S

Shirley Jackson

Bestselling Author • 8 Series • 72 Books

8
Series
72
Books
8
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Anthologies
Start with: 50 Great Short Stories (1952)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: The Road Through the Wall (1948)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: Men with Their Big Shoes (1947)

About Shirley Jackson

About Shirley Jackson Renowned for her horror and mystery writing, Shirley Jackson crafted an innovative style over her two-decade career that earned her a prominent place within modern literature and hundreds of critical accolades. In 1948, The Road Through the Wall — a semi-autobiographical narrative of her childhood in California — marked her debut novel. It was followed by her acclaimed short story ‘The Lottery’ the following year, which explored the dark secrets of a seemingly golden small town. In 1959, The Haunting of Hill House made its way to the echelons of great supernatural horror and saw her reach her creative peak with the 1962 gothic masterpiece We Have Always Lived in The Castle. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Anthologies series, Shirley Jackson 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 Shirley Jackson

Publication Order of Life Among the Savages Books
2 books 1953–1957
1

Life Among the Savages

Life Among the Savages continues the Publication Order of Life Among the Savages Books story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1953
2

Raising Demons

Raising Demons is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Life Among the Savages Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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1957
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
8 books 1948–1966
1

The Road Through the Wall

The Road Through the Wall is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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1948
2

Hangsaman

Hangsaman continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1951
3

The Bird's Nest

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Bird's Nest, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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1954
4

The Witchcraft of Salem Village

Magic takes center stage in The Witchcraft of Salem Village, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that expands the enchanting world created by Shirley Jackson.

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1956
5

The Sundial

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Sundial, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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1958
6

The Haunting of Hill House

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Haunting of Hill House, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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1959
7

We Have Always Lived in the Castle

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with We Have Always Lived in the Castle, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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1962
8

Famous Sally

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Famous Sally, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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1966
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
8 books 1947–1996
1

Men with Their Big Shoes

Men with Their Big Shoes continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1947
2

The Lottery

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

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1948
3

The Witch

Magic takes center stage in The Witch, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series that expands the enchanting world created by Shirley Jackson.

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1949
4

The Tooth

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

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1949
5

The Summer People

The Summer People continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1950
6

The Missing Girl

The Missing Girl continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1957
7

9 Magic Wishes

Magic takes center stage in 9 Magic Wishes, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series that expands the enchanting world created by Shirley Jackson.

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1963
8

The Story We Used to Tell

The Story We Used to Tell is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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1996
Publication Order of Shirley Jackson Chap Books
2 books 1955–1991
1

One Ordinary Day, With Peanuts

One Ordinary Day, With Peanuts is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Shirley Jackson Chap Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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1955
2

Charles

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shirley Jackson Chap Books with Charles, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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1991
Publication Order of Collections
10 books 1949–2017
1

The Lottery and Other Stories

The Lottery and Other Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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1949
2

Nine Magic Wishes

Magic takes center stage in Nine Magic Wishes, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Collections series that expands the enchanting world created by Shirley Jackson.

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1963
3

The Magic of Shirley Jackson

Magic takes center stage in The Magic of Shirley Jackson, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Collections series that expands the enchanting world created by Shirley Jackson.

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1966
4

Come Along with Me

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Come Along with Me, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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1968
5

Just an Ordinary Day

Just an Ordinary Day continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1996
6

The Masterpieces Of Shirley Jackson

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Masterpieces Of Shirley Jackson, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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1996
7

Collected Short Stories

Collected Short Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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2001
8

Novels and Stories

Novels and Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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2010
9

Let Me Tell You: New Stories, Essays, and Other Writings

Let Me Tell You: New Stories, Essays, and Other Writings is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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2015
10

Dark Tales

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Dark Tales, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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2017
Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books
17 books 1993–2012
1

For Better and for Worse

For Better and for Worse is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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1993
2

Even More Laughs

Even More Laughs continues the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1998
3

Timeless Classics

Timeless Classics is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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2006
4

Falling in Love

Falling in Love explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series by Shirley Jackson.

