J

John Wainwright

Bestselling Author • 10 Series • 77 Books

10
Series
77
Books
10
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Prynter's Devil (1970)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Chief Inspector Lennox Books
Start with: The Evidence I Shall Give (1974)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Inspector Lyle Books
Start with: Brainwash (1979)

About John Wainwright

He joined the West Riding Constabulary as a Police Constable. During his service as a police officer, he went back to studying during his spare time, earning a law degree in 1956. In the year 1965, he attempted writing a crime novel which was later accepted by the editor of Collins Crime Club, named George Hardinge, and the novel was published as “Death in a Sleeping City”. The very next year, he quit the police force and started writing full-time. In the year 1968, Hardinge became the senior editor at Macmillan Publishers, and took Wainwright’s contract along with him. His work is from the mystery genre, and sometimes he wrote under the pen name of “Jack Ripley”, publishing four books under this name. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, John Wainwright 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 Wainwright

Publication Order of Charles Ripley Books
7 books 1970–1986
1

Freeze Thy Blood Less Coldly

A gripping mystery unfolds in Freeze Thy Blood Less Coldly as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Charles Ripley Books series showcases John Wainwright's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1970
2

A Touch of Malice

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Charles Ripley Books with A Touch of Malice, another outstanding contribution from John Wainwright.

Buy on Amazon
1973
3

The Hard Hit

The Hard Hit is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Charles Ripley Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1974
4

Night Is a Time to Die

Night Is a Time to Die continues the Publication Order of Charles Ripley Books story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1974
5

Evil Intent

Evil Intent continues the Publication Order of Charles Ripley Books story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1975
6

Death of a Big Man

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death of a Big Man as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Charles Ripley Books series showcases John Wainwright's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1979
7

Portrait in Shadows

Portrait in Shadows continues the Publication Order of Charles Ripley Books story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1986
Publication Order of Chief Inspector Lennox Books
9 books 1974–1989
1

The Evidence I Shall Give

The Evidence I Shall Give is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Chief Inspector Lennox Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1974
2

Square Dance

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Chief Inspector Lennox Books with Square Dance, another outstanding contribution from John Wainwright.

Buy on Amazon
1975
3

Pool of Tears

Pool of Tears is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Chief Inspector Lennox Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1977
4

Take Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in Take Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Chief Inspector Lennox Books series showcases John Wainwright's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1979
5

Landscape with Violence

Landscape with Violence is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Chief Inspector Lennox Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1979
6

The Day of the Peppercorn Kill

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Day of the Peppercorn Kill as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Chief Inspector Lennox Books series showcases John Wainwright's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1981
7

Spiral Staircase

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Chief Inspector Lennox Books with Spiral Staircase, another outstanding contribution from John Wainwright.

Buy on Amazon
1983
8

The Tenth Interview

The Tenth Interview is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Chief Inspector Lennox Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1986
9

A Very Parochial Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Very Parochial Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Chief Inspector Lennox Books series showcases John Wainwright's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1989
Publication Order of Inspector Lyle Books
5 books 1979–1992
1

Brainwash

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Lyle Books with Brainwash, another outstanding contribution from John Wainwright.

Buy on Amazon
1979
2

Duty Elsewhere

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Lyle Books with Duty Elsewhere, another outstanding contribution from John Wainwright.

Buy on Amazon
1979
3

Dominoes

Dominoes continues the Publication Order of Inspector Lyle Books story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1980
4

The Man Who Wasn't There

The Man Who Wasn't There is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Lyle Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1989
5

Hangman's Lane

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Lyle Books with Hangman's Lane, another outstanding contribution from John Wainwright.

Buy on Amazon
1992
Publication Order of Lewis Books
2 books 1968–1975
1

Edge of Extinction

Edge of Extinction continues the Publication Order of Lewis Books story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1968
2

Death in a Sleeping City

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death in a Sleeping City as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Lewis Books series showcases John Wainwright's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1975
Publication Order of Sullivan Books
2 books 1974–1975
1

Kill The Girls And Make Them Cry

A gripping mystery unfolds in Kill The Girls And Make Them Cry as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Sullivan Books series showcases John Wainwright's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1974
2

Coppers Don't Cry

Coppers Don't Cry continues the Publication Order of Sullivan Books story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1975
Publication Order of Superintendent Ralph Flensing Books
2 books 1983–1984
1

Their Evil Ways

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Superintendent Ralph Flensing Books with Their Evil Ways, another outstanding contribution from John Wainwright.

Buy on Amazon
1983
2

The Ride

The Ride is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Superintendent Ralph Flensing Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1984
Publication Order of Superintendent Gillant Books
5 books 1965–1978
1

Ten steps to the gallows

Ten steps to the gallows continues the Publication Order of Superintendent Gillant Books story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1965
2

The Crystallised Carbon Pig

The Crystallised Carbon Pig continues the Publication Order of Superintendent Gillant Books story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1966
3

Requiem for a Loser

Requiem for a Loser is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Superintendent Gillant Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1972
4

High Class Kill

A gripping mystery unfolds in High Class Kill as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Superintendent Gillant Books series showcases John Wainwright's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1973
5

A Ripple of Murders

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Ripple of Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Superintendent Gillant Books series showcases John Wainwright's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1978
Publication Order of Superintendent Robert Blayde Books
3 books 1981–1982
1

All on a Summer's Day

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Superintendent Robert Blayde Books with All on a Summer's Day, another outstanding contribution from John Wainwright.

