Gerald Verner Books In Order

Publication Order of Felix Heron Books

Publication Order of Michael Dene Books

Publication Order of Paul Rivington Books

Publication Order of Peter Chard Books

Publication Order of Robert Budd Mystery Books

Chronological Order of Robert Budd Mystery Books

Publication Order of Simon Gale Books

Publication Order of Trevor Lowe Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Vintage Crime Library Books

About Gerald Verner

Gerald Verner, one of the many pen names used by John Robert Stuart Pringle, was a notable British writer of thrilling fiction. Under this name, he created more than 120 novels that captivated readers around the world, with his works being translated into over 35 languages. Besides Gerald Verner, he also wrote under several other pen names, including Thane Leslie, Derwent Steele, Donald Stuart, and Nigel Vane.

Verner had a remarkable talent for creating memorable characters and protagonists. These characters were often well-developed and relatable, drawing readers into their adventures. His protagonists faced incredible odds and exciting challenges, making each story a roller-coaster ride of suspense and action. This knack for character creation was one of the reasons his books were so entertaining.

Aside from his skill with characters, Verner’s stories featured compelling narratives that kept readers hooked from start to finish. The intriguing plots woven through his novels were filled with twists and turns that kept readers guessing. His engaging storytelling and thrilling plots ensured that each book was a page-turner. Reading one of his novels, whether penned as Gerald Verner, or one of his many other pen-names, he was always a captivating experience.

Early and Personal Life

Gerald Verner, born John Robert Stuart Pringle on January 31, 1897, in Streatham, London, developed a love for reading and writing early on. Initially writing under the name Donald Stuart, he created 44 stories, which were for the Sexton Blake Library, and contributed to Union Jack and The Thriller, along with two stage plays and films. He used pen names like Thane Leslie, Derwent Steele, and Nigel Vane, and recycled magazine stories into novels, influenced by Edgar Wallace.

In the 1930s, Verner wrote for The Thriller and Detective Weekly, adeptly recycling his stories for book publication. His engaging style and adaptability earned him a special place in readers’ hearts, even leading to reprints of his works like ‘The Q Squad’ as recently as 2012. His storytelling was appreciated by many, including the Duke of Windsor, who owned a set of Verner’s thrillers.
Verner’s versatility also shone through in stage play adaptations, such as Peter Cheyney’s ‘The Urgent Hangman’ into the well regarded Agatha Christie’s ‘Towards Zero’ (1956) and ‘Meet Mr. Callaghan’ (1952).

His productive career continued until his passing on September 16, 1980, in Broadstairs, Kent, leaving a lasting legacy in thriller fiction.

Writing Career

John Pringle, aka Gerald Verner, initially made his mark by writing under the pen-name of Donald Stuart. He penned 44 stories for the Sexton Blake Library and also contributed to Union Jack and The Thriller, showcasing his versatility with six stories for one and three for the other, along with two stage plays and films. He later adopted other pseudonyms like Derwent Steele, along with Nigel Vane, contributing heavily to the thriller genre.

During the 1930s, Verner wrote for magazines, including The Thriller and Detective Weekly. His creativity shone through as he recycled stories into novels for publisher Wright & Brown, weaving engaging tales influenced by Edgar Wallace. His work remained popular, with some novels, like ‘The Q Squad’, being reprinted again in 2012, ensuring his legacy in thrilling fiction.

The Grim Joker

‘The Grim Joker’ by Gerald Verner was published in 1936. It’s the first book in the ‘Robert Budd Mystery’ series. This novel marks the beginning of Verner’s engaging series, introducing readers to the intriguing character of Robert Budd.

Mr. Hamilton Lorne finds a card with a grotesque picture of a fool and a threatening limerick on the back, which he and Scotland Yard’s Superintendent Budd dismiss as a prank. They laugh it off and toss the card into the waste-paper basket. The next morning, Mr. Lorne is discovered dead, stabbed straight through the heart.

This marks the beginning of a series of sadistic murders committed by the elusive Grim Joker.

A captivating start to Gerald Verner’s, the novel engages readers with its intriguing plot fast. It keeps you on the edge of your seat with a series of gruesome murders. A must-read for fans of suspenseful thrillers.

The Jockey

Published in 1937, it’s the second book in the ‘Robert Budd Mystery’ series, it presents another self-contained mystery. This novel continues to build on the engaging detective work of Robert Budd.

A man known as ‘the Jockey’ sends a letter to crooked bookmaker Simon Corbett, demanding a large sum of money. This marks the beginning of the Jockey’s campaign against those he believes have tarnished the reputation of Horse Racing without facing justice. In a press message, he claims to have a list of these individuals and vows to strip them of their crooked fortunes and ensure that those responsible for deaths will forfeit their own lives.

When murders begin, Superintendent Budd of Scotland Yard is tasked with stopping the mysterious avenger, but questions arise about whether the Jockey is the real murderer.

As another gripping installment the book expertly follows Superintendent Budd’s investigation into a series of murders linked to the enigmatic avenger known as ‘the Jockey.’ The suspense and intriguing twists keep readers hooked. It’s a must-read for mystery enthusiasts.

Thirsty Evil

‘Thirsty Evil’ by Gerald Verner was published in 1945. It is the first novel in the ‘Peter Chard’ series. This book introduces readers to the character Peter Chard, marking the beginning of an engaging mystery series.

A thirsty evil had been unleashed in the country village of Bishop’s Thatcham, where novelist Peter Chard resided. Chard began to see the villagers as an odd and malicious group, full of envy and hatred. He envisioned the village as a seething cauldron ready to boil over, potentially causing great harm.

His fears were confirmed when a respected church member was found dead in her pew, brutally stabbed through the brain.

A compelling start to the ‘Peter Chard’ series, it masterfully introduces readers to the intriguing character and the dark secrets of Bishop’s Thatcham. The suspense and vivid description keep readers hooked. A must-read for mystery lovers seeking a gripping tale, that keeps readers hooked to the very last page.