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Father Dowling Books in Order
Below you'll find the complete list of Father Dowling books in publication order. This is generally the recommended reading order for the series.
Reading order verified: March 2026
Quick Answer
What order should I read the Father Dowling series? Start with "Her Death of Cold" (1977) and follow publication order through all 30 books.
The complete Father Dowling reading order is listed below in publication sequence.
Publication Order
Her Death of Cold
1977
Bishop as Pawn
1978
The Seventh Station
1978
Lying Three
1979
Second Vespers
1980
Thicker Than Water
1981
A Loss of Patients
1982
The Grass Widow
1983
Getting a Way with Murder
1984
Rest in Pieces
1985
The Basket Case
1987
Abracadaver / Slight of Body
1989
Four on the Floor
1989
Judas Priest
1991
Desert Sinner
1992
Seed of Doubt
1993
A Cardinal Offense
1994
The Tears of Things
1996
Grave Undertakings
2000
Triple Pursuit
2001
Prodigal Father
2002
Last Things
2003
Requiem for a Realtor
2004
Blood Ties
2005
The Prudence of the Flesh
2006
The Widow's Mate
2007
Ash Wednesday
2008
The Wisdom of Father Dowling
2009
Stained Glass
2009
The Compassion of Father Dowling
2011
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