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Joseph Wambaugh

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 24 Books

4
Series
24
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Hollywood Station Books
Start with: Hollywood Station (2006)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: The New Centurions (1970)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: The Onion Field (1973)

About Joseph Wambaugh

Joseph Aloysius Wambaugh, Jr is a best selling American author famous for both fictional and non-fictional work on the police in the United States. He was born on January 22, 1937 in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At the age of 17 in 1954, he joined the U.S. Marines and served for three years. He married at the age of 18. Joseph Wambaugh obtained an associate degree from Chaffey College and also attended California State University, Los Angeles where he received Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees. He joined the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in 1960. He served as a policeman for 14 years, rising through the ranks from patrolman to the rank of detective sergeant He was still a police officer when two of his novels, The New Centurions and the Blue Knight were published. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Hollywood Station Books series, Joseph Wambaugh 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 Joseph Wambaugh

Publication Order of Hollywood Station Books
5 books 2006–2012
1

Hollywood Station

Hollywood Station continues the Publication Order of Hollywood Station Books story arc with Joseph Wambaugh's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2006
2

Hollywood Crows

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Hollywood Station Books with Hollywood Crows, another outstanding contribution from Joseph Wambaugh.

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2008
3

Hollywood Moon

Hollywood Moon continues the Publication Order of Hollywood Station Books story arc with Joseph Wambaugh's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2009
4

Hollywood Hills

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Hollywood Station Books with Hollywood Hills, another outstanding contribution from Joseph Wambaugh.

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2010
5

Harbor Nocturne

Harbor Nocturne is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Hollywood Station Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joseph Wambaugh have come to expect.

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2012
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
11 books 1970–1996
1

The New Centurions

The New Centurions continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Joseph Wambaugh's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1970
2

The Blue Knight

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Blue Knight, another outstanding contribution from Joseph Wambaugh.

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1972
3

The Choirboys

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Choirboys, another outstanding contribution from Joseph Wambaugh.

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1976
4

The Black Marble

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Black Marble, another outstanding contribution from Joseph Wambaugh.

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1977
5

The Glitter Dome

The Glitter Dome is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joseph Wambaugh have come to expect.

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1981
6

The Delta Star

The Delta Star continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Joseph Wambaugh's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1983
7

The Secrets of Harry Bright

The Secrets of Harry Bright continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Joseph Wambaugh's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1985
8

The Golden Orange

The Golden Orange is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joseph Wambaugh have come to expect.

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1990
9

Fugitive Nights

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Fugitive Nights, another outstanding contribution from Joseph Wambaugh.

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1992
10

Finnegan's Week

Finnegan's Week continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Joseph Wambaugh's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1993
11

Floaters

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Floaters, another outstanding contribution from Joseph Wambaugh.

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1996
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
5 books 1973–2002
1

The Onion Field

The Onion Field continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Joseph Wambaugh's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1973
2

Lines and Shadows

Lines and Shadows is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joseph Wambaugh have come to expect.

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1984
3

Echoes in the Darkness

Echoes in the Darkness is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joseph Wambaugh have come to expect.

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1987
4

Blooding, The

A gripping mystery unfolds in Blooding, The as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series showcases Joseph Wambaugh's mastery of suspense.

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1989
5

Fire Lover

Fire Lover explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by Joseph Wambaugh.

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2002
Publication Order of Anthologies
3 books 1995–2016
1

The Crown Crime Companion

The investigation intensifies in The Crown Crime Companion, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Joseph Wambaugh's creation.

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1995
2

Last Seen off Stingray Point: And 8 Other Dances With Death On The Western Edge

A gripping mystery unfolds in Last Seen off Stingray Point: And 8 Other Dances With Death On The Western Edge as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Joseph Wambaugh's mastery of suspense.

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2014
3

Silent Night, Deadly Night

A gripping mystery unfolds in Silent Night, Deadly Night as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Joseph Wambaugh's mastery of suspense.

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2016

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Joseph Wambaugh?

Joseph Wambaugh is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 24 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Hollywood Station Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Joseph Wambaugh series to start with?

For readers new to Joseph Wambaugh's work, the Publication Order of Hollywood Station Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 5 books. Begin with Hollywood Station to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Joseph Wambaugh written?

Joseph Wambaugh 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 Joseph Wambaugh books in order?

Yes, reading Joseph Wambaugh'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 Joseph Wambaugh write in?

Joseph Wambaugh 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 Joseph Wambaugh's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Joseph Wambaugh'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 Joseph Wambaugh's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Joseph Wambaugh's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Hollywood Station Books series. The first book, Hollywood Station, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.