How to Read the Larry Baker Series
For readers diving into the snappy, pulp-noir adventures of Larry Baker, the best path is the publication order. Written by Alan Geoffrey Yates under his famous pseudonym Carter Brown, the series consists of six novels published between 1963 and 1975. Because each story is self-contained, you do not need to worry about complex chronological jumps. Reading them in order allows you to appreciate the evolution of Yates' signature blend of hard-boiled detective fiction and comedic Hollywood satire.
Larry Baker Books in Publication Order
Here is the complete list of books featuring Larry Baker and his perpetually inebriated partner, Boris Slivka, in the order they were published:
- Charlie Sent Me! (1963) – The series kicks off when Hollywood gag writer Larry Baker is dragged into a murder investigation that pulls him away from his scripts and into a web of blackmail and deception. Note: This book is a revised version of Yates' 1955 novel Swan Song for a Siren, which originally featured a protagonist named Joe Dunne before being rewritten to launch the Larry Baker character.
- No Blonde Is an Island (1965) – Baker is invited to a private island owned by an eccentric millionaire, only to find himself entangled with three glamorous women and a deadly mystery.
- So What Killed the Vampire? (1966) – The series leans into playful, supernatural tropes as Baker investigates a bizarre murder case involving a supposed real-life vampire in Hollywood.
- Had I But Groaned (1968) – Also published under the UK title The Witches, this entry sees Larry Baker visiting a creepy castle and getting mixed up with a coven of modern witches, curses, and murder.
- The True Son of the Beast! (1970) – Baker tackles a high-tension mystery involving a strange cult, bringing his trademark snappy dialogue and quick wit to a sinister situation.
- The Iron Maiden (1975) – The final adventure wraps up the series with a high-stakes conspiracy, showcasing Baker's ability to laugh in the face of classic noir danger.
What to Know Before You Start
Before you begin your journey with Larry Baker, keep these key points in mind:
- Standalone Mysteries: Each book features a self-contained case. You can pick up any volume and understand the plot, though starting with Charlie Sent Me! establishes his transition from writer to detective.
- A Comic Twist on Hard-Boiled Noir: Unlike Carter Brown's grittier protagonists like Lt. Al Wheeler, Larry Baker is an everyman hero. He is a writer who would rather write jokes than dodge bullets, using humor as a shield against dangerous criminals.
- Retro Hollywood Glitz: The series serves as a time capsule of mid-century California, complete with glamorous starlets, shady agents, and retro cocktail parties.