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Michael Gilbert

Bestselling Author • 10 Series • 61 Books

10
Series
61
Books
10
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Inspector Hazelrigg Books
Start with: Close Quarters (1947)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Inspector Mercer Books
Start with: The Body Of A Girl (1978)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Patrick Petrella Books
Start with: Blood And Judgement (1959)

About Michael Gilbert

Michael was born in Lincolnshire, the UK in 1912; he studied in Sussex before joining London University where he graduated with a distinction in LLB in 1937. Gilbert was a founder/member of the British Crime Writers Association and was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America -in 1988, an accomplishment that was long past due. In 1980, Gilbert received the queen’s honor of a knight as a Commander in the Order of the British Empire. In 1990, he won the Life Achievement Anthony Award at the Boucheron in London. Gilbert made his writing debut novel in in 1947 with Close Quarters, and from that, point forward has turned out as one of the greatest versatile writers in British Mystery novels. Michael passed away in 2006. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Inspector Hazelrigg Books series, Michael Gilbert 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 Michael Gilbert

Publication Order of Inspector Hazelrigg Books
6 books 1947–1953
1

Close Quarters

Close Quarters continues the Publication Order of Inspector Hazelrigg Books story arc with Michael Gilbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1947
2

They Never Looked Inside / He Didn't Mind Danger

They Never Looked Inside / He Didn't Mind Danger is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Hazelrigg Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1947
3

The Doors Open

The Doors Open continues the Publication Order of Inspector Hazelrigg Books story arc with Michael Gilbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1949
4

Smallbone Deceased

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Hazelrigg Books with Smallbone Deceased, another outstanding contribution from Michael Gilbert.

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1950
5

Death Has Deep Roots

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death Has Deep Roots as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Hazelrigg Books series showcases Michael Gilbert's mastery of suspense.

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1951
6

Fear to Tread

Fear to Tread is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Hazelrigg Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1953
Publication Order of Inspector Mercer Books
2 books 1978–1980
1

The Body Of A Girl

The Body Of A Girl is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Inspector Mercer Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1978
2

Death of a Favourite Girl / The Killing of Katie Steelstock

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death of a Favourite Girl / The Killing of Katie Steelstock as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Inspector Mercer Books series showcases Michael Gilbert's mastery of suspense.

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1980
Publication Order of Patrick Petrella Books
4 books 1959–1994
1

Blood And Judgement

A gripping mystery unfolds in Blood And Judgement as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Patrick Petrella Books series showcases Michael Gilbert's mastery of suspense.

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1959
2

Petrella At Q

Petrella At Q is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Patrick Petrella Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1977
3

Young Petrella

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Patrick Petrella Books with Young Petrella, another outstanding contribution from Michael Gilbert.

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1988
4

Roller-Coaster

Roller-Coaster continues the Publication Order of Patrick Petrella Books story arc with Michael Gilbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
Publication Order of Luke Pagan Books
3 books 1995–1999
1

Ring Of Terror

Ring Of Terror is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Luke Pagan Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1995
2

Into Battle

Conflict and courage define Into Battle, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Luke Pagan Books series by Michael Gilbert that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1997
3

Over and Out

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Luke Pagan Books with Over and Out, another outstanding contribution from Michael Gilbert.

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1999
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
18 books 1952–1991
1

The Danger Within / Death in Captivity

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Danger Within / Death in Captivity as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Michael Gilbert's mastery of suspense.

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1952
2

Sky High / The Country-House Burglar

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Sky High / The Country-House Burglar, another outstanding contribution from Michael Gilbert.

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1955
3

Be Shot For Six Pence

Be Shot For Six Pence is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1956
4

After The Fine Weather

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with After The Fine Weather, another outstanding contribution from Michael Gilbert.

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1963
5

The Crack In The Teacup

The Crack In The Teacup is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1966
6

The Dust and the Heat / Overdrive

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Dust and the Heat / Overdrive, another outstanding contribution from Michael Gilbert.

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1967
7

The Etruscan Net / The Family Tomb

The Etruscan Net / The Family Tomb is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1969
8

The Ninety Second Tiger

The Ninety Second Tiger continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Michael Gilbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1973
9

Flashpoint

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

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1974
10

Night Of The Twelfth

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Night Of The Twelfth, another outstanding contribution from Michael Gilbert.

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1976
11

The Empty House

The Empty House is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1978
12

The Final Throw / End-Game

The Final Throw / End-Game is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1982
13

The Black Seraphim

The Black Seraphim is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1984
14

Inner Landscape

Inner Landscape is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1984
15

The Long Journey Home

The Long Journey Home is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1985
16

Trouble

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

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1987
17

Paint Gold And Blood

A gripping mystery unfolds in Paint Gold And Blood as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Michael Gilbert's mastery of suspense.

