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Lewis Barnavelt Books in Order

12 Books
1973 – 2008 Published
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How to Read the Lewis Barnavelt Series

If you are ready to step into a cozy, slightly spooky world filled with magic clocks, dark sorcery, and chocolate chip cookies, the Lewis Barnavelt series is a fantastic place to start. Created by John Bellairs and later continued by Brad Strickland, this 12-book series is best read in publication order. While some later books can function as standalones, the character development and relationships—especially between Lewis and his best friend, Rose Rita Pottinger—grow significantly from book to book.

Lewis Barnavelt Books in Order

Here is the complete list of the Lewis Barnavelt books, tracking the evolution of the series from John Bellairs' original trilogy to Brad Strickland's contributions.

  • The House with a Clock in Its Walls (1973) – Written by John Bellairs. The book that started it all. Following the death of his parents, ten-year-old Lewis moves to New Zebedee, Michigan, to live with his Uncle Jonathan. He soon discovers his uncle is a warlock and their neighbor, Mrs. Zimmermann, is a witch. But the house itself is the real mystery, containing a hidden clock ticking away toward doom.
  • The Figure in the Shadows (1975) – Written by John Bellairs. Set during Lewis's second year in New Zebedee. Struggling with bullying at school, Lewis uses a magical amulet that belonged to his grandfather, believing it will give him power. Instead, it summons a terrifying, shadowy figure that begins to control him.
  • The Letter, the Witch, and the Ring (1976) – Written by John Bellairs. This book shifts the spotlight away from Lewis. Instead, it follows Lewis's brave friend, Rose Rita Pottinger, and Mrs. Zimmermann. When Mrs. Zimmermann inherits a farm and a magic ring from her cousin, they travel to rural Michigan, only to encounter dark magic and a sinister thief.
  • The Ghost in the Mirror (1993) – Started by John Bellairs, completed by Brad Strickland. Focuses on Rose Rita and Mrs. Zimmermann dealing with a sinister mirror while Lewis and Jonathan are away.
  • The Vengeance of the Witch-Finder (1993) – Started by John Bellairs, completed by Brad Strickland. Happening concurrently with The Ghost in the Mirror, Lewis and Jonathan travel to England, where they accidentally release a wicked spirit.
  • The Doom of the Haunted Opera (1995) – Started by John Bellairs, completed by Brad Strickland. Lewis and Rose Rita discover an old, haunted opera house in New Zebedee and unwittingly summon the spirit of a mad composer.
  • The Specter from the Magician's Museum (1998) – Written by Brad Strickland. Rose Rita is captured by a magician's specter, and Lewis must use his magical training to save his best friend.
  • The Beast Under the Wizard's Bridge (2000) – Written by Brad Strickland. A historic bridge in New Zebedee is slated for demolition, threatening to release an ancient evil.
  • The Tower at the End of the World (2001) – Written by Brad Strickland. A summer vacation turns perilous when Lewis, Jonathan, and Mrs. Zimmermann visit a remote island and discover a mysterious tower.
  • The Whistle, the Grave, and the Ghost (2003) – Written by Brad Strickland. Lewis discovers a strange whistle that summons a spirit from the grave.
  • The House Where Nobody Lived (2006) – Written by Brad Strickland. Lewis and Rose Rita investigate a strange house built by a deceased warlock.
  • The Sign of the Sinister Sorcerer (2008) – Written by Brad Strickland. Lewis faces a final magical threat tied to his family's history.

The 1951 Chronological Twist: A Concurrent Adventure

While the publication list places The Ghost in the Mirror as the fourth book and The Vengeance of the Witch-Finder as the fifth, they actually occur simultaneously in the story's timeline (set during the autumn of 1951). When John Bellairs began working on these stories before his death in 1991, he split the characters into two separate paths.

In The Vengeance of the Witch-Finder, Lewis and his Uncle Jonathan travel to England to visit family, leaving Rose Rita and Mrs. Zimmermann back home in New Zebedee. In The Ghost in the Mirror, we follow what happens to Rose Rita and Mrs. Zimmermann during that exact same timeframe, including their time-traveling journey to 1828. You can read either one first, but reading The Ghost in the Mirror first matches the publication order and makes for a smoother transition.

Who is Who in New Zebedee?

