Harlem Cycle Books in Order

Rate this series:

🎧 Listen to Blind man with a pistol on Audible

The Harlem Cycle is a series of novels by Chester Himes, published between 1969 and 1993, that explore the social and racial tensions of Harlem through the lens of crime and detective work. The series centers on the experiences of Harlem's residents, particularly focusing on the struggles of African Americans in a society marked by inequality and unrest. Recurring themes include the impact of systemic racism, the search for justice, and the complex realities of life in a rapidly changing urban environment.

Books in this series

Ordered by first publication where known. The official numbering for this series is incomplete in our sources, so we don't show series numbers we can't verify.

  1. Cover of Blind man with a pistol

    Blind man with a pistol

    1969 · Chester Himes

    New York is sweltering in the summer heat, and Harlem is close to the boiling point. Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones, two detectives known…

    Read more →
    Buy on Amazon
  2. Cover of Plan B

    Plan B

    Year unknown · Chester Himes

    Plan B is an unfinished novel by Chester Himes, written in the late 1960s. It was completed from his notes by Michel Fabre and Robert E. Skinner and…

    Read more →
    Buy on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What order should I read the Harlem Cycle books in?

Read them in publication order — the list above is sorted by first publication where known, starting with “Blind man with a pistol”.

How many books are in the Harlem Cycle series?

We list 2 books by Chester Himes , published in 1969.

Where can I buy the Harlem Cycle books?

Each title above links to Amazon. See our affiliate disclosure.

Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted a wrong order, a missing book, or any other mistake? and we'll correct it.