Spenser Books in Order
Quick answer
Start with The Godwulf Manuscript (1973), book 1, and read in publication order. Spenser is a Boston private investigator, and Robert B. Parker wrote 39 main novels about him from 1973 to 2011. Newest: Showdown (2025).
- 1.
The Godwulf Manuscript(1973)
Start here - 2.
God Save the Child(1974)
- 3.
Mortal Stakes(1975)
- 4.
Promised Land(1976)
- 5.
The Judas Goat(1978)
- 6.
- 7.
Early Autumn(1981)
- 8.
A Savage Place(1981)
- 9.
Ceremony(1982)
- 10.
The Widening Gyre(1983)
- 11.
Valediction(1984)
- 12.
A Catskill Eagle(1985)
- 13.
Taming a Sea-Horse(1986)
- 14.
Pale Kings and Princes(1987)
- 15.
Crimson Joy(1988)
- 16.
Playmates(1989)
- 17.
Stardust(1990)
- 18.
Pastime(1991)
- 19.
Double Deuce(1992)
- 20.
Paper Doll(1993)
- 21.
Walking Shadow(1994)
- 22.
Thin Air(1995)
- 23.
Chance(1996)
- 24.
Small Vices(1997)
- 25.
Sudden Mischief(1998)
- 26.
Hush Money(1999)
- 27.
Hugger Mugger(2000)
- 28.
Potshot(2001)
- 29.
Widow's Walk(2002)
- 30.
Back Story(2003)
- 31.
Bad Business(2004)
- 32.
Cold Service(2005)
- 33.
School Days(2005)
- 34.
Hundred-Dollar Baby(2006)
- 35.
Now and Then(2007)
- 36.
Rough Weather(2008)
- 37.
Chasing the Bear(2009)
Optional - 38.
The Professional(2009)
- 39.
Painted Ladies(2010)
- 40.
Sixkill(2011)
- From here on, ace Atkins takes over
- 41.
Lullaby(2012)
- 42.
Wonderland(2013)
- 43.
Silent Night(2013)
- 44.
Cheap Shot(2014)
- 45.
Kickback(2015)
- 46.
Slow Burn(2016)
- 47.
Little White Lies(2017)
- 48.
Old Black Magic(2018)
- 49.
Angel Eyes(2019)
- 50.
Bye Bye Baby(2022)
- From here on, mike Lupica takes over
- 51.
Broken Trust(2023)
- 52.
Hot Property(2024)
- 53.
Showdown(2025)
Newest
Frequently asked questions
What order should I read Spenser in?
Start with The Godwulf Manuscript (1973), book 1, and read in publication order. Spenser is a Boston private investigator, and Robert B. Parker wrote 39 main novels about him from 1973 to 2011.
How many books are in Spenser?
52 main books, published 1973–2025, plus 1 side story.
What is the latest Spenser book?
The newest book in our reading order for Spenser is "Showdown" (2025).
Can I read Spenser out of order?
It's best not to. The books build on each other, so reading out of order spoils earlier twists.
Which books in Spenser are prequels, novellas or side stories?
"Chasing the Bear" (spin-off). Each is placed in the reading order below.
What should I read after Spenser?
Readers who finish Spenser often move on to Jesse Stone, Jack Reacher or Harry Bosch. Each has a reading order on this site.