When it comes to modern literature, few names shine as brightly as J. K. Rowling. Best known as the creator of the beloved Harry Potter series, Rowling has also written crime thrillers, children’s stories, and companion books that expand her magical universe. If you’re wondering where to start or how to read J. K. Rowling books in order, this guide will walk you through her works step by step.
Complete List of J. K. Rowling Books in Order of Publication
| Year | Book Title | Series / Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone | Harry Potter Series |
| 1998 | Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets | Harry Potter Series |
| 1999 | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban | Harry Potter Series |
| 2000 | Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | Harry Potter Series |
| 2001 | Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them | Harry Potter Companion |
| 2001 | Quidditch Through the Ages | Harry Potter Companion |
| 2003 | Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix | Harry Potter Series |
| 2005 | Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince | Harry Potter Series |
| 2007 | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows | Harry Potter Series |
| 2008 | The Tales of Beedle the Bard | Harry Potter Companion |
| 2012 | The Casual Vacancy | Standalone (Adult Fiction) |
| 2013 | The Cuckoo’s Calling | Cormoran Strike Series (as Robert Galbraith) |
| 2014 | The Silkworm | Cormoran Strike Series |
| 2015 | Career of Evil | Cormoran Strike Series |
| 2016 | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (play script) | Harry Potter Universe |
| 2018 | Lethal White | Cormoran Strike Series |
| 2020 | Troubled Blood | Cormoran Strike Series |
| 2020 | The Ickabog | Children’s Book |
| 2021 | The Christmas Pig | Children’s Book |
| 2022 | The Ink Black Heart | Cormoran Strike Series |
| 2023 | The Running Grave | Cormoran Strike Series |
J. K. Rowling Books In Order
Harry Potter Books in Order
The Harry Potter series is Rowling’s most iconic creation, loved worldwide by both children and adults. To fully enjoy the magical journey, it’s best to read the books in their publication order:
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (1997)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2005)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007)
These seven books follow Harry, Hermione, and Ron through their years at Hogwarts, battling the dark wizard Voldemort and uncovering the mysteries of the wizarding world.
Harry Potter Companion Books
Rowling also published several companion works that expand on the magical universe:
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2001)
- Quidditch Through the Ages (2001)
- The Tales of Beedle the Bard (2008)
These books give fans deeper insights into magical creatures, wizarding sports, and enchanting fairy tales.
The Cormoran Strike Series (as Robert Galbraith)
Under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, Rowling ventured into crime fiction with the Cormoran Strike series. These detective novels should also be read in order:
- The Cuckoo’s Calling (2013)
- The Silkworm (2014)
- Career of Evil (2015)
- Lethal White (2018)
- Troubled Blood (2020)
- The Ink Black Heart (2022)
- The Running Grave (2023)
The series follows private detective Cormoran Strike and his partner Robin Ellacott as they solve complex and thrilling cases in London.
The Ickabog (2020)
A standalone children’s fairy tale, The Ickabog is set in the imaginary kingdom of Cornucopia. Unlike the Harry Potter series, this book is not part of the wizarding world but offers a classic, whimsical story for young readers.
The Christmas Pig (2021)
Another standalone children’s book, The Christmas Pig, tells the heartfelt tale of a boy named Jack and his magical toy pig. It’s a story about love, loss, and the power of hope—perfect for holiday reading.
Why Read J. K. Rowling Books in Order?
Reading J. K. Rowling books in order helps you experience her storytelling growth—from the enchanting wizarding world of Harry Potter to her thrilling mysteries and heartwarming children’s tales. Whether you’re a new reader or a lifelong fan, following the publication order ensures you don’t miss any hidden connections or thematic evolutions in her writing.
Great choice 🙌 — an FAQ section at the end will boost SEO and help readers find quick answers. Here’s a ready-to-use FAQ section for J. K. Rowling Books In Order:
FAQs About J. K. Rowling Books in Order
1. What is J. K. Rowling’s first book?
J. K. Rowling’s first published book is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (1997), which introduced the magical world of Hogwarts.
2. Do you need to read the Harry Potter books in order?
Yes, the Harry Potter series should be read in order, starting from Philosopher’s Stone to Deathly Hallows, to follow the complete story.
3. What is J. K. Rowling’s latest book?
Her latest book is The Running Grave (2023), part of the Cormoran Strike series written under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.
4. What books did J. K. Rowling write besides Harry Potter?
Apart from Harry Potter, Rowling wrote The Casual Vacancy, the Cormoran Strike crime series, The Ickabog, and The Christmas Pig.
5. Do you need to read the Cormoran Strike books in order?
Yes, it’s best to read the Cormoran Strike series in order, as each book builds on the characters’ lives and past cases.
6. Are J. K. Rowling’s children’s books connected to Harry Potter?
No, books like The Ickabog and The Christmas Pig are standalone stories and not related to the Harry Potter universe.
7. Is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child a J. K. Rowling book?
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (2016) is a stage play based on an original story by Rowling, but the script was written by Jack Thorne.
Final Thoughts
From the magical halls of Hogwarts to gripping London crime thrillers, J. K. Rowling’s books have captivated readers of all ages. Whether you start with Harry Potter, dive into the Cormoran Strike mysteries, or enjoy her standalone tales, reading them in order gives you the most rewarding journey through her literary universe.
