Read The Bad Guy Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on May 11, 2026

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In the world of thrilling crime novels and gripping psychological drama, The Bad Guy books stand out as a formidable series that combines high-octane suspense, twisted characters, and complex storytelling. Written by the talented author Joe Schreiber, these books explore the world through the eyes of antiheroes, villains, and morally ambiguous figures. The series isn’t just about the crimes they commit; it’s about diving deep into the psyche of those who make the decisions that change the course of their lives – and those of others.

With a mix of mystery, action, and intricate character arcs, The Bad Guy novels captivate readers by peeling back layers of intrigue, revealing not only the dark side of human nature but also its unpredictable, multifaceted aspects. The series has built a strong following, captivating readers who seek more than just surface-level plots. Instead, it delves into the complexities of crime, moral conflict, and what happens when people find themselves on the wrong side of right and wrong.

In this article, we’ll explore the The Bad Guy books, their backstory, reading order, what makes them so appealing, and whether or not reading them in order truly matters.

List Of The Bad Guy Books In Order

The Bad Guys (2015)	Details
The Bad Guys: Episode 2: Mission Unpluckable (2015)	Details
The Bad Guys: Episode 3: The Furball Strikes Back (2016)	Details
The Bad Guys: Episode 4: Attack of the Zittens (2017)	Details
The Bad Guys: Episode 5: Intergalactic Gas (2017)	Details
The Bad Guys: Episode 6: Do-You-Think-He-Saurus?! (2018)	Details
The Bad Guys: Episode 7: Superbad (2018)	Details
The Bad Guys: Episode 8: The Big Bad Wolf (2019)	Details
The Bad Guys: Episode 9: The Bad Guys in Alien vs. Bad Guys (2020)	Details
The Bad Guys: Episode 10: The Baddest Day Ever (2021)	Details
The Bad Guys: Episode 11: They’re Bee-hind You! (2022)	Details
The Bad Guys: Episode 12: Cut to the Chase (2023)	Details

More On The Bad Guy Books In Chronological Order

1. The Bad Guys (2015)

Okay, so this is where it all begins! Meet Mr. Wolf and his slightly terrifying, but secretly good-hearted crew: Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark, and Mr. Tarantula. They’re supposed to be the ultimate villains, right? But here’s the twist-they’re tired of being feared and want to do some good. The illustrations are hilarious, the dialogue is snappy, and you really get drawn into this gang’s chaotic but lovable attempts to change their ways. You can’t help rooting for these ’bad guys’ to pull off something heroic, even if they hilariously mess it up.

2. The Bad Guys: Episode 2: Mission Unpluckable (2015)

This one picks up right after the first book, and honestly, it’s like the gang just can’t catch a break. They decide to rescue some baby chickens from evil humans-because apparently that’s a thing? And yes, it’s as wild and ridiculous as it sounds. I love how each character’s personality really pops here; Snake is scheming, Tarantula is a bit neurotic, and Wolf is… well, Wolf is trying to be the ’hero’ and failing spectacularly. It’s chaotic, it’s funny, and you’ll probably laugh at things you shouldn’t admit to laughing at.

3. The Bad Guys: Episode 3: The Furball Strikes Back (2016)

Now things get a little bit more epic. The Bad Guys stumble into a mysterious, super fluffy ball (the Furball, duh) and get involved in what is basically a fluffy chaos apocalypse. This one really leans into the cartoonish antics and ridiculous scenarios that make these books so addictive. You’ll find yourself laughing out loud at their over-the-top schemes and the sheer absurdity of everything that keeps happening around them. Seriously, these books are like a perfect combo of mischief and heart.

4. The Bad Guys: Episode 4: Attack of the Zittens (2017)

Okay, so kittens take over the world, kind of. Yes, you read that right. The gang has to save the day AGAIN, but this time it’s tiny, adorable, yet terrifying kittens causing chaos. The humor is as sharp as ever, and you start seeing the characters develop more as they try to be ’good’ while being pulled into these insane missions. This book really starts to deepen the gang’s personalities, making them not just funny but surprisingly relatable in their bickering and screw-ups.

