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William Kotzwinkle

Bestselling Author • 10 Series • 51 Books

10
Series
51
Books
10
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Hermes 3000 (1972)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Inspector Mantis Mysteries Books
Start with: Trouble in Bugland (2015)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Walter the Farting Dog Books
Start with: Walter the Farting Dog (2001)

About William Kotzwinkle

William Kotzwinkle is a bestselling author who is best known for the “Walter the Farting Dog,” series of children’s fiction. Given his fertile imagination, he had produced everything from satire, science fiction, mysteries, and children’s stories. While he has recently become better known for his adult fiction works, he has penned many young adult and children’s fiction works throughout his career. Kotzwinkle was born in the mid-sized city of Scranton, Pennsylvania very close to the border with New York. While William Kotzwinkle wrote a lot during the 1960s, he just did not bother to get published. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, William Kotzwinkle 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 Kotzwinkle

Publication Order of Felonious Monk Mystery Books
2 books 2022–2023
1

Felonious Monk

Felonious Monk continues the Publication Order of Felonious Monk Mystery Books story arc with William Kotzwinkle's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2022
2

Bloody Martini

A gripping mystery unfolds in Bloody Martini as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Felonious Monk Mystery Books series showcases William Kotzwinkle's mastery of suspense.

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2023
Publication Order of Inspector Mantis Mysteries Books
2 books 2015–2016
1

Trouble in Bugland

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Inspector Mantis Mysteries Books with Trouble in Bugland, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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2015
2

Double Trouble in Bugland

Double Trouble in Bugland continues the Publication Order of Inspector Mantis Mysteries Books story arc with William Kotzwinkle's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
Publication Order of Walter the Farting Dog Books
5 books 2001–2007
1

Walter the Farting Dog

Walter the Farting Dog continues the Publication Order of Walter the Farting Dog Books story arc with William Kotzwinkle's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2001
2

Trouble at the Yard Sale / Walter the Farting Dog Farts Again / Trouble at the Garage Sale

Trouble at the Yard Sale / Walter the Farting Dog Farts Again / Trouble at the Garage Sale continues the Publication Order of Walter the Farting Dog Books story arc with William Kotzwinkle's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2004
3

Rough Weather Ahead for Walter the Farting Dog / Walter the Farting Dog and the Windy Day

Rough Weather Ahead for Walter the Farting Dog / Walter the Farting Dog and the Windy Day is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Walter the Farting Dog Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Kotzwinkle have come to expect.

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2005
4

Walter the Farting Dog Goes on a Cruise

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Walter the Farting Dog Books with Walter the Farting Dog Goes on a Cruise, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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2006
5

Banned From the Beach

Banned From the Beach continues the Publication Order of Walter the Farting Dog Books story arc with William Kotzwinkle's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
17 books 1972–2005
1

Hermes 3000

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Hermes 3000, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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1972
2

The Fan Man

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Fan Man, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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1974
3

Nightbook

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

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1974
4

Doctor Rat

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

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1976
5

Fata Morgana

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Fata Morgana, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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1977
6

Jack in the Box / Book of Love

Jack in the Box / Book of Love explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by William Kotzwinkle.

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1980
7

Christmas at Fontaine's

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Christmas at Fontaine's, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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1982
8

Queen of Swords

Epic adventure awaits in Queen of Swords, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that raises the stakes across the realm William Kotzwinkle has built.

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1983
9

Great World Circus

Great World Circus is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Kotzwinkle have come to expect.

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1983
10

Superman III

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

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1983
11

Seduction in Berlin

Seduction in Berlin continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with William Kotzwinkle's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1985
12

The Exile

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Exile, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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1987
13

The Midnight Examiner

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Midnight Examiner, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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1989
14

A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master

A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with William Kotzwinkle's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1992
15

The Game of Thirty

The Game of Thirty is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Kotzwinkle have come to expect.

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1994
16

The Bear Went Over the Mountain

The Bear Went Over the Mountain is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Kotzwinkle have come to expect.