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1989
18

The Queen Against Karl Mullen

The Queen Against Karl Mullen is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1991
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
12 books 1967–2011
1

Game Without Rules

Game Without Rules is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1967
2

Stay Of Execution

Stay Of Execution continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Michael Gilbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1971
3

Amateur in Violence

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Amateur in Violence, another outstanding contribution from Michael Gilbert.

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1973
4

Mr Calder And Mr Behrens

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Mr Calder And Mr Behrens, another outstanding contribution from Michael Gilbert.

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1982
5

Anything For A Quiet Life and Other Mysteries

Anything For A Quiet Life and Other Mysteries continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Michael Gilbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1990
6

The Man Who Hated Banks

The Man Who Hated Banks continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Michael Gilbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1997
7

Pity About the Girl & Other Stories

Pity About the Girl & Other Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1998
8

The Mathematics of Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Mathematics of Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series showcases Michael Gilbert's mastery of suspense.

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2000
9

The Curious Conspiracy And Other Crimes

The investigation intensifies in The Curious Conspiracy And Other Crimes, as this installment of the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Michael Gilbert's creation.

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2002
10

Even Murderers Take Holidays

A gripping mystery unfolds in Even Murderers Take Holidays as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series showcases Michael Gilbert's mastery of suspense.

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2007
11

The Murder of Diana Devon and Other Mysteries

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Murder of Diana Devon and Other Mysteries as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series showcases Michael Gilbert's mastery of suspense.

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2011
12

The Man Who Could Not Sleep and Other Mysteries

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with The Man Who Could Not Sleep and Other Mysteries, another outstanding contribution from Michael Gilbert.

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2011
Publication Order of Plays
1 books 1963–1963
1

The Shot in Question

Epic adventure awaits in The Shot in Question, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Plays series that raises the stakes across the realm Michael Gilbert has built.

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1963
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
1 books 1986–1986
1

Fraudsters: Six Against the Law

Fraudsters: Six Against the Law is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1986
Publication Order of British Library Crime Classics Books
3 books 1950–1952
1

Smallbone Deceased

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of British Library Crime Classics Books with Smallbone Deceased, another outstanding contribution from Michael Gilbert.

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1950
2

Death Has Deep Roots

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death Has Deep Roots as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of British Library Crime Classics Books series showcases Michael Gilbert's mastery of suspense.

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1951
3

The Danger Within / Death in Captivity

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Danger Within / Death in Captivity as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of British Library Crime Classics Books series showcases Michael Gilbert's mastery of suspense.

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1952
Publication Order of Anthologies
11 books 1958–2003
1

Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine July 1958

Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine July 1958 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Michael Gilbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1958
2

John Creasey's Crime Collection, 1977

The investigation intensifies in John Creasey's Crime Collection, 1977, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Michael Gilbert's creation.

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1977
3

Verdict of Thirteen

Verdict of Thirteen continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Michael Gilbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1979
4

100 Malicious Little Mysteries

100 Malicious Little Mysteries continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Michael Gilbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1981
5

Handle with Care: Frightening Stories

Handle with Care: Frightening Stories continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Michael Gilbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1985
6

The Man Who...

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

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1992
7

Fifty Best Mysteries

Fifty Best Mysteries is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1993
8

100 Sneaky Little Sleuth Stories

100 Sneaky Little Sleuth Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1997
9

Law and Order

Law and Order continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Michael Gilbert's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1997
10

The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Michael Gilbert have come to expect.

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1999
11

Murder On The Railways

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder On The Railways as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Michael Gilbert's mastery of suspense.

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2003

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Michael Gilbert?

Michael Gilbert is a bestselling author known for 10 book series containing over 61 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Inspector Hazelrigg Books, Publication Order of Inspector Mercer Books, Publication Order of Patrick Petrella Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Michael Gilbert series to start with?

For readers new to Michael Gilbert's work, the Publication Order of Inspector Hazelrigg Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 6 books. Begin with Close Quarters to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Michael Gilbert written?

Michael Gilbert has written over 61 books across 10 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Michael Gilbert books in order?

Yes, reading Michael Gilbert'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 Michael Gilbert write in?

Michael Gilbert writes primarily in fiction. With 10 series across 61 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Michael Gilbert's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Michael Gilbert'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 Michael Gilbert's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Michael Gilbert's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Inspector Hazelrigg Books series. The first book, Close Quarters, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.