Buy on Amazon
1981
2

An Urge for Justice

An Urge for Justice continues the Publication Order of Superintendent Robert Blayde Books story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1981
3

Blayde, R.I.P.

Blayde, R.I.P. is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Superintendent Robert Blayde Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1982
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
37 books 1970–1995
1

Prynter's Devil

Prynter's Devil continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1970
2

The Big Tickle

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

Buy on Amazon
1971
3

The Pig Got Up And Slowly Walked Away

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Pig Got Up And Slowly Walked Away, another outstanding contribution from John Wainwright.

Buy on Amazon
1971
4

Davis Doesn’t Live Here Any More

Davis Doesn’t Live Here Any More continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1971
5

The Last Buccaneer

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Last Buccaneer, another outstanding contribution from John Wainwright.

Buy on Amazon
1971
6

Dig The Grave And Let Him Lie

Dig The Grave And Let Him Lie continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1971
7

My God How The Money Rolls In

My God How The Money Rolls In continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1972
8

My Word You Should Have Seen Us

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with My Word You Should Have Seen Us, another outstanding contribution from John Wainwright.

Buy on Amazon
1972
9

A Pride Of Pigs

A Pride Of Pigs is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1973
10

The devil you don't

The devil you don't is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1973
11

Cause For A Killing

A gripping mystery unfolds in Cause For A Killing as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases John Wainwright's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1974
12

Who Goes Next?

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Who Goes Next?, another outstanding contribution from John Wainwright.

Buy on Amazon
1976
13

Acquittal

Acquittal continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1976
14

The Bastard

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

Buy on Amazon
1976
15

Walther P. 38

Walther P. 38 continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1976
16

Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me

Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1977
17

A Nest Of Rats

A Nest Of Rats is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1977
18

The Jury People

The Jury People continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1978
19

Thief Of Time

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Thief Of Time, another outstanding contribution from John Wainwright.

Buy on Amazon
1978
20

The Reluctant Sleeper

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Reluctant Sleeper, another outstanding contribution from John Wainwright.

Buy on Amazon
1979
21

Home Is The Hunter And The Big Kayo

Home Is The Hunter And The Big Kayo is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1979
22

The Venus Fly Trap

The Venus Fly Trap is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1980
23

The Eye Of The Beholder

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Eye Of The Beholder, another outstanding contribution from John Wainwright.

Buy on Amazon
1980
24

A Kill Of Small Consequence

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Kill Of Small Consequence as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases John Wainwright's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1980
25

Tension

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

Buy on Amazon
1981
26

Anatomy Of A Riot

Anatomy Of A Riot is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1982
27

The Distaff Factor

The Distaff Factor continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1982
28

Heroes No More

Heroes No More is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1983
29

Cul-de-sac

Cul-de-sac continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1984
30

The Forest

The Forest continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1984
31

Clouds Of Guilt

Clouds Of Guilt is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1985
32

All Through The Night

All Through The Night continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1985
33

The Forgotten Murders

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

Buy on Amazon
1987
34

Blind Brag

Blind Brag is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1988
35

Sabbath Morn

Sabbath Morn continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1993
36

The Life And Times Of Christmas Calvert-- Assassin

The Life And Times Of Christmas Calvert-- Assassin is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1995
37

Murder Story

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder Story as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases John Wainwright's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1995
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
5 books 1967–1987
1

Shall I Be a Policeman?

The investigation intensifies in Shall I Be a Policeman?, as this installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of John Wainwright's creation.

Buy on Amazon
1967
2

Discovering Lapidary Work

Discovering Lapidary Work continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with John Wainwright's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1971
3

Guard Your Castle

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Guard Your Castle, another outstanding contribution from John Wainwright.

Buy on Amazon
1974
4

Tail End Charlie

Tail End Charlie is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Wainwright have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1978
5

Wainwright's Beat

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Wainwright's Beat, another outstanding contribution from John Wainwright.

Buy on Amazon
1987

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is John Wainwright?

John Wainwright is a bestselling author known for 10 book series containing over 77 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Charles Ripley Books, Publication Order of Chief Inspector Lennox Books, Publication Order of Inspector Lyle Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best John Wainwright series to start with?

For readers new to John Wainwright's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 37 books. Begin with Prynter's Devil to start from the very beginning.

How many books has John Wainwright written?

John Wainwright has written over 77 books across 10 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read John Wainwright books in order?

Yes, reading John Wainwright'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 Wainwright write in?

John Wainwright writes primarily in fiction. With 10 series across 77 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

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

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

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