R

Ross Thomas

Bestselling Author • 5 Series • 26 Books

5
Series
26
Books
5
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Arthur Case Wu Books
Start with: Chinaman's Chance (1978)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Mac McCorkle Books
Start with: The Cold War Swap (1966)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Philip St. Ives Books
Start with: The Brass Go-Between (1969)

About Ross Thomas

Ross Thomas is an American author of crime fiction and mystery and thriller novels. He was born in Oklahoma City in the U.S. on February 19, 1926. He has commonly used the pen name Oliver Bleeck to write several novels. He is known for writing intelligent and gripping thrillers that go on to expose mechanisms of professional politics. Ross Thomas served in the Philippines serving in the infantry when the second world war was going on. He had a great many professions before he became a writer, working as a foreign correspondent reporter, a public relations specialist, a union spokesman, as well as a political strategist in Germany, the United States, and Nigeria. Ross Thomas began writing novels in 1965. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Arthur Case Wu Books series, Ross Thomas 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 Ross Thomas

Publication Order of Arthur Case Wu Books
3 books 1978–1992
1

Chinaman's Chance

Chinaman's Chance continues the Publication Order of Arthur Case Wu Books story arc with Ross Thomas's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1978
2

Out on the Rim

Out on the Rim is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Arthur Case Wu Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ross Thomas have come to expect.

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1987
3

Voodoo, Ltd.

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Arthur Case Wu Books with Voodoo, Ltd., another outstanding contribution from Ross Thomas.

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1992
Publication Order of Mac McCorkle Books
4 books 1966–1990
1

The Cold War Swap

Conflict and courage define The Cold War Swap, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Mac McCorkle Books series by Ross Thomas that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1966
2

Cast a Yellow Shadow

Cast a Yellow Shadow continues the Publication Order of Mac McCorkle Books story arc with Ross Thomas's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1967
3

The Backup Men

The Backup Men continues the Publication Order of Mac McCorkle Books story arc with Ross Thomas's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1971
4

Twilight at Mac's Place

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Mac McCorkle Books with Twilight at Mac's Place, another outstanding contribution from Ross Thomas.

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1990
Publication Order of Philip St. Ives Books
5 books 1969–1976
1

The Brass Go-Between

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Philip St. Ives Books with The Brass Go-Between, another outstanding contribution from Ross Thomas.

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1969
2

The Procane Chronicle / The Thief Who Painted Sunlight

The Procane Chronicle / The Thief Who Painted Sunlight continues the Publication Order of Philip St. Ives Books story arc with Ross Thomas's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1971
3

Protocol for a Kidnapping

Protocol for a Kidnapping continues the Publication Order of Philip St. Ives Books story arc with Ross Thomas's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1971
4

The Highbinders

The Highbinders continues the Publication Order of Philip St. Ives Books story arc with Ross Thomas's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1973
5

No Questions Asked

Epic adventure awaits in No Questions Asked, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Philip St. Ives Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Ross Thomas has built.

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1976
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
13 books 1967–1994
1

The Seersucker Whipsaw

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Seersucker Whipsaw, another outstanding contribution from Ross Thomas.

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1967
2

The Singapore Wink

The Singapore Wink continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ross Thomas's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1969
3

The Fools in Town Are On Our Side

The Fools in Town Are On Our Side is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ross Thomas have come to expect.

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1970
4

The Porkchoppers

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

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1972
5

If You Can't Be Good

If You Can't Be Good is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ross Thomas have come to expect.

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1973
6

Yellow-Dog Contract

Yellow-Dog Contract continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ross Thomas's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1976
7

The Eighth Dwarf

Conflict and courage define The Eighth Dwarf, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Ross Thomas that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1979
8

The Mordida Man

The Mordida Man is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ross Thomas have come to expect.

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1981
9

Missionary Stew

Missionary Stew is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ross Thomas have come to expect.

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1983
10

Briarpatch

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Briarpatch, another outstanding contribution from Ross Thomas.

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1984
11

The Fourth Durango

The Fourth Durango continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ross Thomas's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
12

The Money Harvest

The Money Harvest is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ross Thomas have come to expect.

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1993
13

Ah, Treachery!

Ah, Treachery! continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Ross Thomas's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
1 books 1989–1989
1

Spies, Thumbsuckers, Etc.

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Spies, Thumbsuckers, Etc., another outstanding contribution from Ross Thomas.

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1989

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ross Thomas?

Ross Thomas is a bestselling author known for 5 book series containing over 26 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Arthur Case Wu Books, Publication Order of Mac McCorkle Books, Publication Order of Philip St. Ives Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Ross Thomas series to start with?

For readers new to Ross Thomas's work, the Publication Order of Arthur Case Wu Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 3 books. Begin with Chinaman's Chance to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Ross Thomas written?

Ross Thomas has written over 26 books across 5 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Ross Thomas books in order?

Yes, reading Ross Thomas'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 Ross Thomas write in?

Ross Thomas writes primarily in fiction. With 5 series across 26 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Ross Thomas's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Ross Thomas'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 Ross Thomas's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Ross Thomas's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Arthur Case Wu Books series. The first book, Chinaman's Chance, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.