R

Robert Barnard

Bestselling Author • 10 Series • 76 Books

10
Series
76
Books
10
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Death of an Old Goat (1974)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Charlie Peace Books
Start with: Death and the Chaste Apprentice (1989)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Idwal Meredith Books
Start with: Unruly Son / Death of a Mystery Writer (1979)

About Robert Barnard

Robert Barnard was one of the UK’s most famous crime writers, intellectuals, political activist and literature critics. He is most well-known for his mystery novels, Charlie Peace series and Perry Trethowan novels. He also wrote under an alter ego, “Bernand Bastable” – producing four works under this name, one of which featured Mozart as a detective. Life and background Barnard was born in in the English county of Essex, in 1936, and he attended the prestigious Colchester Royal Grammar school. His father had been a romance writer, with published work in many women’s magazines. After this he went to Oxford, where he studied for an English degree. He was involved in politics after leaving university, and worked for a liberal organisation, The Fabian Society. In 1961 he moved to Australia. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Robert Barnard 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 Robert Barnard

Publication Order of Amadeus Mozart Books
2 books 1994–1995
1

Dead, Mr. Mozart

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead, Mr. Mozart as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Amadeus Mozart Books series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1994
2

Too Many Notes, Mr. Mozart

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Amadeus Mozart Books with Too Many Notes, Mr. Mozart, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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1995
Publication Order of Charlie Peace Books
11 books 1989–2012
1

Death and the Chaste Apprentice

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death and the Chaste Apprentice as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Charlie Peace Books series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1989
2

A Fatal Attachment

A Fatal Attachment is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Charlie Peace Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Barnard have come to expect.

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1992
3

A Hovering of Vultures

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Charlie Peace Books with A Hovering of Vultures, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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1993
4

The Bad Samaritan

The Bad Samaritan is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Charlie Peace Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Barnard have come to expect.

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1995
5

No Place of Safety

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Charlie Peace Books with No Place of Safety, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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1997
6

The Corpse at the Haworth Tandoori

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Corpse at the Haworth Tandoori as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Charlie Peace Books series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1998
7

Unholy Dying / Turbulent Priest

Unholy Dying / Turbulent Priest is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Charlie Peace Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Barnard have come to expect.

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2001
8

The Bones in the Attic

The Bones in the Attic continues the Publication Order of Charlie Peace Books story arc with Robert Barnard's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2002
9

A Fall from Grace

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Charlie Peace Books with A Fall from Grace, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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2007
10

The Killings on Jubilee Terrace

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Killings on Jubilee Terrace as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Charlie Peace Books series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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2009
11

A Charitable Body

A Charitable Body is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Charlie Peace Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Barnard have come to expect.

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2012
Publication Order of Idwal Meredith Books
2 books 1979–1988
1

Unruly Son / Death of a Mystery Writer

A gripping mystery unfolds in Unruly Son / Death of a Mystery Writer as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Idwal Meredith Books series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1979
2

At Death's Door

A gripping mystery unfolds in At Death's Door as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Idwal Meredith Books series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1988
Publication Order of John Sutcliffe Books
2 books 1986–1991
1

Political Suicide

Political Suicide continues the Publication Order of John Sutcliffe Books story arc with Robert Barnard's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1986
2

A Scandal in Belgravia

A Scandal in Belgravia continues the Publication Order of John Sutcliffe Books story arc with Robert Barnard's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1991
Publication Order of Perry Trethowan Books
5 books 1981–1987
1

Death by Sheer Torture / Sheer Torture

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death by Sheer Torture / Sheer Torture as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Perry Trethowan Books series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1981
2

Death and the Princess

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death and the Princess as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Perry Trethowan Books series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1982
3

The Case of the Missing Brontë / The Missing Brontë

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Perry Trethowan Books with The Case of the Missing Brontë / The Missing Brontë, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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1983
4

Bodies

Bodies is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Perry Trethowan Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Barnard have come to expect.

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1986
5

Death In Purple Prose / The Cherry Blossom Corpse

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death In Purple Prose / The Cherry Blossom Corpse as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Perry Trethowan Books series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1987
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
23 books 1974–2010
1

Death of an Old Goat

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death of an Old Goat as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1974
2

A Little Local Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Little Local Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1976
3

Death on the High C's

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death on the High C's as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1977
4

Blood Brotherhood

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

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1977
5

Posthumous Papers / Death of a Literary Widow

A gripping mystery unfolds in Posthumous Papers / Death of a Literary Widow as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1979
6

Death in a Cold Climate

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death in a Cold Climate as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1981
7

Death of a Perfect Mother / Mother's Boys

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death of a Perfect Mother / Mother's Boys as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1981
8

School for Murder / Little Victims

A gripping mystery unfolds in School for Murder / Little Victims as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1983
9

A Corpse in a Gilded Cage

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Corpse in a Gilded Cage as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1984
10

Fete Fatale / The Disposal of the Living

Fete Fatale / The Disposal of the Living is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Barnard have come to expect.

