George Bellairs (1902-1982) was an English novelist who left an indelible mark on the crime fiction genre. Best known for his “Thomas Littlejohn” series, Bellairs was the pseudonym of Harold Blundell, a professional who also worked as a bank manager. His career as a writer was both prolific and influential, spanning over 50 novels, some of which were penned under the alias Hilary Landon.
Bellairs’ journey in the world of crime fiction began in 1941 with his debut novel “Littlejohn on Leave.” This marked the introduction of Inspector Thomas Littlejohn, a character who would become a staple in Bellairs’ work and a favorite among crime fiction enthusiasts. His ability to weave intricate plots and create engaging characters made each of his books a compelling read.
Throughout his career, George Bellairs showcased a remarkable talent for storytelling, skillfully balancing suspense and investigation in his narratives. His works are characterized by their attention to detail, well-constructed mysteries, and an underlying wit that added a unique flavor to the genre.
In his retirement, Bellairs moved to the Isle of Man, a place that provided him with new inspirations and settings for his stories. His final published work, “An Old Man Dies,” was released in 1980, continuing his legacy of crafting intriguing crime novels until the end of his career.
Below is a comprehensive list of George Bellairs’ books, organized in the order of their first release. This list highlights the breadth of his work in crime fiction and his enduring contribution to the genre. Bellairs’ novels, particularly the Thomas Littlejohn series, remain a testament to his skill as a crime writer and his ability to captivate readers with suspenseful, engaging storytelling. His legacy in the realm of crime fiction continues to be celebrated by readers and critics alike.
Publication Order of Thomas Littlejohn Books
| Littlejohn on Leave | (1941) |    |
| The Four Unfaithful Servants | (1942) | |
| Death of a Busybody | (1942) | |
| The Dead Shall be Raised & Murder of a Quack | (1942) | |
| The Case of the Seven Whistlers | (1944) | |
| He’d Rather Be Dead | (1945) | |
| Calamity at Harwood | (1945) | |
| Death in the Night Watches | (1946) | |
| The Case of the Scared Rabbits | (1946) | |
| The Crime at Halfpenny Bridge | (1946) | |
| Death on the Last Train | (1948) | |
| Outrage on Gallows Hill | (1949) | |
| The Case of the DeMented Spiv | (1949) | |
| The Case of the Famished Parson | (1949) | |
| Half-Mast for the Deemster | (1950) | |
| The Case of the Headless Jesuit | (1950) | |
| Dead March for Penelope Blow | (1951) | |
| Death in Dark Glasses | (1952) | |
| Crime in Lepers’ Hollow | (1952) | |
| A Knife for Harry Dodd | (1953) | |
| Corpses in Enderby | (1954) | |
| The Cursing Stones Murder | (1954) | |
| Death in Room Five | (1955) | |
| Death Treads Softly | (1956) | |
| Death Drops the Pilot | (1956) | |
| Death in High Provence | (1957) | |
| Death Sends for the Doctor | (1957) | |
| Corpse at the Carnival | (1958) | |
| Murder Makes Mistakes | (1958) | |
| Bones in the Wilderness | (1959) | |
| Toll the Bell for Murder | (1959) | |
| Death in the Fearful Night | (1960) | |
| Death in Despair | (1960) | |
| Death of a Tin God | (1961) | |
| The Body in the Dumb River | (1961) | |
| Murder Masquerade | (1961) | |
| The Tormentors | (1962) | |
| Death Before Breakfast | (1962) | |
| Death in the Wasteland | (1963) | |
| Death of a Shadow | (1964) | |
| Surfeit of Suspects | (1964) | |
| Death Spins the Wheel | (1965) | |
| Strangers Among the Dead | (1966) | |
| Intruder in the Dark | (1966) | |
| Death in Desolation | (1967) | |
| Single ticket to Death | (1967) | |
| Fatal Alibi | (1968) | |
| Murder Gone Mad | (1968) | |
| Tycoon’s Death-Bed | (1970) | |
| Pomeroy Deceased | (1971) | |
| The Night They Killed Joss Varran | (1971) | |
| Murder Adrift | (1972) | |
| Devious Murder | (1973) | |
| Fear Round About | (1975) | |
| All Roads to Sospel | (1977) | |
| The Downhill Ride Of Leeman Popple | (1979) | |
| An Old Man Dies | (1980) | |