🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Richard Matheson
Author Richard Burton Matheson was born in Allendale, New Jersey on February 20, 1926. His parents were Norwegian immigrants (who were named Bertolf and Fanny) and they divorced when Richard was only eight years old. He was later raised, by his mom, in Brooklyn, New York. Some of his early influences included Kenneth Roberts’ novels, the film “Dracula”, and a poem that was in The Brooklyn Eagle. When he was only eight, he would get his first story published in this publication. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and served as part of the United States Army during World War II in Europe. This experience would later form the basis of “The Beardless Warriors”. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Richard Matheson 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 Matheson
Someone is Bleeding
Someone is Bleeding continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Fury on Sunday
Fury on Sunday is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Woman / Third from the Sun / Born of Man
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Woman / Third from the Sun / Born of Man, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
I Am Legend / The Omega Man
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with I Am Legend / The Omega Man, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
The Incredible Shrinking Man / The Shrinking Man
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Incredible Shrinking Man / The Shrinking Man, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
A Stir of Echoes
A Stir of Echoes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Ride the Nightmare
Ride the Nightmare is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
The Beardless Warriors of World War II
Conflict and courage define The Beardless Warriors of World War II, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Richard Matheson that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
Comedy of Terrors
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Comedy of Terrors, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Hell House
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Hell House, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
The Night Stalker
The Night Stalker continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Night Strangler
The Night Strangler is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Somewhere In Time / Bid Time Return
Somewhere In Time / Bid Time Return continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
What Dreams May Come
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with What Dreams May Come, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Earthbound
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Earthbound, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Journal of the Gun Years
Journal of the Gun Years continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Gun Fight
Conflict and courage define The Gun Fight, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Richard Matheson that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
7 Steps to Midnight
7 Steps to Midnight is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Shadow on the Sun
Shadow on the Sun continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Now You See It...
Now You See It... is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
The Memoirs of Wild Bill Hickok
The Memoirs of Wild Bill Hickok is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Passion Play
Passion Play continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Hunger and Thirst
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Hunger and Thirst, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Camp Pleasant
Camp Pleasant is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Hunted Past Reason
Hunted Past Reason is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Come Fygures, Come Shadowes
Come Fygures, Come Shadowes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
The Link
The Link is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Other Kingdoms
Epic adventure awaits in Other Kingdoms, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that raises the stakes across the realm Richard Matheson has built.
Generations
Generations is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Leave Yesterday Alone
Leave Yesterday Alone continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Through Channels
Through Channels continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Long Distance Call
Long Distance Call is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Dress of White Silk
Dress of White Silk continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Witch War
Magic takes center stage in Witch War, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series that expands the enchanting world created by Richard Matheson.
Blood Son / Drink My Blood / Drink My Red Blood
A gripping mystery unfolds in Blood Son / Drink My Blood / Drink My Red Blood as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series showcases Richard Matheson's mastery of suspense.
Slaughter House
Slaughter House continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Wet Straw
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Wet Straw, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Disappearing Act
Disappearing Act is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Legion of Plotters
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Legion of Plotters, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Mad House
Mad House continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Dance of the Dead
A gripping mystery unfolds in Dance of the Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series showcases Richard Matheson's mastery of suspense.
Old Haunts
Old Haunts continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Children of Noah
The Children of Noah is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
The Holiday Man
The Holiday Man is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
The Distributor
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Distributor, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
First Anniversary
First Anniversary continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Likeness of Julie
The Likeness of Julie continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Born Of Man And Woman
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Born Of Man And Woman, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Third From The Sun: Tales Of Science Fiction And Fantasy
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Third From The Sun: Tales Of Science Fiction And Fantasy, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
The Shores Of Space
The Shores Of Space continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Nightmare At 20,000 Feet
Nightmare At 20,000 Feet continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Shock!: Thirteen Tales To Thrill And Terrify
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Shock!: Thirteen Tales To Thrill And Terrify, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Shock Ii: Thirteen Tales To Haunt The Imagination
Shock Ii: Thirteen Tales To Haunt The Imagination is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Shock Iii
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Shock Iii, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Shock Waves
Shock Waves continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Duel
Duel continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Collected Stories, Vol. 1
Collected Stories, Vol. 1 continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
By The Gun
By The Gun is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
The Twilight Zone Scripts
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with The Twilight Zone Scripts, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Kolchak Scripts
Kolchak Scripts continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Darker Places
Darker Places is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Collected Stories, Vol. 2
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Collected Stories, Vol. 2, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Collected Stories, Vol. 3
Collected Stories, Vol. 3 continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Unrealized Dreams
Unrealized Dreams continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Bloodlines
A gripping mystery unfolds in Bloodlines as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series showcases Richard Matheson's mastery of suspense.
