Books On Board

Spookshow Books in Order

  • 11 Books
  • 2014 – 2021 Published

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How to Read the Spookshow Series

Tim McGregor’s Spookshow series blends gritty urban fantasy, creepy ghost mysteries, and slow-burn character drama. The series follows Billie Culpepper, a bartender whose near-death experience wakes her up to a terrifying gift: she can see the dead, and they can see her. To help you dive in, here is the recommended reading path, details on the prequel, and the complete book list.

Recommended Starting Point

We recommend starting with the very first book published, The Spookshow (2014). Even though the second book, Welcome to the Spookshow (2014), functions as an origin story prequel, the series is best experienced in the order the author wrote them. Starting with The Spookshow drops you right into the disorientation of Billie's newly acquired powers, making her journey of discovery feel immediate, intense, and mysterious.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

For most readers, the publication order is the most satisfying path. However, if you prefer following Billie's timeline from the absolute beginning, you can opt for chronological order. The only major difference is swapping the first two books:

  • Chronological Order: Start with Welcome to the Spookshow (Book 2, which acts as the prequel explaining the Englishman and Billie's psychic awakening), then read The Spookshow (Book 1), followed by the rest of the series.
  • Publication Order: Start with The Spookshow, then read Welcome to the Spookshow, and proceed sequentially.

The Complete Spookshow Book List

Here is the full order of Tim McGregor's Spookshow books:

  1. The Spookshow (2014) — Billie wakes from a three-day coma with the ability to see ghosts and reluctantly teams up with Detective Ray Mockler.
  2. Welcome to the Spookshow (2014) — The prequel that explores the mysterious Englishman who first sparked Billie's supernatural awakening.
  3. The Women in the Walls (2015) — Billie faces dark domestic spirits and deeper threats.
  4. Bringing Up the Bodies (2015) — The supernatural stakes rise as Billie uncovers more historical cold cases.
  5. Half-Boys and Lost Girls (2015) — Originally published/listed in some databases as Half-Boys and Gypsy Girls, this installment continues Billie's struggles.
  6. A Haunting in Crown Point (2016) — Billie investigates a deeply haunted location and more local spirits.
  7. Cordelia (2016) — A chilling entry focused on a tragic and vengeful entity.
  8. Sisters of Mercy (2017) — Billie confronts religious and historic secrets buried in the past.
  9. The Boy in the Woods (2018) — Billie tries to run her bar and ignore the dead, but Detective Mockler draws her into a case involving a haunted child.
  10. Midwinter (2019) — Set during the holidays, Billie hunts for a new home while trying to avoid buying one with "old ghosts."
  11. Spiritualist & Medium (2021) — Billie looks into a cold arrest record of her late mother, seeking help from her occult allies to uncover family secrets.

What to Know Before You Start

The series is highly serialized, meaning that while individual cases get resolved, Billie's personal relationships—especially with Detective Ray Mockler and the occult investigator John Gantry—develop significantly over time. It is highly recommended that you do not read these books as standalones; skipping around will spoil key plot points regarding Billie’s family history and the ongoing evolution of her abilities.

Frequently Asked

What is the best book to start with in the Spookshow series?

You should start with the first published novel, The Spookshow, to experience Billie's psychic awakening the way the author intended. Alternatively, you can start with the prequel, Welcome to the Spookshow, if you want a chronological origin story first.

Are the Spookshow books standalones?

No, they are not. While each book has its own central mystery, Billie Culpepper's personal growth, relationships, and overarching family secrets build from one book to the next. They should be read in order.

What is the alternative title for Book 5, Half-Boys and Lost Girls?

Book 5 is officially titled Half-Boys and Lost Girls on the author's website, but it is frequently listed as Half-Boys and Gypsy Girls in various retail databases and early publications.

How many books are in the Spookshow series?

There are 11 books in the series, starting with The Spookshow in 2014 and concluding with Spiritualist & Medium in 2021.

Who is the main protagonist of the series?

The main protagonist is Billie Culpepper, a young bartender in her twenties who gains the ability to see and communicate with ghosts after surviving a near-death accident.