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Phyllis A. Whitney Books In Order

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Publication Order of Phyllis A. Whitney Standalone Novels

A Place for Ann (1941)Description / Buy at Amazon
A Star for Ginny (1942)Description / Buy at Amazon
A Window for Julie (1943)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Red Carnelian / Red is for Murder (1943)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Silver Inkwell (1945)Description / Buy at Amazon
Willow Hill (1947)Description / Buy at Amazon
Ever After (1948)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Mystery of the Gulls (1949)Description / Buy at Amazon
Linda's Homecoming (1950)Description / Buy at Amazon
Mystery of the Strange Traveler / The Island of Dark Woods (1951)Description / Buy at Amazon
Love Me, Love Me Not (1952)Description / Buy at Amazon
Step to the Music (1953)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Mystery of the Black Diamonds (1954)Description / Buy at Amazon
A Long Time Coming (1954)Description / Buy at Amazon
Mystery on the Isle of Skye (1955)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Quicksilver Pool (1955)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Highest Dream (1956)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Fire and the Gold (1956)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Trembling Hills (1956)Description / Buy at Amazon
Skye Cameron (1957)Description / Buy at Amazon
Mystery of the Green Cat (1957)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Moonflower (1958)Description / Buy at Amazon
Secret of the Samurai Sword (1958)Description / Buy at Amazon
Creole Holiday (1959)Description / Buy at Amazon
Window on the Square (1960)Description / Buy at Amazon
Mystery of the Haunted Pool (1960)Description / Buy at Amazon
Thunder Heights (1960)Description / Buy at Amazon
Secret of the Tiger's Eye (1961)Description / Buy at Amazon
Blue Fire (1961)Description / Buy at Amazon
Mystery of the Golden Horn (1962)Description / Buy at Amazon
Mystery of the Hidden Hand (1963)Description / Buy at Amazon
Seven Tears for Apollo (1963)Description / Buy at Amazon
Secret of the Emerald Star (1964)Description / Buy at Amazon
Black Amber (1964)Description / Buy at Amazon
Sea Jade (1964)Description / Buy at Amazon
Mystery of the Angry Idol (1965)Description / Buy at Amazon
Columbella (1966)Description / Buy at Amazon
Silverhill (1967)Description / Buy at Amazon
Secret of the Spotted Shell (1967)Description / Buy at Amazon
Hunter's Green (1968)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Secret of Goblin Glen (1969)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Secret of the Missing Footprint (1969)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Mystery of the Crimson Ghost (1969)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Winter People (1969)Description / Buy at Amazon
Lost Island (1970)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Vanishing Scarecrow (1971)Description / Buy at Amazon
Listen for the Whisperer (1971)Description / Buy at Amazon
Nobody Likes Trina (1972)Description / Buy at Amazon
Mystery of the Scowling Boy (1973)Description / Buy at Amazon
Snowfire (1973)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Turquoise Mask (1974)Description / Buy at Amazon
Secret of Haunted Mesa (1975)Description / Buy at Amazon
Spindrift (1975)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Golden Unicorn (1976)Description / Buy at Amazon
Song of the Shaggy Canary (1976)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Stone Bull (1977)Description / Buy at Amazon
Secret of the Stone Face (1977)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Glass Flame (1978)Description / Buy at Amazon
Domino (1979)Description / Buy at Amazon
Poinciana (1980)Description / Buy at Amazon
Vermilion (1981)Description / Buy at Amazon
Emerald (1982)Description / Buy at Amazon
Rainsong (1984)Description / Buy at Amazon
Dream of Orchids (1985)Description / Buy at Amazon
Flaming Tree (1985)Description / Buy at Amazon
Silversword (1987)Description / Buy at Amazon
Feather on the Moon (1988)Description / Buy at Amazon
Rainbow in the Mist (1989)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Singing Stones (1990)Description / Buy at Amazon
Woman Without a Past (1991)Description / Buy at Amazon
The Ebony Swan (1992)Description / Buy at Amazon
Star Flight (1993)Description / Buy at Amazon
Daughter of the Stars (1994)Description / Buy at Amazon
Amethyst Dreams (1997)Description / Buy at Amazon

Publication Order of Phyllis A. Whitney Non-Fiction Books

Writing Juvenile Fiction (1947)Description / Buy at Amazon
Writing Juvenile Stories and Novels (1976)Description / Buy at Amazon
Guide to Fiction Writing (1982)Description / Buy at Amazon

Publication Order of Anthologies

A Gothic Treasure Trove(1987)Description / Buy at Amazon
Malice Domestic 5(1996)Description / Buy at Amazon

An American writer of mystery novels, the Japanese born author Phyllis Ayame Whitney had a long and highly regarded writing career that spanned for a number of years, creating a style and tone that was all of her very own, as she came to be revered by both critics and the general public alike. Known for her insight, she not only created engaging narratives that kept the reader hooked until the end, but she also established characters that resonate still to this day. Reaching the top of the bestseller lists on numerous occasions, her legacy lives on and will continue to do so for some time to come, inspiring writers and readers into the future.

