Books in Order: Embracing the Literary Legacy of Arthur Upfield
About the Author: Arthur Upfield
Renowned figure of the literary world, Arthur William Upfield (1890-1964), was an English-Australian author, famous for his thrilling and investigative novels, chiefly the genre of detective fiction. Born in England, Upfield’s curiosity led him to migrate to Australia as a young lad. Here, he served gallantly with the Australian military during the traumatic times of World War I. Books in order of publication truly reflect his remarkable journey and the dynamic landscapes that swept from his pen to the pages.
In the ensuing years, Upfield eagerly explored Australia, absorbing the rich culture and customs of the Aboriginal people. His quest for knowledge also led him to the Australian Geological Society’s door, where he undertook numerous scientific expeditions. Upfield’s works, brimming with life and his unique narrative style, gained even more prominence posthumously. The 1970s saw his stories transform into a successful Australian television series, “Boney.”
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Arthur Upfield’s Unique Writing Style
Upfield’s singular writing style was reflective of his immersion into indigenous cultures and his pivotal experiences in Australia. His novels are marked by a compelling mix of suspense, thrilling narratives, and deep insights into the rural Australian settlements. A careful perusal of Arthur Upfield’s books in order reveals a rare authenticity of the Australian locale and Aboriginal lives, imparting an enticing characteristic to his literary craft.
The Upfield Bibliography
Arthur Upfield’s writing career started with a flourish in 1928 with his debut novel, ‘The House of Cain.’ His years of globe-trotting and exploration added a literate edge to his exhaustive catalog. For enthusiasts of Arthur Upfield’s writing style, delving into his books in order is an enriching experience, providing a fascinating glimpse into his literary evolution over the years.
Publication Order of Inspector Bonaparte Books
| The Barrakee Mystery / The Lure of the Bush | (1929) |    |
| The Sands of Windee | (1931) | |
| Wings Above the Diamantina / Wings Above the Claypan | (1936) | |
| Mr. Jelly’s Business/Murder Down Under | (1937) | |
| Winds of Evil | (1937) | |
| The Bone is Pointed | (1938) | |
| The Mystery of Swordfish Reef | (1939) | |
| Bushranger of the Skies / No Footprints in the Bush | (1940) | |
| Death of a Swagman | (1945) | |
| The Devil’s Steps | (1946) | |
| An Author Bites the Dust | (1948) | |
| The Mountains Have a Secret | (1948) | |
| The Bachelors of Broken Hill | (1950) | |
| The Widows of Broome | (1951) | |
| The New Shoe/The Clue of the New Shoe | (1951) | |
| Venom House | (1952) | |
| Murder Must Wait | (1953) | |
| Death of a Lake | (1954) | |
| Sinister Stones/Cake in the Hat Box | (1954) | |
| The Battling Prophet | (1956) | |
| Man of Two Tribes | (1956) | |
| Bony Buys a Woman / The Bushman Who Came Back | (1957) | |
| Bony and the Mouse / Journey to the Hangman | (1959) | |
| Bony and the Black Virgin / The Torn Branch | (1959) | |
| Bony and the Kelly Gang / Valley of Smugglers | (1960) | |
| Bony and the White Savage | (1961) | |
| The Will of the Tribe | (1962) | |
| Madman’s Bend / The Body at Madman’s Bend | (1963) | |
| The Lake Frome Monster | (1966) | |