! continues the Publication Order of Elizabethan Mysteries Books story arc with John Pilkington's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2009
4

Thief!

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Elizabethan Mysteries Books with Thief!, another outstanding contribution from John Pilkington.

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2009
Publication Order of Justice Belstrang Mysteries Books
3 books 2020–2021
1

Legacy / A Dangerous Justice

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Justice Belstrang Mysteries Books with Legacy / A Dangerous Justice, another outstanding contribution from John Pilkington.

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2020
2

The Witching Pool / A Hunt for Justice

Magic takes center stage in The Witching Pool / A Hunt for Justice, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Justice Belstrang Mysteries Books series that expands the enchanting world created by John Pilkington.

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2020
3

Deliverance / A Season for Justice

Deliverance / A Season for Justice is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Justice Belstrang Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Pilkington have come to expect.

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2021
Publication Order of Martin Marbeck Books
4 books 2013–2015
1

Marbeck and the Double Dealer

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Martin Marbeck Books with Marbeck and the Double Dealer, another outstanding contribution from John Pilkington.

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2013
2

Marbeck and the King-in-Waiting

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Martin Marbeck Books with Marbeck and the King-in-Waiting, another outstanding contribution from John Pilkington.

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2013
3

Marbeck and the Privateers

Marbeck and the Privateers is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Martin Marbeck Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Pilkington have come to expect.

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2014
4

Marbeck and the Gunpowder Plot

Marbeck and the Gunpowder Plot continues the Publication Order of Martin Marbeck Books story arc with John Pilkington's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
Publication Order of Thomas the Falconer Mystery Books
7 books 2002–2007
1

The Ruffler's Child

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Thomas the Falconer Mystery Books with The Ruffler's Child, another outstanding contribution from John Pilkington.

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2002
2

A Ruinous Wind

A Ruinous Wind is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Thomas the Falconer Mystery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Pilkington have come to expect.

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2004
3

The Ramage Hawk

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Thomas the Falconer Mystery Books with The Ramage Hawk, another outstanding contribution from John Pilkington.

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2004
4

The Mapmaker's Daughter / The Mapmaker's Secret

The Mapmaker's Daughter / The Mapmaker's Secret continues the Publication Order of Thomas the Falconer Mystery Books story arc with John Pilkington's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2005
5

The Maiden Bell

The Maiden Bell is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Thomas the Falconer Mystery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Pilkington have come to expect.

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2005
6

The Jingler's Luck

The Jingler's Luck is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Thomas the Falconer Mystery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Pilkington have come to expect.

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2006
7

The Muscovy Chain

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Thomas the Falconer Mystery Books with The Muscovy Chain, another outstanding contribution from John Pilkington.

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2007
Publication Order of Will Revill Books
3 books 2022–2023
1

A Reluctant Assassin

A Reluctant Assassin continues the Publication Order of Will Revill Books story arc with John Pilkington's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2022
2

A Reluctant Traitor

A Reluctant Traitor continues the Publication Order of Will Revill Books story arc with John Pilkington's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2022
3

A Reluctant Hero

A Reluctant Hero is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Will Revill Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Pilkington have come to expect.

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2023
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
3 books 2015–2022
1

Dead Man's Button

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Man's Button as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases John Pilkington's mastery of suspense.

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2015
2

The Tivoli Murders

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Tivoli Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases John Pilkington's mastery of suspense.

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2021
3

Yorick: A Jester's Tale

Yorick: A Jester's Tale is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Pilkington have come to expect.

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2022
Publication Order of JohnPilkington Non-Fiction Books
1 books 2000–2000
1

Survival Guide for Writers

Survival Guide for Writers is an essential installment in the Publication Order of JohnPilkington Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Pilkington have come to expect.

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2000
Publication Order of The Bishopsgate Ward Mysteries Books
2 books 2025–2026
1

Death of a Stranger

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death of a Stranger as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of The Bishopsgate Ward Mysteries Books series showcases John Pilkington's mastery of suspense.

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2025
2

Death of a Fugitive

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death of a Fugitive as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of The Bishopsgate Ward Mysteries Books series showcases John Pilkington's mastery of suspense.

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2026

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is John Pilkington?

John Pilkington is a bestselling author known for 9 book series containing over 29 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Betsy Brand Books, Publication Order of Elizabethan Mysteries Books, Publication Order of Justice Belstrang Mysteries Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best John Pilkington series to start with?

For readers new to John Pilkington's work, the Publication Order of Betsy Brand Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 2 books. Begin with After the Fire to start from the very beginning.

How many books has John Pilkington written?

John Pilkington has written over 29 books across 9 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read John Pilkington books in order?

Yes, reading John Pilkington'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 Pilkington write in?

John Pilkington writes primarily in fiction. With 9 series across 29 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

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

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

Based on reader reviews and sales data, John Pilkington's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Betsy Brand Books series. The first book, After the Fire, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.