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series Reading Order

Albert Campion Books in Order

31 Books
1929 – 1969 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Starting Point

For the best experience, readers should start with Mystery Mile (1930). Although it is the second book in the series, it marks the first time Albert Campion takes center stage as the primary protagonist. The series debut, The Crime at Black Dudley (1929), originally featured Campion as a minor supporting character. Starting with Mystery Mile allows you to properly meet Campion, his loyal ex-burglar manservant Magersfontein Lugg, and witness the true birth of the series.

Alternatively, if you prefer a darker, highly atmospheric psychological thriller, The Tiger in the Smoke (1952) is widely regarded as Allingham's masterpiece and can be read as a standalone entry point.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

The Albert Campion series is best read in publication order. The internal chronology of the series aligns almost perfectly with the release dates. Campion ages in real-time, evolving from a talkative, 'silly ass' caricature in the late 1920s to a mature, contemplative, and battle-scarred investigator by the 1960s. Reading the books in sequence ensures you watch his character develop, his family grow, and his key relationship with Amanda Fitton blossom naturally.

The only minor chronological caveats appear in the modern continuations written by Mike Ripley, such as Mr. Campion's War (2018). While framed in the series' chronological progression (set in 1970), the bulk of its narrative takes the form of flashbacks to Campion's secret wartime espionage operations in 1942.

Authorship, completions, and continuations

The Albert Campion bibliography is divided into three distinct eras:

  • The Margery Allingham Era (1929–1968): Allingham wrote the first 18 novels, establishing Campion's character and his world. She passed away while writing the 19th book, Cargo of Eagles.
  • The Philip Youngman Carter Era (1968–1970): Allingham's husband, Philip Youngman Carter, finished Cargo of Eagles (1968) and went on to write two complete novels of his own: Mr. Campion's Farthing (1969) and Mr. Campion's Falcon (1970, also published as Mr. Campion's Quarry).
  • The Mike Ripley Era (2014–Present): Decades later, Mike Ripley continued the saga. He began by completing a fragment left behind by Youngman Carter, published as Mr. Campion's Farewell (2014), and has since penned numerous original sequels keeping the character's legacy alive.

The Albert Campion Library in Order

Based on established publication records, the main series path progresses as follows:

  1. The Crime at Black Dudley (1929)
  2. Mystery Mile (1930)
  3. Look to the Lady (1931)
  4. Police at the Funeral (1931)
  5. Sweet Danger (1933)
  6. Death of a Ghost (1934)
  7. Flowers for the Judge (1936)
  8. The Case of the Late Pig (1937)
  9. Dancers in Mourning (1937)
  10. The Fashion in Shrouds (1938)
  11. Traitor's Purse (1940)
  12. Coroner's Pidgin (1945)
  13. More Work for the Undertaker (1948)
  14. The Tiger in the Smoke (1952)
  15. The Beckoning Lady (1955)
  16. Hide My Eyes (1958)
  17. The China Governess (1962)
  18. The Mind Readers (1965)
  19. Cargo of Eagles (1968) - Completed by Philip Youngman Carter
  20. Mr. Campion's Farthing (1969) - Written by Philip Youngman Carter
  21. Mr. Campion's Falcon / Mr. Campion's Quarry (1970) - Written by Philip Youngman Carter
  22. Mr. Campion's Farewell (2014) - Completed by Mike Ripley
  23. Mr. Campion's Fox (2015) - Written by Mike Ripley
  24. Mr. Campion's Fault (2016) - Written by Mike Ripley
  25. Mr. Campion's Abdication (2017) - Written by Mike Ripley
  26. Mr Campion's War (2018) - Written by Mike Ripley
  27. Mr Campion's Visit (2019) - Written by Mike Ripley
  28. Mr Campion's Seance (2020) - Written by Mike Ripley
  29. Mr Campion's Coven (2021) - Written by Mike Ripley
  30. Mr. Campion's Wings (2022) - Written by Mike Ripley
  31. Mr. Campion's Mosaic (2022) - Written by Mike Ripley

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best book to start with in the Albert Campion series?

We highly recommend starting with the second book, Mystery Mile (1930). This is the first novel where Albert Campion acts as the main detective, making it a much better introduction to his character than the debut novel, The Crime at Black Dudley.

QIs the chronological order of the Albert Campion books different from the publication order?

No, the chronological order matches the publication order. The characters age and their lives progress chronologically from the 1920s through the 1970s. Reading them in publication order is the best way to follow their developmental arcs.

QWho wrote the Albert Campion novels after Margery Allingham died?

Her husband, Philip Youngman Carter, completed her unfinished 19th novel, Cargo of Eagles (1968), and wrote two more. In 2014, Mike Ripley revived the series, completing a fragment left by Carter and continuing with original novels.

QWhat is Albert Campion's real name?

Albert Campion is a pseudonym. His true identity remains a mystery, though he is hinted to be an aristocrat of royal blood, with his real first name suggested to be Rudolph.

QWho is Magersfontein Lugg?

Lugg is Albert Campion's loyal, rough-around-the-edges manservant and bodyguard. An ex-burglar, Lugg provides comedic relief and a sharp contrast to Campion's aristocratic circles.

QHow many Albert Campion books are there?

There are 21 novels in the original run (completed by Allingham and Youngman Carter) along with several short story collections. Mike Ripley has since extended the series with over ten continuation novels starting in 2014.