J. Sydney Jones Books In Order

Publication Order of Viennese Mystery Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

An American writer of both fiction and non-fiction, the author J. Sydney Jones is well known for his intelligent and incisive stories. Typically tackling historical themes, he is extremely well regarded for the level of authenticity that he brings to his work, writing with a very high degree of accuracy. This then provides readers with a window into the past quite unlike any other, allowing them to gain a unique perspective they otherwise may not have had. Creating a vivid portrait of the past, his stories really evoke a true feeling of what it was like, which is largely due to the vast amounts of research he completes. Over the years this has developed, as he has tackled numerous different periods and eras, taking on a variety of different themes and ideas with each one.

It is also his use of character that brings his stories to life as well, as they resonate with the readers regardless of their time period. This is because Jones brings in a sense of universality into his work, something which resonates with readers worldwide, both nationally and internationally. Using elements of the thriller novel as well, he really manages to build a sense of tension through his work too, something which definitely manages to keep the reader glued on the edge of their seat. Writing non-fiction works too, he has written extensively on his other various interests, such as walking guides, which gain a large amount of popularity too. With a lot more left in him yet, he appears to have more novels planned on the horizon, as he appears not to be stopping any time soon.

Early and Personal Life

Born in 1948 on the 6th of April, J. Sydney Jones would have an American upbringing, which would come to shape his love of writing in the years to come. Returning to his love of writing constantly throughout the years, he would continually nurture his passion for both reading and writing constantly. This would allow him to become a more adept and incisive author, as he would develop and evolve his voice as an author. Continuing this in 1968, he would go on to study in Vienna, Austria, a city which would come to influence his future work extremely heavily. He would hold a strong affinity for the place, something which he would later cement, as he would return there to live for two decades in the city.

During the seventies he would come to write a number of travel books, as he also held a keen love of traveling and seeing the world. Living and working across Europe, including such places as Paris and Florence, he would work as a freelance writer and correspondent, gaining a unique insight into his craft. Now currently living in Central California with his son and wife, he continues to write, putting out work on a regular and ever consistent basis.

Writing Career

It was in 1990 that J. Sydney Jones would write his first fictional novel titled ‘Time of the Wolf’, which was a stand-alone alone self-contained novel. Working as a historical thriller, it would feature a World War Two era piece set in Austria, it would feature a detective and his partner, as they’re pursued holding the secret documents pertaining to Hitler’s final solution. Featuring many of the themes and ideas for which he’d become famous for later on, it would manage to incorporate a number of exciting elements into the story. Prior to this, Jones would largely work on non-fiction titles, such ‘Bike and Hike’, which was his first book in 1977 recounting some of the best biking and hiking spots through Britain and Ireland. He would go on to write many other non-fiction works in a similar vein, providing his readers with what he’d learned and experienced throughout his travels.

Later he would also go on to produce a long-running historical series titled the ‘Viennese Mystery’ series of novels. These would feature a collection of historically themed mysteries set both in around Vienna, as they follow renowned criminologist Hans Gross and the lawyer Karl Werthen, with them solving many cases together. Winning numerous awards and nominations, J. Sydney Jones, has made a name for himself quite unlike any other, as his profile will continue growing from strength-to-strength.

Silence

Part three of the ‘Viennese Mystery’ series, this follows on from the previous two titles with another case file for the detective Hans Gross to solve. Originally brought out on the 1st of December 2011, this continues on in a similar vein as to before, whilst also bringing in some twists and turns of its own along the way. Published through the ‘Severn House Publishers’ outlet, it would also seek to develop his character, along with that of his associate lawyer Karl Werthen.

Set in Vienna in 1900, this sees Karl Werthen being assigned to locate the missing son of powerful industrialist Karl Wittgenstein. This is following the apparent suicide of a local councilman, a case which Werthen had been puzzling over up to that point. Hans, the young son of Wittgenstein, is alive and well in another country, but it is the friend of Hans, a journalist, who is in danger. Having written a report on the corruption of the deceased councilman, the journalist is now also found dead in similar fashion. Who is behind these deaths really? Was it actually a suicide, or are there more nefarious forces at play? How will they deal with the conspiracy of silence?

The Edit

Released through the ‘Mysteriouspress.com/Open Road’ publishing label, this was to be a stand-alone novel from J. Sydney Jones. Working as suspense fuelled thriller story, it was first brought out on the 13th of December in 2016, as it would incorporate many of ideas for which Jones was now famous for. Set around a World War Two ex-Nazi on the run, it takes a look at his character and the evil that he committed, as he attempts to keep the past buried at whatever cost.

Set on the coast of Central America, the American journalist Kate O’Brien has come looking for her story. That’s when she comes across it in the form of an ex-Nazi hiding out, as she discovers old pages recounting the horror that he inflicted during the war. Keeping her hidden in his basement, he attempts to keep the past buried, but that time is running out for him, as Kate must break free at all costs telling the real story in The Edit.