BookBingeSpenser Books in Order
A wisecracking, code-bound Boston private eye takes on cases that test his fists as much as his own moral compass.
Here is the complete Spenser reading order — all 39 books by Robert B. Parker, in the order you should read them:
Publication order (recommended)
- The Godwulf Manuscript(1973)
- God Save the Child(1974)
- Mortal Stakes(1975)
- Promised Land(1976)
- The Judas Goat(1978)
- Looking for Rachel Wallace(1980)
- Early Autumn(1981)
- A Savage Place(1981)
- Ceremony(1982)
- The Widening Gyre(1983)
- Valediction(1984)
- A Catskill Eagle(1985)
- Taming a Sea-Horse(1986)
- Pale Kings and Princes(1987)
- Crimson Joy(1988)
- Playmates(1989)
- Stardust(1990)
- Pastime(1991)
- Double Deuce(1992)
- Paper Doll(1993)
- Walking Shadow(1994)
- Thin Air(1995)
- Chance(1996)
- Small Vices(1997)
- Sudden Mischief(1998)
- Hush Money(1999)
- Hugger Mugger(2000)
- Potshot(2001)
- Widow's Walk(2002)
- Back Story(2003)
- Bad Business(2004)
- Cold Service(2005)
- School Days(2005)
- Hundred-Dollar Baby(2006)
- Now and Then(2007)
- Rough Weather(2008)
- The Professional(2009)
- Painted Ladies(2010)
- Sixkill(2011)
Good news: for this series, publication order and chronological order are the same — just read straight down the list.
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Get BookBingeFrequently asked questions
How many books are in the Spenser series?
There are 39 books in the Spenser series by Robert B. Parker, beginning with The Godwulf Manuscript (1973) and most recently Sixkill (2011).
What is the first Spenser book?
The first book is The Godwulf Manuscript, published in 1973. That's where new readers should start.
Should I read Spenser in publication or chronological order?
Publication and chronological order are identical for this series, so just follow the list.