Jon Cleary Books in Order

Jon Cleary is a renowned Australian novelist with a storied career spanning over six decades. His captivating books have amassed an impressive 8 million copies sold worldwide. Known for transporting readers to exotic locations and historical settings, Cleary's novels often delve into the intrigue of 20th-century events, such as Nazi Berlin in 1936. As the creator of Australia's longest-running homicide detective series, Cleary's beloved protagonist, Inspector Scobie Malone, has appeared in 20 novels, beginning with The High Commissioner in 1966. Cleary's writing masterfully balances high-stakes adventure with nuanced explorations of psychological, social, and moral complexities. Born in Sydney, New South Wales, into a working-class family as the eldest of seven children, Cleary's early life was marked by hardship. His father, Matthew, was imprisoned for attempting to steal food for the family, and his mother, Ida, instilled in him a strong sense of justice and family values. Educated at the Marist Brothers school in Randwick, Cleary's experiences as a commercial traveler, bush worker, and other odd jobs shaped his unique perspective and writing style.