S

Stephen Hunter

Bestselling Author • 13 Series • 85 Books

13
Series
85
Books
13
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books
Start with: Point of Impact (1993)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Earl Swagger Books
Start with: Hot Springs (2000)
Popular Choice
Chronological Order of Earl Swagger Books
Start with: The Bullet Garden (2023)

About Stephen Hunter

Many authors have a background that includes an inspiring story about how they suddenly discovered they had a passion for writing. It was no surprise at all when Stephen Hunter emerged as an author, as his mother, Virginia Ricker Hunter, was an author of books for children and his father, Charles Francis Hunter, was a professor for Northwestern University who taught speech, television production, and film. Although it is clear that the careers of his parents have a big influence on what Hunter would become, his relationship with his father was very strained. Charles Francis Hunter, being upstanding as a college professor, was frequently physically abusive to his wife and kids. He was an alcoholic who drank to cope with his hidden pangs of being gay. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books series, Stephen Hunter 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 Hunter

Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books
12 books 1993–2022
1

Point of Impact

Point of Impact continues the Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1993
2

Black Light

Black Light continues the Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1996
3

Time to Hunt

Time to Hunt continues the Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1998
4

The 47th Samurai

The 47th Samurai is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Hunter have come to expect.

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2007
5

Night of Thunder

Night of Thunder continues the Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
6

I, Sniper

I, Sniper continues the Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2009
7

Dead Zero

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Zero as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books series showcases Stephen Hunter's mastery of suspense.

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2010
8

The Third Bullet

The Third Bullet continues the Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
9

Sniper's Honor

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books with Sniper's Honor, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2014
10

G-Man

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books with G-Man, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2017
11

Game of Snipers

Game of Snipers continues the Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
12

Targeted

Targeted is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Hunter have come to expect.

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2022
Publication Order of Earl Swagger Books
4 books 2000–2023
1

Hot Springs

Hot Springs continues the Publication Order of Earl Swagger Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
2

Pale Horse Coming

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Earl Swagger Books with Pale Horse Coming, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2001
3

Havana

Havana is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Earl Swagger Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Hunter have come to expect.

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2003
4

The Bullet Garden

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Earl Swagger Books with The Bullet Garden, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2023
Chronological Order of Earl Swagger Books
4 books 2023–2003
1

The Bullet Garden

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Earl Swagger Books with The Bullet Garden, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2023
2

Hot Springs

Hot Springs continues the Chronological Order of Earl Swagger Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
3

Pale Horse Coming

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Earl Swagger Books with Pale Horse Coming, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2001
4

Havana

Havana is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Earl Swagger Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Hunter have come to expect.

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2003
Publication Order of Swagger Collections
1 books 2024–2024
1

Front Sight

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

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2024
Publication Order of Ray Cruz Books
2 books 2010–2011
1

Dead Zero

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Zero as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Ray Cruz Books series showcases Stephen Hunter's mastery of suspense.

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2010
2

Soft Target

Soft Target is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Ray Cruz Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Hunter have come to expect.

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2011
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
9 books 1980–2025
1

The Master Sniper

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Master Sniper, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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1980
2

The Second Saladin

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

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1982
3

The Spanish Gambit / Tapestry of Spies

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Spanish Gambit / Tapestry of Spies, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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1985
4

Target

Target continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1985
5

The Day Before Midnight

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Day Before Midnight, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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1989
6

Dirty White Boys

Dirty White Boys continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
7

I, Ripper

I, Ripper continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
8

Basil's War

Conflict and courage define Basil's War, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Stephen Hunter that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2021
9

The Gun Man Jackson Swagger

The Gun Man Jackson Swagger continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2025
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
2 books 2014–2016
1

Stephen Longacre's Greatest Match

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Stephen Longacre's Greatest Match, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2014
2

Citadel

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Citadel, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2016
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
2 books 1995–2005
1

Violent Screen

Violent Screen continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1995
2

Now Playing at the Valencia

Now Playing at the Valencia is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Hunter have come to expect.

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2005
Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books
23 books 1982–2025
1

The Second Saladin

The Second Saladin is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Hunter have come to expect.

