Sidney Sheldon (1917–2007) was a bestselling American novelist, screenwriter, and playwright known for his gripping, cinematic storytelling. Sidney Sheldon books masterfully blend suspense, romance, and mystery, often exploring themes of ambition, betrayal, power, and fate. Sheldon’s unforgettable characters rise, fall, and fight back against impossible odds making his novels both timeless and addictive.
Before becoming a novelist in his 50s, Sheldon had already built a remarkable career in Hollywood and on Broadway, winning an Academy Award and a Tony Award. When he finally turned to writing novels, his debut The Naked Face marked the start of a literary journey that would captivate readers around the world. Today, his works have sold over 300 million copies and been translated into more than 50 languages.
Below is a chronological list of Sidney Sheldon’s novels (1970–2004) – from his debut masterpiece to his final thrilling work. If you are discovering his world for the first time or revisiting old favorites, this list guides you through his storytelling evolution.
List of Sidney Sheldon Books in Chronological Order
The Naked Face (1970) A Manhattan psychoanalyst, Dr. Judd Stevens, finds himself in deadly danger when two people close to him are murdered and he becomes the prime suspect. Racing against time, he must dig into the minds of his patients to unmask the killer before becoming the next victim.
The Other Side of Midnight (1973) Two women — a beautiful French actress and an innocent American girl — are unknowingly bound together by their love for the same man, a charming American pilot, while a powerful Greek tycoon pulls the strings of a deadly game of passion and revenge behind the scenes.
A Stranger in the Mirror (1976) Toby Temple, a world-famous comedian, and Jill Castle, an ambitious actress, are both consumed by loneliness and deep emotional struggles in the glittery world of Hollywood. When their paths cross, they form a dazzling but dangerously explosive power couple, each hiding secrets that could destroy the other.
Bloodline (1977) Elizabeth Roffe inherits control of the multinational pharmaceutical company Roffe and Sons following the mysterious death of her father, and must confront sabotage, betrayal, and assassination attempts from power-hungry family members and an unknown enemy while fighting to preserve the family empire.
Rage of Angels (1980) Jennifer Parker, a brilliant and beautiful young woman, becomes one of America’s most successful defense attorneys after being framed and nearly destroyed on her very first day at the DA’s office. She finds herself dangerously torn between a rising presidential candidate and a ruthless Mafia boss.
Master of the Game (1982) Kate Blackwell is the symbol of success — a beautiful woman who has parlayed her inheritance into an international conglomerate. Now, celebrating her 90th birthday, Kate surveys the family she has manipulated, dominated, and loved. A sweeping multigenerational saga tracing a dynasty built on diamonds, ambition, and blood.
If Tomorrow Comes (1985) Tracy Whitney is an ordinary woman who is framed by the Mafia, and what follows is her quest for vengeance and her later life as a con-artist. Clever, fast-paced, and wildly entertaining, it’s a story of a woman who turns the tables on everyone who wronged her.
Windmills of the Gods (1987) A beautiful and accomplished scholar suddenly becomes the newest U.S. ambassador to an Iron Curtain country — a woman who is about to dramatically change the course of world events, if she lives long enough to do so. A gripping Cold War thriller about politics, assassination, and survival.
The Sands of Time (1988) Four nuns are forced to flee their Spanish convent when they become unwittingly caught between outlawed Basque nationalists and the Spanish Army. Their harrowing journey through danger tests their faith, courage, and capacity for love.
Memories of Midnight (1990) A sequel to The Other Side of Midnight. The novel begins with Catherine Douglas recovering in a convent, knowing only her name — with everyone except the powerful Greek tycoon Constantin Demiris believing she was killed by her husband and his mistress. As Catherine tries to reclaim her past, she walks back into the very trap set for her.
The Doomsday Conspiracy (1991) When a mysterious weather balloon crashes in the Swiss Alps, the head of the NSA handpicks naval intelligence officer Robert Bellamy to track down and identify the ten known witnesses to the event. But as each witness disappears under sinister circumstances, Bellamy uncovers a terrifying global cover-up.
The Stars Shine Down (1992) Lara Cameron is a determined and ambitious woman who rises from a troubled childhood to become a powerful real estate mogul. But as her empire teeters on the edge of ruin and enemies close in, she must fight to hold on to everything she has built — and the man she loves.
Nothing Lasts Forever (1994) This medical thriller tells the story of three female doctors trying to prove themselves in a profession dominated by men — but suddenly there is chaos: one dies, another is about to get the hospital shut down, and the third faces the death penalty for murder.
Morning, Noon & Night (1995) When Harry Stanford, one of the wealthiest men in the world, mysteriously drowns while cruising on his yacht off the rugged coast of Corsica, it sets off a chain of events that reverberates around the globe. At the funeral, a beautiful young woman appears claiming to be his long-lost daughter — but is she genuine, or an impostor?
The Best Laid Plans (1997) On his way up the ladder of success, Oliver Russell breaks his engagement to Leslie Stewart, a stylish, intelligent public relations executive who knows how to nurture a grudge. She builds a media empire and patiently waits — until he reaches the White House — to unleash her revenge.
Tell Me Your Dreams (1998) When a series of brutal murders is committed, the police suspect three beautiful young women, and what follows is one of the most bizarre murder trials of the century. A chilling psychological thriller rooted in the reality of dissociative identity disorder.
The Sky Is Falling (2000) TV anchorwoman Dana Evans suspects that five deaths in one prominent family — most supposedly accidental — are all connected, and her relentless investigation pulls her into a web of political conspiracy, murder, and deadly secrets that reaches the highest levels of power.
Are You Afraid of the Dark? (2004) Four people die separately in four different accidents in four different places across the world, all sharing a crucial link — they work for a powerful think tank headed by Tanner Kingsley. Two widows find themselves hunted by mysterious forces and must join together to uncover the terrifying truth before they become the next victims.
Where to Find Sidney Sheldon Books
If you’d like to add Sidney Sheldon’s novels to your collection or revisit them:
- Browse Used Fiction Books at Books Point Kenya – Find pocket-size, large-print, and hardcover editions at budget-friendly prices.
- View Sidney Sheldon Titles on Amazon here – Explore Kindle and paperback editions, including international releases.
In Conclusion: A Journey Through Time and Imagination
Sidney Sheldon’s novels, written between 1970 and 2004, chart his evolution from a Hollywood storyteller to a global literary icon. His early works like The Other Side of Midnight and A Stranger in the Mirror introduced readers to his signature blend of glamour, danger, and fate. The 1980s saw the rise of his most celebrated bestsellers – Master of the Game and If Tomorrow Comes that featured intelligent, determined heroines and high-stakes plots.
In his later years, Sheldon explored new frontiers with psychological thrillers like Tell Me Your Dreams and Are You Afraid of the Dark – proving that his storytelling only grew sharper with time. Together, his books form a legacy of intrigue, resilience, and unforgettable characters that continue to captivate readers across generations.
