If you’re a fan of gritty crime novels packed with action, dark humor, and unforgettable characters, Blair Denholm’s books are a must-read. This Australian author, known for his noir thrillers and hard-boiled detective stories, has crafted compelling series that keep readers hooked from the first page to the last. Whether you’re diving into the chaotic world of Gary Braswell or following the vigilante justice of Detective Jack Lisbon, this guide will walk you through Blair Denholm’s books in order, ensuring you don’t miss a single pulse-pounding moment.
Who Is Blair Denholm?
Blair Denholm is a born-and-bred Australian crime fiction writer with a knack for weaving tales that blend noir, mystery, and thriller elements. Having lived in cities like New York, Moscow, Munich, Abu Dhabi, and across Australia, Denholm’s global experiences infuse his stories with rich, authentic settings. His diverse career—ranging from translator to debt collector to car-wash attendant—adds a unique edge to his writing, making his characters and plots feel raw and real. Currently residing in Queensland with his partner Sandra and dog Bruno, Denholm continues to captivate readers with his thrilling series.
In this blog post, we’ll break down Blair Denholm’s books by series, in both publication and chronological order, to help you navigate his bibliography. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some SEO-friendly tips for discovering his work and why his stories are perfect for crime fiction fans.
Complete List of Blair Denholm Books in Order of Release Date
Below is a comprehensive list of all books by Blair Denholm, organized by their release date, presented in a clear table format. This includes his novels, novellas, and short stories across his various series and standalone works.
| Release Date | Title | Series | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-11-01 | SOLD | Game Changer Series #1 | Novel |
| 2017-11-01 | Escape from Passing Winds | A Private Detective Series for Kids #1 | Novella |
| 2017-11-01 | Boyd and Sarge: NYPD Law and Disorder | Standalone | Short Story |
| 2020-06-01 | Sold to the Devil | Game Changer Series #2 | Novel |
| 2020-06-01 | Fighting Dirty | Fighting Detective Series #0 (Prequel) | Novella |
| 2020-06-01 | Kill Shot | Fighting Detective Series #1 | Novel |
| 2021-06-01 | Shot Clock | Fighting Detective Series #2 | Novel |
| 2021-06-01 | Trick Shot | Fighting Detective Series #3 | Novel |
| 2021-06-01 | Revolution Day | Russian Detective Series #1 | Novel |
| 2022-07-08 | Drop Shot | Fighting Detective Series #5 | Novel |
| 2022-07-08 | Shot to the Heart | Fighting Detective Series #4 | Novel |
| 2022-12-23 | Point Blank | Fighting Detective Series #6 | Novel |
| 2023-06-23 | Sold Dirt Cheap | Game Changer Series #3 | Novel |
| 2023-06-23 | Moving Target | Fighting Detective Series #7 | Novel |
| 2024-06-30 | The Defector | Russian Detective Series #2 | Novel |
| 2024-09-10 | Cold Shot | Fighting Detective Series #8 | Novel |
Notes:
- Series Overview:
- Game Changer Series: A noir trilogy featuring Gary Braswell, a troubled used-car salesman on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
- Fighting Detective Series: Follows ex-boxer Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon, set in North Queensland, with a prequel novella and eight novels.
- Russian Detective Series: Features Captain Viktor Voloshin in Soviet-era Moscow, with two novels released and one more planned.
- Standalone Works: Includes a children’s mystery novella and a short story set in New York.
- Sources: Information compiled from Blair Denholm’s official website, Amazon, Goodreads, and Book Notification for accurate release dates and series details.
- Reading Order Tip: For the Fighting Detective Series, start with the prequel Fighting Dirty for context, then follow the numerical order of the novels. For other series, publication order matches chronological order.
Blair Denholm’s Book Series in Order
Denholm has written three main series: The Game Changer Series, The Fighting Detective Series, and The Russian Detective Series. He’s also penned a couple of short stories and novellas. Below, we’ve organized his books for easy reading, ensuring you can follow each series from start to finish.
The Game Changer Series (Gary Braswell Noir Trilogy)
This noir trilogy follows Gary Braswell, a flawed and lovable used-car salesman on Queensland’s Gold Coast. His struggles with debt, gambling, and dangerous criminals make for a gritty, fast-paced read filled with dark humor and clever plot twists. Here’s the series in publication and chronological order:
- SOLD (2017)
Gary Braswell’s life is spiraling. Drowning in debt to a ruthless bookie, Jocko Mackenzie, and facing threats from an ex-con enforcer, Gary’s desperate to save himself and his wife, Maddie. A Russian businessman’s lavish purchases offer a lifeline, but Gary’s troubles are far from over. This debut novel was long-listed for a movie adaptation by Screen Queensland in 2019.
Why Read It? Fans of noir crime will love the mix of violence, humor, and suspense. Readers call it “superbly paced” and “engaging.” - Sold to the Devil (2020)
Gary’s back, and his bad decisions are catching up. Teaming up with a Russian crime syndicate to pay off his debts, he’s drawn deeper into a world of murder, drugs, and betrayal. This sequel ramps up the stakes with more twists and turns.
Why Read It? Perfect for readers who enjoy morally gray characters and high-stakes drama. It’s earned rave reviews for its gritty storytelling. - Sold Dirt Cheap (2023)
The trilogy’s finale sees Gary facing his toughest challenge yet. Released in June 2023, this book ties up loose ends in a thrilling conclusion to the Game Changer series.
Why Read It? A satisfying end for fans, with Denholm’s signature blend of action and dark comedy.
