T

Tom Piazza

Bestselling Author • 3 Series • 14 Books

3
Series
14
Books
3
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: My Cold War (2003)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Collections
Start with: Blues and Trouble (1996)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: Pantheon Guide to Jazz (1991)

About Tom Piazza

Tom Piazza Tom Piazza is an American historical fiction and non-fiction writer best known for his Award-winning novel Why New Orleans Matters. He also has an impressive collection of books to his name. Tom’s writing has featured in The New York Times, The Oxford American, and The Bookforum, among other periodicals. He is a Grammy Award winner for the album notes he made for Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues. Tom lives in New Orleans. Why New Orleans Matters Why New Orleans Matters is Tom Piazza’s most celebrated novel and for a good reason. The book is about New Orleans, its people, and all the things that happened before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina. In the wake of this killer storm, many people lost their lives, their loved ones, as well as their properties. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Tom Piazza 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 Piazza

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
4 books 2003–2023
1

My Cold War

Conflict and courage define My Cold War, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Tom Piazza that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2003
2

City of Refuge

City of Refuge is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Piazza have come to expect.

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2008
3

A Free State

A Free State continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Tom Piazza's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
4

The Auburn Conference

The Auburn Conference is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Piazza have come to expect.

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2023
Publication Order of Collections
1 books 1996–1996
1

Blues and Trouble

Blues and Trouble continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Tom Piazza's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1996
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
9 books 1991–2025
1

Pantheon Guide to Jazz

Pantheon Guide to Jazz is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Piazza have come to expect.

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1991
2

The Guide to Classic Recorded Jazz

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Guide to Classic Recorded Jazz, another outstanding contribution from Tom Piazza.

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1995
3

Setting the Tempo

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Setting the Tempo, another outstanding contribution from Tom Piazza.

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1996
4

Blues Up and Down

Blues Up and Down is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Piazza have come to expect.

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1997
5

True Adventures with the King of Bluegrass

True Adventures with the King of Bluegrass is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Piazza have come to expect.

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1999
6

Understanding Jazz: Ways to Listen with Cd

Understanding Jazz: Ways to Listen with Cd continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Tom Piazza's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2005
7

Why New Orleans Matters

Why New Orleans Matters is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Piazza have come to expect.

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2005
8

Devil Sent the Rain

Devil Sent the Rain is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Tom Piazza have come to expect.

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2011
9

Living in the Present with John Prine

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Living in the Present with John Prine, another outstanding contribution from Tom Piazza.

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2025

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Tom Piazza?

Tom Piazza is a bestselling author known for 3 book series containing over 14 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Collections, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Tom Piazza series to start with?

For readers new to Tom Piazza's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 4 books. Begin with My Cold War to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Tom Piazza written?

Tom Piazza has written over 14 books across 3 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Tom Piazza books in order?

Yes, reading Tom Piazza'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 Piazza write in?

Tom Piazza writes primarily in fiction. With 3 series across 14 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Tom Piazza's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Tom Piazza'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 Piazza's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Tom Piazza's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, My Cold War, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.