S

Simon Raven

Bestselling Author • 7 Series • 43 Books

7
Series
43
Books
7
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Alms for Oblivion Books
Start with: The Rich Pay Late (1964)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of The First-Born of Egypt Books
Start with: The Morning Star (1984)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Brother Cain (1959)

About Simon Raven

Simon Raven was an prolific English author known for writing literary fiction. The London born author attended Charterhouse and was infamously expelled for homosexual activity in 1945. However, he has claimed that his games master had seduced him when he was just nine and that it was an unalloyed, pleasurable experience. Raven then joined the army and served until 1948 before he quit to go to college. He went to Kings College Cambridge for his “A” levels where he studied English literature specializing in the Classics. In 1951, he got Susan Kilner pregnant and married her out of obligation though for the most part, he avoided her after the marriage. Thankfully, the two divorced in 1957 and Raven got back into the army. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Alms for Oblivion Books series, Simon Raven 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 Simon Raven

Publication Order of Alms for Oblivion Books
10 books 1964–1976
1

The Rich Pay Late

The Rich Pay Late is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Alms for Oblivion Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Simon Raven have come to expect.

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1964
2

Friends In Low Places

Friends In Low Places continues the Publication Order of Alms for Oblivion Books story arc with Simon Raven's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1965
3

The Sabre Squadron

The Sabre Squadron continues the Publication Order of Alms for Oblivion Books story arc with Simon Raven's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1966
4

Fielding Gray

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Alms for Oblivion Books with Fielding Gray, another outstanding contribution from Simon Raven.

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1967
5

The Judas Boy

The Judas Boy continues the Publication Order of Alms for Oblivion Books story arc with Simon Raven's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1968
6

Places Where They Sing

Places Where They Sing is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Alms for Oblivion Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Simon Raven have come to expect.

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1970
7

Sound The Retreat

Sound The Retreat continues the Publication Order of Alms for Oblivion Books story arc with Simon Raven's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1971
8

Come Like Shadows

Come Like Shadows is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Alms for Oblivion Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Simon Raven have come to expect.

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1972
9

Bring Forth the Body

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Alms for Oblivion Books with Bring Forth the Body, another outstanding contribution from Simon Raven.

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1974
10

The Survivors

The Survivors continues the Publication Order of Alms for Oblivion Books story arc with Simon Raven's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1976
Publication Order of The First-Born of Egypt Books
7 books 1984–1992
1

The Morning Star

The Morning Star continues the Publication Order of The First-Born of Egypt Books story arc with Simon Raven's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1984
2

Face Of The Waters

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The First-Born of Egypt Books with Face Of The Waters, another outstanding contribution from Simon Raven.

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1985
3

Before The Cock Crow

Before The Cock Crow continues the Publication Order of The First-Born of Egypt Books story arc with Simon Raven's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1986
4

New Seed For Old

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The First-Born of Egypt Books with New Seed For Old, another outstanding contribution from Simon Raven.

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1987
5

Blood Of My Bone

A gripping mystery unfolds in Blood Of My Bone as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of The First-Born of Egypt Books series showcases Simon Raven's mastery of suspense.

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1989
6

In The Image Of God

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The First-Born of Egypt Books with In The Image Of God, another outstanding contribution from Simon Raven.

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1990
7

The Troubadour

The Troubadour is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The First-Born of Egypt Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Simon Raven have come to expect.

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1992
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
9 books 1959–1994
1

Brother Cain

Brother Cain continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Simon Raven's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1959
2

The Feathers of Death

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Feathers of Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Simon Raven's mastery of suspense.

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1959
3

Doctors Wear Scarlet

Doctors Wear Scarlet continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Simon Raven's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1960
4

Close Of Play

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Close Of Play, another outstanding contribution from Simon Raven.

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1962
5

They Made Their Name

They Made Their Name is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Simon Raven have come to expect.

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1968
6

The Roses Of Picardie

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Roses Of Picardie, another outstanding contribution from Simon Raven.

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1980
7

An Inch of Fortune

An Inch of Fortune continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Simon Raven's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1981
8

September Castle

September Castle is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Simon Raven have come to expect.

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1983
9

The Islands Of Sorrow

The Islands Of Sorrow is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Simon Raven have come to expect.

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1994
Publication Order of Collections
3 books 1966–2025
1

Royal Foundation

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Royal Foundation, another outstanding contribution from Simon Raven.

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1966
2

Remember Your Grammar

Remember Your Grammar is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Simon Raven have come to expect.

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1997
3

The Islands of Sorrow and Other Macabre Tales

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Islands of Sorrow and Other Macabre Tales, another outstanding contribution from Simon Raven.

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2025
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
9 books 1961–2002
1

The English Gentleman

The English Gentleman is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Simon Raven have come to expect.

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1961
2

Boys will be Boys

Boys will be Boys is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Simon Raven have come to expect.

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1963
3

The Fortunes Of Fingel

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Fortunes Of Fingel, another outstanding contribution from Simon Raven.

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1976
4

Shadows On The Grass

Shadows On The Grass continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Simon Raven's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1982
5

The Old School

The Old School is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Simon Raven have come to expect.

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1986
6

Bird Of Ill Omen

Bird Of Ill Omen is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Simon Raven have come to expect.

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1989
7

The Old Gang

The Old Gang is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Simon Raven have come to expect.

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1989
8

Is There Anybody There? Said the Traveller

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Is There Anybody There? Said the Traveller, another outstanding contribution from Simon Raven.

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1991
9

The World of Simon Raven

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The World of Simon Raven, another outstanding contribution from Simon Raven.

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2002
Publication Order of The Valancourt Book of Horror Stories Books
4 books 2016–2020
1

The Valancourt Book of Horror Stories: Volume One

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Valancourt Book of Horror Stories Books with The Valancourt Book of Horror Stories: Volume One, another outstanding contribution from Simon Raven.

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2016
2

The Valancourt Book of Horror Stories: Volume Two

The Valancourt Book of Horror Stories: Volume Two continues the Publication Order of The Valancourt Book of Horror Stories Books story arc with Simon Raven's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2017
3

The Valancourt Book of Horror Stories: Volume Three

The Valancourt Book of Horror Stories: Volume Three continues the Publication Order of The Valancourt Book of Horror Stories Books story arc with Simon Raven's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
4

The Valancourt Book of Horror Stories: Volume Four

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Valancourt Book of Horror Stories Books with The Valancourt Book of Horror Stories: Volume Four, another outstanding contribution from Simon Raven.

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2020
Publication Order of Anthologies
1 books 1997–1997
1

The Mammoth Book of Gay Short Stories

The Mammoth Book of Gay Short Stories continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Simon Raven's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1997

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Simon Raven?

Simon Raven is a bestselling author known for 7 book series containing over 43 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Alms for Oblivion Books, Publication Order of The First-Born of Egypt Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Simon Raven series to start with?

For readers new to Simon Raven's work, the Publication Order of Alms for Oblivion Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 10 books. Begin with The Rich Pay Late to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Simon Raven written?

Simon Raven has written over 43 books across 7 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Simon Raven books in order?

Yes, reading Simon Raven'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 Simon Raven write in?

Simon Raven writes primarily in fiction. With 7 series across 43 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Simon Raven's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Simon Raven'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 Simon Raven's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Simon Raven's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Alms for Oblivion Books series. The first book, The Rich Pay Late, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.