How to Read the Game Changer Series: Start with SOLD, followed by Sold to the Devil, and finish with Sold Dirt Cheap. The series is best enjoyed in publication order for narrative flow.
The Fighting Detective Series (Jack Lisbon Vigilante Cop)
Denholm’s flagship series stars ex-boxer Detective Sergeant Jack Lisbon, a hard-boiled cop who delivers vigilante justice in the steamy tropics of North Queensland, Australia. With a knack for attracting trouble, Lisbon’s cases are action-packed and full of suspense. Here are the books in publication and chronological order:
- Fighting Dirty (2020, Prequel Novella)
This novella introduces Jack Lisbon, a former London cop now working in North Queensland. His unorthodox methods and boxing skills set the stage for the series.
Why Read It? A quick, intense read that hooks you into Lisbon’s world. - Kill Shot (2020)
The first full-length novel follows Lisbon as he tackles a case filled with crime and corruption. His knack for turning small clues into big leads shines.
Why Read It? Readers praise its fast pace and engaging plot, making it a great series starter. - Shot Clock (2021)
Lisbon’s back with another high-stakes case, blending noir crime with his vigilante style.
Why Read It? Featured on Manybooks.net, this novel is lauded for its suspense and character depth. - Trick Shot (2021)
The third installment sees Lisbon diving deeper into North Queensland’s criminal underbelly.
Why Read It? Fans love the quick chapters and addictive storytelling. - Shot to the Heart (2022)
Jack Lisbon returns to the UK, where old enemies and new dangers await. This novel adds depth to his character as he navigates fatherhood and justice.
Why Read It? Reviewers call it a “great addition” with unexpected twists. - Drop Shot (2022)
Set around a tennis star’s murder in a seedy hotel, this fifth book explores lies, violence, and deception in North Queensland.
Why Read It? Perfect for fans of sports-themed mysteries with a noir twist. - Point Blank (2022)
Released in December 2022, this novel continues Lisbon’s relentless pursuit of justice.
Why Read It? A thrilling read with Denholm’s signature action-packed style. - Moving Target (2023)
Lisbon faces new challenges in this 2023 release, keeping readers guessing with fresh plot twists.
Why Read It? Reviewers note its ability to keep readers hooked until the end. - Cold Shot (2024)
The latest in the series, released in September 2024, sees Lisbon tackling another gritty case.
Why Read It? Fresh off the press, it’s a must-read for series fans.
How to Read the Fighting Detective Series: Start with the prequel novella Fighting Dirty for background, then follow the novels in publication order: Kill Shot, Shot Clock, Trick Shot, Shot to the Heart, Drop Shot, Point Blank, Moving Target, and Cold Shot. This order ensures you follow Lisbon’s character arc and case progression.
The Russian Detective Series
Set in Soviet-era Moscow, this series follows Captain Viktor Voloshin, a hard-boiled investigator fighting corruption and crime. Denholm’s experience as a Russian translator adds authenticity to the setting.
- Revolution Day (2021)
Voloshin takes on a gritty case against the backdrop of Moscow’s political turmoil.
Why Read It? Fans of historical thrillers will enjoy the Soviet-era setting and intense narrative. - The Defector (2024)
Released in June 2024, this sequel sees Voloshin battling the establishment to serve justice.
Why Read It? Praised for its deep dive into Moscow’s underbelly, it’s a gripping read.
How to Read the Russian Detective Series: Read Revolution Day first, followed by The Defector. A third book is planned to complete the trilogy.
Other Works by Blair Denholm
- Escape from Passing Winds (2017)
A novella in A Private Detective Series for Kids, this is a lighter, family-friendly mystery. - Boyd and Sarge: NYPD Law and Disorder
A short story featuring New York cops, offering a quick dose of Denholm’s crime fiction style.
Why Read Blair Denholm’s Books?
Denholm’s stories stand out for their:
- Engaging Characters: From the flawed Gary Braswell to the tough-yet-relatable Jack Lisbon, his protagonists are complex and memorable.
- Noir and Action: Expect gritty plots, vigilante justice, and dark humor that keep you turning pages.
- Rich Settings: Denholm’s global experiences bring authenticity to locations like North Queensland and Soviet Moscow.
- Reader Praise: With an average Goodreads rating of 4.10 across 17,124 reviews, fans love his fast-paced, twist-filled stories.
How to Start Reading Blair Denholm
New to Denholm’s work? Here’s how to dive in:
- For Noir Fans: Start with the Game Changer Series (SOLD).
- For Detective Thriller Fans: Begin with Fighting Dirty or Kill Shot in the Fighting Detective Series.
- For Historical Thriller Fans: Try Revolution Day in the Russian Detective Series.
- Where to Buy: Find his books on Amazon, BookBub, or Goodreads.
- Newsletter: Sign up on Blair Denholm’s website for updates on new releases and promos.
What’s Next for Blair Denholm?
Denholm’s not slowing down. In 2024, he signed with UK-based publisher Vinci Books, promising more thrilling releases. A third Russian Detective novel is in the works, and more Fighting Detective books are planned. Stay tuned by following his Amazon Author Page or checking his blog for updates.
Final Thoughts
Blair Denholm’s books deliver everything crime fiction fans crave: heart-pounding action, complex characters, and settings that leap off the page. Whether you’re drawn to the noir chaos of Gary Braswell, the vigilante justice of Jack Lisbon, or the Soviet-era intrigue of Viktor Voloshin, there’s a series for you. Start with this guide to read Blair Denholm’s books in order and join the thousands of readers hooked on his stories.
What’s your favorite Blair Denholm book? Share in the comments below, and let us know which series you’re diving into first!
