diff --git a/astero/public/astero_def.f90 b/astero/public/astero_def.f90
index 5bc12e04a6..ee67fd7b5e 100644
--- a/astero/public/astero_def.f90
+++ b/astero/public/astero_def.f90
@@ -839,73 +839,42 @@ end subroutine realloc_integer2_modes
 
 
       subroutine read_astero_search_controls(filename, ierr)
+         use utils_namelist, only: read_namelist, missing_namelist_error
          character (len=*), intent(in) :: filename
          integer, intent(out) :: ierr
+
          ! initialize controls to default values
          include 'astero_search.defaults'
-         ierr = 0
-         call read1_astero_search_inlist(filename, 1, ierr)
+
+         call read_namelist(filename, read_astero_search_file, "astero_search_controls", ierr, missing_namelist_error)
       end subroutine read_astero_search_controls
 
+      subroutine read_astero_search_file(unit, iostat, iomsg, extra_inlists, extra_inlists_mask)
+         use const_def, only: strlen
+         use utils_namelist, only: max_extra_inlists
 
-      recursive subroutine read1_astero_search_inlist(filename, level, ierr)
-         character (len=*), intent(in) :: filename
-         integer, intent(in) :: level
-         integer, intent(out) :: ierr
+         integer, intent(in) :: unit
+         integer, intent(out) :: iostat
+         character(len=strlen), intent(out) :: iomsg
+         character(len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists
+         logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists_mask
 
-         logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: read_extra
-         character (len=strlen) :: message
-         character (len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: extra
-         integer :: unit, i
+         integer :: i
 
-         if (level >= 10) then
-            write(*,*) 'ERROR: too many levels of nested extra star_job inlist files'
-            ierr = -1
-            return
-         end if
+         read_extra_astero_search_inlist(:) = .false.
 
-         ierr = 0
-         unit=alloc_iounit(ierr)
-         if (ierr /= 0) return
+         read(unit, nml=astero_search_controls, iostat=iostat, iomsg=iomsg)
 
-         open(unit=unit, file=trim(filename), action='read', delim='quote', iostat=ierr)
-         if (ierr /= 0) then
-            write(*, *) 'Failed to open astero search inlist file ', trim(filename)
-         else
-            read(unit, nml=astero_search_controls, iostat=ierr)
-            close(unit)
-            if (ierr /= 0) then
-               write(*, *) &
-                  'Failed while trying to read astero search inlist file ', trim(filename)
-               write(*, '(a)') trim(message)
-               write(*, '(a)') &
-                  'The following runtime error message might help you find the problem'
-               write(*, *)
-               open(unit=unit, file=trim(filename), &
-                  action='read', delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-               read(unit, nml=astero_search_controls)
-               close(unit)
-            end if
+         if (iostat /= 0) then
+            return
          end if
-         call free_iounit(unit)
-         if (ierr /= 0) return
 
-         ! recursive calls to read other inlists
          do i=1, max_extra_inlists
-            read_extra(i) = read_extra_astero_search_inlist(i)
-            read_extra_astero_search_inlist(i) = .false.
-            extra(i) = extra_astero_search_inlist_name(i)
-            extra_astero_search_inlist_name(i) = 'undefined'
-
-            if (read_extra(i)) then
-               call read1_astero_search_inlist(extra(i), level+1, ierr)
-               if (ierr /= 0) return
-            end if
+            extra_inlists(i) = extra_astero_search_inlist_name(i)
+            extra_inlists_mask(i) = read_extra_astero_search_inlist(i)
          end do
 
-
-      end subroutine read1_astero_search_inlist
-
+      end subroutine read_astero_search_file
 
       subroutine write_astero_search_controls(filename_in, ierr)
          use utils_lib
@@ -938,75 +907,43 @@ subroutine write_astero_search_controls(filename_in, ierr)
 
       end subroutine write_astero_search_controls
 
-
       subroutine read_astero_pgstar_controls(filename, ierr)
+         use utils_namelist, only: read_namelist, missing_namelist_error
          character (len=*), intent(in) :: filename
          integer, intent(out) :: ierr
 
          ! initialize controls to default values
          include 'astero_pgstar.defaults'
 
-         ierr = 0
-         call read1_astero_pgstar_inlist(filename, 1, ierr)
-
+         call read_namelist(filename, read_astero_pgstar_file, "astero_pgstar_controls", ierr, missing_namelist_error)
       end subroutine read_astero_pgstar_controls
 
