Georgette Heyer published 58 novels, 2 short story collections and 1 other book, beginning with The Black Moth (1921). 6 feature Inspector Hannasyde. The best-known is These Old Shades (1926).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Georgette Heyer
Start here
These Old Shades
Georgette Heyer's most-read book.
Shortest way in
The Corinthian
One of the most-read, at about 243 pages.
Standalone novels in order
The Black Moth (1921)
The Great Roxhythe (1922)
Instead of the Thorn (1923)
Simon the Coldheart (1925)
These Old Shades (1926)
Helen (1928)
Pastel (1929)
Barren Corn (1930)
Powder and Patch (1930)
The Conqueror (1931)
Footsteps in the Dark (1932)
Why Shoot a Butler? (1933)
The Unfinished Clue (1934)
The Talisman Ring (1936)
Royal Escape (1938)
Beau Wyndham (1941)
Faro's Daughter (1941)
Penhallow (1942)
An Infamous Army (Alastair-Audley #4) (1944)
Friday's Child (1944)
The Foundling (1948)
Arabella (1949)
Devil's Cub (Alastair-Audley #2) (1949)
Regency Buck (1949)
The Grand Sophy (1950)
Duplicate Death (1951)
The Corinthian (1951)
The Quiet Gentleman (1951)
Cotillion (1953)
The Toll-Gate (1954)
April Lady (1956)
Sprig Muslin (1956)
The Masqueraders (1958)
Venetia (1958)
The Unknown Ajax (1959)
The Reluctant Widow (1960)
Detection Unlimited (1961)
The Nonesuch (1962)
False Colours (1963)
The Spanish Bride (1964)
Frederica (1965)
Black Sheep (1966)
The Convenient Marriage (1966)
Bath Tangle (1967)
Cousin Kate (1968)
Charity Girl (1970)
No Wind of Blame (1970)
Sylvester or the Wicked Uncle (1970)
A Civil Contract (1971)
Lady of Quality (1972)
My Lord John (Oct 1975)
Short story collections in order
Pistols for Two and Other Stories (1964)
Snowdrift (2016)
Other books in order
Georgette Heyer Compendium (1979)
Free to read
All free classics
About Georgette Heyer
Georgette Heyer was an English novelist and short-story writer, in both the Regency romance and detective fiction genres. Her writing career began in 1921, when she turned a story conceived for her ailing younger brother into the novel The Black Moth. In 1925 Heyer married George Ronald Rougier, a mining engineer. The couple spent several years living in Tanganyika Territory and Macedonia before returning to England in 1929. After her novel These Old Shades became popular despite its release during the General Strike, Heyer determined that publicity was not necessary for good sales. For the rest of her life she refused to grant interviews, telling a friend: "My private life concerns no one but myself and my family."
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Georgette Heyer FAQ
- How many books has Georgette Heyer written?
- Georgette Heyer published 58 novels, 2 short story collections and 1 other book that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Georgette Heyer's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with These Old Shades.
- What is Georgette Heyer's last book?
- My Lord John (1975).
- What is Georgette Heyer's most famous book?
- These Old Shades (1926) is Georgette Heyer's most widely read book.
- Can I read Georgette Heyer's books for free?
- Yes. 4 books by Georgette Heyer are in the public domain in the US and free to read online or download here.
Authors like Georgette Heyer
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers, free texts from Project Gutenberg. Last updated September 2026.