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Standalone Books in Order
Below you'll find the complete list of Standalone books in publication order. This is generally the recommended reading order for the series.
Reading order verified: April 2026
Quick Answer
What order should I read the Standalone series? Start with "The Laughing Ghost" (1943) and follow publication order through all 41 books.
The complete Standalone reading order is listed below in publication sequence.
Publication Order

The Laughing Ghost
1943

The Schoolmaster's Daughter/The Daughters of Ardmore Hall
1946

Walk into My Parlour
1947

Crow Hollow
1950

The Voice of the Dolls
1950

Cats Prey/Let Us Prey
1952

Lamb To The Slaughter/The Brooding Lake
1953

Bride By Candlelight
1954

Darling Clementine/Night Of The Letter
1955

Death Is A Red Rose
1955

The Pretty Ones
1957

Listen to Danger
1957

The Deadly Travellers
1959

Sleeping Bride
1959

Afternoon Walk
1960

Samantha/Lady of Mallow
1960

Sleep in the Woods
1960

Afternoon For Lizards
1961

Face of An Angel
1961

Shadow Of A Witch
1962

Whistle for the Crows
1962

The Bird in the Chimney/Darkwater
1963

Bella/Ravenscroft
1964

The Marriage Chest
1965

Never Call It Loving
1966

Siege in the Sun
1967

Winterwood
1967

Shadow Wife
1967

The Vines of Yarrabee
1968

Melbury Square
1970

Waiting for Willa
1970

Speak to Me of Love
1971

The Millionaire's Daughter
1974

Time of the Dragon
1975

The Salamanca Drum
1977

The Storrington Papers
1978

The American Heiress
1980

Important Family
1982

Yellow Is for Fear
1968

House on Hay Hill
1976

A Gothic Treasure Trove
1987
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