How many books has Jim Thompson written?

Jim Thompson published 23 novels and 4 novellas that we list, as of September 2026.

What order should I read Jim Thompson's books in?

Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with The Killer Inside Me.

The Killer Inside Me (1952) is Jim Thompson's most widely read book.

3 books have been adapted for film or TV, including The Killer Inside Me (film, 1976), The Getaway (film, 1972) and The Grifters (film, 1990).

American writer

Jim Thompson published 23 novels and 4 novellas, beginning with The Killer Inside Me (1952).

Updated September 2026

James Myers Thompson was an American novelist and screenwriter, known for his hardboiled crime fiction.

Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

How many books has Jim Thompson written?: Jim Thompson published 23 novels and 4 novellas that we list, as of September 2026.
What order should I read Jim Thompson's books in?: Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with The Killer Inside Me.
What is Jim Thompson's last book?: King Blood (1973).
What is Jim Thompson's most famous book?: The Killer Inside Me (1952) is Jim Thompson's most widely read book.
Which Jim Thompson books have been adapted?: 3 books have been adapted for film or TV, including The Killer Inside Me (film, 1976), The Getaway (film, 1972) and The Grifters (film, 1990).