If you’re a fan of laugh-out-loud sci-fi adventures, chilling crime thrillers, or spooky children’s tales, Barry J. Hutchison has something for you. This award-winning Scottish author, hailing from the Highlands, has penned over 100 books, delighting readers with his wit, creativity, and genre-spanning storytelling. Whether you’re diving into the chaotic hilarity of the Space Team series, solving mysteries with Dan Deadman Space Detective, or exploring his darker works under the pseudonym JD Kirk, this guide will help you navigate Barry J. Hutchison’s books in order—perfect for new readers and longtime fans alike
Who is Barry J. Hutchison?
Before we jump into the books, let’s get to know the mastermind behind these stories. Barry J. Hutchison is a versatile author, comic writer, and screenwriter from Scotland. He began his career writing for children and teens, crafting spooky and imaginative tales like the Invisible Fiends series. Over time, he ventured into adult fiction, gaining a massive following with his comedic sci-fi Space Team series and gritty crime thrillers under the pen name JD Kirk. With a knack for blending humor, heart, and suspense, Hutchison’s books are a rollercoaster of emotions you won’t want to miss.
Ready to explore his universe? Below, we’ve organized Barry J. Hutchison’s books in order by series and publication date, with tips on where to start and why each series is a must-read.
Complete List of Barry J. Hutchison Books in Order by Series
Below is a comprehensive table listing Barry J. Hutchison‘s books in order, organized by series and including standalone novels and short stories. This includes his works under the pseudonym JD Kirk and covers both adult and children’s series, based on publication order. Note that the DCI Logan Crime Thrillers series is ongoing, with additional titles released after 2020; only those up to 2025 are listed here for brevity.
| Series | Book Title | Publication Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space Team | Space Team | 2016 | Book 1: Comedy sci-fi adventure |
| The Wrath of Vajazzle | 2016 | Book 2 | |
| The Search for Splurt | 2017 | Book 3 | |
| Song of the Space Siren | 2017 | Book 4 | |
| The Guns of Nana Joan | 2017 | Book 5 | |
| Return of the Dead Guy | 2017 | Book 6 | |
| Planet of the Japes | 2017 | Book 7 | |
| A Lot of Weird Space Shizz | 2017 | Short story collection (free via newsletter) | |
| The Time Titan of Tomorrow | 2018 | Book 8 | |
| The King of Space Must Die | 2018 | Book 9 | |
| Sting of the Mustard Mines | 2018 | Book 10 | |
| Sentienced to Death | 2018 | Book 11 | |
| The Hunt for Reduk Topa | 2019 | Book 12 | |
| Dan Deadman Space Detective | Dial D for Deadman | 2017 | Book 1: Sci-fi noir |
| Dead Inside | 2017 | Book 2 | |
| Dead in the Water | 2018 | Book 3 | |
| Sidekicks Initiative | The Sidekicks Initiative | 2018 | Superhero comedy |
| The Bug | The Bug: Complete Season One | 2016 | Sci-fi horror |
| Invisible Fiends | Mr Mumbles | 2010 | Book 1: Children’s horror |
| Raggy Maggie | 2010 | Book 2 | |
| The Crowmaster | 2011 | Book 3 | |
| Doc Mortis | 2011 | Book 4 | |
| The Beast | 2012 | Book 5 | |
| The Darkest Corners | 2012 | Book 6 | |
| Afterworlds | The 13th Horseman | 2012 | Book 1: Children’s fantasy |
| The Book of Doom | 2013 | Book 2 | |
| Beaky Malone | The Beaky Malone: The World’s Greatest Liar | 2016 | Book 1: Children’s humor |
| Benjamin Blank | The Shark-Headed Bear-Thing | 2015 | Book 1: Children’s fantasy |
| The Swivel-Eyed Ogre-Thing | 2015 | Book 2 | |
| Living Ted | Night of the Living Ted | 2018 | Book 1: Children’s horror |
| Revenge of the Living Ted | 2019 | Book 2 | |
| Invasion of the Living Ted | 2019 | Book 3 | |
| Spectre Collectors | Spectre Collectors | 2017 | Book 1: Children’s adventure |
| DCI Logan Crime Thrillers (as JD Kirk) | A Litter of Bones | 2019 | Book 1: Crime thriller |
| Thicker than Water | 2019 | Book 2 | |
| The Killing Code | 2019 | Book 3 | |
| Blood and Treachery | 2019 | Book 4 | |
| The Last Bloody Straw | 2020 | Book 5 | |
| A Whisper of Sorrows | 2020 | Book 6 | |
| The Big Man Upstairs | 2020 | Book 7 | |
| A Death Most Monumental | 2020 | Book 8 | |
| A Snowball’s Chance in Hell | 2020 | Book 9 | |
| Additional titles up to Book 21: A Rock and a Hard Place | 2021–2025 | Ongoing series; check barryjhutchison.com for updates | |
| Standalone Novels | World Killer | 2019 | Sci-fi thriller |
| Short Stories/Novellas | The Bone House | 2012 | Horror novella |
Barry Hutchison Books In Order Of Release
Space Team Series: Cosmic Comedy at Its Finest
The Space Team series is Hutchison’s crown jewel—a wildly funny sci-fi adventure filled with misfits, bizarre aliens, and galactic chaos. Perfect for fans of Guardians of the Galaxy or The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, this series follows Cal Carver, a small-time crook who accidentally becomes part of a ragtag crew saving the universe (or at least trying to). Here’s the Space Team series in order:
- Space Team (2016)
Description: Cal Carver is roped into a misadventure with a dysfunctional crew aboard a spaceship called The Currently Unnamed. Hilarity and chaos ensue.
