Barney Thomson Books In Order

Publication Order of Barney Thomson Books

Publication Order of Barney Thomson Short Stories/Novellas

Barney Thomson is the main character in a series of novels written by Douglas Lindsay. The author began publication of Barney Thomson series in 2003 when The Long Midnight of Barney the debut book in the series was published. The series concluded after seven novels with The Final Cut marking the final book in the series.

Lindsay is United Kingdom bestselling author born in Scotland in 1964. His character, Barney Thomson was “born” while the author was in Dakar, Senegal while resting to an air conditioned apartment taking a gin and tonic. Since the late 90’s, the author has penned more than five books in the Barney Thomson series and several other crime novels that are written in the non-traditional style. The author’s debut novel has been translated into many languages. In 2015, the book was released as the motion picture event under the title, The Legend of Barney Thomson which featured Emma Thompson, Robert Carlyle, and Ray Winstone. Currently, the author is published by Blasted Heath and Freight Books.

The Long Midnight of Barney Thomson

In the first novel of Barney Thomson series by Douglas Lindsay, a man walks into a barber and ask for a Tony Curtis haircut, falls asleep but when he wakes up, he is bald as Vin Diesel. Barney Thomson is an awkward Glasgow barber who lives a life of desperate mediocrity, shunned both at home and at work.

However, there is not a single life that is tedious which cannot be spiced up by some unintended murder, a freezer full of packed meat and a deranged psychopath. Moreover, Barney’s boring life is almost switching from 0 to 60 in 5 seconds as he enters the comically absurd and grotesque world of a serial killer. The first novel is an entertaining read that oozes black humor as much as it does sticky red blood. During the day, Barney works as a barber and an accidental serial killer in the evenings. The author has crafted a lead character that is more suited to a sitcom than death row. From a general lack of skills in his workplace to subtle taunts in the workplace, new murderous thoughts spawn from Barney’s mind.

Alongside these accidental killing, add to the ingredients some cops who have eaten many pies, and a serial killer and add some comedy of Tommy Cooper, Monty Python, Benny Hill and you will be enjoying every single bit of this novel.

Barney is an interesting character; he is no one’s idea of a hero. He is just as faulty as any protagonist can be. He is a Glasgow barber who believes in his skills but yet admits to giving out some bad haircuts more often than not. The most important women in his life, his mother, and his wife both ignore him in favor of most hilarious quiz shows and soap operas. On the other hand, his customers do not like him.

The Cutting Edge of Barney Thomson

The second novel in Barney Thomson series sees Barney, the accidental killer on the run from the cops after he is sought for multiple homicides. Living under a new name as Brother Jacob, Barney begins a new life as a monk and cuts the links from the real world. However while seeking refuge in a monastery, he finds himself still entangled in much more evil events. A monk is seeking revenge for his dad’s treatment by his fellow monk’s couple of years ago makes the walls of this monastery painted red with the blood of brothers. Moreover, once again, Barney becomes a suspect by bad luck and his poor timings.

Proudfoot and Mulholland are on the trail to track down Barney Thomson, the Glasgow Ripper. The author, Douglas Lindsay amplifies this plot by brooding some romance between Proudfoot and Mulholland.

The author has an excellent and unique writing style. The pages will just dissolve as you read and before you know it, you will be halfway through the novel. Lindsay writes in an accessible way; the characters are well woven, the plot is uniquely crafted. The humor in this book which has ludicrous body count lies in the satirical women magazine titles, headlines, soap opera characters, general hyperbole and not to mention the discussions among the characters in the novel. The blossoming attraction between the detectives adds some tension to this book.

Murderers Anonymous

Things just got from worse to worst for Barney Thomson, with the killing of two former partners and thirty-two different monks, he has managed to be on the top list of most wanted serial killers and achieved a fame that most serial murderers only dream of. However, when he tries to surrender to the authorities, no one will dare believe that he is the real and original Barney Thomson and join the Murderers Anonymous will not help either.

Barney just attracts serial killers, and after surviving mass killing at a monastery in the previous novel, he stumbles upon a group of murderous maniacs who are trying to rein their addiction by joining the deadly anonymous. A fact is that not all of the violently inclined people have been caught and soon what was meant to be a secluded retreat turns to relapse and spoilt meat.

Humor and Witt are the keys to the Barney Thomson series. However, this book has its shocking turn of events and a sequence so cannibalistic and bloody that horror fans will agree that this story seals the deal. The third novel gears up higher octane and thrilling accidental murders and some good laughs.

The King Was In His Counting House

Following his previous involvement with some Murderous Anonymous which resulted in him dead at the bottom of a cliff and his brains preserved in a jar, Barney Thomson future seemed doomed, however for no good reason, he is suddenly back, plucked from the grave to serves as a personal barber of a minister.

The fourth series installment will have you hooked right from the first page to the last. The author presents his unique writing skills in a way that you have never seen before, the characters, plot and the humor are well detailed and neatly crafted.