+      subroutine read_astero_pgstar_file(unit, iostat, iomsg, extra_inlists, extra_inlists_mask)
+         use const_def, only: strlen
+         use utils_namelist, only: max_extra_inlists
 
-      recursive subroutine read1_astero_pgstar_inlist(filename, level, ierr)
-         character (len=*), intent(in) :: filename
-         integer, intent(in) :: level
-         integer, intent(out) :: ierr
+         integer, intent(in) :: unit
+         integer, intent(out) :: iostat
+         character(len=strlen), intent(out) :: iomsg
+         character(len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists
+         logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists_mask
 
-         logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: read_extra
-         character (len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: extra
-         integer :: unit, i
+         integer :: i
 
-         if (level >= 10) then
-            write(*,*) 'ERROR: too many levels of nested extra star_job inlist files'
-            ierr = -1
-            return
-         end if
+         read_extra_astero_pgstar_inlist(:) = .false.
 
-         ierr = 0
-         unit=alloc_iounit(ierr)
-         if (ierr /= 0) return
+         read(unit, nml=astero_pgstar_controls, iostat=iostat, iomsg=iomsg)
 
-         open(unit=unit, file=trim(filename), action='read', delim='quote', iostat=ierr)
-         if (ierr /= 0) then
-            write(*, *) 'Failed to open astero pgstar inlist file ', trim(filename)
-         else
-            read(unit, nml=astero_pgstar_controls, iostat=ierr)
-            close(unit)
-            if (ierr /= 0) then
-               write(*, *) &
-                  'Failed while trying to read astero pgstar inlist file ', trim(filename)
-               write(*, '(a)') &
-                  'The following runtime error message might help you find the problem'
-               write(*, *)
-               open(unit=unit, file=trim(filename), &
-                  action='read', delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-               read(unit, nml=astero_pgstar_controls)
-               close(unit)
-            end if
+         if (iostat /= 0) then
+            return
          end if
-         call free_iounit(unit)
-         if (ierr /= 0) return
 
-                  ! recursive calls to read other inlists
          do i=1, max_extra_inlists
-            read_extra(i) = read_extra_astero_pgstar_inlist(i)
-            read_extra_astero_pgstar_inlist(i) = .false.
-            extra(i) = extra_astero_pgstar_inlist_name(i)
-            extra_astero_pgstar_inlist_name(i) = 'undefined'
-
-            if (read_extra(i)) then
-               call read1_astero_pgstar_inlist(extra(i), level+1, ierr)
-               if (ierr /= 0) return
-            end if
+            extra_inlists(i) = extra_astero_pgstar_inlist_name(i)
+            extra_inlists_mask(i) = read_extra_astero_pgstar_inlist(i)
          end do
 
-      end subroutine read1_astero_pgstar_inlist
-
+      end subroutine read_astero_pgstar_file
 
       subroutine save_sample_results_to_file(i_total, results_fname, ierr)
          use utils_lib
diff --git a/binary/private/binary_ctrls_io.f90 b/binary/private/binary_ctrls_io.f90
index c63ff7080e..449db506d8 100644
--- a/binary/private/binary_ctrls_io.f90
+++ b/binary/private/binary_ctrls_io.f90
@@ -259,88 +259,54 @@ end subroutine do_one_binary_setup
 
 
       subroutine read_binary_controls(b, filename, ierr)
-         use utils_lib
+         use utils_namelist, only: read_namelist, missing_namelist_error
          type (binary_info), pointer :: b
          character(*), intent(in) :: filename
          integer, intent(out) :: ierr
 
-         call read_binary_controls_file(b, filename, 1, ierr)
+         call read_namelist(filename, read_binary_controls_file, "binary_controls", ierr, missing_namelist_error)
+
+         if (ierr /= 0) return
+
+         call store_binary_controls(b)
 
       end subroutine read_binary_controls
 
+      subroutine read_binary_controls_file(unit, iostat, iomsg, extra_inlists, extra_inlists_mask)
+         use const_def, only: strlen
+         use utils_namelist, only: max_extra_inlists
 
-      recursive subroutine read_binary_controls_file(b, filename, level, ierr)
-         use utils_lib
-         character(*), intent(in) :: filename
-         type (binary_info), pointer :: b
-         integer, intent(in) :: level
-         integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-         logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: read_extra
-         character (len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: extra
-         integer :: unit, i
+         integer, intent(in) :: unit
+         integer, intent(out) :: iostat
+         character(len=strlen), intent(out) :: iomsg
+         character(len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists
+         logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists_mask
 
-         ierr = 0
+         integer :: i
 
-         if (level >= 10) then
-            write(*,*) 'ERROR: too many levels of nested extra binary controls inlist files'
-            ierr = -1
-            return
-         end if
+         read_extra_binary_controls_inlist(:) = .false.
 
