Reading Order
The Bailey Chroniclesseries.seoTitleShort
Start with Bill Bailey and continue through all 4 books in the listed reading order.
Start Here

Start with Bill Bailey
Book 1 by Catherine Cookson • Published 1986
Widow Fiona Nelson is struggling to raise three children when she takes in a lodger, Bill Bailey. Her sharp-tongued mother hates the idea, and the neighbourhood watches closely. As Bill settles in, Fiona has to decide...
Complete List
The Bailey Chronicles reading order
Ends with The Bondage of Love
- 1

Book 1:Bill Bailey
Catherine Cookson • 1986
Widow Fiona Nelson is struggling to raise three children when she takes in a lodger, Bill Bailey. Her sharp-tongued mother hates the idea, and the neighbourhood watches closely. As Bill settles in, Fiona has to decide...
- 2

Book 2:Bill Bailey's Lot
Catherine Cookson • 1987
Bill and Fiona Bailey’s household is full, noisy, and never simple. As Mark tries to be the husband and father he never saw growing up, Katie and Willy wrestle with their own futures, and new arrivals test the family’...
- 3

Book 3:Bill Baileys Daughter
Catherine Cookson • 1989
With Bill Bailey tied up on a big job, Fiona is left managing the household and the expectations that come with it. A new baby and old tensions push the family to the edge, and Fiona has to hold things together withou...
- 4

Book 4:The Bondage of Love
Catherine Cookson • 1998
In the Bailey household, love can feel like comfort, and like bondage. As past choices catch up with Bill and Fiona, the family is forced to face jealousy, secrets, and the cost of staying together. Sometimes the hard...
Quick Answers
The Bailey Chronicles FAQ
What is the best order to read the The Bailey Chronicles series?
The recommended reading order is the numbered order shown on this page, starting with Bill Bailey.
How many books are in the The Bailey Chronicles series?
There are 4 books currently listed in the The Bailey Chronicles series on GurusReads.
Where should I start with the The Bailey Chronicles series?
New readers should start with Bill Bailey, the first book in the reading order.
Is the The Bailey Chronicles series complete?
Based on the publication years we have, the series appears likely complete and spans releases from 1986 to 1998.