Where to Start with Columbo Books
Lieutenant Columbo's cases span several decades, formats, and authors. Choosing where to start depends on what kind of mystery you are looking for:
- For the Co-Creator's Voice: Start with The Columbo Collection (2010) by series co-creator William Link. This anthology of 12 short stories captures the exact tone of the character and serves as a perfect literary introduction.
- For Original Full-Length Novels: Start with William G. Harrington's 90s series, beginning with Columbo: The Grassy Knoll (1993). These are standalone cases that tie the lieutenant into real-life historical events and pop-culture conspiracies.
- For Classic Episode Adaptations: If you want to read the stories you saw on screen, start with the 1970s Popular Library paperbacks. Lee Hays's adaptation of Murder by the Book (1976)—originally written for TV by Steven Spielberg and Steven Bochco—is a fantastic entry point.
The William G. Harrington Series (1993–1998)
Published by Forge Books (an imprint of Tor), this series of six novels offers original, complex cases set in the 1990s. Rather than adapting television episodes, former lawyer and mystery writer William G. Harrington wove historical conspiracies and real-life mysteries into Columbo's world. Reading them in publication order is recommended:
- Columbo: The Grassy Knoll (1993) – Columbo investigates a murder linked to the JFK assassination.
- Columbo: The Helter Skelter Murders (1994) – A gruesome crime scene brings back memories of the Manson family murders.
- Columbo: The Hoffa Connection (1995) – A mystery involving the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa.
- Columbo: The Game Show Killer (1996) – A high-stakes murder set in the ruthless world of television game shows.
- Columbo: The Glitter Murders (1997) – Columbo goes behind the glitzy scenes of Hollywood.
- Columbo: The Hoover Files (1998) – A final case involving secret files guarded by a killer.
The Popular Library Series (1972–1976)
In the 1970s, Popular Library published six books, most of which were novelizations of the TV show's most popular early episodes. While the plots follow the show, some books feature significant differences:
- Columbo (also published as A Christmas Killing) (1972) by Alfred Lawrence – An original novel that does not adapt a TV episode.
- The Dean's Death (1975) by Alfred Lawrence – Though often marketed as an adaptation of the episode "By Dawn's Early Light," the plot is actually an original story set at a private co-ed college rather than a military academy.
- Any Old Port in a Storm (1975) by Henry Clement – Novelization of the classic episode.
- By Dawn's Early Light (1975) by Henry Clement – Novelization of the classic episode.
- Murder by the Book (1976) by Lee Hays – Novelization of the episode.
- A Deadly State of Mind (1976) by Lee Hays – Novelization of the episode.
The Standalone Novel: Columbo and the Samurai Sword (1980)
Written by Bill Magee and Craig Schenck and published by Walter J. Black, this rare, standalone novel is an outlier. Originally distributed through the Detective Book Club, it is known for being much more violent and action-oriented than the TV show—even featuring a car chase and a climax where the killer stalks Columbo with a katana.
The Short Stories: The Columbo Collection (2010)
For purists, this collection of 12 short stories by co-creator William Link is essential reading. It contains a foreword detailing the origins of the character, the casting of Peter Falk, and illustrations by Al Hirschfeld.