Reading order · 5 books · 1911 to 1935 · Set in London
Father Brown Books in Order
Father Brown is a small, shabby, round-faced Catholic priest who solves crimes through his deep understanding of human nature and sin. The five collections of short stories mix puzzles, paradox and moral questions, often with the reformed thief Flambeau at his side.
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Series facts
- Books
- 5
- Published
- 1911 to 1935
- First book
- The Innocence of Father Brown
- Latest
- The Scandal of Father Brown (1935)
- Setting
- Set in London
The reading order
Every Father Brown book in publication order. Choose a title for its cast and summary.
5 books · Set in London
- 1The Innocence of Father Brown1911With Father BrownThe first collection of Father Brown stories, including The Blue Cross, in which the great French detective Valentin pursues the master thief Flambeau across London, and an unassuming priest is always one step ahead.Buy on Amazon
- 2The Wisdom of Father Brown1914With Father BrownA second collection of Father Brown stories, in which the little priest, now friends with the reformed Flambeau, solves crimes in England and abroad.Buy on Amazon
- 3The Incredulity of Father Brown1926With Father BrownFather Brown faces crimes that appear to have supernatural causes, including curses and miracles, and finds the human explanation, beginning with a story set in America.Buy on Amazon
- 4The Secret of Father Brown1927With Father BrownFather Brown explains the secret of his method to an American visitor, followed by a set of new stories.Buy on Amazon
- 5The Scandal of Father Brown1935With Father BrownThe last collection of Father Brown stories, beginning with a story in which the priest is accused of helping a married woman elope.Buy on Amazon
Do you need to read them in order?
The collections can be read in any order, but The Innocence of Father Brown introduces him and Flambeau.
Who appears in which book
The series’ main characters, book by book. Lead means the book is told around them; minor covers cameos.
| Book | Father Brown | Flambeau |
|---|---|---|
| 1 The Innocence of Father Brown | LLead | MMajor |
| 2 The Wisdom of Father Brown | LLead | MMajor |
| 3 The Incredulity of Father Brown | LLead | ·Minor |
| 4 The Secret of Father Brown | LLead | MMajor |
| 5 The Scandal of Father Brown | LLead |
Characters in the Father Brown books
3 characters from G. K. Chesterton’s chart, with the number of Father Brown books each appears in.
| Character | Books | First in this series |
|---|---|---|
| Father BrownUnassuming Catholic priest and detective | 5 | The Innocence of Father Brown 1911 |
| FlambeauMaster thief who becomes a private detective and Brown's friend | 4 | The Innocence of Father Brown 1911 |
| Aristide ValentinHead of the Paris police | 1 | The Innocence of Father Brown 1911 |