🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Tom Holt
Tom Holt, born Thomas Charles Louis Holt in 1961 is a British author best known for writing a series of fantasy and science fiction novels with a touch of humor. He was born to Hazel Holt, who was himself a famous novelist known for the Sheila Malory series. Born in London, he went to Westminster School before proceeding to Wadham College, Oxford, and finally the College of Law, London. Tom Holt was an early bloomer and by the age of thirteen had already written his first literary work “Poems by Holt”. He would start writing his unique brand of comic science fiction while he was still a student at Oxford. His literary titles include mythopoeic novels themed on literature, history, and mythology that are developed in a sort of parody or comical fashion. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Tom Holt 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 Tom Holt
The Portable Door
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of J. W. Wells & Co. Books with The Portable Door, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
In Your Dreams
In Your Dreams is an essential installment in the Publication Order of J. W. Wells & Co. Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Earth, Air, Fire and Custard
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of J. W. Wells & Co. Books with Earth, Air, Fire and Custard, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
You Don't Have to Be Evil to Work Here, But it Helps
You Don't Have to Be Evil to Work Here, But it Helps continues the Publication Order of J. W. Wells & Co. Books story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Better Mousetrap
The Better Mousetrap continues the Publication Order of J. W. Wells & Co. Books story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
May Contain Traces of Magic
Magic takes center stage in May Contain Traces of Magic, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of J. W. Wells & Co. Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Tom Holt.
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Sausages
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of J. W. Wells & Co. Books with Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Sausages, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
The Eight Reindeer of the Apocalypse
The Eight Reindeer of the Apocalypse continues the Publication Order of J. W. Wells & Co. Books story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Lucia in Wartime
Conflict and courage define Lucia in Wartime, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of The Mapp & Lucia Novels Books series by Tom Holt that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
Lucia Triumphant
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Mapp & Lucia Novels Books with Lucia Triumphant, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
Lucia and the Diplomatic Incident
Lucia and the Diplomatic Incident continues the Publication Order of The Mapp & Lucia Novels Books story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Goatsong
Goatsong continues the Publication Order of The Walled Orchard Books story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Walled Orchard
The Walled Orchard continues the Publication Order of The Walled Orchard Books story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Doughnut
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of YouSpace Books with Doughnut, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
When It's A Jar
When It's A Jar is an essential installment in the Publication Order of YouSpace Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
The Outsorcerer's Apprentice
Magic takes center stage in The Outsorcerer's Apprentice, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of YouSpace Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Tom Holt.
The Good, the Bad and the Smug
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of YouSpace Books with The Good, the Bad and the Smug, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
Expecting Someone Taller
Expecting Someone Taller continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Who's Afraid Of Beowulf?
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Who's Afraid Of Beowulf?, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
Flying Dutch
Flying Dutch continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Ye Gods!
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Ye Gods!, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
Here Comes The Sun
Here Comes The Sun is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Overtime
Overtime is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Grailblazers
Grailblazers is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Faust Among Equals
Faust Among Equals continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Odds And Gods
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Odds And Gods, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
Djinn Rummy
Djinn Rummy continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
My Hero
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with My Hero, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
Paint Your Dragon
Epic adventure awaits in Paint Your Dragon, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that raises the stakes across the realm Tom Holt has built.
Open Sesame
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Open Sesame, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
Wish You Were Here
Wish You Were Here is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Only Human
Only Human is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Snow White and the Seven Samurai
Snow White and the Seven Samurai continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Alexander at the World's End
Alexander at the World's End is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Olympiad
Olympiad is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Valhalla
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Valhalla, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
Nothing But Blue Skies
Nothing But Blue Skies continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Falling Sideways
Falling Sideways is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Little People
Little People is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
A Song for Nero
A Song for Nero is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Meadowland
Meadowland continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Barking
Barking continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Blonde Bombshell
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Blonde Bombshell, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
The Management Style of the Supreme Beings
The Management Style of the Supreme Beings continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
An Orc on the Wild Side
An Orc on the Wild Side continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Someone Like Me
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Someone Like Me, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
Bitter Lemmings
Bitter Lemmings is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Holt! Who Goes There?
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Holt! Who Goes There?, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
Expecting Beowulf
Expecting Beowulf is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Dead Funny
A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Funny as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Tom Holt Omnibus Books series showcases Tom Holt's mastery of suspense.
Mightier Than The Sword
Epic adventure awaits in Mightier Than The Sword, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Tom Holt Omnibus Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Tom Holt has built.