5. The Bad Guys: Episode 5: Intergalactic Gas (2017)

Hold onto your seat because the Bad Guys are going to space! Yes, space. They’re on a mission to stop a villain who’s threatening the whole planet, and honestly, it’s as ridiculous and entertaining as it sounds. There’s so much slapstick, misunderstandings, and awkward hero moments. What I love is that even in these over-the-top adventures, the core of the group’s dynamic-trusting each other despite constant disasters-keeps the story grounded. You laugh, you cringe, and you cheer them on all at once.

6. The Bad Guys: Episode 6: Do-You-Think-He-Saurus?! (2018)

Dinosaurs. Yep, the gang faces a T-Rex-level problem. This one is pure action-meets-humor, with a ton of the exaggerated illustrations Blabey’s known for. Each character gets their moment to shine, whether it’s a hilarious fail or a surprisingly brave move. The writing is so conversational and goofy, you can almost hear someone reading it aloud in an animated way, and it’s impossible not to get sucked into the chaos and ridiculous fun.

7. The Bad Guys: Episode 7: Superbad (2018)

By now, the gang has been through just about everything, but in ’Superbad’ they’re taking things up a notch with a whole superhero angle. It’s hilarious because they’re trying to be heroes but still completely messing everything up. This book really balances laughs with a growing sense of friendship and teamwork. And honestly, the more they fail, the more you root for them, which is exactly the charm of this series.

8. The Bad Guys: Episode 8: The Big Bad Wolf (2019)

Here’s where things get a bit more introspective. Wolf, our lovable leader, starts to question what it really means to be good or bad. The adventures are still wild, but there’s more heart and character development creeping in. You get a sense that these books aren’t just silly for laughs-they’re about friendship, identity, and trying to do the right thing, even if you’re a little clumsy along the way.

9. The Bad Guys: Episode 9: The Bad Guys in Alien vs. Bad Guys (2020)

Aliens! Because why not, right? The gang is suddenly dealing with extraterrestrial mischief, and the humor is just as off-the-wall as ever. The dialogue and illustrations make everything feel fast-paced and fun. I love how Blabey keeps finding new, ridiculous scenarios for the Bad Guys, but underneath all the chaos, the characters’ personalities and their bond as a team are what really shine.

10. The Bad Guys: Episode 10: The Baddest Day Ever (2021)

This one takes the Bad Guys to an entirely new level of chaos. The title is spot-on because it really feels like everything that can go wrong…does. But what’s awesome is how the team pulls together despite the disasters. The humor is relentless, the illustrations keep you laughing, and there’s actually a surprising amount of heart as these characters navigate disaster after disaster. It’s a whirlwind and you’ll probably need to catch your breath from laughing by the end.

11. The Bad Guys: Episode 11: They’re Bee-hind You! (2022)

Bees. Yes, bees. And yes, more chaos. The gang’s trying to handle the tiny, buzzing menace, but of course everything spirals hilariously out of control. The funny thing about this book is that it’s pure Blabey: clever, ridiculous situations paired with over-the-top illustrations that perfectly capture the gang’s panic and enthusiasm. It’s impossible not to laugh at their ridiculous attempts to do good while everything around them goes haywire.

12. The Bad Guys: Episode 12: Cut to the Chase (2023)

By now, the gang is practically a legend in their universe, and this episode throws them into one chaotic action-packed mission after another. It’s like every joke, every character quirk, and every ridiculous scenario from the previous books is dialed up to eleven. I love how even after all these adventures, Blabey keeps the storytelling fresh, fast, and full of that signature humor. You’re laughing, cheering, and occasionally gasping all at once-it’s pure chaotic fun.

Background On The Bad Guy Books

The Bad Guy books are a series that blends psychological suspense with action, offering a deep exploration of criminal minds and the consequences of the choices they make. The series is often hailed for its ability to blur the line between right and wrong, creating an environment where even the most seemingly nefarious characters are presented with an understandable, if not sympathetic, rationale for their actions.

