Books On Board
series Reading Order

Barney Thomson Books in Order

13 Books
2 Reading orders
1999 – 2020 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Barney Thomson Reading Order

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Barney Thomson series in publication order. Because the narrative tracks Barney's evolving, chaotic life and the absurd consequences of his accidental homicides, reading chronologically ensures you do not miss major character developments or running jokes.

The Main Novels in Order

  1. The Long Midnight of Barney Thomson (1999) – Also published as The Legend of Barney Thomson
  2. The Cutting Edge of Barney Thomson (2000)
  3. A Prayer for Barney Thomson (2001) – Also published as Murderers Anonymous
  4. The King Was in His Counting House (2004)
  5. The Last Fish Supper (2006)
  6. The Haunting of Barney Thomson (2007)
  7. The Final Cut (2009)
  8. Aye, Barney (2018)
  9. Curse of the Clown (2020)

Novellas and Short Stories

Alongside the main novels, Douglas Lindsay has published several novellas and short story collections featuring Barney. These works are largely supplemental and can be enjoyed as standalone side-trips into Barney's bizarre world at any point after the first few novels.

  • The End of Days (2011)
  • The Face of Death (2013)
  • The Curse of Barney Thomson & Other Stories (2014)
  • Barney Thomson: Zombie Slayer (2017) – Sometimes referred to as Zombie Killer

Where to Start Reading

You should absolutely start with the first novel, The Long Midnight of Barney Thomson. It sets up Barney's mundane life in Glasgow, his awkward personality, and the accidental killing that triggers the entire comical, blood-soaked saga. Starting anywhere else will spoil previous events and make Barney's bizarre reputation harder to follow.

Understanding Title Variations and Adaptations

Keep an eye out for regional title changes when collecting the books. The first novel is frequently sold under the title The Legend of Barney Thomson to match the 2015 dark comedy film adaptation directed by and starring Robert Carlyle. Additionally, the third novel, A Prayer for Barney Thomson, is widely known as Murderers Anonymous in various digital and regional editions.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Barney Thomson series?

You should start with the first novel, The Long Midnight of Barney Thomson (also sold under the title The Legend of Barney Thomson), to fully understand Barney's character and the catalyst for his accidental crimes.

QAre 'A Prayer for Barney Thomson' and 'Murderers Anonymous' the same book?

Yes. A Prayer for Barney Thomson was published under the title Murderers Anonymous in several regions and editions.

QHow many main novels are in the Barney Thomson series?

There are nine main novels in the Barney Thomson series, beginning in 1999 with The Long Midnight of Barney Thomson and most recently continuing with Curse of the Clown in 2020.

QIs the Barney Thomson series co-authored?

No. The entire Barney Thomson series, including all novels and novellas, is written solely by Scottish author Douglas Lindsay.

QWhere do the Barney Thomson novellas fit into the reading order?

The novellas (like The End of Days and Barney Thomson: Zombie Slayer) are supplemental stories. They can be read in publication order alongside the main series, or enjoyed as standalone reads after you have finished the first few novels.

QIs there a movie adaptation of the series?

Yes. The first book was adapted into the 2015 feature film The Legend of Barney Thomson, which was directed by and starred Robert Carlyle alongside Emma Thompson.