Early and Personal Life

Born on the 9th of September in 1903, Phyllis Ayame Whitney lived till February the 8th, 2008, during which time she lived a long and fruitful life. Spending the earlier part of her life in Asia after being born in Yokohama in Japan, she would take in inspiration from the world around her, constantly feeding it back into her writing career that was to follow. This was further built upon through her love and passion for both reading and writing, something which created the foundations of what was to be a successful career as a novelist.

Well known for her love of the Gothic genre of literature, she would work on developing her passion for the form over the following years. Honing and refining her skills as a writer, she educated herself in the style of novels, creating what was to be a much loved voice. This was something that she herself worked on throughout much of her education as a young aspiring writer.

Working on her material for a number of years prior to publication, she was able to harness her voice and create a style and tone that entirely unique to her. As well as this becoming something that many have attempted to replicate in the many years to follow her initial debut, her early career offered not only her readers an important milestone, but it also enabled her develop herself through her education. Creating a strong and articulate style, she would be revered by both her peers and contemporaries as well, as she stuck to building a singular voice despite the initial obstacles.

This is a legacy that endures to this day, as she sought to take inspiration not only from her education and her upbringing, but the tropes of the Gothic genre as well. With a penchant for mysteries, as well as her use of exotic location, she created a timely feel that people could feel worldwide, from generation to generation. Her contributions to the field will be felt for a long time to come, as her backlog of her work will continue to inspire readers and aspiring writers alike for some time yet, on into the foreseeable future.

Writing Career

Releasing her first novel, A Place for Ann, in 1941, she introduced herself as a new and exciting talent on the mystery and Gothic literary scene to much acclaim. Setting up what was to be her style, she gained a number of awards in the following years to come as well, garnering not just commercial success, but critical as well. This then helped pave the way for her career to follow, as she was featured in a variety of different prestigious publications due to this first entry into her oeuvre.

Many books proceeded to follow in its wake, quickly establishing her as a big name in the industry, as she became one of the foremost names in her field. Gaining not only the Edgar Award in 1964 from the Mystery Writers of America, she also received the Grand Master Award in 1988 from the MWA. This all allowed her to cement her brand for years to come, marking her as an undeniable talent that would help shape the industry for many years to come.

A Place for Ann

First brought out in 1941 through the Houghton Mifflin Company publishing label, this was the book that initially introduced Phyllis A. Whitney to the world. Establishing her tone and style, it worked at creating an influential and exciting novel in its own right, and one that’s definitely a must for any devotee of the author. With strong characters as well as an engaging plot, it’s narrative is confident, even in her early stages, as it manages to keep the reader hooked right until the end.

Set in Poplar City, the narrative follows the protagonist of Ann Redfern as she goes about looking to create an income for herself, despite the scarcity of jobs at that time. Gathering all of her friends together they set about attempting to build a business for themselves, as they pool all their talents together collectively for an upcoming venture. Undertaking a whole variety of odd jobs, such as washing windows and running a nursery, they finally manage to set-up the House of Tomorrow. Will they be financially successful? What will become of their venture? Can they find a place for Ann?

Amethyst Dreams

Originally published on the 12th of December in 1991 and brought out through the Ivy Books publishing house, this was one of the later and lesser known works from Phyllis A. Whitney as an author. Whilst it is not her most beloved book, it is still an interesting entry into her career as an author, and one that will provide an insight into her later progression. Creating her now signature atmosphere and ambiance, it is most notable for its use of narrator which is here in the first person perspective.

Featuring one Hallie Knight as its lead protagonist, it follows her as she hears from Nicholas Trench, the grandfather of one of her oldest friends. Requesting her assistance, it appears that Susan has disappeared from Topsail Island, one of North Carolina’s most historical locations. With Hallie being the last hope in finding her, she soon becomes entangled in a web of deceit and lies surrounding the inheritance of Susan, as all is not as it’s cracked up to be in the sunny seaside location. Where has her friend disappeared to? Can she find out the truth behind the inheritance? What will become of her late night amethyst dreams?

Book Series In Order » Authors » Phyllis A. Whitney

One Response to “Phyllis A. Whitney”

  1. Julia Rust: 2 years ago

    Read these in high school- was totally enthralled!!! Not a read like it since….

    Reply

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