Rafferty is a Dallas-based private investigator and the protagonist of W. Glenn Duncan’s hardboiled crime series. He works cases across the city with a dry sense of humor and a willingness to take a beating when the job calls for it. The character fits squarely in the classic P.I. tradition: cynical, capable, and too stubborn to quit.
The series began in 1987 and was revived after a long hiatus in 2018, with Duncan returning to the character for three more novels.
Reading Order#
See the complete Rafferty reading order for all books in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rafferty?
Rafferty is a private investigator based in Dallas, Texas, created by W. Glenn Duncan. He’s a tough, wisecracking P.I. in the hardboiled tradition, working cases that pull him into the dangerous side of the city.
What order should I read the Rafferty books?
Read in publication order starting with Rafferty’s Rules (1987). The original five books came out between 1987 and 1990, followed by three revival novels starting in 2018.
How many Rafferty books are there?
There are 9 Rafferty novels by W. Glenn Duncan, published between 1987 and 2022. The series began with Rafferty’s Rules and the most recent entry is Down The Barrel.