Violent Cases
Start with "Violent Cases" to begin the Standalone Novellas and Long Fiction. It is the essential series starter and provides the necessary foundation for the rest of the books.
🟡 Optional side story — not required for main plot
This is a side story that can be safely bypassed without losing any context for the main series.
Verdict Insight: This is the essential series starter that introduces the Neil Gaiman's core world and character arcs. It is required reading for all new fans.
SourceChivalry
Book #3 of 9 in Series
Complete Series Reading Order
Publication Order
Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.
Chronological Order
May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.
Order Confidence
Why this order?
Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.
Why This Order Is Confusing
Many reading lists for Standalone Novellas and Long Fiction conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip reading Violent Cases?
This is a side story that can be safely bypassed without losing any context for the main series.
Can I read Violent Cases before other books in the series?
Yes. Violent Cases is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.
Is Violent Cases required reading for the Standalone Novellas and Long Fiction?
No, it is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not essential to the central storyline.
What comes after Violent Cases in the reading order?
The next recommended book after Violent Cases is Chivalry (Book #3).
More by Neil Gaiman
Spawn Origins Collection 2
2010
Neil Gaiman Young Readers' Collection (Coraline / Fortunately, The Milk / Graveyard Book / Odd And The Frost Giants)
2014
The Year's Best Fantasy And Horror--ninth Annual Collection
2021
The Neil Gaiman Audio Collection (Cinnamon / Crazy Hair / Day I Swapped My Dad For Two Goldfish / Wolves In The Walls
2004