R

Richard Laymon

Bestselling Author • 7 Series • 93 Books

7
Series
93
Books
7
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: The Woods Are Dark (1981)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: Shootout at Joe's (1984)

About Richard Laymon

Richard Laymon was one of the most reputed authors from America, who was well known for writing his books based on the suspense and horror genres. He was also known to write the novels based on the sub-genre of splatter punk. The writings of author Laymon were full of sex and violence, and were believed to be not suitable for readers with weak heart. In spite of being an American, Laymon’s books sold very well in most parts of the United Kingdom. In addition to writing solo, Laymon also collaborated with a few other prominent authors of his time in writing historical fiction books. He used to make use of the collective pen name of Lee Davis Willoughby for writing such books. Author Laymon began his writing career in the year 1980 with the release of his debut book titled The Cellar. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Richard Laymon 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 Richard Laymon

Publication Order of Beast House Chronicles Books
4 books 1980–2001
1

The Cellar

The Cellar continues the Publication Order of Beast House Chronicles Books story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1980
2

The Beast House

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Beast House Chronicles Books with The Beast House, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1984
3

The Midnight Tour

The Midnight Tour is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Beast House Chronicles Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1998
4

Friday Night in Beast House

Friday Night in Beast House is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Beast House Chronicles Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2001
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
35 books 1981–2005
1

The Woods Are Dark

The Woods Are Dark is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1981
2

Out Are the Lights

Out Are the Lights is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1982
3

Night Show

Night Show continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1984
4

Dawson's City

Dawson's City is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1984
5

Beware

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

Buy on Amazon
1985
6

Allhallow's Eve

Allhallow's Eve is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1985
7

Night Creature

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Night Creature, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1986
8

Thin Air

Thin Air is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1987
9

Flesh

Flesh continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1987
10

Resurrection Dreams

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Resurrection Dreams, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1988
11

Funland

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Funland, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1989
12

The Stake

The Stake continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1990
13

One Rainy Night

One Rainy Night continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1990
14

Darkness, Tell Us

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Darkness, Tell Us, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1991
15

Island

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Island, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1991
16

Blood Games

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

Buy on Amazon
1992
17

Alarums

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Alarums, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1992
18

Savage

Savage continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1993
19

Endless Night

Endless Night continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1993
20

In the Dark

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

Buy on Amazon
1994
21

Quake

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Quake, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1995
22

Body Rides

Body Rides continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1996
23

Bite

Bite continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1996
24

After Midnight

After Midnight is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1998
25

The Wilds

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

Buy on Amazon
1998
26

Cuts

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

Buy on Amazon
1999
27

Among the Missing

Among the Missing is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1999
28

Come Out Tonight

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Come Out Tonight, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1999
29

The Traveling Vampire Show

The Traveling Vampire Show is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2000
30

Once Upon a Halloween

Once Upon a Halloween continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2000
31

No Sanctuary

No Sanctuary is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2001
32

Night in the Lonesome October

Night in the Lonesome October continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2001
33

Amara / To Wake The Dead

A gripping mystery unfolds in Amara / To Wake The Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Richard Laymon's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
2003
34

The Lake

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

Buy on Amazon
2004
35

The Glory Bus / Into the Fire

The Glory Bus / Into the Fire continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2005
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
17 books 1984–2001
1

Shootout at Joe's

Shootout at Joe's continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1984
2

Cardiac Arrest

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Cardiac Arrest, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1984
3

Intruder

Intruder continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1984
4

Caller

Caller continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1985
5

Night Ride

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Night Ride, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1985
6

Night Games

Night Games continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1985
7

Guts

Guts is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1985
8

The Cobra

The Cobra continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1985
9

Last Hand

Last Hand is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1985
10

The Hearse

The Hearse is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1985
11

Lonely One

Lonely One is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1985
12

Live Bait

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Live Bait, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1985
13

Marathon

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Marathon, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1985
14

The Return

The Return continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1986
15

Beginner's Luck

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Beginner's Luck, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1986
16