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1996
17

The Amphora Project

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Amphora Project, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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2005
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
2 books 1975–1979
1

Swimmer in the Secret Sea

Swimmer in the Secret Sea continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with William Kotzwinkle's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1975
2

Dream of Dark Harbor

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Dream of Dark Harbor, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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1979
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
6 books 1969–1995
1

Elephant Bangs Train

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Elephant Bangs Train, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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1969
2

The Oldest Man And Other Timeless Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with The Oldest Man And Other Timeless Stories, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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1971
3

Jewel of the Moon

Jewel of the Moon is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Kotzwinkle have come to expect.

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1985
4

Hearts of Wood: and Other Timeless Tales

Hearts of Wood: and Other Timeless Tales explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series by William Kotzwinkle.

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1986
5

The Hot Jazz Trio

The Hot Jazz Trio is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Kotzwinkle have come to expect.

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1989
6

Tales from the Empty Notebook / The Empty Notebook

Tales from the Empty Notebook / The Empty Notebook is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Kotzwinkle have come to expect.

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1995
Publication Order of Children's Books
12 books 1969–1995
1

The Firemen

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Children's Books with The Firemen, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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1969
2

The Ship That Came Down the Gutter

The Ship That Came Down the Gutter continues the Publication Order of Children's Books story arc with William Kotzwinkle's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1970
3

Elephant Boy: A Story of the Stone Age

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Children's Books with Elephant Boy: A Story of the Stone Age, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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1970
4

The Day the Gang Got Rich

The Day the Gang Got Rich is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Children's Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Kotzwinkle have come to expect.

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1970
5

The Return of Crazy Horse

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Children's Books with The Return of Crazy Horse, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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1971
6

The Supreme, Superb, Exalted and Delightful, One and Only Magic Building

Magic takes center stage in The Supreme, Superb, Exalted and Delightful, One and Only Magic Building, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Children's Books series that expands the enchanting world created by William Kotzwinkle.

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1973
7

Up The Alley with Jack and Joe

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Children's Books with Up The Alley with Jack and Joe, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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1974
8

The Leopard's Tooth

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Children's Books with The Leopard's Tooth, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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1976
9

The Ants Who Took Away Time

The Ants Who Took Away Time is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Children's Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Kotzwinkle have come to expect.

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1978
10

The Nap Master

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Children's Books with The Nap Master, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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1979
11

The World Is Big and I'm So Small

The World Is Big and I'm So Small is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Children's Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Kotzwinkle have come to expect.

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1986
12

The Million-Dollar Bear

The Million-Dollar Bear continues the Publication Order of Children's Books story arc with William Kotzwinkle's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1995
Publication Order of Graphic Novels
1 books 1978–1978
1

Herr Nightingale and the Satin Woman

Herr Nightingale and the Satin Woman is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Graphic Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Kotzwinkle have come to expect.

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1978
Publication Order of E.T. Books
1 books 1982–1982
1

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of E.T. Books with E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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1982
Publication Order of Anthologies
3 books 1984–1989
1

Great Science Fiction Film Stories

Great Science Fiction Film Stories continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with William Kotzwinkle's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1984
2

The Sixth Omni Book of Science Fiction

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Sixth Omni Book of Science Fiction, another outstanding contribution from William Kotzwinkle.

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1985
3

The Year's Best Fantasy: Second Annual Collection

The Year's Best Fantasy: Second Annual Collection continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with William Kotzwinkle's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is William Kotzwinkle?

William Kotzwinkle is a bestselling author known for 10 book series containing over 51 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Felonious Monk Mystery Books, Publication Order of Inspector Mantis Mysteries Books, Publication Order of Walter the Farting Dog Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best William Kotzwinkle series to start with?

For readers new to William Kotzwinkle's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 17 books. Begin with Hermes 3000 to start from the very beginning.

How many books has William Kotzwinkle written?

William Kotzwinkle has written over 51 books across 10 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read William Kotzwinkle books in order?

Yes, reading William Kotzwinkle'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 Kotzwinkle write in?

William Kotzwinkle writes primarily in fiction. With 10 series across 51 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

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

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

Based on reader reviews and sales data, William Kotzwinkle's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, Hermes 3000, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.