Catherine Webb Books in Order

How to Read Catherine Webb’s Books: The Recommended Path

Catherine Webb is a remarkably versatile British novelist who began publishing fantasy at just fourteen years old. To cater to different audiences and styles, she publishes under multiple names: young adult fantasy and steampunk under her birth name Catherine Webb, gritty adult urban fantasy under Kate Griffin, and high-concept speculative fiction under Claire North. Because her series are distinct in tone, the best place to start depends entirely on your preferred genre.

For fans of adult urban fantasy, the absolute best starting point is A Madness of Angels (written as Kate Griffin). This novel introduces Matthew Swift and establishes a gritty, modern London where magic is fueled by telephone wires, neon lights, and the city's collective consciousness. For younger readers or fans of Victorian steampunk, start with The Extraordinary and Unusual Adventures of Horatio Lyle (written as Catherine Webb), which offers a delightful blend of science, history, and light magic. If you are looking for classic YA portal fantasy, her debut novel Mirror Dreams is a fascinating look into her early storytelling style.

The Matthew Swift & Magicals Anonymous Universe (Kate Griffin)

Writing as Kate Griffin, Webb created a highly acclaimed urban fantasy setting based in a living, breathing London. This universe is shared across two main series, which should be read in publication order to avoid major spoilers and to fully appreciate the evolution of the city's magical hierarchy.

The Matthew Swift Series

Matthew Swift is an urban sorcerer who returns to life after being murdered, sharing his body with the blue electric angels of the city's communications network. This series is known for its intense pacing and deep, atmospheric world-building.

• A Madness of Angels (2009) – The essential introduction to Matthew Swift and his unique brand of urban sorcery.
• The Midnight Mayor (2010) – Follows Matthew as he is forced to protect London from an ancient entity during a single chaotic night.
• The Neon Court (2011) – Explores the warring factions of London's magical underground as a new war looms.
• The Minority Council (2012) – Matthew takes on a leadership role as the Midnight Mayor, dealing with drug-related magic and new threats.

The Magicals Anonymous Series (Spin-Off)

This spin-off duology takes place in the same version of London but shifts focus to a support group for unusual magical creatures, led by a shaman named Sharon Li. While these books have a lighter, more comedic tone, they build directly on the events of the Matthew Swift series, so they should be read afterward.

• Stray Souls (2012) – Sharon Li and her group of magical misfits investigate a threat to London's supernatural community.
• The Glass God (2013) – The stakes rise as Sharon's support group faces divine intervention and ancient forces.

Kate Griffin Short Stories

For completionists, there are additional short works set in this universe:

• "An Inspector Calls" (2013) – A short story published in the anthology The Alchemy Press Book of Urban Mythic.
• The Garden Stories (2021) – A collection of shorter pieces exploring the magical corners of Griffin's world.

YA Steampunk: The Horatio Lyle Books (Catherine Webb)

Published under her own name, the Horatio Lyle series is a YA steampunk adventure set in Victorian London. The series follows a disgraced former Special Agent and scientist, Horatio Lyle, and a young pickpocket, Tess, as they solve bizarre mysteries. These books should be read in strict chronological and publication order:

1. The Extraordinary and Unusual Adventures of Horatio Lyle (2006) – Horatio and Tess are recruited to investigate a series of mysterious thefts.
2. The Obsidian Dagger (2006) – The duo travels to the city of Paris, uncovering a dark conspiracy and a legendary artifact.
3. The Doomsday Machine (2008) – A dangerous machine threatens the stability of the empire, forcing Lyle back into action.
4. The Dream Thief (2010) – The final installment, where Lyle must stop an enemy who has figured out how to steal human dreams.

Early Fantasy Works (Catherine Webb)

Before transitioning to adult urban fantasy and steampunk, Webb wrote two fantasy duologies. These are excellent for readers who enjoy early 2000s YA fantasy and portal stories.

The Leanan Kite Duology

Webb's debut series, written during her school holidays, follows a young wizard named Leanan Kite as he navigates the dangerous realm of dreams.

• Mirror Dreams (2002)
• Mirror Wakes (2003)

The Sam Linnifer Duology

This series tackles mythology and divinity, featuring a protagonist who discovers that the ancient gods are living hidden among modern humans.

• Waywalkers (2003)
• Timekeepers (2005)

What to Know Before You Start

When reading Catherine Webb, keep in mind that her three pseudonyms represent distinct phases and targets of her writing career. Her works as Catherine Webb are generally aimed at younger readers, utilizing classic fantasy tropes and steampunk adventures. Her works as Kate Griffin are more mature, gritty, and atmospheric, focusing on urban fantasy. Finally, her novels as Claire North (such as The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August and The Sudden Appearance of Hope) are standalone sci-fi thrillers that explore philosophical concepts like time loops and memory deletion. While the Claire North books do not share a single continuous series order, they represent some of her most celebrated writing and are highly recommended alongside her core fantasy work.