Thomas Perry Books In Order

Publication Order of Butcher's Boy Books

Publication Order of Fargo Adventures Books

Publication Order of Jack Till Books

Publication Order of Jane Whitefield Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Mysterious Profiles Books

Publication Order of Bibliomysteries Books

Chronological Order of Bibliomysteries Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Thriller and mystery novelist, American author Thomas Perry has been writing successfully for many years now. Not just a novelist, but a television writer as well, he’s enjoyed a wide and varied career over the years.

Early and Personal Life

Born in Tonawanda, New York, in 1947, Thomas Perry always had a keen interest in literature and the written word. Attending Cornell University, he got his B.A. in 1969 before going on to get a Ph.D from the University of Rochester in 1974. Having done a whole variety of jobs ranging from laborer, a maintenance man, a university administrator, a teacher and even a commercial fisherman as well as a weapons mechanic, he really has done and seen it all. It is with this wealth of experience that he’s gone on to hone his craft and create the successful writing career that he still enjoys to this day.

Not only that, but he’s also penned a large amount of popular television during his time too. Producing and writing television, he’s created work for ‘Star-Trek: The Next Generation’, ‘Simon and Simon’ and ’21 Jump Street’. This has all led to an increasingly large resume with a variety of different skills and talents that he’s proven himself to have. Now living in South California, he currently lives happily married with his wife and two children. Continuing to write his popular brand of literature, he currently has twenty-one books and counting to his name, and will carry on writing into the foreseeable future.

Writing Career

Writing his first novel in 1982, Thomas Perry brought out his début in the form of ‘The Butcher’s Boy’ to much acclaim. He followed this up with ‘Metzger’s Dog’ in 1983 and ‘Big Fish’ in 1985. It was from here that his fate was sealed and he became an author of much critical and commercial success, as his popularity began to grow from strength-to-strength. With over four series as well, he has successfully built a set of ongoing franchises that also gain a large amount of recognition too. His first began with his début novel and made up part of a total of three novels for ‘The Butcher’s Boy’ series, with ‘Sleeping Dogs’ and ‘The Informant’ as his other two coming out over ten and twenty years later.

He’s also produced a string of other novels and series with a whole host of different avenues he’s explored during his literary career. With his work in television as well, he’s gained himself a visual style that’s unique to himself in its idiosyncratic approach. Focusing on suspense and intrigue in his novels has really been helped by his work on shows such as ’21 Jump Street’ which have given his material a vibrancy that he wouldn’t otherwise have had. This shows with the readers as well who appreciate his approach and subject matter.

Winning an Edgar Award in 1983 for his début, he’s not without his critical acclaim either. Received from the ‘Mystery Writers of America’ for his initial release, it was to mark his first foray into the world of literature. Later on he got a ‘Gumshoe Award’ in 2002 too, and he continues to write successfully to this very day.

The Butcher’s Boy

The first novel from Thomas Perry, this was originally published in 1982, receiving the ‘Edgar Award’ in 1983 for ‘Best First Mystery Novel’ the following year. Reprinted several times, it was to be the novel that was to secure his position as one of America’s highest rated thriller novelists, defining much of his career to date, along with two other sequels in the ‘Butcher’s Boy’ series. In it Perry brings to the page the story of a professional hitman who gained his title from his father ‘Eddie the Butcher’.

Being brought up as killer for hire, he was provided with the cover of butcher to hide his secret life. He’s good at his job and, after having dispatched a U.S. senator and a union employee, he heads to Las Vegas to collect his fee. That’s when he discovers everything isn’t going as it usually does when he finds that a contract has been placed on his head. Being a man who always claims his paycheck though, he then undertakes a mission to terrorize the mafia and to ensure whoever is looking to kill him steps back. Will he be able to collect his fee whilst protecting himself in the process? Can he stay out of the ever watchful eyes of the law, especially now they are starting to piece things together regarding his murderous history over the years? What will become of those who dare cross the Butcher’s Boy?

Vanishing Act

In what was to be the start of the ‘Jane Whitfield’ series of novels, Thomas Perry initially released this book on the 1st of January, 1995. Featuring the protagonist Jane Whitfield, it charts her single woman business that specializes in helping people ‘disappear’ when they’re in trouble. Typically this trouble consists of someone wanting them dead leaving them in the dark with nobody else able to help them. Getting them out of harm’s way, she effectively creates a ‘vanishing act’ whereby the client goes into hiding.

With her background as a Native American, she uses the skills gained from her heritage to cover the clients trail and ensure their safety, so that no pursuer can ever hope to follow them. Creating new identities along the way, she dupes whoever is tracking them into thinking they’ve gone. Good at her job, she one day comes across a challenge that may push her skills to the limit, putting her life at risk in the process. Returning home one day, she finds an intruder who wants to utilize her skills to make himself vanish like his friend before him. This soon turns out to be a trap though and she quickly realizes that she’s going to have to use everything she has to escape from this danger. Will she be able to escape in time and lose the threat upon her life? Does she have it in her to undertake this challenge set before her? What will become of her and will she need to manage one final vanishing act?

5 Responses to “Thomas Perry”

1. Dianne Glover: 2 years ago

   I’m new to Thomas Perry and started with The Butcher’s Boy series which I have not been able to put down. I’m currently almost finished with the last book and totally amazed that I’m rooting for the killer. This speaks to the outstanding talent of Mr Perry and his ability to create characters that you get to know as the series progresses. I plan to start the Jane Whitefield series next and have high hopes. Thank you Mr Perry.

   Reply
2. Martha Edstrom: 3 years ago

   For years I’ve been reading the Jane Whitefield series as soon as each was released. Discovered Butcher’s Boy series recently and read in a nonstop marathon. How Perry could make me root for the merciless but principled killer for hire is an example of his magical, amazing talent. I’m starting now on the stand alone novels. Thank you, Mr. Perry!

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   • Dianne Glover: 2 years ago

     I totally agree. I have been listening non-stop and am currently almost finished with Eddie’s Boy. Can’t believe I’m rooting for him but as you said, it takes an amazing talent to create this. I just discovered Thomas Perry and will start the Jane Whitefield series next.

     Reply
3. William Aragon: 3 years ago

   Love the butcher boy series is Eddie boy the last one

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4. David Wilton: 4 years ago

   The Old Man……
   I think this is the first of your I’ve read. Quite enjoyed it. Is there a sequel?
   Thanks.
   Dave
   in Winnipeg, Manitoba

   Reply