Helen McCloy Books in Order
Helen McCloy is a renowned American mystery writer celebrated for her series character Dr. Basil Willing, who first appeared in the 1938 novel Dance of Death. With a unique approach to the genre, Willing's expertise lies in identifying the "psychic fingerprints" that every criminal leaves behind. This concept drives the plot of 13 of McCloy's novels, as well as several short stories. McCloy's work often explores the theme of doppelgangers, but she skillfully subverts the supernatural, instead offering psychological or realistic explanations for the events that unfold. Her writing continues to captivate readers with its blend of suspense, intrigue, and clever plot twists.
Bibliography verified: January 2026
Book Series by Helen McCloy
- #1AmazonDesign for Dying / Dance of Death(1938)
- #2AmazonThe Man in the Moonlight(1940)
- #3AmazonThe Deadly Truth(1941)
- #4AmazonWho's Calling?(1942)
- #5AmazonCue for Murder(1942)
- #6AmazonThe Goblin Market(1943)
- #7AmazonThe One That Got Away(1945)
- #8AmazonThrough a Glass, Darkly(1950)
- #9AmazonAlias Basil Willing(1951)
- #10AmazonThe Long Body(1955)
- #11AmazonTwo-Thirds of a Ghost(1956)
- #12AmazonMr. Splitfoot(1968)
- #13AmazonBurn This(1980)
- #14AmazonThe Pleasant Assassin and Other Cases of Dr. Basil Willing (With: B.A. Pike)(2003)
- #1AmazonDo Not Disturb(1943)
- #2AmazonPanic(1944)
- #3AmazonShe Walks Alone / Wish You Were Dead(1948)
- #4AmazonBetter Off Dead(1951)
- #5AmazonHe Never Came Back(1954)
- #6AmazonUnfinished Crime(1954)
- #7AmazonThe Slayer and the Slain(1957)
- #8AmazonBefore I Die(1963)
- #9AmazonFurther Side of Fear(1967)
- #10AmazonA Question of Time(1971)
- #11AmazonA Change Of Heart(1973)
- #12AmazonThe Sleepwalker(1974)
- #13AmazonMinotaur Country(1975)
- #14AmazonCruel as the Grave / The Changeling Conspiracy(1976)
- #15AmazonThe Impostor(1977)
- #16AmazonThe Smoking Mirror(1979)
- #17AmazonLife Is a Brutal Affair(1960)
- #18AmazonSurprise, Surprise / The Singing Diamonds And other stories(1965)
- #19Amazon20 Great Tales of Murder(1952)
- #20AmazonEllery Queen Mystery Magazine July 1958(1958)
- #21Amazon100 Malicious Little Mysteries(1981)
- #22AmazonAlfred Hitchcock's Your Share of Fear(1982)
- #23AmazonTales of the Occult(1989)
About Helen McCloy
Helen McCloy is a renowned American mystery writer celebrated for her series character Dr. Basil Willing, who first appeared in the 1938 novel Dance of Death. With a unique approach to the genre, Willing's expertise lies in identifying the "psychic fingerprints" that every criminal leaves behind. This concept drives the plot of 13 of McCloy's novels, as well as several short stories. McCloy's work often explores the theme of doppelgangers, but she skillfully subverts the supernatural, instead offering psychological or realistic explanations for the events that unfold. Her writing continues to captivate readers with its blend of suspense, intrigue, and clever plot twists.
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