-         if (len_trim(filename) > 0) then
-            open(newunit=unit, file=trim(filename), action='read', delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-            if (ierr /= 0) then
-               write(*, *) 'Failed to open binary control namelist file ', trim(filename)
-               return
-            end if
-            read(unit, nml=binary_controls, iostat=ierr)
-            close(unit)
-            if (ierr /= 0) then
-               write(*, *)
-               write(*, *)
-               write(*, *)
-               write(*, *)
-               write(*, '(a)') &
-                  'Failed while trying to read binary control namelist file: ' // trim(filename)
-               write(*, '(a)') &
-                  'Perhaps the following runtime error message will help you find the problem.'
-               write(*, *)
-               open(newunit=unit, file=trim(filename), action='read', delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-               read(unit, nml=binary_controls)
-               close(unit)
-               return
-            end if
-         end if
+         read(unit, nml=binary_controls, iostat=iostat, iomsg=iomsg)
 
-         call store_binary_controls(b, ierr)
+         if (iostat /= 0) then
+            return
+         end if
 
-         ! recursive calls to read other inlists
          do i=1, max_extra_inlists
-            read_extra(i) = read_extra_binary_controls_inlist(i)
-            read_extra_binary_controls_inlist(i) = .false.
-            extra(i) = extra_binary_controls_inlist_name(i)
-            extra_binary_controls_inlist_name(i) = 'undefined'
-
-            if (read_extra(i)) then
-               call read_binary_controls_file(b, extra(i), level+1, ierr)
-               if (ierr /= 0) return
-            end if
+            extra_inlists(i) = extra_binary_controls_inlist_name(i)
+            extra_inlists_mask(i) = read_extra_binary_controls_inlist(i)
          end do
 
       end subroutine read_binary_controls_file
 
-
       subroutine set_default_binary_controls
          include 'binary_controls.defaults'
       end subroutine set_default_binary_controls
 
 
-      subroutine store_binary_controls(b, ierr)
+      subroutine store_binary_controls(b)
          use utils_lib, only: mkdir
          type (binary_info), pointer :: b
-         integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-
-         ierr = 0
 
          ! specifications for starting model
          b% m1 = m1
@@ -812,7 +778,7 @@ subroutine set_binary_control(b, name, val, ierr)
          read(tmp, nml=binary_controls)
 
          ! Add to star
-         call store_binary_controls(b, ierr)
+         call store_binary_controls(b)
          if(ierr/=0) return
 
       end subroutine set_binary_control
diff --git a/binary/private/binary_job_ctrls_io.f90 b/binary/private/binary_job_ctrls_io.f90
index 381c9c1cb3..b26452680a 100644
--- a/binary/private/binary_job_ctrls_io.f90
+++ b/binary/private/binary_job_ctrls_io.f90
@@ -69,84 +69,48 @@ module binary_job_ctrls_io
 
 
       subroutine do_read_binary_job(b, filename, ierr)
-         use utils_lib
+         use utils_namelist, only: read_namelist, missing_namelist_error
          type (binary_info), pointer :: b
          character(*), intent(in) :: filename
          integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-         character (len=strlen) :: binary_job_namelist_name
-         binary_job_namelist_name = ''
-         ierr = 0
+
          call set_default_binary_job_controls
-         call read_binary_job_file(b, filename, 1, ierr)
+         call read_namelist(filename, read_binary_job_file, "binary_job", ierr, missing_namelist_error)
+
+         if (ierr /= 0) return
+
+         call store_binary_job_controls(b)
       end subroutine do_read_binary_job
 
+      subroutine read_binary_job_file(unit, iostat, iomsg, extra_inlists, extra_inlists_mask)
+         use const_def, only: strlen
+         use utils_namelist, only: max_extra_inlists
 
