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William Heffernan

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 19 Books

4
Series
19
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Dead Detective Books
Start with: The Dead Detective (2010)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Paul Devlin Books
Start with: Blood Rose (1988)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of The Corsican Books
Start with: The Corsican (1983)

About William Heffernan

William Heffernan is an American author known for writing award-winning murder-mystery thrillers. He is literally believed to have reinvented the murder mystery single-handedly. Heffernan started out as a journalist and worked as a newspaper reporter in New York. He had a very successful career in journalism as he was a three-time nominee for the Pulitzer Prize. He published his debut novel “Broderick,” in 1980 and since then has gone on to write nearly twenty novels and even won the Edgar award. Among his novels include the bestselling “The Dead Detective,” “Beulah Hill,” “The Corsican,” “Cityside,” “A Time Gone By” and “When Johnny Came Marching Home” among others. His latest novel is “The Scientology Murders “the second novel of the “Dead Detective” series. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Dead Detective Books series, William Heffernan 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 William Heffernan

Publication Order of Dead Detective Books
2 books 2010–2017
1

The Dead Detective

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Dead Detective as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Dead Detective Books series showcases William Heffernan's mastery of suspense.

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2010
2

The Scientology Murders

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Scientology Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Dead Detective Books series showcases William Heffernan's mastery of suspense.

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2017
Publication Order of Paul Devlin Books
7 books 1988–2002
1

Blood Rose

A gripping mystery unfolds in Blood Rose as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Paul Devlin Books series showcases William Heffernan's mastery of suspense.

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1988
2

Ritual

Ritual is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Paul Devlin Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Heffernan have come to expect.

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1989
3

Scarred

Scarred continues the Publication Order of Paul Devlin Books story arc with William Heffernan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1993
4

Tarnished Blue

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Paul Devlin Books with Tarnished Blue, another outstanding contribution from William Heffernan.

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1995
5

Winter's Gold

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Paul Devlin Books with Winter's Gold, another outstanding contribution from William Heffernan.

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1997
6

Red Angel

Red Angel is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Paul Devlin Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Heffernan have come to expect.

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2000
7

Unholy Order

Unholy Order continues the Publication Order of Paul Devlin Books story arc with William Heffernan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2002
Publication Order of The Corsican Books
2 books 1983–1992
1

The Corsican

The Corsican is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Corsican Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Heffernan have come to expect.

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1983
2

Corsican Honor

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Corsican Books with Corsican Honor, another outstanding contribution from William Heffernan.

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1992
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
8 books 1980–2012
1

Broderick

Broderick continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with William Heffernan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1980
2

Caging the Raven

Caging the Raven continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with William Heffernan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1981
3

Acts of Contrition

Acts of Contrition is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Heffernan have come to expect.

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1986
4

The Dinosaur Club

The Dinosaur Club continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with William Heffernan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1997
5

Beulah Hill

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Beulah Hill, another outstanding contribution from William Heffernan.

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2001
6

Cityside

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Cityside, another outstanding contribution from William Heffernan.

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2001
7

A Time Gone By

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with A Time Gone By, another outstanding contribution from William Heffernan.

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2003
8

When Johnny Came Marching Home

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with When Johnny Came Marching Home, another outstanding contribution from William Heffernan.

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2012

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is William Heffernan?

William Heffernan is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 19 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Dead Detective Books, Publication Order of Paul Devlin Books, Publication Order of The Corsican Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best William Heffernan series to start with?

For readers new to William Heffernan's work, the Publication Order of Dead Detective Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 2 books. Begin with The Dead Detective to start from the very beginning.

How many books has William Heffernan written?

William Heffernan has written over 19 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read William Heffernan books in order?

Yes, reading William Heffernan'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 William Heffernan write in?

William Heffernan writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 19 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are William Heffernan's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of William Heffernan'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 William Heffernan's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, William Heffernan's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Dead Detective Books series. The first book, The Dead Detective, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.