My heart sings with joy to announce that The Columbo Companion 1968-78 is now available to order – slightly ahead of projected schedule!
As regular visitors to the blog may know, the book is a collection of my reviews of all 45 ‘classic era’ Columbo episodes that aired between 1968’s Prescription: Murder and 1978’s The Conspirators. All the reviews have been revised and updated for print, and include new information not available to me at the time of publishing the original blog posts.
Featuring a foreword by Mark Dawidziak (author of the ground-breaking The Columbo Phile book of 1989), the book also contains wonderful illustrations of the Lieutenant and the series’ killers, courtesy of US-based artist Kosperry. Published through the lovely folk at Bonaventure Press, The Columbo Companion is available in paperback and Kindle versions, priced at US$24.95 and US$19.95 respectively (or the rough equivalent in different countries).
Where to buy online
The Columbo Companion is available via numerous Amazon marketplaces across the globe, meaning it should be pretty easy to get your hands on a copy wherever you’re based.
- Amazon US: Shop here
- Amazon UK: Shop here
- Amazon Canada: Shop here
- Amazon Australia: Shop here
- Amazon France: Shop here
- Amazon Germany: Shop here
- Amazon Spain: Shop here
- Amazon Italy: Shop here
- Amazon Japan: Shop here
- Amazon Netherlands: Shop here
- Amazon Sweden: Shop here
- Amazon Poland: Shop here
While Amazon will be the easiest way for folks to get hold of the book, if you prefer to buy through your local bookstore (as I do whenever possible), The Columbo Companion will be available to/through numerous wholesale distributors. If your local store accepts special orders and works with a distributor that carries the title, they should be able to order it in for you. If not, the store can contact Bonaventure Press directly via email to Bonaventure.press@gmail.com to arrange this. If you need it for reference, the book ISBN is 978-1-937878-16-0.
Media inquiries
I’ve been lined up to speak on a couple of podcasts about the book, but would be delighted to discuss the book – and Columbo fandom in general – with interested parties. If this would be of interest, please hit me up via email, or contact Bonaventure Press (or even both at once!).
That’s about all I have to say, my dear friends. My thanks, as ever, to all of you out there in the Columbo community who have been such stimulating and engaging presences online over many years. This book is for you! And if it ends up on a few of your bookshelves I’ll be a very contented fellow.
I really enjoyed your book! I read it right through when I received it, and always refer back to it whenever my husband and I rewatch a Columbo episode, which is pretty often! You did a great job in keeping each episode synopsis brief, so that the focus was more on the episode analysis. The terrific illustrations also add to the book. I really hope that you release the second volume in the near future.
Happy 8 year anniversary of your blog, Columbophile. I’m enjoying your book immensely. Thank you for your terrific blog. xoxo Jen
CP has hit it out of the park with this book. It has just the perfect amount of the overall episode synopsis plus comical, but detailed illustrations. The columbo Companion also has other Interesting tidbits for the enthusiast. A great read.
Thanks Sue, you’re LOVELY!
I couldn’t put the book down! Great insight on the show. Is there a volume two in the offing, I hope?
Thanks Marty, I’m pleased you’re enjoying it. If sales go well on Vol 1 I expect there’ll be a sequel. Fingers crossed!
Just ordered this off Amazon UK! Though unfortunately, I probably won’t get it until October (it’s being delivered to my office and I’m not there over the next week).
Thanks Debbie, I hope it’ll be worth the wait for you.
I read 3 chapters already! I am pacing myself 😀 loving it and definitely agreeing with you so far!
Got it! I opened the door before amazon’s deliverer could ring. The book is not as thick as I had expected regarding your extremely long episode synopsises and reviews. I hope, among your entertainingly and cheerfully written stylish gems not too many will be missing in the shortened format.
Hello there! And thanks for your entertaining message. Yes, I had to cut back the synopses quite heavily or the book would have been War and Peace length and exceedingly costly. I write such detailed plot overviews for the blog because a lot of folk read them as soon as they’re published and may not necessarily have the episode fresh in mind. The aim of the book is a little different – to be read straight after viewing, when the details of the plot remain fresh. Hopefully you’ll still find it “cheerfully written”.
Received my book today!! Loving it!!! Thank you so much for all you do 💙
Wonderful! I hope it meets with your approval, ma’am.
