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18 Best Sidney Sheldon Books: Complete Guide to His Novels
Sidney Sheldon was an American novelist, screenwriter, playwright, and television creator whose books became international bestsellers.
Known for fast-paced plots, ambitious characters, romance, suspense, crime, and unexpected twists, Sheldon developed a distinctive style that made his novels popular with readers around the world.
From The Naked Face and The Other Side of Midnight to Master of the Game, If Tomorrow Comes, and Tell Me Your Dreams, his books continue to attract readers who enjoy dramatic and page-turning fiction.
If you are looking for the best Sidney Sheldon books, this guide covers his major novels, popular series, reading order, and what makes his storytelling so distinctive.
Sidney Sheldon Books at a Glance
| Book | Year | Genre / Themes |
|---|---|---|
| The Naked Face | 1970 | Mystery, Thriller |
| The Other Side of Midnight | 1973 | Romance, Thriller |
| A Stranger in the Mirror | 1976 | Drama, Romance |
| Bloodline | 1977 | Thriller, Family Drama |
| Rage of Angels | 1980 | Legal Drama, Romance |
| Master of the Game | 1982 | Family Saga, Drama |
| If Tomorrow Comes | 1985 | Thriller, Romance |
| Windmills of the Gods | 1987 | Political Thriller |
| The Sands of Time | 1988 | Historical Drama |
| Memories of Midnight | 1990 | Thriller |
| The Doomsday Conspiracy | 1991 | Thriller |
| The Stars Shine Down | 1992 | Drama, Romance |
| Nothing Lasts Forever | 1994 | Medical Drama, Romance |
| Morning, Noon & Night | 1995 | Family Drama, Mystery |
| The Best Laid Plans | 1997 | Political Thriller |
| Tell Me Your Dreams | 1998 | Psychological Thriller |
| The Sky Is Falling | 2001 | Thriller |
| Are You Afraid of the Dark? | 2004 | Thriller |
Who Was Sidney Sheldon?
Sidney Sheldon was an American writer and entertainer whose career crossed several areas of popular entertainment.
Born in Chicago in 1917, Sheldon began working in entertainment long before becoming a bestselling novelist. He wrote screenplays, worked in Hollywood, created television programs, and wrote for the stage.
His later success as a novelist made him one of the most commercially successful authors of the late 20th century.
Sheldon’s novels often feature ambitious protagonists caught in dangerous situations involving wealth, politics, crime, romance, business, or family conflict.
How Many Books Did Sidney Sheldon Write?
Sidney Sheldon published 18 novels during his lifetime.
His first novel was The Naked Face, published in 1970.
His final novel published during his lifetime was Are You Afraid of the Dark?, released in 2004.
In addition to his novels, Sheldon wrote screenplays, Broadway plays, television programs, and an autobiography.
Best Sidney Sheldon Books
1. The Naked Face
The Naked Face was Sidney Sheldon’s first novel and introduced readers to his talent for suspense.
The story follows a successful psychiatrist who becomes involved in a series of murders.
As the investigation develops, the protagonist finds himself increasingly threatened and uncertain about whom he can trust.
Why read it?
If you want to understand where Sheldon’s career as a novelist began, The Naked Face is a natural starting point.
It combines mystery, suspense, and psychological tension in the style that would become characteristic of his later novels.
2. The Other Side of Midnight
The Other Side of Midnight was published in 1973 and became one of Sheldon’s most famous novels.
The story centers around several interconnected characters whose lives become entangled through love, ambition, betrayal, and revenge.
The novel moves between different locations and perspectives while gradually building toward its central conflict.
Why is it popular?
The book combines romance and suspense with a dramatic plot, making it a strong choice for readers who enjoy emotionally intense stories.
3. A Stranger in the Mirror
Published in 1976, A Stranger in the Mirror follows the lives of two ambitious people whose paths eventually intersect.
The novel explores fame, ambition, entertainment, relationships, and personal identity.
Its Hollywood setting also reflects Sheldon’s familiarity with the entertainment industry.
4. Bloodline
Bloodline, published in 1977, is a family-centered thriller involving wealth, business, inheritance, and international intrigue.
The story focuses on the Roffe family and the powerful corporation at the center of their lives.
The novel combines family drama with suspense and corporate conflict.
Why read Bloodline?
Readers interested in wealthy families, business rivalries, and international settings may particularly enjoy this novel.
5. Rage of Angels
Rage of Angels was published in 1980 and became one of Sheldon’s most popular novels.
The story follows Jennifer Parker, a young lawyer whose career becomes entangled with powerful criminals and complicated relationships.
The novel explores the legal profession, ambition, romance, crime, and personal sacrifice.
What makes it memorable?
Jennifer Parker is one of Sheldon’s most recognizable protagonists, and the novel combines courtroom drama with romance and suspense.
