Books On Board

Toff Books in Order

  • 59 Books
  • 1938 – 1949 Published

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How to Start Reading The Toff

If you are looking to dive into the world of Richard Rollison, the recommended entry point is the very first published novel, Introducing the Toff (1938). While the character actually made his debut in a 1933 short story titled The Black Circle in the weekly magazine The Thriller, this first novel is the ideal starting point because it introduces Rollison's dual nature: a wealthy Mayfair gentleman who feels equally at home among the working-class residents of London's East End.

Because the series is heavily episodic, you do not need to worry about complex chronological timelines or multi-book story arcs. Almost every novel is a self-contained case. However, reading them in publication order is highly recommended. Over the four decades the series ran (from 1938 to 1978), you will watch London transform from the shadow of World War II through the swinging sixties and into the gritty seventies, reflecting the evolution of British society alongside the character.

The Core Cast and Tone

What makes these books so enjoyable is the recurring cast that anchors Rollison’s wild adventures. The heart of the series lies in the dynamic between Rollison and his loyal valet, Jolly. Jolly is far more than a butler; he is Rollison's domestic anchor, intellectual sounding board, and occasionally his bodyguard. Their relationship is reminiscent of Jeeves and Wooster but with a much sharper, crime-solving edge.

On the legal side of things, Rollison frequently clashes and collaborates with Superintendent William 'Bill' Grice of Scotland Yard. Rollison is famous for bending the rules and occasionally operating just outside the law, which keeps the straight-laced Grice constantly on edge. This interplay between amateur aristocratic detective and professional Scotland Yard investigator provides much of the series' suspense and humor.

The Complete Publication Order

The Toff series consists of 59 novels written by John Creasey (with the final book completed or ghostwritten by William Vivian Butler after Creasey's death). Many of these books were published under different names in the UK and US. Here is the chronological publication order:

The Early & Wartime Years (1938–1945)

  • Introducing the Toff (1938) - The official introduction of Richard Rollison.
  • The Toff Goes On (1939)
  • The Toff Steps Out (1939)
  • Here Comes the Toff (1940)
  • The Toff Breaks In (1940)
  • Salute the Toff (1941)
  • The Toff Proceeds (1941)
  • The Toff Goes to Market (1942) - Rollison confronts black-market profiteers during wartime rationing.
  • The Toff is Back (1942)
  • The Toff Among the Millions (1943)
  • Accuse the Toff (1943)
  • The Toff and the Curate (1944) - Also published as The Toff and the Deadly Parson or The Toff and the Deadly Priest.
  • The Toff and the Great Illusion (1944)
  • Feathers for the Toff (1945)

The Post-War Era (1946–1959)

  • The Toff and the Lady (1946)
  • The Toff on Ice (1946) - Also published as Poison for the Toff.
  • Hammer the Toff (1947)
  • The Toff in Town (1948)
  • The Toff Takes Shares (1948)
  • The Toff and Old Harry (1949)
  • The Toff on Board (1949)
  • Fool the Toff (1950)
  • Kill the Toff (1950)
  • A Knife for the Toff (1951)
  • A Mask for the Toff (1951) - Also published as The Toff Goes Gay.
  • Hunt the Toff (1952) - Rollison is framed for murder and must clear his name.
  • Call the Toff (1953)
  • The Toff Down Under (1953) - Also published as Break the Toff.
  • Murder Out of the Past (1953)
  • The Toff at Camp (1954) - Also published as The Toff at Butlin's.
  • The Toff at the Fair (1954) - Also published as Last Laugh for the Toff.
  • Six for the Toff (1955) - Also published as A Score for the Toff.
  • The Toff and the Deep Blue Sea (1955)
  • Make-Up for the Toff (1956) - Also published as Kiss the Toff.
  • The Toff in New York (1956)
  • Model for the Toff (1957)
  • The Toff on Fire (1957)
  • The Toff and the Stolen Tresses (1958)
  • Terror for the Toff (1958) - Also published as The Toff on the Farm.
  • Double for the Toff (1959)
  • The Toff and the Runaway Bride (1959)
  • A Doll for the Toff (1959)

The Later Years (1960–1978)

  • A Rocket for the Toff (1960)
  • The Toff and the Kidnapped Child (1960)
  • Follow the Toff (1961)
  • The Toff and the Toughs (1961) - Also published as The Toff and the Teds.
  • Leave it to the Toff (1962)
  • The Toff and the Spider (1965)
  • The Toff in Wax (1966)
  • A Bundle for the Toff (1967)
  • Stars for the Toff (1967)
  • The Toff and the Golden Boy (1969)
  • The Toff and the Fallen Angels (1970)
  • Vote for the Toff (1971)
  • The Toff and the Trip-Trip-Triplets (1972)
  • The Toff and the Terrified Taxman (1972)
  • The Toff and the Sleepy Cowboy (1973)
  • The Toff and the Crooked Copper (1977)
  • The Toff and the Dead Man's Finger (1978) - Published posthumously.

What to Know Before You Start

When reading The Toff, you should be prepared for vintage British mystery tropes. Written across forty years, the early books have a fast-paced 'blood and thunder' pulp feel, whereas the later novels slow down slightly and introduce more psychological elements. Because John Creasey was incredibly prolific (sometimes writing dozens of books a year across multiple pen names), some of the plots can feel formulaic, but Rollison's sheer charm, combined with Jolly's dry wit, carries even the weaker entries in the series.

Additionally, note the frequent title differences between British and American releases. For example, The Toff and the Curate became The Toff and the Deadly Parson in the US. If you are collecting physical copies, always verify the publication details so you do not accidentally purchase the same novel twice under different names.

Adaptations and Legacy

The popularity of The Toff extended beyond the printed page. In 1952, two feature films were released: Salute the Toff and Hammer the Toff, both starring John Bentley as Richard Rollison. Decades later, the BBC adapted several of the stories into radio dramas in 1975 and 1977, featuring Terence Alexander as the titular hero. John Creasey's legacy is further honored by the Crime Writers' Association (which he founded in 1953) through the CWA New Blood Dagger, a prestigious award for debut crime writers.

Frequently Asked

Can the Toff books be read as standalones?

Yes, almost all of the Toff books can be read as standalones. Each novel features a self-contained mystery. However, reading them in publication order allows you to appreciate the progression of the recurring cast, particularly the relationship between Richard Rollison and his valet, Jolly.

What is the recommended starting book for The Toff?

You should start with Introducing the Toff (1938). It is the first novel in the series and establishes Richard Rollison's background, his dual life in Mayfair and the East End, and his dynamic with Scotland Yard.

Who is Jolly in the Toff series?

Jolly is Richard Rollison’s loyal valet. Much more than a domestic servant, Jolly acts as Rollison's assistant, confidant, and partner in crime-solving, keeping the detective grounded and safe throughout his dangerous adventures.

Why do some Toff books have multiple titles?

Many of the novels were retitled for different geographic markets, particularly when they were republished in the United States. For example, The Toff on Ice was released in some markets as Poison for the Toff.

Are there any film or radio adaptations of The Toff?

Yes, two films were released in 1952: Salute the Toff and Hammer the Toff. The BBC also produced radio dramas in 1975 and 1977 based on the books.