To get the most out of these books, it helps to understand the delightful core cast that brings these gothic mysteries to life:

  • Lewis Barnavelt: A shy, chubby, and bookish orphan who moves to Michigan. He is highly relatable, prone to self-doubt, and accidentally summons supernatural forces more than once.
  • Jonathan Barnavelt: Lewis's eccentric uncle who lives in a massive stone house. He is a warm-hearted warlock who loves playing bridge, eating chocolate chip cookies, and practicing parlor magic.
  • Florence Zimmermann: The neighbor next door and Jonathan's best friend. She is a highly powerful witch with a doctoral degree from the University of Göttingen, known for her purple clothes and delicious baking.
  • Rose Rita Pottinger: A tomboyish girl who becomes Lewis's best friend. She is brave, smart, and often has to rescue Lewis from his own magical mishaps.

The Collaborative Legacy: John Bellairs and Brad Strickland

John Bellairs passed away in 1991, leaving behind several unfinished drafts and outlines. Because the characters and their world were so beloved, his estate enlisted author Brad Strickland to complete the manuscripts. Strickland did a masterful job of matching Bellairs' distinctive voice, blending eerie gothic horror with warm-hearted character interactions. The transition was so seamless that many readers didn't realize the change in authorship. Strickland continued to write new adventures for Lewis and Rose Rita for over a decade, keeping the magic of New Zebedee alive for a new generation.

Aesthetics and Atmosphere: The Edward Gorey Connection

You cannot talk about the Lewis Barnavelt series without mentioning the illustrations of Edward Gorey. His signature pen-and-ink drawings—featuring intricate cross-hatching, heavy shadows, and Victorian-style characters—defined the look and feel of the original books. Gorey's artwork captured the delicate balance of the series: spooky enough to make you shiver, but charming enough to feel cozy. When looking for physical copies of these books, seeking out editions with Gorey's cover jackets and frontispieces is highly recommended for the full experience.

Practical Reading Advice for New Readers

Can the books be read as standalones? Yes, you can enjoy individual books on their own, especially the later titles written by Brad Strickland, which include brief recaps of the characters and their magical world. However, you will miss the evolution of Lewis and Rose Rita's friendship if you jump around too much. The character dynamics are a highlight of the series, and reading in order ensures you appreciate their growth.

Where is the best place to start? Absolutely start with the first book, The House with a Clock in Its Walls. It establishes the town of New Zebedee, the magic system, and the cozy-spooky tone that makes the series so beloved. It is widely considered one of the finest children's gothic mysteries ever written.

Are there crossovers or spin-offs? John Bellairs also wrote two other popular mystery series for young readers: the Johnny Dixon series and the Anthony Monday series. While they share the same spooky atmosphere, eccentric mentors, and Midwest/New England settings, they are set in separate universes and do not cross over. Brad Strickland also completed and continued the Johnny Dixon series after Bellairs' passing, so if you finish Lewis's adventures and want more of the same vibe, Johnny Dixon is your next best stop.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best order to read the Lewis Barnavelt books?

The best way to read the series is in publication order, starting with The House with a Clock in Its Walls. This allows you to experience the characters growing up and their friendships developing naturally.

QDo I need to read The Ghost in the Mirror before The Vengeance of the Witch-Finder?

Not necessarily. Both books were published in 1993 and take place concurrently during the autumn of 1951. The Ghost in the Mirror follows Rose Rita and Mrs. Zimmermann, while The Vengeance of the Witch-Finder follows Lewis and Jonathan in England. You can read them in either order, but publication order puts The Ghost in the Mirror first.

QIs the 2018 movie faithful to the first book?

The 2018 film adaptation of The House with a Clock in Its Walls starring Jack Black and Cate Blanchett captures the spooky-fun spirit and aesthetic of the series, but it makes major changes to the plot, character backstories, and the climax of the book.

QAre the Lewis Barnavelt books too scary for children?

The series is designed for middle-grade readers (ages 8–12). While it features genuine gothic horror elements like ghosts, spells, and demons, the scares are balanced by the cozy, safe atmosphere of Uncle Jonathan's home and the warm bonds of friendship.

QDid John Bellairs write all 12 books in the series?

No. John Bellairs wrote the first three books entirely. After his death in 1991, author Brad Strickland completed three unfinished manuscripts (books 4, 5, and 6) and went on to write six completely original novels to continue the series.

QDo the Lewis Barnavelt books cross over with Johnny Dixon or Anthony Monday?

No. While John Bellairs' other series share the same gothic mystery tone, eccentric mentors, and Midwestern settings, they take place in separate universes and do not feature crossovers.