It stands out because it asks for less time than many of the longer volumes on this page.
Barbara Paul
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15
Catalog books
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11
Works
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1977 to 2016
Strongest span
Who This Author Is
Barbara Paul writes brisk, plot-driven mysteries that mix clever plotting with sharp, often witty observations. Her books range from police procedurals to satirical thrillers, and recurring elements—music, legal trouble, and slyly bright protagonists—help her stories move quickly while keeping an eye on human quirks and professional life.
Through titles like Cadenza for Caruso, The Apostrophe Thief, and You Have the Right to Remain Silent, Paul balances tightly wound suspense with moments of irony. Her pacing and touch with procedural detail make these novels satisfying reads for anyone who enjoys crisp investigations and characters who think on their feet.
Best Place To Start
Author At A Glance
Best known for: Crime fiction with dark wit • Series featuring Sergeant Marian Larch • Standalone mysteries with theatrical or musical settings
Genres and themes: Cozy/character-driven mystery • Police procedural elements • Art, music, and theatrical backdrops
Who this author is best for: Good for readers who like character-focused mysteries that mix procedural pacing with sharp dialogue and settings tied to music or theater.
Start with a Marian Larch title to follow a recurring detective, or pick a standalone like Cadenza for Caruso for a theater-tinged mystery.
Top Books To Start With
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Ulverscroft Large Print • 1997 • longer commitment
UPB note: year signal: 1997 • 400 pages.
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The Apostrophe Thief (A Sergeant Marian Larch Mystery)
Worldwide Library • 1994 • standard commitment
UPB note: year signal: 1994 • 253 pages.
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You Have The Right To Remain Silent
Worldwide Library • 1993 • standard commitment
UPB note: year signal: 1993 • 250 pages.
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In-Laws and Outlaws (G K Hall Large Print Book Series)
MacMillan Publishing Company. • 1991 • standard commitment
UPB note: year signal: 1991 • 323 pages.
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Inner Circle Books Ltd • 1990 • standard commitment
UPB note: year signal: 1990 • 224 pages.
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Ulverscroft Large Print • 1993 • longer commitment
UPB note: year signal: 1993 • 496 pages.
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Intl Polygonics Ltd • 1992 • commitment varies by edition
UPB note: year signal: 1992.
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
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YOUR EYELIDS ARE GROWING HEAVY
Independent Pub Group • 1992
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St. Martin's Press • 1977
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Piatkus Books • 1991
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Head of Zeus • 2016
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MysteriousPress.com • 2016