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2007
5

Food Fictions

Food Fictions is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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2007
6

Travel Tales

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books with Travel Tales, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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2007
7

Edith Wharton

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books with Edith Wharton, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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2007
8

Pets!

Pets! is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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2007
9

Tales of Betrayal

Tales of Betrayal continues the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
10

Family Matters

Family Matters is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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2007
11

Are We There Yet?

Are We There Yet? continues the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
12

A Touch of Magic

Magic takes center stage in A Touch of Magic, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Shirley Jackson.

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2009
13

The William Hurt Collection

The William Hurt Collection is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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2009
14

Whodunit?

Whodunit? is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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2009
15

American Classics

American Classics continues the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
16

New American Stories

New American Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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2011
17

Poe!

Poe! is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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2012
Publication Order of The Dark Descent Books
3 books 1987–1991
1

Volume I: The Color of Evil

Volume I: The Color of Evil continues the Publication Order of The Dark Descent Books story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1987
2

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 Shirley Jackson.

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1990
3

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 Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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1991
Publication Order of Anthologies
22 books 1952–2023
1

50 Great Short Stories

50 Great Short Stories continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1952
2

Stories for the Dead of Night

A gripping mystery unfolds in Stories for the Dead of Night as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Shirley Jackson's mastery of suspense.

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1957
3

The Best American Short Stories 1964

The Best American Short Stories 1964 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1964
4

Night in Funland and Other Stories From Literary Cavalcade

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Night in Funland and Other Stories From Literary Cavalcade, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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1969
5

The Web She Weaves

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Web She Weaves, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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1983
6

Chapter and Hearse

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Chapter and Hearse, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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1985
7

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 Shirley Jackson.

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1985
8

The Dark Descent

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Dark Descent, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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1987
9

Volume I: The Color of Evil

Volume I: The Color of Evil continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1987
10

Great Baseball Stories

Great Baseball Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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1990
11

The Short Story: 30 Masterpieces

The Short Story: 30 Masterpieces is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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1992
12

First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Writers

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with First Fiction: An Anthology of the First Published Stories by Famous Writers, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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1994
13

The Penguin Book of Modern Fantasy by Women

The Penguin Book of Modern Fantasy by Women is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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1995
14

Themes in Reading Volume 2

Themes in Reading Volume 2 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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1996
15

Mistresses of the Dark

Mistresses of the Dark continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1998
16

The Vintage Book of Amnesia

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Vintage Book of Amnesia, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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2000
17

Stranger: Dark Tales of Eerie Encounters

Stranger: Dark Tales of Eerie Encounters continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2002
18

Selected Shorts: Family Matters

Selected Shorts: Family Matters continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
19

Unforgettable Ghost Stories by Women Writers

Unforgettable Ghost Stories by Women Writers continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
20

The Persephone Book of Short Stories

The Persephone Book of Short Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Shirley Jackson have come to expect.

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2012
21

American Midnight

American Midnight continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Shirley Jackson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
22

Stories for Winter: And Nights by the Fire

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Stories for Winter: And Nights by the Fire, another outstanding contribution from Shirley Jackson.

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2023

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Shirley Jackson?

Shirley Jackson is a bestselling author known for 8 book series containing over 72 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Life Among the Savages 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 Shirley Jackson series to start with?

For readers new to Shirley Jackson's work, the Publication Order of Anthologies series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 22 books. Begin with 50 Great Short Stories to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Shirley Jackson written?

Shirley Jackson has written over 72 books across 8 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Shirley Jackson books in order?

Yes, reading Shirley Jackson'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 Shirley Jackson write in?

Shirley Jackson writes primarily in fiction. With 8 series across 72 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Shirley Jackson's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Shirley Jackson'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 Shirley Jackson's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Shirley Jackson's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Anthologies series. The first book, 50 Great Short Stories, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.