6. Master of the Game
Master of the Game is one of Sidney Sheldon’s most celebrated family sagas.
Published in 1982, the novel follows generations of the McGregor family and the empire they build.
The story explores:
- Wealth
- Family
- Business
- Ambition
- Revenge
- Power
- Survival
The novel moves across generations and locations, making it a good choice for readers who enjoy sweeping family stories.
Why read Master of the Game?
If you enjoy stories about powerful families and the consequences of ambition, this is one of Sheldon’s books worth exploring.
7. If Tomorrow Comes
If Tomorrow Comes was published in 1985 and is one of Sheldon’s most widely recognized novels.
The story follows Tracy Whitney, whose life changes dramatically after she is caught in a complicated situation involving crime and injustice.
Her experiences eventually lead her into a world of deception, international travel, and elaborate schemes.
The novel combines:
- Crime
- Romance
- Suspense
- Revenge
- Adventure
If Tomorrow Comes sequel
The story was later followed by The Stars Shine Down? No — these are separate novels.
The television adaptation of If Tomorrow Comes also helped introduce the story to audiences beyond the book.
8. Windmills of the Gods
Windmills of the Gods, published in 1987, moves into political thriller territory.
The story follows Mary Ashley, an academic who becomes involved in international politics and a dangerous conspiracy.
The novel combines political intrigue, espionage, suspense, and personal danger.
It is a good choice for readers who enjoy stories involving governments, secret operations, and international conflict.
9. The Sands of Time
Published in 1988, The Sands of Time combines historical and contemporary elements.
The story centers on four women whose lives become connected through a Spanish convent and the political conflict surrounding them.
The novel explores faith, loyalty, politics, relationships, and survival.
10. Memories of Midnight
Memories of Midnight was published in 1990 and serves as a sequel to The Other Side of Midnight.
The story continues the life of Catherine Alexander after the events of the earlier novel.
Readers interested in The Other Side of Midnight may want to read this book afterward.
11. The Doomsday Conspiracy
Published in 1991, The Doomsday Conspiracy is a suspense novel involving a mysterious disappearance and an international investigation.
The story combines espionage, conspiracy, science, and danger.
It is among Sheldon’s more thriller-focused novels.
12. The Stars Shine Down
The Stars Shine Down was published in 1992.
The novel follows Lara Cameron, an ambitious woman who builds a powerful business empire despite facing numerous personal and professional challenges.
The story focuses heavily on ambition, wealth, business, relationships, and determination.
13. Nothing Lasts Forever
Published in 1994, Nothing Lasts Forever focuses on three women working as doctors.
The novel explores the pressures of medical careers alongside friendship, relationships, professional competition, and personal challenges.
It is a particularly interesting choice for readers who enjoy stories about ambitious professional women.
14. Morning, Noon & Night
Morning, Noon & Night was published in 1995.
The story begins with the death of a wealthy businessman and the complicated questions surrounding his family and inheritance.
The novel combines family drama, mystery, wealth, and secrets.
15. The Best Laid Plans
Published in 1997, The Best Laid Plans is a political thriller.
The story involves political ambition, manipulation, revenge, and relationships.
It is a suitable choice for readers who enjoy political intrigue combined with Sheldon’s trademark dramatic storytelling.
16. Tell Me Your Dreams
Tell Me Your Dreams was published in 1998.
The novel takes a psychological-thriller approach and follows several women whose lives become connected through a disturbing series of events.
The story explores identity, memory, crime, and psychological conflict.
Because the novel deals with mental-health-related themes, readers should approach some of its older psychological ideas as fiction rather than as a modern clinical explanation.
17. The Sky Is Falling
Published in 2001, The Sky Is Falling follows journalist Dana Evans as she investigates a series of deaths involving prominent figures.
The investigation takes her across different countries and gradually reveals a larger mystery.
The book combines journalism, international intrigue, suspense, and political themes.
18. Are You Afraid of the Dark?
Are You Afraid of the Dark? was published in 2004 and was Sheldon’s final novel.
The story follows two women who become connected through a dangerous conspiracy involving a powerful organization.
The novel combines suspense, international locations, conspiracy, and personal danger.
It provides a fitting example of the fast-paced thriller style that characterized much of Sheldon’s fiction.
Sidney Sheldon Books in Order
For readers who want to read Sheldon’s novels chronologically, here is the publication order:
- The Naked Face — 1970
- The Other Side of Midnight — 1973
- A Stranger in the Mirror — 1976
- Bloodline — 1977
- Rage of Angels — 1980
- Master of the Game — 1982
- If Tomorrow Comes — 1985
- Windmills of the Gods — 1987
- The Sands of Time — 1988
- Memories of Midnight — 1990
- The Doomsday Conspiracy — 1991
- The Stars Shine Down — 1992
- Nothing Lasts Forever — 1994
- Morning, Noon & Night — 1995
- The Best Laid Plans — 1997
- Tell Me Your Dreams — 1998
- The Sky Is Falling — 2001
- Are You Afraid of the Dark? — 2004
Sidney Sheldon Books by Genre
One reason Sheldon’s books remain accessible to different types of readers is the variety of genres and themes he used.
