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Richard S Prather

Bestselling Author • 5 Series • 46 Books

5
Series
46
Books
5
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Shell Scott Books
Start with: The Case of the Vanishing Beauty (1950)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Shell Scott Collections
Start with: Hot Rock Rumble & The Double Take (1994)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Lie Down, Killer (1952)

About Richard S Prather

Richard S Prather was an American novelist born in 1921. The author, who was best known for creating Shell Scott, died in 2007 from respiratory complications. +Biography Richard S Prather was born in Santa Ana in California. Before heading into the army, Richard attended Riverside Community College. Back then, it was called Riverside Junior College. Between the years of 1942 and 1945, Richard was in the U.S Merchant Marine. With World War II finally winding down, Richard decided to marry Tina Hager. The author did not completely cast the army aside, though, even with the end of the war. Even as a civilian Richard continued to operate within the vicinity of the military. He worked at March Air Force Base in Riverside as the Chief Clerk of Surplus Property. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series, Richard S Prather 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 S Prather

Publication Order of Shell Scott Books
40 books 1950–2011
1

The Case of the Vanishing Beauty

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shell Scott Books with The Case of the Vanishing Beauty, another outstanding contribution from Richard S Prather.

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1950
2

Bodies in Bedlam

Bodies in Bedlam is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard S Prather have come to expect.

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1951
3

Everybody Had a Gun

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shell Scott Books with Everybody Had a Gun, another outstanding contribution from Richard S Prather.

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1951
4

Find This Woman

Find This Woman is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard S Prather have come to expect.

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1951
5

Dagger of Flesh

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shell Scott Books with Dagger of Flesh, another outstanding contribution from Richard S Prather.

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1952
6

Darling, It's Death

A gripping mystery unfolds in Darling, It's Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series showcases Richard S Prather's mastery of suspense.

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1952
7

Way of a Wanton

Way of a Wanton continues the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books story arc with Richard S Prather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1952
8

Pattern for Murder / The Scrambled Yeggs

A gripping mystery unfolds in Pattern for Murder / The Scrambled Yeggs as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series showcases Richard S Prather's mastery of suspense.

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1952
9

Always Leave 'em Dying

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shell Scott Books with Always Leave 'em Dying, another outstanding contribution from Richard S Prather.

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1953
10

Ride a High Horse / Too Many Crooks

Ride a High Horse / Too Many Crooks continues the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books story arc with Richard S Prather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1953
11

Pattern for Panic

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shell Scott Books with Pattern for Panic, another outstanding contribution from Richard S Prather.

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1954
12

Strip for Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in Strip for Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series showcases Richard S Prather's mastery of suspense.

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1956
13

The Wailing Frail

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shell Scott Books with The Wailing Frail, another outstanding contribution from Richard S Prather.

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1956
14

Have Gat - Will Travel

Have Gat - Will Travel continues the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books story arc with Richard S Prather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1957
15

Three's a Shroud

Three's a Shroud is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard S Prather have come to expect.

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1957
16

Slab Happy

Slab Happy is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard S Prather have come to expect.

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1958
17

Take a Murder, Darling

A gripping mystery unfolds in Take a Murder, Darling as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series showcases Richard S Prather's mastery of suspense.

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1958
18

Over Her Dear Body

Over Her Dear Body is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard S Prather have come to expect.

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1959
19

Dance with the Dead

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dance with the Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series showcases Richard S Prather's mastery of suspense.

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1960
20

Dig That Crazy Grave

Dig That Crazy Grave continues the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books story arc with Richard S Prather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1961
21

Shell Scott's Seven Slaughters

Shell Scott's Seven Slaughters continues the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books story arc with Richard S Prather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1961
22

Kill the Clown

A gripping mystery unfolds in Kill the Clown as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series showcases Richard S Prather's mastery of suspense.

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1962
23

Dead Heat

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Heat as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series showcases Richard S Prather's mastery of suspense.

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1963
24

Joker in the Deck

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shell Scott Books with Joker in the Deck, another outstanding contribution from Richard S Prather.

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1964
25

The Cockeyed Corpse

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Cockeyed Corpse as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series showcases Richard S Prather's mastery of suspense.

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1964
26

The Trojan Hearse

The Trojan Hearse continues the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books story arc with Richard S Prather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1964
27

Dead Man's Walk

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Man's Walk as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series showcases Richard S Prather's mastery of suspense.

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1965
28

Kill Him Twice

A gripping mystery unfolds in Kill Him Twice as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series showcases Richard S Prather's mastery of suspense.

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1965
29

The Meandering Corpse

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Meandering Corpse as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series showcases Richard S Prather's mastery of suspense.

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1965
30

The Kubla Khan Caper

The Kubla Khan Caper continues the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books story arc with Richard S Prather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1966
31

Gat Heat

Gat Heat continues the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books story arc with Richard S Prather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1967
32

The Cheim Manuscript

The Cheim Manuscript is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard S Prather have come to expect.

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1969
33

Kill Me Tomorrow

A gripping mystery unfolds in Kill Me Tomorrow as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series showcases Richard S Prather's mastery of suspense.

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1969
34

The Shell Scott Sampler

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shell Scott Books with The Shell Scott Sampler, another outstanding contribution from Richard S Prather.

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1969
35

Dead-Bang

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead-Bang as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series showcases Richard S Prather's mastery of suspense.

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1971
36

The Sweet Ride

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shell Scott Books with The Sweet Ride, another outstanding contribution from Richard S Prather.

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1972
37

The Sure Thing

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shell Scott Books with The Sure Thing, another outstanding contribution from Richard S Prather.

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1975
38

The Amber Effect

The Amber Effect is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard S Prather have come to expect.

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1986
39

Shellshock

Shellshock continues the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books story arc with Richard S Prather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1987
40

The Death Gods

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Death Gods as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series showcases Richard S Prather's mastery of suspense.

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2011
Publication Order of Shell Scott Collections
1 books 1994–1994
1

Hot Rock Rumble & The Double Take

Hot Rock Rumble & The Double Take is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Shell Scott Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Richard S Prather have come to expect.

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1994
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
2 books 1952–1956
1

Lie Down, Killer

A gripping mystery unfolds in Lie Down, Killer as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Richard S Prather's mastery of suspense.

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1952
2

Dragnet: Case No.561

Dragnet: Case No.561 continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Richard S Prather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1956
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
1 books 2009–2009
1

The Sleeper Caper

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Sleeper Caper, another outstanding contribution from Richard S Prather.

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2009
Publication Order of Anthologies
2 books 1960–2010
1

The Comfortable Coffin

The Comfortable Coffin continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard S Prather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1960
2

Masters of Noir, Volume One

Masters of Noir, Volume One continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Richard S Prather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Richard S Prather?

Richard S Prather is a bestselling author known for 5 book series containing over 46 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Shell Scott Books, Publication Order of Shell Scott Collections, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Richard S Prather series to start with?

For readers new to Richard S Prather's work, the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 40 books. Begin with The Case of the Vanishing Beauty to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Richard S Prather written?

Richard S Prather has written over 46 books across 5 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Richard S Prather books in order?

Yes, reading Richard S Prather'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 S Prather write in?

Richard S Prather writes primarily in fiction. With 5 series across 46 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

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

Most of Richard S Prather'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 S Prather's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Richard S Prather's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Shell Scott Books series. The first book, The Case of the Vanishing Beauty, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.