-      recursive subroutine read_binary_job_file(b, filename, level, ierr)
-         use utils_lib
-         character(*), intent(in) :: filename
-         type (binary_info), pointer :: b
-         integer, intent(in) :: level
-         integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-         logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: read_extra
-         character (len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: extra
-         integer :: unit, i
+         integer, intent(in) :: unit
+         integer, intent(out) :: iostat
+         character(len=strlen), intent(out) :: iomsg
+         character(len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists
+         logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists_mask
 
-         ierr = 0
+         integer :: i
 
-         if (level >= 10) then
-            write(*,*) 'ERROR: too many levels of nested extra binary_job inlist files'
-            ierr = -1
-            return
-         end if
+         read_extra_binary_job_inlist(:) = .false.
 
-         if (len_trim(filename) > 0) then
-            open(newunit=unit, file=trim(filename), action='read', delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-            if (ierr /= 0) then
-               write(*, *) 'Failed to open control namelist file ', trim(filename)
-               return
-            end if
-            read(unit, nml=binary_job, iostat=ierr)
-            close(unit)
-            if (ierr /= 0) then
-               write(*, *)
-               write(*, *)
-               write(*, *)
-               write(*, *)
-               write(*, '(a)') &
-                  'Failed while trying to read control namelist file: ' // trim(filename)
-               write(*, '(a)') &
-                  'Perhaps the following runtime error message will help you find the problem.'
-               write(*, *)
-               open(newunit=unit, file=trim(filename), action='read', delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-               read(unit, nml=binary_job)
-               close(unit)
-               return
-            end if
-         end if
+         read(unit, nml=binary_job, iostat=iostat, iomsg=iomsg)
 
-         call store_binary_job_controls(b, ierr)
+         if (iostat /= 0) then
+            return
+         end if
 
-         ! recursive calls to read other inlists
          do i=1, max_extra_inlists
-            read_extra(i) = read_extra_binary_job_inlist(i)
-            read_extra_binary_job_inlist(i) = .false.
-            extra(i) = extra_binary_job_inlist_name(i)
-            extra_binary_job_inlist_name(i) = 'undefined'
-
-            if (read_extra(i)) then
-               call read_binary_job_file(b, extra(i), level+1, ierr)
-               if (ierr /= 0) return
-            end if
+            extra_inlists(i) = extra_binary_job_inlist_name(i)
+            extra_inlists_mask(i) = read_extra_binary_job_inlist(i)
          end do
 
       end subroutine read_binary_job_file
 
-
-      subroutine store_binary_job_controls(b, ierr)
+      subroutine store_binary_job_controls(b)
          type (binary_info), pointer :: b
-         integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-
-         ierr = 0
 
          b% job% show_binary_log_description_at_start = show_binary_log_description_at_start
          b% job% binary_history_columns_file = binary_history_columns_file
@@ -321,7 +285,7 @@ subroutine set_binary_job(b, name, val, ierr)
          read(tmp, nml=binary_job)
 
          ! Add to star
-         call store_binary_job_controls(b, ierr)
+         call store_binary_job_controls(b)
          if(ierr/=0) return
 
       end subroutine set_binary_job
diff --git a/binary/private/pgbinary_ctrls_io.f90 b/binary/private/pgbinary_ctrls_io.f90
index b1dfec26c4..377a6faf51 100644
--- a/binary/private/pgbinary_ctrls_io.f90
+++ b/binary/private/pgbinary_ctrls_io.f90
@@ -1365,85 +1365,53 @@ module pgbinary_ctrls_io
 
 
    subroutine read_pgbinary(b, filename, ierr)
-      use binary_private_def
-      use utils_lib
-      type (binary_info), pointer :: b
+      use binary_private_def, only: binary_info
+      use utils_namelist, only: read_namelist, missing_namelist_warning
+      type (binary_info), intent(inout) :: b
       character(*), intent(in) :: filename
       integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-      !      character (len = strlen) :: pgbinary_namelist_name
-      !      pgbinary_namelist_name = ''
-      ierr = 0
+
       call set_default_pgbinary_controls
-      call read_pgbinary_file(b, filename, 1, ierr)
+      call read_namelist(filename, read_pgbinary_file, "pgbinary", ierr, missing_namelist_warning)
+
+      if (ierr /= 0) return
+
+      call store_pgbinary_controls(b)
    end subroutine read_pgbinary
 
