John Darnton Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About John Darnton

The American author John Darnton is well known for his interesting and highly engaging style of writing that’s been entertaining readers for many years now. Working as a journalist too, he’s got a straightforward approach to his work, making it extremely direct and to the point. Previously working as a reporter, it was a position that gave him a lot of material to work with, making his writing feel wholly realistic and grounded. Knowing the subject matter inside out, he would give it a sense of realism that would really work to effectively draw the reader in.

Previously winning a Pulitzer Prize for his journalism, he’d gain a lot of insight, really elevating him and his work in the process. His writing would then go on to reach a worldwide audience of readers from all over, with a wide-ranging audience coming to appreciate his work. Understanding his audience well, he’d deliver an interesting set of novels, whilst also never forgetting his own ideas in the process. Because of this he would always have something important to say in his work, giving his books a real sense of immediacy.

The characters Darnton would go on to create in his novels were always memorable too, regardless of who they were. Never forgetting to entertain the reader as well, he’d ensure that all his stories remained compelling, keeping the audience continually turning the page. With an element of mystery to his work, he’d feature countless surprise twists and turns, always making sure the reader remained on the edge of their seat. With lots more to come still, he’ll continue to write, with more books to follow, as well as continually featuring in numerous publications.

Early and Personal Life

Born in New York City on the 20th of November in 1941, John Townsend Darnton would grow up with a keen passion for the written word. Attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he would go on to gain a job as the copy-boy at the New York Times in 1966. This position would then lead to him becoming more prominent there, as it would pave the way to his career in journalism and writing.

Covering numerous important cases and events, Darnton would lay witness to a number of big events during the twentieth century. These events ranged from the New Haven Black Panther trials, to working as a correspondent in Lagos, Nigeria, before being expelled by the government in 1977. Gaining the Pulitzer in 1982, he would make a name for himself with his reporting, something which he continues to do to this day.

Writing Career

While working as a journalist, Darnton would begin to moonlight as a writer of thriller novels, many of which usually featured sinister themes and undertones. A number of these would typically be medical or scientific thrillers, with a few also using historical narratives to drive them forwards too. Over time these would find some success of their own, reaching a mass-audience, giving him an even wider selection of readers than before.

The first novel that he’d publish was titled ‘Neanderthal’ which came out back in 1996, and it was a stand-alone thriller title. All of his fiction books would be self-contained, not being a part of any series as such, making them easy and fun to read. He would also publish a non-fiction memoir in 2011 called ‘Almost a Family,’ which would feature an account of his own life, and the different obstacles he’s faced.

The Darwin Conspiracy

First published back in 2005 on the 1st of January, this would originally come out through the ‘Anchor’ publishing label. It would be a stand-alone historical conspiracy thriller that was entirely self-contained, being easy to pick up, but difficult to put down. There was a lot at the heart of it too, giving it a real sense of drive, making it an extremely interesting entry into Darnton’s career.

This book has a lot of well researched scientific history behind it, which can only be expected from the author John Darnton. There’s a lot of intrigue here too, with its fun and engaging take on the historical conspiracy genre, featuring plenty of layers of intrigue. It’s well told with lots of detailed characters that really give the reader someone to relate to within the story, letting them be drawn in.

Looking at Darwin and his theory of evolution, this journeys back to 1831, taking place aboard the HMS Beagle. Here a young Charles Darwin sets sail down the English Channel heading off to South America where he will make history. Then, 150 years later, two scholars holding an obsession with Charles Darwin seek to unlock the secrets found with Darwin’s daughters letters and diaries. What will they find within them, where will their journey take them both, and what will they unlock in the Darwin Conspiracy?

Black and White and Dead All Over

Initially published through the ‘Knopf’ publishing label, this would first come out back in 2008 on the 29th of July. Not a part of any series as such, it’s a murder mystery that works at keeping the reader constantly guessing throughout at every stage. Using his own background in the newspaper industry to help inform the writing, Darnton makes good use of his knowledge here. Coming across as highly authentic, the location of the newspaper offices seem extremely well realized, really coming to life for the reader.

There’s an air of gloom surrounding the New York Globe, as it appears that circulation is down, with the readership and advertising plummeting. It also appears that they’re going to have to make some cuts if they want to remain afloat, but then one September morning a powerful editor is discovered dead. Impaled with the spike used to kill stories, NYPD detective Priscilla Bollingsworth enters the scene to try and solve the case, but it seems there’s too many suspects. Will she be able to find the real killer in time, can she possibly hope to make sense of it all, and can they find justice for the victim who’s black and white and dead all over?