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1982
2

Point of Impact

Point of Impact continues the Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1993
3

Dirty White Boys

Dirty White Boys continues the Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
4

Black Light

Black Light continues the Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1996
5

Time to Hunt

Time to Hunt continues the Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1998
6

Hot Springs

Hot Springs continues the Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2000
7

Pale Horse Coming

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books with Pale Horse Coming, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2001
8

Havana

Havana is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Hunter have come to expect.

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2003
9

The 47th Samurai

The 47th Samurai is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Hunter have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2007
10

Night of Thunder

Night of Thunder continues the Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2008
11

I, Sniper

I, Sniper continues the Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2009
12

Dead Zero

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Zero as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books series showcases Stephen Hunter's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
2010
13

Soft Target

Soft Target is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Hunter have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2011
14

The Third Bullet

The Third Bullet continues the Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
15

Sniper's Honor

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books with Sniper's Honor, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2014
16

G-Man

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books with G-Man, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2017
17

Game of Snipers

Game of Snipers continues the Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
18

Targeted

Targeted is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Hunter have come to expect.

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2022
19

The Bullet Garden

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books with The Bullet Garden, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2023
20

City of Meat

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books with City of Meat, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2024
21

Five Dolls for the Gut Hook

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books with Five Dolls for the Gut Hook, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2024
22

Johnny Tuesday

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books with Johnny Tuesday, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2024
23

The Gun Man Jackson Swagger

The Gun Man Jackson Swagger continues the Publication Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2025
Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books
23 books 2025–2022
1

The Gun Man Jackson Swagger

The Gun Man Jackson Swagger continues the Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2025
2

City of Meat

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books with City of Meat, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2024
3

G-Man

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books with G-Man, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2017
4

The Bullet Garden

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books with The Bullet Garden, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

Buy on Amazon
2023
5

Johnny Tuesday

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books with Johnny Tuesday, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

Buy on Amazon
2024
6

Hot Springs

Hot Springs continues the Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2000
7

Pale Horse Coming

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books with Pale Horse Coming, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

Buy on Amazon
2001
8

Havana

Havana is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Hunter have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2003
9

The Second Saladin

The Second Saladin is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Hunter have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1982
10

Five Dolls for the Gut Hook

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books with Five Dolls for the Gut Hook, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

Buy on Amazon
2024
11

Point of Impact

Point of Impact continues the Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1993
12

Dirty White Boys

Dirty White Boys continues the Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1994
13

Black Light

Black Light continues the Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1996
14

Time to Hunt

Time to Hunt continues the Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1998
15

The 47th Samurai

The 47th Samurai is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Hunter have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2007
16

Night of Thunder

Night of Thunder continues the Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2008
17

I, Sniper

I, Sniper continues the Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2009
18

Dead Zero

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Zero as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books series showcases Stephen Hunter's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
2010
19

Soft Target

Soft Target is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Hunter have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2011
20

The Third Bullet

The Third Bullet continues the Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2013
21

Sniper's Honor

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books with Sniper's Honor, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

Buy on Amazon
2014
22

Game of Snipers

Game of Snipers continues the Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books story arc with Stephen Hunter's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2019
23

Targeted

Targeted is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Swaggerverse Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Hunter have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2022
Publication Order of Bibliomysteries Books
1 books 2016–2016
1

Citadel

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Bibliomysteries Books with Citadel, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2016
Chronological Order of Bibliomysteries Books
1 books 2016–2016
1

Citadel

Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Bibliomysteries Books with Citadel, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2016
Publication Order of Mysterious Profiles Books
1 books 2022–2022
1

Bob Lee Swagger

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Mysterious Profiles Books with Bob Lee Swagger, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Hunter.

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2022

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Stephen Hunter?

Stephen Hunter is a bestselling author known for 13 book series containing over 85 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books, Publication Order of Earl Swagger Books, Chronological Order of Earl Swagger Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Stephen Hunter series to start with?

For readers new to Stephen Hunter's work, the Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 12 books. Begin with Point of Impact to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Stephen Hunter written?

Stephen Hunter has written over 85 books across 13 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Stephen Hunter books in order?

Yes, reading Stephen Hunter'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 Hunter write in?

Stephen Hunter writes primarily in fiction. With 13 series across 85 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

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

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

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Stephen Hunter's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Bob Lee Swagger Books series. The first book, Point of Impact, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.