+   subroutine read_pgbinary_file(unit, iostat, iomsg, extra_inlists, extra_inlists_mask)
+      use const_def, only: strlen
+      use utils_namelist, only: max_extra_inlists
 
-   recursive subroutine read_pgbinary_file(b, filename, level, ierr)
-      use binary_private_def
-      use utils_lib
-      character(*), intent(in) :: filename
-      type (binary_info), pointer :: b
-      integer, intent(in) :: level
-      integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-      logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: read_extra
-      character (len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: extra
-      integer :: unit, i
+      integer, intent(in) :: unit
+      integer, intent(out) :: iostat
+      character(len=strlen), intent(out) :: iomsg
+      character(len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists
+      logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists_mask
 
-      ierr = 0
+      integer :: i
 
-      if (level >= 10) then
-         write(*, *) 'ERROR: too many levels of nested extra pgbinary inlist files'
-         ierr = -1
-         return
-      end if
-      if (len_trim(filename) > 0) then
-         open(newunit = unit, file = trim(filename), action = 'read', delim = 'quote', status = 'old', iostat = ierr)
-         if (ierr /= 0) then
-            write(*, *) 'Failed to open pgbinary namelist file ', trim(filename)
-            return
-         end if
-         read(unit, nml = pgbinary, iostat = ierr)
-         close(unit)
-         if (ierr /= 0) then
-            write(*, *)
-            write(*, *)
-            write(*, '(a)') &
-               'Failed while trying to read pgbinary namelist file: ' // trim(filename)
-            write(*, '(a)') &
-               'Perhaps the following runtime error message will help you find the problem.'
-            write(*, *)
-            open(newunit = unit, file = trim(filename), action = 'read', delim = 'quote', status = 'old', iostat = ierr)
-            read(unit, nml = pgbinary)
-            close(unit)
-            return
-         end if
-      end if
+      read_extra_pgbinary_inlist(:) = .false.
 
-      call store_pgbinary_controls(b, ierr)
+      read(unit, nml=pgbinary, iostat=iostat, iomsg=iomsg)
 
- ! recursive calls to read other inlists
-         do i=1, max_extra_inlists
-            read_extra(i) = read_extra_pgbinary_inlist(i)
-            read_extra_pgbinary_inlist(i) = .false.
-            extra(i) = extra_pgbinary_inlist_name(i)
-            extra_pgbinary_inlist_name(i) = 'undefined'
+      if (iostat /= 0) then
+         return
+      end if
 
-            if (read_extra(i)) then
-               call read_pgbinary_file(b, extra(i), level+1, ierr)
-               if (ierr /= 0) return
-            end if
-         end do
+      do i=1, max_extra_inlists
+         extra_inlists(i) = extra_pgbinary_inlist_name(i)
+         extra_inlists_mask(i) = read_extra_pgbinary_inlist(i)
+      end do
 
    end subroutine read_pgbinary_file
 
+   subroutine store_pgbinary_controls(b)
+      use binary_private_def, only: binary_info
+      type (binary_info), intent(inout), target :: b
 
-   subroutine store_pgbinary_controls(b, ierr)
-      use binary_private_def
-      type (binary_info), pointer :: b
       type (pgbinary_controls), pointer :: pg
-      integer, intent(out) :: ierr
 
-      ierr = 0
       pg => b% pg
 
       pg% file_device = file_device
diff --git a/colors/private/colors_ctrls_io.f90 b/colors/private/colors_ctrls_io.f90
index d1e2f1bd91..93c3235dd6 100644
--- a/colors/private/colors_ctrls_io.f90
+++ b/colors/private/colors_ctrls_io.f90
@@ -19,12 +19,13 @@
 
 module colors_ctrls_io
 
-   use const_def, only: dp, strlen, max_extra_inlists
+   use const_def, only: dp, strlen
+   use utils_namelist, only: max_extra_inlists
    use colors_def, only: Colors_General_Info, get_colors_ptr
 
    implicit none
 
-   public :: read_namelist, write_namelist, get_colors_controls, set_colors_controls
+   public :: read_colors_namelist, write_namelist, get_colors_controls, set_colors_controls
 