Why Read It?: A laugh-out-loud introduction to the series with rapid-fire humor and lovable characters. - The Wrath of Vajazzle (2016)
Description: The team faces a deadly threat from a vengeful villain named Vajazzle. Expect more absurd humor and epic space battles.
Why Read It?: The stakes get higher, and the banter gets funnier. - The Search for Splurt (2017)
Description: The crew searches for their missing, shapeshifting friend Splurt in a galaxy full of weirdness.
Why Read It?: Splurt’s quirky transformations steal the show. - Song of the Space Siren (2017)
Description: A mysterious siren’s song leads the team into danger—and a lot of awkward situations.
Why Read It?: Packed with musical mishaps and classic Space Team shenanigans. - The Guns of Nana Joan (2017)
Description: The team meets a feisty grandma with a penchant for firepower.
Why Read It?: Nana Joan is an unforgettable addition to the crew. - Return of the Dead Guy (2017)
Description: A familiar face returns, bringing new troubles and more laughs.
Why Read It?: A fan-favorite for its heartfelt moments and wild twists. - Planet of the Japes (2017)
Description: The crew lands on a planet where nothing is as it seems, and pranks are deadly.
Why Read It?: Perfect for readers who love dark humor. - A Lot of Weird Space Shizz (2017)
Description: A collection of short stories set in the Space Team universe.
Why Read It?: A great bonus for fans craving more adventures. Pro Tip: Grab this for free by signing up for Hutchison’s newsletter - The Time Titan of Tomorrow (2018)
Description: Time travel complicates the team’s already chaotic lives.
Why Read It?: Mind-bending and hilarious. - The King of Space Must Die (2018)
Description: The team faces their biggest threat yet in a galaxy-spanning showdown.
Why Read It?: Epic action with satisfying payoffs for longtime fans. - Sting of the Mustard Mines (2018)
Description: The crew battles a new enemy in a dangerous mining operation.
Why Read It?: High-stakes action with the series’ signature humor. - Sentienced to Death (2018)
Description: The team uncovers a sinister plot threatening sentient machines.
Why Read It?: A thought-provoking twist on the series’ formula. - The Hunt for Reduk Topa (2019)
Description: The crew chases a notorious criminal across the galaxy.
Why Read It?: A thrilling finale with non-stop action.
Where to Start: Begin with Space Team for the full experience. The series is best read in order to follow the crew’s growth and recurring gags.
Dan Deadman Space Detective Series: Sci-Fi Meets Noir
If you love gritty detective stories with a sci-fi twist, the Dan Deadman Space Detective series is for you. This trilogy follows Dan Deadman, a hard-boiled, undead detective solving crimes in a futuristic underworld. Here’s the series in order:
- Dial D for Deadman (2017)
Description: Dan, a zombie detective, takes on a case that unravels a cosmic conspiracy.
Why Read It?: Perfect for fans of noir and sci-fi mashups. - Dead Inside (2017)
Description: Dan digs deeper into a dangerous case, facing personal demons and deadly foes.
Why Read It?: The emotional depth adds layers to the action. - Dead in the Water (2018)
Description: A final case pushes Dan to his limits in a waterlogged world of crime.
Why Read It?: A satisfying conclusion with intense stakes.
Where to Start: Start with Dial D for Deadman to get hooked on Dan’s gritty world. This series can be read independently of Space Team, though fans will spot fun connections.