At its core, the Bad Guy series revolves around a central character or group of characters who are typically on the darker side of society. These are not your typical protagonists, but rather individuals who operate in the gray area of morality. As a reader, you are often forced to examine your own beliefs about justice, empathy, and redemption. What makes The Bad Guy series particularly engaging is its ability to make readers empathize with characters they might normally find reprehensible.

The series uses clever plot twists, vivid descriptions, and well-thought-out character development to explore how people become villains – or at least how they justify their villainy. It’s a stark reminder that sometimes, life’s choices are shaped by circumstances beyond control. For fans of dark thrillers and character-driven narratives, the Bad Guy books are an essential read.

Reading Order Explained

When diving into a series like The Bad Guy, knowing the correct reading order can significantly impact your enjoyment and comprehension of the story. While the series doesn’t strictly demand that you read the books in a specific sequence, there is a recommended order to follow in order to get the most out of the overarching narrative and character developments. The storylines in The Bad Guy often build on previous events, so reading the books out of order might diminish the emotional weight of certain revelations and character arcs.

Here’s the recommended reading order for The Bad Guy books:

1. Book One: The Bad Guy

   The introduction to the series, this book sets the stage for the characters and the dark tone that will dominate throughout the series. It’s where readers are first introduced to the antiheroes and morally gray characters who will populate the story. The plot is layered with complexity, offering enough twists to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

2. Book Two: A Bitter End

   The second book dives deeper into the psychological aspects of the main characters. The tension between right and wrong intensifies as the stakes are raised. Relationships and allegiances shift, adding complexity to the already unstable situation. The pacing quickens, and the plot twists become even more unpredictable.

3. Book Three: Redemption

   The third installment brings the characters to the brink of redemption. The stakes are now personal, and the choices made in the previous books come back to haunt the characters. If you’ve followed the series in order, the emotional payoff in this book will feel earned, as it wraps up the story arcs of the characters with intensity and poignancy.

4. Book Four: Breaking Point

   The fourth book escalates the action even further. The suspense reaches a fever pitch, and characters face moral dilemmas that challenge everything they’ve known. It’s a culmination of the events from the previous books, and the tension is higher than ever before.

Following this reading order ensures that the narrative flows cohesively, with each book contributing to a larger, more intricate story. It’s an experience that builds upon itself, creating a sense of immersion that can’t be fully realized by reading the books out of sequence.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the most appealing aspects of The Bad Guy books is the complexity of its characters. Schreiber doesn’t shy away from presenting morally flawed protagonists who challenge conventional views of right and wrong. Instead of giving readers clear-cut heroes and villains, he offers characters who exist in shades of gray, making readers question their own beliefs about morality and justice.

The plots are tightly woven, keeping you engaged from start to finish. The books are fast-paced, with thrilling action sequences that never seem to let up. But what sets these books apart is the way they balance heart-pounding action with deep psychological insight into the characters’ motivations. Whether it’s a sudden twist that throws the reader off balance or a heart-wrenching moment of character introspection, the series constantly keeps you on your toes.

Another standout feature is Schreiber’s writing style. He crafts scenes with vivid, evocative descriptions that draw you in, painting a picture of the world that feels both real and dangerous. His ability to build tension through every chapter is remarkable, and it’s clear that each book is carefully constructed to maximize suspense while still delivering a satisfying narrative.

What I also appreciate is the themes the series explores: the fragility of human nature, the lengths people will go to survive, and the eternal conflict between good and evil. These themes resonate on a deeper level, forcing the reader to contemplate difficult questions about human behavior, redemption, and the price of justice.

Should You Read The Bad Guy Books In Order?

While it’s not strictly necessary to read The Bad Guy books in order, doing so will significantly enhance your reading experience. The way each book builds upon the last allows for a more immersive journey. The character development is progressive, with each book delving deeper into the psychological struggles of the protagonists. By reading in order, you’ll gain a better understanding of the stakes and motivations driving each character, making the twists and emotional revelations far more impactful.

Additionally, the books often reference events and character decisions from earlier installments. If you were to jump into the middle of the series, you might miss key moments that shape the decisions and relationships of the characters. Starting from the beginning allows you to experience the gradual buildup of tension, emotion, and suspense that makes The Bad Guy books such a powerful series.