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1985
11

Out of the Blackout

Out of the Blackout continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Robert Barnard's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1985
12

The Skeleton in the Grass

The Skeleton in the Grass is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Barnard have come to expect.

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1988
13

A City of Strangers

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with A City of Strangers, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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1990
14

To Die Like a Gentleman

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with To Die Like a Gentleman, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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1993
15

The Masters of the House

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

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1994
16

A Mansion and Its Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Mansion and Its Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1998
17

A Murder in Mayfair / Touched by the Dead

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Murder in Mayfair / Touched by the Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1999
18

The Mistress of Alderley

The Mistress of Alderley continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Robert Barnard's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
19

A Cry from the Dark

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with A Cry from the Dark, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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2003
20

Dying Flames

Dying Flames is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Barnard have come to expect.

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2005
21

The Graveyard Position

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Graveyard Position, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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2005
22

Last Post

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Last Post, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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2007
23

A Stranger in the Family

A Stranger in the Family continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Robert Barnard's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
10 books 1987–2006
1

Breakfast Television

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Breakfast Television, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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1987
2

The Woman in the Wardrobe

Conflict and courage define The Woman in the Wardrobe, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series by Robert Barnard that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1987
3

More Final Than Divorce

More Final Than Divorce is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Barnard have come to expect.

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1988
4

The Habit of Widowhood

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Habit of Widowhood, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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1991
5

The Gentleman in the Lake

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Gentleman in the Lake, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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1994
6

Nothing to Lose

Nothing to Lose is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Barnard have come to expect.

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2000
7

Dognapped

Dognapped continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Robert Barnard's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2002
8

Everybody’s Girl

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Everybody’s Girl, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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2005
9

The Old Couple

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Old Couple, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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2006
10

Provenance

Provenance continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Robert Barnard's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2006
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
3 books 1989–2011
1

Death of a Salesperson and Other Untimely Exits

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death of a Salesperson and Other Untimely Exits as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1989
2

The Habit of Widowhood and Other Murderous Proclivities

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Habit of Widowhood and Other Murderous Proclivities as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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1996
3

Rogue's Gallery

Rogue's Gallery is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Barnard have come to expect.

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2011
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
6 books 1974–2016
1

Imagery and Theme in the Novels of Dickens

Imagery and Theme in the Novels of Dickens continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Robert Barnard's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1974
2

A Talent to Deceive: Appreciation of Agatha Christie

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with A Talent to Deceive: Appreciation of Agatha Christie, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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1980
3

A Short History of English Literature

A Short History of English Literature continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Robert Barnard's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1984
4

Emily Brontë

Emily Brontë is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Barnard have come to expect.

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2000
5

The Leisure Hour Improved: Or Moral Miscellanies in Prose and Verse, Original and Selected

The Leisure Hour Improved: Or Moral Miscellanies in Prose and Verse, Original and Selected continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Robert Barnard's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
6

A Wreath from the Wilderness, a Selection from the Metrical Arrangements of Accola Montis-Am Ni

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with A Wreath from the Wilderness, a Selection from the Metrical Arrangements of Accola Montis-Am Ni, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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2016
Publication Order of Anthologies
12 books 1991–2011
1

A Suit of Diamonds

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with A Suit of Diamonds, another outstanding contribution from Robert Barnard.

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1991
2

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 Robert Barnard have come to expect.

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1993
3

2nd Culprit

2nd Culprit continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Robert Barnard's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1993
4

Criminal Records

Criminal Records is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Barnard have come to expect.

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2000
5

Malice Domestic 9

Malice Domestic 9 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Robert Barnard's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
6

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 Robert Barnard's creation.

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2000
7

The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 3

The investigation intensifies in The World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories 3, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Robert Barnard's creation.

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2002
8

Much Ado About Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in Much Ado About Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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2002
9

Thou Shalt Not Kill

A gripping mystery unfolds in Thou Shalt Not Kill as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Robert Barnard's mastery of suspense.

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2005
10

The Detection Collection

The Detection Collection is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Barnard have come to expect.

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2005
11

The Mammoth Book of Best British Crime 7

The investigation intensifies in The Mammoth Book of Best British Crime 7, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Robert Barnard's creation.

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2010
12

The Mammoth Book of Best British Crime 8

The investigation intensifies in The Mammoth Book of Best British Crime 8, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Robert Barnard's creation.

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2011

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Robert Barnard?

Robert Barnard is a bestselling author known for 10 book series containing over 76 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Amadeus Mozart Books, Publication Order of Charlie Peace Books, Publication Order of Idwal Meredith Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Robert Barnard series to start with?

For readers new to Robert Barnard's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 23 books. Begin with Death of an Old Goat to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Robert Barnard written?

Robert Barnard has written over 76 books across 10 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Robert Barnard books in order?

Yes, reading Robert Barnard'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 Robert Barnard write in?

Robert Barnard writes primarily in fiction. With 10 series across 76 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Robert Barnard's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Robert Barnard'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 Robert Barnard's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Robert Barnard's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, Death of an Old Goat, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.