Halloween Hunt

Halloween Hunt is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1986
17

The Halloween Mouse

The Halloween Mouse is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2001
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
6 books 1992–2014
1

A Good, Secret Place

A Good, Secret Place is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1992
2

Fiends

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Fiends, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1997
3

A Writer's Tale

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with A Writer's Tale, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1998
4

Dreadful Tales

Dreadful Tales continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2000
5

Madman Stan and Other Stories

Madman Stan and Other Stories continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2004
6

Short Stories: The Mystery and Men’s Magazines

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Short Stories: The Mystery and Men’s Magazines, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
2014
Publication Order of Making Of The Cities Books
3 books 1990–1992
1

Cincinnati

Cincinnati continues the Publication Order of Making Of The Cities Books story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1990
2

Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge continues the Publication Order of Making Of The Cities Books story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1990
3

Omaha

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Making Of The Cities Books with Omaha, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1992
Publication Order of Women Who Won The West Books
8 books 1982–1982
1

Tempest of Tombstone

Tempest of Tombstone is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Women Who Won The West Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1982
2

Dodge City Darling

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Women Who Won The West Books with Dodge City Darling, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1982
3

Duchess of Denver

Duchess of Denver is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Women Who Won The West Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1982
4

Lost Lady of Laramie

Lost Lady of Laramie is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Women Who Won The West Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1982
5

Flame of Virginia City

Flame of Virginia City is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Women Who Won The West Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1982
6

Angel of Hangtown

Angel of Hangtown is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Women Who Won The West Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1982
7

Belle of Fort Smith

Belle of Fort Smith continues the Publication Order of Women Who Won The West Books story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1982
8

Princess of Powder River

Princess of Powder River continues the Publication Order of Women Who Won The West Books story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1982
Publication Order of Anthologies
20 books 1983–2008
1

The Year's Best Horror Stories: Series XI

The Year's Best Horror Stories: Series XI continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1983
2

Night Visions 7

Night Visions 7 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1989
3

Book of the Dead

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

Buy on Amazon
1989
4

Triage

Triage is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1990
5

Best New Horror

Best New Horror is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1990
6

Hotter Blood: More Tales of Erotic Horror

A gripping mystery unfolds in Hotter Blood: More Tales of Erotic Horror as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Richard Laymon's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1991
7

The Giant Book of Best New Horror

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Giant Book of Best New Horror, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1993
8

100 Hair-Raising Little Horror Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with 100 Hair-Raising Little Horror Stories, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1993
9

Ten Tales

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Ten Tales, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
1994
10

Vampire Detectives

The investigation intensifies in Vampire Detectives, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Richard Laymon's creation.

Buy on Amazon
1995
11

Grave Tales

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Grave Tales, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
2000
12

Bad News

Bad News is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Laymon have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2000
13

Skull Full of Spurs

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Skull Full of Spurs, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
2000
14

October Dreams

October Dreams continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2000
15

The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 2

The investigation intensifies in The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 2, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Richard Laymon's creation.

Buy on Amazon
2000
16

The Children of Cthulhu

The Children of Cthulhu continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2003
17

Dark Delicacies

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Dark Delicacies, another outstanding contribution from Richard Laymon.

Buy on Amazon
2005
18

Cemetery Dance: Issue 52

Cemetery Dance: Issue 52 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2005
19

Mondo Zombie

Mondo Zombie continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2006
20

In Laymon's Terms

In Laymon's Terms continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard Laymon's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2008

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Richard Laymon?

Richard Laymon is a bestselling author known for 7 book series containing over 93 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Beast House Chronicles Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Richard Laymon series to start with?

For readers new to Richard Laymon's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 35 books. Begin with The Woods Are Dark to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Richard Laymon written?

Richard Laymon has written over 93 books across 7 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Richard Laymon books in order?

Yes, reading Richard Laymon'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 Richard Laymon write in?

Richard Laymon writes primarily in fiction. With 7 series across 93 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Richard Laymon's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Richard Laymon'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 Richard Laymon's most popular book?

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