The Divine Comedies
The Divine Comedies continues the Publication Order of Tom Holt Omnibus Books story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
For Two Nights Only
For Two Nights Only is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tom Holt Omnibus Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Tall Stories
Tall Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tom Holt Omnibus Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Saints and Sinners
Saints and Sinners continues the Publication Order of Tom Holt Omnibus Books story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Fishy Wishes
Fishy Wishes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Tom Holt Omnibus Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Inside Man
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Prosper's Demon Books with Inside Man, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
A Practical Guide to Conquering the World
A Practical Guide to Conquering the World continues the Publication Order of The Siege Books story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Saevus Corax Deals With the Dead
A gripping mystery unfolds in Saevus Corax Deals With the Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Corax Trilogy Books series showcases Tom Holt's mastery of suspense.
Saevus Corax Captures the Castle
Saevus Corax Captures the Castle is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Corax Trilogy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Saevus Corax Gets Away With Murder
A gripping mystery unfolds in Saevus Corax Gets Away With Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Corax Trilogy Books series showcases Tom Holt's mastery of suspense.
The Father of Lies
The Father of Lies is an essential installment in the Publication Order of K.J. Parker Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Under My Skin
Under My Skin is an essential installment in the Publication Order of K.J. Parker Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Purple and Black
Purple and Black continues the Publication Order of K.J. Parker Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Sun and I
The Sun and I is an essential installment in the Publication Order of K.J. Parker Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Academic Exercises
Academic Exercises is an essential installment in the Publication Order of K.J. Parker Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
A Small Price to Pay for Birdsong
A Small Price to Pay for Birdsong continues the Publication Order of K.J. Parker Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Let Maps to Others
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of K.J. Parker Short Stories/Novellas with Let Maps to Others, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
The Last Witness
The Last Witness continues the Publication Order of K.J. Parker Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Downfall of the Gods
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of K.J. Parker Short Stories/Novellas with Downfall of the Gods, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
Mightier than the Sword
Epic adventure awaits in Mightier than the Sword, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of K.J. Parker Short Stories/Novellas series that raises the stakes across the realm Tom Holt has built.
My Beautiful Life
My Beautiful Life is an essential installment in the Publication Order of K.J. Parker Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Burning Books for Pleasure and Profit
Burning Books for Pleasure and Profit is an essential installment in the Publication Order of K.J. Parker Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Set in Stone
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of K.J. Parker Short Stories/Novellas with Set in Stone, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
Making History
Making History is an essential installment in the Publication Order of K.J. Parker Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Sister Svangerd and the Not Quite Dead
A gripping mystery unfolds in Sister Svangerd and the Not Quite Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of The Loyal Opposition Trilogy Books series showcases Tom Holt's mastery of suspense.
Sister Svangerd and the Devil You Know
Sister Svangerd and the Devil You Know is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Loyal Opposition Trilogy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
Shakespearean Whodunnits
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Shakespearean Whodunnits, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
The Mammoth Book of Awesome Comic Fantasy
The Mammoth Book of Awesome Comic Fantasy continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2009
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2009, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, Volume 5
The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, Volume 5 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2011
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2011, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2012
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2012, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2014
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2014 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, Volume Nine
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, Volume Nine, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Novellas 2015
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Novellas 2015 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Tom Holt's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Novellas 2016
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Novellas 2016, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
Tor.com Collection: Season 1
Tor.com Collection: Season 1 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Holt have come to expect.
The Best of Beneath Ceaseless Skies Online Magazine, Year Seven
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Best of Beneath Ceaseless Skies Online Magazine, Year Seven, another outstanding contribution from Tom Holt.
The Book of Swords: Part 1
Epic adventure awaits in The Book of Swords: Part 1, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series that raises the stakes across the realm Tom Holt has built.
The Djinn Falls in Love and Other Stories
The Djinn Falls in Love and Other Stories explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Tom Holt.
The Book of Magic: A Collection of Stories
Magic takes center stage in The Book of Magic: A Collection of Stories, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Anthologies series that expands the enchanting world created by Tom Holt.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tom Holt?
Tom Holt is a bestselling author known for 15 book series containing over 92 books. Popular series include Publication Order of J. W. Wells & Co. Books, Publication Order of The Mapp & Lucia Novels Books, Publication Order of The Walled Orchard Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Tom Holt series to start with?
For readers new to Tom Holt's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 28 books. Begin with Expecting Someone Taller to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Tom Holt written?
Tom Holt has written over 92 books across 15 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Tom Holt books in order?
Yes, reading Tom Holt'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 Tom Holt write in?
Tom Holt writes primarily in fiction. With 15 series across 92 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Tom Holt's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Tom Holt'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 Tom Holt's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Tom Holt's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, Expecting Someone Taller, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.