My copy arrived yesterday – I really love the artwork and am looking forward to finding time to read it!
Brilliant, thanks Aidan! Best read right after you’ve watched a particular episode.
Ordered and saving a space next to my Dawidziak and Koenig books! Congratulations on your book’s birthday! I write thriller novels and know the joy of seeing your hard work finally out in the world. I hope it’s a bestseller (already #1 in TV History and Criticism, according to Amazon US)!
I could ask for no more glowing endorsement than for my book to sit alongside Mark and David’s. Thank you, Glen!
Dear Columbophile – Please keep this thought with you at all times: with your website, your insights, your passion, devotion, commitment, now culminating in this literary masterpiece, you are making the world a better place for all of us. Long may you continue with this noble endeavor. Thank you!
Thank you, such kind sentiments really touch the heart
CP, on this 95th birthday of Peter Falk today I wanna say congrats! Thank you for sharing your love and expertise on all things Columbo. Like our lovable Lieutenant, you are truly one of a kind. Cheers!
You’re a real trooper, thank you for those kind words.
Thanks, CP! I can’t wait to pick up the book. Speaking of which, it’s too bad you didn’t put Mrs. Peck on the cover!
I got it in the post today. Looks great. Love the artwork!
Fantastic, thanks for letting me know. I won’t receive my own copies for a few weeks, so I’m pleased to hear it’s looking good.
I’ve had over a decade of enjoyment coming to your website to enjoy your insightful posts. To all Columbophiles, your work is essential reading. Can’t wait to receive your book!
Well done dear CP, I will order straight away.
Many thanks, ma’am! I do hope you’ll enjoy it.
As a massive Columbo fan, I had to buy this straight away. Are there any plans for a volume 2 which features the remaining episodes?
Hi Scott, in an ideal world, the book will fly off the virtual shelves and a second volume with the 1989-2003 reviews will follow. We’ll have to wait and see how it sells, but I’m hopeful.
I’m so excited ! I’ve just placed my order for the “Columbo Companion” book and can’t wait to receive it and add it to my collection of other Columbo books. Thank you!
Thanks Aliki! I do hope you’ll enjoy it (and don’t have to wait long for it to arrive).
I’m even more blissful that the book arrived on Fri 16 Sep – when Peter Falk would have reached his 95th birthday – makes it even more special and commemorates him in a wonderful way.
Can’t wait to read it! But not currently available on Amazon UK. Just tried to purchase there.
That’s odd. When I view Amazon UK site from Australia I am able to purchase it.
Me purchasing from Ireland and no joy
I’ve just purchased my copy from Amazon UK
I’ve ordered mine from Amazon UK today (15 September 2022).
You’re delightful, thank you!
Just bought it on Amazon. Congratulations and cheers!
Thanks Angela, you’re a treasure!
I’ve already ordered my copy in paperback format – yesterday, from Amazon.com . I’m excited! I did not dare delay even a single moment for fear of missing out. Thanks so much for writing & publishing this long-awaited & highly anticipated ‘Columbo’ Book! Yes, it will hold a prominent place on my bookshelf always. Your synopses and analyses of ‘Columbo’ episodes are beyond compare; they are always so marvelously delightful and supremely informative.
Of note, although my search was for “The Columbo Companion” on Amazon, under their “Books” category, your book surprisingly came up only fourth in the items that were presented to me for consideration. I really almost didn’t think that it was out yet. Sadly, Amazon clearly uses prioritization weighting in its search engine’s programming, deliberately manipulating their customers’ purchase opportunities & decisions to selfishly serve their own financial interests.
Thanks Robert – you were very quick off the mark. I didn’t even know it had become available when you were buying! I hope you enjoy it – and let’s hope it gets bumped up the Amazon items lists as people place their orders.
This is awesome news! As soon as I can implement my intricate and Machiavellian scheme to murder my rich uncle so as to inherit his fabulously successful widget company and all the wealth that goes with it, I’ll buy a copy!
Or, I could just wait until, you know, payday, and get one then. Yeah, I think that’s what I’ll do.
Or you could put your name down to borrow of a copy from your local library as soon as they get it. Mrs Columbo has already done so.
Just ordered mine!
You’re lovely, thank you!
You’re welcome! Can’t wait to read it!