Arthur Phillips Book order (chronological)

1601. Queen Elizabeth I is dying. With no heir for the kingdom, potential successors secretly maneuver to be in position when the inevitable occurs. The leading candidate is King James VI of Scotland, but there is a problem. The queen's spymasters fear that James' claim to be a Protestant are untrue. If he secretly shares his family's Catholicism, then forty years of religious war will have been for nothing, and a bloodbath will ensue. It falls to Geoffrey Belloc to devise a test to discover the true nature of King James's soul. Belloc enlists Mahmoud Ezzedine, a Muslim physician from the Ottoman Empire, as his undercover agent. -- adapted from jacket

The Tragedy of Arthur is an emotional and intricately crafted work by acclaimed novelist Arthur Phillips. The story revolves around Arthur, a young man grappling with the complexities of his con artist father, who is both a master of deception and an unreliable parent. Raised in a world of illusion, Arthur's only constant is the profound love shared between his father and his twin sister for Shakespeare’s works. This passion drives Arthur to become a writer, seeking their approval and affection. As years pass, Arthur’s father, now imprisoned and nearing death, reveals a long-hidden secret: a previously unknown Shakespeare play titled The Tragedy of Arthur. Alongside this revelation, Arthur and his sister inherit their father's mission to publish the play, which may be a genuine literary treasure or just another of his father’s elaborate cons. This novel is both humorous and haunting, featuring the complete text of the supposed lost play. It delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the interplay between storytelling and truth, as the lives of Arthur the novelist and Arthur the legendary king become intricately linked. The work has received numerous accolades, including recognition as a New York Times Notable Book and a favorite of various esteemed publications.

Julian Donahue is captivated by his iPod, with each song evoking memories tied to significant moments in his life—his romantic past, the day he met his future wife, and the birth of his son. However, when his family disintegrates, music loses its magic, leaving him adrift. Everything changes one snowy night in Brooklyn when he discovers Cait O'Dwyer, an Irish rock singer, performing in a bar. An unexpected love affair begins, igniting a passion for both music and each other, despite their lack of direct interaction. Their connection unfolds through cryptic emails, text messages, cell-phone videos, and lyrics on Cait's website, creating a unique bond that transcends traditional relationships. As Cait's career takes off, Julian supports her from afar, becoming a voice of understanding in her life. Yet, as their feelings deepen, maintaining distance becomes increasingly challenging. This story evolves into a poignant exploration of love, obsession, and loss, framed within a darkly comedic narrative. Celebrated as one of America's best writers, the author presents a keenly observed tale of modern love, navigating the thin line between the desire for intimacy and the pull of oblivion.

When Constance married Joseph Barton, she believed she had found the perfect husband. But after the troubled birth of their daughter Angelica, Constance begins to fear for her life and avoids her wifely duties.

Set in 1922, the story follows an Egyptologist driven by an obsession to uncover the tomb of a mythical king. This darkly comic narrative traverses diverse locations, including the deserts of Egypt, the slums of Australia, and the opulent ballrooms of Boston. It weaves through significant historical backdrops such as the First World War and a chaotic royal court, creating a richly layered and inventive tale that blends humor with a quest for discovery.

Five American expatriates living in Budapest in the early 1990s seek to establish themselves and make their fortunes in a city still haunted by the tragedies of its Communist past.