John Farris Books In Order

Publication Order of Harrison High Books

Publication Order of The Fury Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Transgressions Books

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Anthologies

About John Farris

An American writer, John Farris has become a literary institution in his own right over the course of his life, largely focusing on the southern Gothic genre of fiction. This he would use to shape much of his career, with a clear gift for creating both suspense and tension, building them almost effortlessly over the course of each and every novel. He would also go on to become a highly well regarded figure within Hollywood too, with many of his novels reaching the big-screen.

Early and Personal Life

Born in Missouri, Jefferson City, on the 26th of July in 1936, John Farris was born to parents Eleanor Carter Farris and John Linder Farris. Raised in Tennessee, he would go on to graduate from Central High School based in Memphis, before going on to attend South-western College. Over the years he would also continue to build upon his style and voice, creating a substantial body of work as the years went by.

Not only has his work gone on to become major motion pictures, but he’s also managed to write and direct himself as well. Directing the film ‘Dear Dead Delilah’ in 1973, he would be no stranger to adapting his work for the cinema, giving his work a more visual and vibrant presence. With his first wife, Kathleen, he would have three children, and one child with Mary Ann Pasante, his second wife, as he currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where he continues to work to this very day.

Writing Career

Bringing out his first book, ‘The Corpse Next Door’, in 1956, Farris would make his debut with a suspense fuelled first novel. This would then see him become more prominent over time, especially after his book ‘Harrison High’ was released in 1959, which mark the first in his series of the same name. Later he would also publish ‘The Fury’ in 1976, which would in turn go on to become the first in the ongoing ‘Fury’ series of novels.

Producing several plays from off Broadway too, he would come to express himself in a number of creative ways throughout his life. This would include painting and poetry, as he would continue to channel his voice into his work throughout his life, creating a substantial body of work. With directors such as Brian De Palma having produced his work too, he has built a backlog of material that will stand the test of time for many years to come.

All Heads Turn When The Hunt Goes By

Initially brought out through the Tor Books publishing label, this was originally released on the 15th of January in 1977. Not being a part of any series as such, it’s a stand-alone novel with a completely self-contained narrative, making it an ideal starting point for anybody looking to get into the author. It would also show the ability that John Farris had when it came to crafting horror, keeping the reader on the edge of the seat constantly throughout.

Combining horror and suspense, this is a novel steeped in darkness and fear, making it a must for any fans of the genre. With strong leading characters, the reader never truly knows where to turn, as Farris keeps the tension held firmly at boiling point. Many of the characters all have their own unique story to tell as well too, making for a very immersive an involving experience throughout. The world that’s created is also one that’s fully submerged in darkness as well, creating a dark and foreboding sense constantly through the novel.

With a military wedding set to go ahead, everything seems to be going to plan, just as everyone had initially hoped for. That is when the entire event quickly and abruptly into chaos, as the entire service turns into an ordeal of ungodly proportions, filled with the blood curdling screams of terror. Each generation of the Bradwins faces a curse that threatens their entire existence, something which takes them from horror to horror. Doomed to a blood filled future of occultism, vengeance and sheer terror, it is up to them to prevent the curse from taking place and stop it in its tracks. Will they be able to find out the truth behind it all? What is the secret of the curse? Can they prevent the terror as all heads turn when the hunt goes by?

Wildwood

Originally published through the ‘Hodder and Stoughton’ publishing imprint this time, this would also mark a stand-alone horror title. Much in the same vein as many of his other novels, John Farris would bring up the suspense and terror, building it to an entertaining and thrilling climax. First released in 1986, it would be a later novel for Farris, setting it up as one for fans, as well as newcomers, with him clearly showing a lot of development as an author.

Operating largely as a horror novel once again, this manages to evoke an uneasy air and atmosphere throughout the entire novel. With characters that really draw the reader in, it manages to establish a dark and foreboding tone, from the people to the setting of the world. Not only that, but it also manages to keep the reader guessing throughout as well too, holding their attention to the very last page. The mansion itself almost becomes a character in its own right, using the drama of the haunted house trope to its full effect.

Abandoned for over forty years, the estate and mansion residing upon Smokey Mountains is going derelict, ever since it was obliterated by the dreams of a rich mad man. Now the mountain was largely home to masses of strange undergrowth, odd storms, and sightings of weird mythical creatures by the local residents nearby. Returning there with his wife and ex-army friend, someone seeks to find out more on the mystery of the mansion and what really happened there. It is here that he finds the dark secret lying at the heart of the estate, and what it is that has really been hidden for all this time. Will he find the secrets about what really happened on the mountain? Can he remain safe long enough to do so? What will he find embedded within the Wildwood?