DCI Logan Crime Thrillers (as JD Kirk): Gritty Scottish Mysteries
Writing as JD Kirk, Hutchison delivers gripping crime thrillers set in the Scottish Highlands. The DCI Logan Crime Thrillers follow Detective Chief Inspector Jack Logan as he solves brutal murders with sharp wit and relentless determination. Here’s the series in order (up to 2025):
- A Litter of Bones (2019)
Description: Logan investigates a chilling child abduction case with ties to his past.
Why Read It?: A gripping start with emotional stakes. - Thicker than Water (2019)
Description: A gruesome murder tests Logan’s skills and resolve.
Why Read It?: Fast-paced and suspenseful. - The Killing Code (2019)
Description: A serial killer leaves cryptic clues for Logan to unravel.
Why Read It?: A fan-favorite for its clever plotting. - Blood and Treachery (2019)
- The Last Bloody Straw (2020)
- A Whisper of Sorrows (2020)
- The Big Man Upstairs (2020)
- A Death Most Monumental (2020)
- A Snowball’s Chance in Hell (2020)
Note: The series continues with more books, up to A Rock and a Hard Place (Book 21, 2025). Check Hutchison’s website for the latest releases.
Where to Start: Begin with A Litter of Bones for a powerful introduction to Logan’s world. These books are standalone but richer when read in order for character development.
Invisible Fiends Series: Spooky Fun for Younger Readers
Hutchison’s Invisible Fiends series is a creepy, thrilling ride for children and teens, blending horror with heart. It follows Kyle, a boy haunted by his childhood imaginary friends—who turn out to be very real and very dangerous. Here’s the series in order:
- Mr Mumbles (2010)
Description: Kyle’s imaginary friend returns with a vengeance.
Why Read It?: A chilling yet accessible horror story. - Raggy Maggie (2010)
Description: A creepy doll named Raggy Maggie terrorizes Kyle’s school.
Why Read It?: Perfect for fans of Goosebumps. - The Crowmaster (2011)
- Doc Mortis (2011)
- The Beast (2012)
- The Darkest Corners (2012)
Where to Start: Start with Mr Mumbles for a spooky introduction. This series is great for younger readers or adults who enjoy light horror.
Other Notable Works by Barry J. Hutchison
- The Bug: Complete Season One (2016)
Description: A sci-fi horror novel about a deadly alien parasite.
Why Read It?: A darker, more intense side of Hutchison’s writing. - World Killer (2019)
Description: A standalone sci-fi thriller about a world-ending threat.
Why Read It?: Ideal for readers who love high-stakes drama. - The Sidekicks Initiative (2018)
Description: A superhero comedy about washed-up sidekicks saving the day.
Why Read It?: A fun, fresh take on the superhero genre. - The Bone House (2012)
Description: A chilling short story about a haunted house.
Why Read It?: A quick, spooky read for horror fans.
Tips for Reading Barry J. Hutchison’s Books
- For Sci-Fi Comedy Fans: Start with Space Team and follow the series in order for maximum laughs and character arcs.
- For Crime Thriller Enthusiasts: Dive into the DCI Logan series (as JD Kirk) starting with A Litter of Bones.
- For Young Readers or Horror Fans: Try Invisible Fiends for creepy, kid-friendly scares.
- Mix and Match: Many of Hutchison’s series share a universe (e.g., Space Team and Dan Deadman have crossovers). Check his website for the optimal Space Team Universe reading order.
- Free Starter: Sign up for Hutchison’s newsletter to get A Lot of Weird Space Shizz for free
Why Barry J. Hutchison’s Books Are a Must-Read
Hutchison’s storytelling is a unique blend of humor, heart, and suspense, making his books accessible to readers of all ages. His Space Team series is a masterclass in comedic sci-fi, while his DCI Logan thrillers (as JD Kirk) deliver edge-of-your-seat mysteries. With over 100 books, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re into cosmic adventures, gritty crime, or spooky tales.
Where to Buy Barry J. Hutchison’s Books
You can find Hutchison’s books on major retailers like Amazon, Kobo, and iBooks. Visit his official website, barryjhutchison.com, for direct links to purchase and updates on new releases.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re blasting off with the Space Team crew, solving crimes with Dan Deadman, or braving the horrors of Invisible Fiends, Barry J. Hutchison’s books promise an unforgettable ride. Start with the series that matches your mood, and let his witty, heartfelt stories pull you in. Have a favorite Hutchison book or series? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and happy reading!
Looking for more book recommendations? Check out our guides to other sci-fi and thriller authors like Douglas Adams or Ian Rankin!
