Next Book in the Series Browse A–Z
This site contains affiliate links. The creator of this site may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Philip Marlowe

by Robert B. Parker

13 books Started 1939 Latest 2023
Publication Reading Order

The Philip Marlowe is a Crime Fiction / Mystery series by Robert B. Parker, made up of 13 books published between 1939 and 2023. It begins with The Big Sleep ( By: Raymond Chandler) (1939), and is best read in publication order. The most recent entry is The Second Murderer ( By: Denise Mina) (2023), spanning 84 years of storytelling.

13books
84years active
7decades
~7yrs between books
2023latest release
# Title Year Buy
1930s
1 The Big Sleep ( By: Raymond Chandler) 1939 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
1940s
2 Farewell, My Lovely ( By: Raymond Chandler) 1940 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
3 The High Window ( By: Raymond Chandler) 1942 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
4 The Lady in the Lake ( By: Raymond Chandler) 1943 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
5 The Little Sister ( By: Raymond Chandler) 1949 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
1950s
6 The Long Goodbye ( By: Raymond Chandler) 1953 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
7 Playback ( By: Raymond Chandler) 1958 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
1980s
8 Poodle Springs ( With: Raymond Chandler) 1989 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
1990s
9 Perchance to Dream 1991 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
2010s
10 The Black-Eyed Blonde / Marlowe ( By: Benjamin Black) 2014 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
11 Only to Sleep ( By: Lawrence Osborne) 2018 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
2020s
12 The Goodbye Coast ( By: Joe Ide) 2022 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
13 The Second Murderer ( By: Denise Mina)Latest 2023 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia

Philip Marlowe series: frequently asked questions

What order should I read the Philip Marlowe series?

Start with The Big Sleep ( By: Raymond Chandler) (1939), the first book in the Philip Marlowe series by Robert B. Parker. Follow the books in publication order for the best reading experience.

How many books are in the Philip Marlowe series?

There are 13 books in the Philip Marlowe series by Robert B. Parker, published between 1939 and 2023.

What is the first book in the Philip Marlowe series?

The first book in the Philip Marlowe series is The Big Sleep ( By: Raymond Chandler), published in 1939 by Robert B. Parker.

What is the latest book in the Philip Marlowe series?

The most recent book in the Philip Marlowe series is The Second Murderer ( By: Denise Mina) (2023) by Robert B. Parker.

Robert B. Parker (1932-2010) was an American mystery writer best known for his detective novels featuring private investigator Spenser. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Parker served as an intelligence officer in the Army. After his military service, he received a PhD in English from Boston University and became a professor of literature. In the early 1970s, he turned to writing fiction, publishing his first Spenser novel, "The Godwulf Manuscript," in 1973. The Spenser series became a critical and commercial success, with over 40 books published. Parker's work was praised for its witty dialogue, complex characters, and intricate plots. He received numerous awards, including the Edgar Award for "Best Mystery Novel" in 1974 and the Shamus Award for "Best Novel" in 1978. Parker's Spenser novels were adapted into a television series starring Robert Urich, and several of his books were made into films. His work has been translated into over 20 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

View all Robert B. Parker series →