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Spenser Books in Order
Below you'll find the complete list of Spenser 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 Spenser series? Start with "The Godwulf Manuscript (By: Robert B. Parker)" (1973) and follow publication order through all 54 books.
The complete Spenser reading order is listed below in publication sequence.
Publication Order
The Godwulf Manuscript (By: Robert B. Parker)
1973
God Save the Child (By: Robert B. Parker)
1974
Mortal Stakes (By: Robert B. Parker)
1975
Promised Land (By: Robert B. Parker)
1976
The Judas Goat (By: Robert B. Parker)
1978
Looking for Rachel Wallace (By: Robert B. Parker)
1980
Early Autumn (By: Robert B. Parker)
1981
A Savage Place (By: Robert B. Parker)
1981
Ceremony (By: Robert B. Parker)
1982
The Widening Gyre (By: Robert B. Parker)
1983
Valediction (By: Robert B. Parker)
1984
A Catskill Eagle (By: Robert B. Parker)
1985
Taming a Sea-Horse (By: Robert B. Parker)
1986
Pale Kings and Princes (By: Robert B. Parker)
1987
Crimson Joy (By: Robert B. Parker)
1988
Playmates (By: Robert B. Parker)
1989
Stardust (By: Robert B. Parker)
1990
Pastime (By: Robert B. Parker)
1991
Double Deuce (By: Robert B. Parker)
1992
Paper Doll (By: Robert B. Parker)
1993
Walking Shadow (By: Robert B. Parker)
1994
Thin Air (By: Robert B. Parker)
1995
Chance (By: Robert B. Parker)
1996
Small Vices (By: Robert B. Parker)
1997
Sudden Mischief (By: Robert B. Parker)
1998
Hush Money (By: Robert B. Parker)
1999
Hugger Mugger (By: Robert B. Parker)
2000
Potshot (By: Robert B. Parker)
2001
Widow's Walk (By: Robert B. Parker)
2002
Back Story (By: Robert B. Parker)
2003
Bad Business (By: Robert B. Parker)
2004
Cold Service (By: Robert B. Parker)
2005
School Days (By: Robert B. Parker)
2005
Hundred-Dollar Baby / Dream Girl (By: Robert B. Parker)
2006
Now and Then (By: Robert B. Parker)
2007
Rough Weather (By: Robert B. Parker)
2008
The Professional (By: Robert B. Parker)
2009
Painted Ladies (By: Robert B. Parker)
2010
Sixkill (By: Robert B. Parker)
2011
Silent Night (By: Robert B. Parker,Helen Brann)
2011
Lullaby
2012
Wonderland / Spenser Confidential
2013
Cheap Shot
2014
Kickback
2015
Slow Burn
2016
Little White Lies
2017
Old Black Magic
2018
Angel Eyes
2019
Someone to Watch Over Me
2020
Bye Bye Baby
2022
Broken Trust (By: Mike Lupica)
2023
Hot Property (By: Mike Lupica)
2024
Robert B. Parker's Showdown (By: Robert B. Parker,Mike Lupica)
2025
Showdown (By: Robert B. Parker,Mike Lupica)
2025
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