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Philip Kerr

3 series 13 books in order 1989–2018

Philip Kerr was a British author who wrote both adult fiction and non-fiction. He earned a master's degree in law and philosophy before working as an advertising copywriter for Saatchi and Saatchi. He began writing full-time in 1989 and is best known for the Bernie Gunther series, a collection of historical thrillers set in Germany and elsewhere during the 1930s, the Second World War, and the Cold War. He also wrote children's books under the name P.B. Kerr, including the Children of the Lamp series. Kerr contributed to publications such as The Sunday Times, the Evening Standard, and the New Statesman. He was married to fellow novelist Jane Thynne.

Born
1956
Active years
1989–2018
Known for
Berlin Noir trilogy, Children of the Lamp, Bernie Gunther

Series by Philip Kerr

Berlin Noir trilogy

3 books in order · 1989–1991

Children of the Lamp

5 books in order · 2004–2009

Bernie Gunther

5 books in order · 2006–2018

  1. Cover of The One from the Other

    The One from the Other

    2006 · Philip Kerr

    In 1949, Bernie Gunther, a former police officer turned private detective, struggles through a difficult time. His wife is dying, and he fears the SS…

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  2. Cover of A Quiet Flame

    A Quiet Flame

    2008 · Philip Kerr

    A Quiet Flame is a 2008 crime novel by British author Philip Kerr. It is the fifth book in the Bernie Gunther series and is set in Peronist Argentina…

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  3. Cover of If the Dead Rise Not

    If the Dead Rise Not

    2009 · Philip Kerr

    If the Dead Rise Not is a crime novel by Philip Kerr, the sixth in the series featuring Berlin police detective Bernie Gunther. It was published in…

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  4. Cover of Prague Fatale

    Prague Fatale

    2011 · Philip Kerr

    Prague Fatale is a 2011 crime thriller written by British author Philip Kerr. It is the ninth book in the Bernie Gunther series, which follows the…

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  5. Cover of Greeks bearing gifts

    Greeks bearing gifts

    2018 · Philip Kerr

    Greeks bearing gifts is a 2018 book by Philip Kerr. It is book 13 of the series Bernie Gunther. Catalog genres: Historical Mystery, War & Military,…

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Frequently asked questions

How many books has Philip Kerr written?

We list 13 books by Philip Kerr across 3 series, published between 1989–2018 — each shown in full reading order.

What order should I read Philip Kerr's books?

Read each series in publication order. A good place to start is “March violets.” Open any series above for its complete numbered reading order.

Where can I buy Philip Kerr's books?

Every title links to Amazon from its series page. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Bibliography and reading orders compiled from verified bibliographic data. Spotted an error? We continuously correct the catalog.