L

Len Deighton

Bestselling Author • 6 Series • 43 Books

6
Series
43
Books
6
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Harry Palmer Books
Start with: The IPCRESS File (1962)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Bernard Samson Books
Start with: Berlin Game (1983)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Only When I Laugh / Only When I Larf (1967)

About Len Deighton

Born Leonard Cyril Deighton on 18th February 1929, Len Deighton is a British novelist, military historian and graphic artist primarily known for ‘The IPCRESS File; a novel that was adapted into a movie (starring Michael Caine). +Biography Len Deighton grew up in Marylebone, London; born to a chauffeur and mechanic (his father) and a part time cook (his mother), Len has often spoken of witnessing the arrest of Anna Wolkoff, a Nazi Spy, and the impact it had with regards to sparking his interest in spy stories at the tender age of 11. Len worked as Railway Clerk shortly after leaving school. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Harry Palmer Books series, Len Deighton 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 Len Deighton

Publication Order of Harry Palmer Books
8 books 1962–2026
1

The IPCRESS File

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Harry Palmer Books with The IPCRESS File, another outstanding contribution from Len Deighton.

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1962
2

Horse Under Water

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Harry Palmer Books with Horse Under Water, another outstanding contribution from Len Deighton.

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1962
3

Funeral in Berlin

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Harry Palmer Books with Funeral in Berlin, another outstanding contribution from Len Deighton.

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1964
4

Billion-Dollar Brain

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Harry Palmer Books with Billion-Dollar Brain, another outstanding contribution from Len Deighton.

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1966
5

An Expensive Place to Die

An Expensive Place to Die continues the Publication Order of Harry Palmer Books story arc with Len Deighton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1967
6

Spy Story

Spy Story is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Harry Palmer Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Len Deighton have come to expect.

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1974
7

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Spy / Catch a Falling Spy

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Spy / Catch a Falling Spy is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Harry Palmer Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Len Deighton have come to expect.

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1976
8

Only When I Larf

Only When I Larf is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Harry Palmer Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Len Deighton have come to expect.

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2026
Publication Order of Bernard Samson Books
10 books 1983–1996
1

Berlin Game

Berlin Game continues the Publication Order of Bernard Samson Books story arc with Len Deighton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1983
2

Mexico Set

Mexico Set is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Bernard Samson Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Len Deighton have come to expect.

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1985
3

London Match

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Bernard Samson Books with London Match, another outstanding contribution from Len Deighton.

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1985
4

Winter: A Berlin Family, 1899-1945

Winter: A Berlin Family, 1899-1945 continues the Publication Order of Bernard Samson Books story arc with Len Deighton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1987
5

Spy Hook

Spy Hook is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Bernard Samson Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Len Deighton have come to expect.

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1988
6

Spy Line

Spy Line continues the Publication Order of Bernard Samson Books story arc with Len Deighton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
7

Spy Sinker

Spy Sinker continues the Publication Order of Bernard Samson Books story arc with Len Deighton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1990
8

Faith

Faith continues the Publication Order of Bernard Samson Books story arc with Len Deighton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
9

Hope

Hope continues the Publication Order of Bernard Samson Books story arc with Len Deighton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1995
10

Charity

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Bernard Samson Books with Charity, another outstanding contribution from Len Deighton.

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1996
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
10 books 1967–1993
1

Only When I Laugh / Only When I Larf

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Only When I Laugh / Only When I Larf, another outstanding contribution from Len Deighton.

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1967
2

Bomber

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Bomber, another outstanding contribution from Len Deighton.

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1971
3

Close-Up

Close-Up is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Len Deighton have come to expect.

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1972
4

Yesterday's Spy

Yesterday's Spy is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Len Deighton have come to expect.

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1975
5

SS-GB

SS-GB continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Len Deighton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1979
6

XPD

XPD continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Len Deighton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1981
7

Goodbye, Mickey Mouse

Goodbye, Mickey Mouse continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Len Deighton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1982
8

MAMista

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with MAMista, another outstanding contribution from Len Deighton.

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1991
9

City of Gold

City of Gold is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Len Deighton have come to expect.

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1992
10

Violent Ward

Conflict and courage define Violent Ward, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Len Deighton that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1993
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
1 books 1992–1992
1

Declarations of War

Conflict and courage define Declarations of War, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series by Len Deighton that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1992
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
11 books 1965–2012
1

Action Cook Book

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Action Cook Book, another outstanding contribution from Len Deighton.

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1965
2

Où est le garlic / Basic French Cooking

Où est le garlic / Basic French Cooking is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Len Deighton have come to expect.

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1965
3

No Royalty A/C Action Cook Book

No Royalty A/C Action Cook Book continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Len Deighton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1975
4

Fighter

Conflict and courage define Fighter, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by Len Deighton that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1977
5

Airshipwreck

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Airshipwreck, another outstanding contribution from Len Deighton.

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1978
6

Blitzkrieg

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Blitzkrieg, another outstanding contribution from Len Deighton.

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1979
7

Basic French Cookery Course

Basic French Cookery Course continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Len Deighton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1987
8

ABC of French Food

ABC of French Food continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Len Deighton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
9

Blood, Tears, and Folly

A gripping mystery unfolds in Blood, Tears, and Folly as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series showcases Len Deighton's mastery of suspense.

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1993
10

Len Deighton’s French Cooking for Men

Len Deighton’s French Cooking for Men continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Len Deighton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
11

James Bond: My Long and Eventful Search for His Father

James Bond: My Long and Eventful Search for His Father is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Len Deighton have come to expect.

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2012
Publication Order of Anthologies
3 books 1991–2016
1

Great Flying Stories

Great Flying Stories continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Len Deighton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1991
2

The Man Who...

The Man Who... continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Len Deighton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1992
3

Motives for Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in Motives for Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Len Deighton's mastery of suspense.

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2016

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Len Deighton?

Len Deighton is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 43 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Harry Palmer Books, Publication Order of Bernard Samson Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Len Deighton series to start with?

For readers new to Len Deighton's work, the Publication Order of Harry Palmer Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 8 books. Begin with The IPCRESS File to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Len Deighton written?

Len Deighton has written over 43 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Len Deighton books in order?

Yes, reading Len Deighton'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 Len Deighton write in?

Len Deighton writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 43 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Len Deighton's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Len Deighton'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 Len Deighton's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Len Deighton's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Harry Palmer Books series. The first book, The IPCRESS File, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.