S

Stephen Dobyns

Bestselling Author • 6 Series • 42 Books

6
Series
42
Books
6
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Charlie Bradshaw Books
Start with: Saratoga Longshot (1976)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: A Man Of Little Evils (1973)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: Best Words, Best Order (1996)

About Stephen Dobyns

Stephen Dobyns is a poet, journalist, and bestselling literary fiction novelist. He was born in New Jersey and brought up in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Michigan. In most of his genre fiction and his poetry, Dobyns makes use of extended tropes including the absurd and ridiculous to showcase his more profound meditations on art, love, and life. For his work in literature, he has been granted numerous prizes for fiction and poetry, three fellowships from the National Endowment of the Arts, and a fellowship from the Guggenheim Foundation. In all the years that he has been active, Stephen Dobyns has worked for Detroit News as a reporter. He published Concurring Beasts his first collection of poetry in 1972 and his first novel “A Man of Little Evils” in 1973. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Charlie Bradshaw Books series, Stephen Dobyns 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 Stephen Dobyns

Publication Order of Charlie Bradshaw Books
11 books 1976–2017
1

Saratoga Longshot

Saratoga Longshot is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Charlie Bradshaw Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Dobyns have come to expect.

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1976
2

Saratoga Swimmer

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Charlie Bradshaw Books with Saratoga Swimmer, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Dobyns.

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1981
3

Saratoga Headhunter

Saratoga Headhunter continues the Publication Order of Charlie Bradshaw Books story arc with Stephen Dobyns's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1985
4

Saratoga Snapper

Saratoga Snapper is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Charlie Bradshaw Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Dobyns have come to expect.

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1986
5

Saratoga Bestiary

Saratoga Bestiary is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Charlie Bradshaw Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Dobyns have come to expect.

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1988
6

Saratoga Hexameter

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Charlie Bradshaw Books with Saratoga Hexameter, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Dobyns.

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1990
7

Saratoga Haunting

Saratoga Haunting continues the Publication Order of Charlie Bradshaw Books story arc with Stephen Dobyns's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1993
8

Saratoga Backtalk

Saratoga Backtalk continues the Publication Order of Charlie Bradshaw Books story arc with Stephen Dobyns's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
9

Saratoga Fleshpot

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Charlie Bradshaw Books with Saratoga Fleshpot, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Dobyns.

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1995
10

Saratoga Strongbox

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Charlie Bradshaw Books with Saratoga Strongbox, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Dobyns.

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1998
11

Saratoga Payback

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Charlie Bradshaw Books with Saratoga Payback, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Dobyns.

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2017
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
12 books 1973–2015
1

A Man Of Little Evils

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with A Man Of Little Evils, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Dobyns.

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1973
2

Dancer with One Leg

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Dancer with One Leg, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Dobyns.

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1983
3

Cold Dog Soup

Cold Dog Soup continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Stephen Dobyns's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1985
4

A Boat Off the Coast

A Boat Off the Coast is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Dobyns have come to expect.

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1987
5

The Two Deaths of Senora Puccini

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Two Deaths of Senora Puccini as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Stephen Dobyns's mastery of suspense.

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1988
6

The House on Alexandrine

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The House on Alexandrine, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Dobyns.

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1990
7

After Shocks/Near Escapes

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with After Shocks/Near Escapes, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Dobyns.

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1991
8

The Wrestler's Cruel Study

The Wrestler's Cruel Study is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Dobyns have come to expect.

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1993
9

The Church of Dead Girls

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Church of Dead Girls as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Stephen Dobyns's mastery of suspense.

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1997
10

Boy in the Water

Boy in the Water continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Stephen Dobyns's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1999
11

The Burn Palace

The Burn Palace is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Dobyns have come to expect.

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2013
12

Is Fat Bob Dead Yet?

A gripping mystery unfolds in Is Fat Bob Dead Yet? as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Stephen Dobyns's mastery of suspense.

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2015
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
2 books 1996–2011
1

Best Words, Best Order

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Best Words, Best Order, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Dobyns.

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1996
2

Next Word, Better Word

Next Word, Better Word continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Stephen Dobyns's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
Publication Order of Collections
15 books 1972–2016
1

Concurring Beasts

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Concurring Beasts, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Dobyns.

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1972
2

Griffon

Griffon continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Stephen Dobyns's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1976
3

Heat Death

A gripping mystery unfolds in Heat Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Collections series showcases Stephen Dobyns's mastery of suspense.

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1980
4

The Balthus Poems

The Balthus Poems continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Stephen Dobyns's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1982
5

Cemetery Nights

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Cemetery Nights, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Dobyns.

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1987
6

Body Traffic

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Body Traffic, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Dobyns.

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1990
7

Velocities

Velocities is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Dobyns have come to expect.

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1994
8

Common Carnage

Common Carnage is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Dobyns have come to expect.

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1996
9

Black Dog, Red Dog

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Black Dog, Red Dog, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Dobyns.

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1997
10

Pallbearers Envying the One Who Rides

Pallbearers Envying the One Who Rides continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Stephen Dobyns's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1999
11

Eating Naked

Eating Naked continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Stephen Dobyns's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
12

The Porcupine's Kisses

The Porcupine's Kisses explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Collections series by Stephen Dobyns.

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2002
13

Mystery, So Long

Mystery, So Long is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Dobyns have come to expect.

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2005
14

Winter's Journey

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Winter's Journey, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Dobyns.

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2010
15

The Day's Last Light Reddens the Leaves of the Copper Beech

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Day's Last Light Reddens the Leaves of the Copper Beech, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Dobyns.

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2016
Publication Order of American Poets Continuum Books
1 books 2016–2016
1

The Day's Last Light Reddens the Leaves of the Copper Beech

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of American Poets Continuum Books with The Day's Last Light Reddens the Leaves of the Copper Beech, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Dobyns.

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2016
Publication Order of Anthologies
1 books 1999–1999
1

The Best American Short Stories 1999

The Best American Short Stories 1999 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Dobyns have come to expect.

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1999

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Stephen Dobyns?

Stephen Dobyns is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 42 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Charlie Bradshaw Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Stephen Dobyns series to start with?

For readers new to Stephen Dobyns's work, the Publication Order of Charlie Bradshaw Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 11 books. Begin with Saratoga Longshot to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Stephen Dobyns written?

Stephen Dobyns has written over 42 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Stephen Dobyns books in order?

Yes, reading Stephen Dobyns'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 Stephen Dobyns write in?

Stephen Dobyns writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 42 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Stephen Dobyns's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Stephen Dobyns'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 Stephen Dobyns's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Stephen Dobyns's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Charlie Bradshaw Books series. The first book, Saratoga Longshot, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.