For Mystery and Thriller Fans
Try:
- The Naked Face
- The Doomsday Conspiracy
- The Sky Is Falling
- Are You Afraid of the Dark?
For Romance and Drama Readers
Consider:
- The Other Side of Midnight
- A Stranger in the Mirror
- Rage of Angels
- The Stars Shine Down
For Family Sagas
Start with:
- Master of the Game
- Bloodline
- Morning, Noon & Night
For Political Thrillers
Try:
- Windmills of the Gods
- The Best Laid Plans
For Psychological Thrillers
Consider:
- Tell Me Your Dreams
- The Naked Face
What Makes Sidney Sheldon Books So Popular?
Sheldon’s novels often begin with an immediate problem and then continually introduce new complications.
His protagonists are frequently ambitious people whose lives change unexpectedly.
Another characteristic is his use of short chapters and rapid plot development. This creates a strong sense of momentum and makes many of his books easy to read in long sessions.
His stories also frequently move between different cities and countries, giving them an international atmosphere.
Common themes include:
- Ambition
- Wealth
- Power
- Love
- Revenge
- Crime
- Betrayal
- Family
- Success
- Survival
Sidney Sheldon as a Screenwriter and Television Creator
Before becoming famous as a novelist, Sheldon had already established himself in Hollywood.
He worked as a screenwriter and received an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer.
He also created successful television series, including I Dream of Jeannie and The Patty Duke Show.
His experience in film and television influenced his later fiction. His novels often have cinematic settings, dramatic scenes, strong character conflicts, and plot twists that can lend themselves naturally to screen adaptations.
Sidney Sheldon’s Writing Style
Sheldon’s fiction is generally characterized by straightforward prose and fast-moving plots.
Rather than focusing primarily on elaborate literary language, he emphasizes:
- Story momentum
- Dramatic conflict
- Suspense
- Relationships
- Character ambition
- Unexpected developments
This accessibility is one reason his books reached such a broad international readership.
Which Sidney Sheldon Book Should You Read First?
There is no single starting point that works for every reader.
If you enjoy crime and suspense, The Naked Face is a natural introduction.
If you want a family saga, try Master of the Game.
For romance mixed with suspense, The Other Side of Midnight or Rage of Angels may appeal to you.
If you enjoy political thrillers, Windmills of the Gods is worth considering.
And if you prefer a psychological thriller, Tell Me Your Dreams offers a different side of Sheldon’s fiction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sidney Sheldon Books
What is Sidney Sheldon’s most famous book?
Several of Sidney Sheldon’s novels became international bestsellers. Master of the Game, If Tomorrow Comes, The Other Side of Midnight, Rage of Angels, and Tell Me Your Dreams are among his most recognized works.
How many novels did Sidney Sheldon write?
Sidney Sheldon published 18 novels during his lifetime.
What was Sidney Sheldon’s first novel?
His first novel was The Naked Face, published in 1970.
What was Sidney Sheldon’s last novel?
Are You Afraid of the Dark?, published in 2004, was his final novel.
Which Sidney Sheldon book should I read first?
For a first-time reader, The Naked Face offers a chronological starting point. Readers who prefer a family saga might begin with Master of the Game, while fans of crime and romance may enjoy If Tomorrow Comes.
Are Sidney Sheldon books connected?
Most of Sheldon’s novels are standalone stories. However, The Other Side of Midnight and Memories of Midnight are directly connected.
What genres did Sidney Sheldon write?
His novels commonly combine thriller, mystery, romance, drama, crime, political intrigue, and family saga elements.
Are Sidney Sheldon books still popular?
Yes. His novels continue to be widely read and published in multiple markets, particularly among readers who enjoy fast-paced commercial fiction.
Final Thoughts
Sidney Sheldon created a distinctive body of popular fiction built around ambition, romance, suspense, wealth, power, crime, and unexpected twists.
From his debut The Naked Face to his final novel Are You Afraid of the Dark?, his 18 novels covered a wide range of settings and characters while maintaining his recognizable fast-paced approach to storytelling.
Whether you are discovering Sheldon for the first time or returning to one of his classics, books such as Master of the Game, If Tomorrow Comes, The Other Side of Midnight, Rage of Angels, and The Naked Face provide different introductions to his work.
His career also demonstrates how a writer can move successfully between Hollywood, television, theatre, and bestselling fiction while building a lasting connection with a global audience.
