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Mark Billingham

Bestselling Author • 6 Series • 40 Books

6
Series
40
Books
6
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books
Start with: Sleepyhead (2001)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Triskellion Books
Start with: Triskellion (2008)

About Mark Billingham

Billingham became a crime victim in the year 1997 where he was kidnapped together with his writing partner Peter Cocks and held hostage in Manchester hotel room. From this event, Billingham turned them into inspiration for his second Thorne novel, Scaredy cat. In this novel, the general theme he addresses is the power of fear. According to Billingham, power is a very powerful weapon that is every bit as dangerous as a knife or a gun. Everything that happened to him in the hotel is directly sub plotted in the novel with some very nasty crimes which were carried out. As he explains, they were kept bound and engaged in their hotel room by a trio of masked men who stole credit cards and items from them. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series, Mark Billingham 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 Mark Billingham

Publication Order of Detective Miller Books
2 books 2023–2024
1

The Last Dance

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Detective Miller Books with The Last Dance, another outstanding contribution from Mark Billingham.

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2023
2

The Wrong Hands

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Detective Miller Books with The Wrong Hands, another outstanding contribution from Mark Billingham.

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2024
Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books
20 books 2001–2025
1

Sleepyhead

Sleepyhead is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Billingham have come to expect.

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2001
2

Scaredy Cat

Scaredy Cat is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Billingham have come to expect.

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2001
3

Lazybones

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books with Lazybones, another outstanding contribution from Mark Billingham.

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2003
4

The Burning Girl

The Burning Girl continues the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books story arc with Mark Billingham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2004
5

Lifeless

Lifeless is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Billingham have come to expect.

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2005
6

Buried

Buried is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Billingham have come to expect.

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2006
7

Death Message

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death Message as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series showcases Mark Billingham's mastery of suspense.

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2007
8

Bloodline

A gripping mystery unfolds in Bloodline as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series showcases Mark Billingham's mastery of suspense.

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2009
9

From The Dead

A gripping mystery unfolds in From The Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series showcases Mark Billingham's mastery of suspense.

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2010
10

Good as Dead / The Demands

A gripping mystery unfolds in Good as Dead / The Demands as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series showcases Mark Billingham's mastery of suspense.

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2011
11

The Dying Hours

The Dying Hours is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Billingham have come to expect.

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2013
12

Thorne at Christmas

Thorne at Christmas is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Billingham have come to expect.

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2013
13

The Bones Beneath

The Bones Beneath continues the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books story arc with Mark Billingham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
14

Time of Death

A gripping mystery unfolds in Time of Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series showcases Mark Billingham's mastery of suspense.

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2015
15

Love Like Blood

A gripping mystery unfolds in Love Like Blood as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series showcases Mark Billingham's mastery of suspense.

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2017
16

The Killing Habit

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Killing Habit as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series showcases Mark Billingham's mastery of suspense.

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2018
17

Their Little Secret

Their Little Secret continues the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books story arc with Mark Billingham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
18

Cry Baby

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books with Cry Baby, another outstanding contribution from Mark Billingham.

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2020
19

The Murder Book

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Murder Book as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series showcases Mark Billingham's mastery of suspense.

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2022
20

What the Night Brings

What the Night Brings is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Billingham have come to expect.

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2025
Publication Order of Triskellion Books
3 books 2008–2010
1

Triskellion

Triskellion is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Triskellion Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Billingham have come to expect.

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2008
2

The Burning

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Triskellion Books with The Burning, another outstanding contribution from Mark Billingham.

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2009
3

The Gathering

The Gathering is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Triskellion Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Mark Billingham have come to expect.

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2010
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
6 books 1998–2021
1

Knight School

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Knight School, another outstanding contribution from Mark Billingham.

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1998
2

In the Dark

In the Dark continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Mark Billingham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
3

Rush of Blood

A gripping mystery unfolds in Rush of Blood as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Mark Billingham's mastery of suspense.

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2012
4

Die of Shame

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Die of Shame, another outstanding contribution from Mark Billingham.

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2016
5

Cut Off

Cut Off continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Mark Billingham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
6

Rabbit Hole

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Rabbit Hole, another outstanding contribution from Mark Billingham.

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2021
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
1 books 2013–2013
1

Dancing Towards the Blade and Other Stories

Conflict and courage define Dancing Towards the Blade and Other Stories, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series by Mark Billingham that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2013
Publication Order of Anthologies
8 books 2004–2024
1

Like a Charm

Like a Charm continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Mark Billingham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2004
2

Criminal Tendencies

Criminal Tendencies continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Mark Billingham's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2009
3

The Sounds Of Crime

The investigation intensifies in The Sounds Of Crime, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Mark Billingham's creation.

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2010
4

The Killer Cookbook

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Killer Cookbook as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Mark Billingham's mastery of suspense.

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2012
5

Inherit the Dead

A gripping mystery unfolds in Inherit the Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Mark Billingham's mastery of suspense.

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2013
6

OxCrimes: 27 Killer Stories from the Cream of Crimewriters

A gripping mystery unfolds in OxCrimes: 27 Killer Stories from the Cream of Crimewriters as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Mark Billingham's mastery of suspense.

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2014
7

Crime Writers: A Decade of Crime

The investigation intensifies in Crime Writers: A Decade of Crime, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Mark Billingham's creation.

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2016
8

Murder in Harrogate: Stories inspired by the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder in Harrogate: Stories inspired by the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Mark Billingham's mastery of suspense.

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2024

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Mark Billingham?

Mark Billingham is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 40 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Detective Miller Books, Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books, Publication Order of Triskellion Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Mark Billingham series to start with?

For readers new to Mark Billingham's work, the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 20 books. Begin with Sleepyhead to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Mark Billingham written?

Mark Billingham has written over 40 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Mark Billingham books in order?

Yes, reading Mark Billingham'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 Mark Billingham write in?

Mark Billingham writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 40 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Mark Billingham's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Mark Billingham'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 Mark Billingham's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Mark Billingham's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Tom Thorne Books series. The first book, Sleepyhead, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.