Button, Button: Uncanny Stories
Button, Button: Uncanny Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Visions Of Death: Richard Matheson's Edgar Allan Poe Scripts, Vol. 1
A gripping mystery unfolds in Visions Of Death: Richard Matheson's Edgar Allan Poe Scripts, Vol. 1 as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series showcases Richard Matheson's mastery of suspense.
The Box
The Box is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Visions Deferred
Visions Deferred continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Richard Matheson Uncollected: Backteria And Other Improbable Tales
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Richard Matheson Uncollected: Backteria And Other Improbable Tales, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Steel And Other Stories
Steel And Other Stories continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Best Of Richard Matheson
The Best Of Richard Matheson continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Off Beat: Uncollected Stories
Off Beat: Uncollected Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Completely Doomed
Completely Doomed continues the Publication Order of Graphic Novels story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Path
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Path, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Mediums Rare
Mediums Rare continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
A Primer of Reality
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with A Primer of Reality, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
The Richard Matheson Companion
The Richard Matheson Companion is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Volume I: The Color of Evil
Volume I: The Color of Evil continues the Publication Order of The Dark Descent Books story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Volume II: The Medusa In The Shield
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Dark Descent Books with Volume II: The Medusa In The Shield, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Volume III:A Fabulous, Formless Darkness
Volume III:A Fabulous, Formless Darkness is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Dark Descent Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Star Science Fiction Stories No. 3 - F-675
Star Science Fiction Stories No. 3 - F-675 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Star Science Fiction Stories 3
Star Science Fiction Stories 3 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Best of Science Fiction: No. 10
Best of Science Fiction: No. 10 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
If This Goes On
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with If This Goes On, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Fantastic Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazine, January 1967
Fantastic Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazine, January 1967 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Space Suits & Gumshoes
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Space Suits & Gumshoes, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Star Science Fiction Stories No. 5
Star Science Fiction Stories No. 5 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Devil's Generation
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Devil's Generation, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Great Black Magic Stories
Magic takes center stage in Great Black Magic Stories, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Anthologies series that expands the enchanting world created by Richard Matheson.
Rod Serling's Other Worlds
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Rod Serling's Other Worlds, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
65 Great Spine Chillers
65 Great Spine Chillers continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Laughing Space: An Anthology of Science Fiction Humor
Laughing Space: An Anthology of Science Fiction Humor is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Great Tales of Fantasy and Science Fiction
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Great Tales of Fantasy and Science Fiction, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Rod Serling's Night Gallery Reader
Rod Serling's Night Gallery Reader is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
The Monster Book of Monsters
The Monster Book of Monsters is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
The Best Horror Stories from the Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction
The Best Horror Stories from the Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
Hot Blood Tales of Erotic Horror
A gripping mystery unfolds in Hot Blood Tales of Erotic Horror as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Richard Matheson's mastery of suspense.
The Year's Best Fantasy: Second Annual Collection
The Year's Best Fantasy: Second Annual Collection continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Volume II: The Medusa In The Shield
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Volume II: The Medusa In The Shield, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
An Exploration of Horror: Foundations of Fear
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with An Exploration of Horror: Foundations of Fear, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Foundations of Fear: Volume III: Visions of Fear
Foundations of Fear: Volume III: Visions of Fear continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Robert Bloch: Appreciations of the Master
Robert Bloch: Appreciations of the Master is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
American Pulp
American Pulp continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Young Oxford Book of Nasty Endings
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Young Oxford Book of Nasty Endings, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Taps and Sighs
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Taps and Sighs, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
Stranger: Dark Tales of Eerie Encounters
Stranger: Dark Tales of Eerie Encounters continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Kiss the Whip
Kiss the Whip explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Richard Matheson.
Masques V
Masques V is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard Matheson have come to expect.
The Best of Cemetery Dance II
The Best of Cemetery Dance II continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Dead That Walk
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Dead That Walk as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Richard Matheson's mastery of suspense.
Haunts: Reliquaries of the Dead
A gripping mystery unfolds in Haunts: Reliquaries of the Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Richard Matheson's mastery of suspense.
The Mammoth Book of Body Horror
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Mammoth Book of Body Horror, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
The Time Traveler's Almanac
The Time Traveler's Almanac continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard Matheson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Flight or Fright
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Flight or Fright, another outstanding contribution from Richard Matheson.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Richard Matheson?
Richard Matheson is a bestselling author known for 7 book series containing over 115 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas, Publication Order of Short Story Collections. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Richard Matheson series to start with?
For readers new to Richard Matheson's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 30 books. Begin with Someone is Bleeding to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Richard Matheson written?
Richard Matheson has written over 115 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 Matheson books in order?
Yes, reading Richard Matheson'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 Matheson write in?
Richard Matheson writes primarily in fiction. With 7 series across 115 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Richard Matheson's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Richard Matheson'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 Matheson's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Richard Matheson's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, Someone is Bleeding, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.