It stands out because it asks for less time than many of the longer volumes on this page.
Barbara Paul
-
15
Catalog books
-
11
Works
-
1977 to 2016
Strongest span
Who This Author Is
Barbara Paul writes sharp, plot-driven mysteries that blend wit with careful plotting. Her books range from music-tinged capers like Cadenza for Caruso to police procedural entries featuring Sergeant Marian Larch. Expect brisk pacing, clever twists, and characters who drive both humor and suspense.
Paul moves easily between offbeat premises and straight-ahead crime work: Full Frontal Murder and King of Misrule play with theatricality and chaos, while You Have the Right to Remain Silent and The Apostrophe Thief focus on investigation and moral ambiguity. Her novels balance entertainment with tight, purposeful plotting.
Best Place To Start
Author At A Glance
Best known for: Clever, dialogue-driven mysteries • Series featuring Sergeant Marian Larch • Standalone suspense with twists
Genres and themes: Cozy and procedural mystery • Dark humour and wit • Puzzle-driven plots
Who this author is best for: Good for readers who like character-focused whodunits with sharp dialogue and tidy conclusions.
Start with a Marian Larch title for a recurring lead, or pick any standalone for a single-case read.
Top Books To Start With
-
St. Martin's Press • 1984 • quick commitment
UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1984 • 146 pages.
-
Jack Be Quick and Other Crime Stories (Five Star Standard Print Mystery Series)
Thorndike Pr • 1999 • standard commitment
UPB note: year signal: 1999 • 219 pages.
-
Full Frontal Murder (Worldwide Mystery) [Paperback]
Harlequin Books • 1998 • standard commitment
It helps anchor a specific period of this author’s publishing run instead of blending into the undated shelf clutter.
-
The Apostrophe Thief (A Sergeant Marian Larch Mystery)
Worldwide Library • 1994 • standard commitment
UPB note: year signal: 1994 • 253 pages.
-
You Have The Right To Remain Silent
Worldwide Library • 1993 • standard commitment
UPB note: year signal: 1993 • 250 pages.
-
In-Laws and Outlaws (G K Hall Large Print Book Series)
MacMillan Publishing Company. • 1991 • standard commitment
UPB note: year signal: 1991 • 323 pages.
-
Inner Circle Books Ltd • 1990 • standard commitment
UPB note: year signal: 1990 • 224 pages.
-
Ulverscroft Large Print • 1993 • longer commitment
UPB note: year signal: 1993 • 496 pages.
-
Intl Polygonics Ltd • 1992 • commitment varies by edition
UPB note: year signal: 1992.
-
YOUR EYELIDS ARE GROWING HEAVY
Independent Pub Group • 1992 • commitment varies by edition
You enjoy domestic suspense centered on marriage and household detail | You follow Barbara Paul's wry moral observations…
How The Picks Compare
- Cadenza for Caruso is the easier short commitment, while Jack Be Quick and Other Crime Stories (Five Star Standard Print Mystery Series) asks for more reading time up front.
- Cadenza for Caruso gives you an earlier look at this author’s shelf, while Jack Be Quick and Other Crime Stories (Five Star Standard Print Mystery Series) leans later in the catalog.
- Full Frontal Murder (Worldwide Mystery) [Paperback] is also useful if you want a different publishing lane from Cadenza for Caruso.
Related Guides
More Books By Barbara Paul
-
St. Martin's Press • 1977
-
Ulverscroft Large Print • 1997
-
Piatkus Books • 1991
-
Head of Zeus • 2016
-
MysteriousPress.com • 2016