The Moving Target book cover

Cover via Open Library

Movie · 1966

Is Harper based on a book?

Quick answer

Yes. Harper is based on the book The Moving Target by Ross Macdonald (1949).

The Moving Target is part of the Lew Archer series.

The movie was released in 1966.

The book behind Harper

The Moving Target cover

The Moving Target

by Ross Macdonald · first published 1949 · crime fiction, mystery fiction

Novel by Ross Macdonald.

Lew Archer: books by publication date

  1. The Moving Target (1949)
  2. The Drowning Pool (1950)
  3. The Way Some People Die (1951)
  4. The Doomsters (1958)
  5. Sleeping Beauty (1973)

Common questions

Is Harper based on a book?

Yes. Harper is based on the book The Moving Target by Ross Macdonald (1949).

Who wrote the book Harper is based on?

The Moving Target was written by Ross Macdonald and first published in 1949.

Is The Moving Target part of a series?

Yes, it is part of the Lew Archer series (2 books listed below in reading order).

Should I read the book before watching?

If you like knowing the full story and characters first, read The Moving Target before you watch. Adaptations often change or cut plotlines, so the book is a different experience even if you've seen the movie.

More screen adaptations of Ross Macdonald's books

Facts from Wikidata (CC0). See also Wikipedia.