    private
 
@@ -59,100 +60,59 @@ module colors_ctrls_io
 
 contains
 
-   subroutine read_namelist(handle, inlist, ierr)
+   subroutine read_colors_namelist(handle, inlist, ierr)
+      use utils_namelist, only: read_namelist, missing_namelist_warning
       integer, intent(in) :: handle
       character(len=*), intent(in) :: inlist
       integer, intent(out) :: ierr  ! 0 means AOK.
       type(Colors_General_Info), pointer :: rq
-      include 'formats'
+
       call get_colors_ptr(handle, rq, ierr)
+
       if (ierr /= 0) return
+
       call set_default_controls
-      call read_controls_file(rq, inlist, 1, ierr)
+      call read_namelist(inlist, read_colors_file, "colors", ierr, missing_namelist_warning)
+
       if (ierr /= 0) return
-   end subroutine read_namelist
 
-   recursive subroutine read_controls_file(rq, filename, level, ierr)
-      use iso_fortran_env, only: iostat_end
-      character(*), intent(in) :: filename
-      integer, intent(in) :: level
-      type(Colors_General_Info), pointer, intent(inout) :: rq
-      integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-      logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: read_extra
-      character(len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: extra
-      integer :: unit, i
+      call store_controls(rq)
+   end subroutine read_colors_namelist
 
-      ierr = 0
-      if (level >= 10) then
-         write (*, *) 'ERROR: too many levels of nested extra controls inlist files'
-         ierr = -1
-         return
-      end if
+   subroutine read_colors_file(unit, iostat, iomsg, extra_inlists, extra_inlists_mask)
+      use const_def, only: strlen
+      use utils_namelist, only: max_extra_inlists
 
-      if (len_trim(filename) > 0) then
-         open (newunit=unit, file=trim(filename), &
-               action='read', delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-         if (ierr /= 0) then
-            if (level == 1) then
-               ierr = 0  ! no inlist file so just use defaults
-               call store_controls(rq, ierr)
-            else
-               write (*, *) 'Failed to open colors namelist file ', trim(filename)
-            end if
-            return
-         end if
-         read (unit, nml=colors, iostat=ierr)
-         close (unit)
-         if (ierr == IOSTAT_END) then  ! end-of-file means didn't find an &colors namelist
-            ierr = 0
-            write (*, *) 'WARNING: Failed to find colors namelist in file: ', trim(filename)
-            call store_controls(rq, ierr)
-            close (unit)
-            return
-         else if (ierr /= 0) then
-            write (*, *)
-            write (*, *)
-            write (*, *)
-            write (*, *)
-            write (*, '(a)') 'Failed while trying to read colors namelist file: '//trim(filename)
-            write (*, '(a)') 'Perhaps the following runtime error message will help you find the problem.'
-            write (*, *)
-            open (newunit=unit, file=trim(filename), action='read', &
-                  delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-            read (unit, nml=colors)
-            close (unit)
-            return
-         end if
-      end if
+      integer, intent(in) :: unit
+      integer, intent(out) :: iostat
+      character(len=strlen), intent(out) :: iomsg
+      character(len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists
+      logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists_mask
 
-      call store_controls(rq, ierr)
+      integer :: i
 
-      if (len_trim(filename) == 0) return
+      read_extra_colors_inlist(:) = .false.
 
-      ! recursive calls to read other inlists
-      do i = 1, max_extra_inlists
-         read_extra(i) = read_extra_colors_inlist(i)
-         read_extra_colors_inlist(i) = .false.
-         extra(i) = extra_colors_inlist_name(i)
-         extra_colors_inlist_name(i) = 'undefined'
+      read(unit, nml=colors, iostat=iostat, iomsg=iomsg)
 
-         if (read_extra(i)) then
-            call read_controls_file(rq, extra(i), level + 1, ierr)
-            if (ierr /= 0) return
-         end if
+      if (iostat /= 0) then
+         return
+      end if
+
+      do i=1, max_extra_inlists
+         extra_inlists(i) = extra_colors_inlist_name(i)
+         extra_inlists_mask(i) = read_extra_colors_inlist(i)
       end do
 
-   end subroutine read_controls_file
+   end subroutine read_colors_file
 
    subroutine set_default_controls
       include 'colors.defaults'
    end subroutine set_default_controls
 
-   subroutine store_controls(rq, ierr)
+   subroutine store_controls(rq)
       type(Colors_General_Info), pointer, intent(inout) :: rq
 
-      integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-
       rq%instrument = instrument
       rq%vega_sed = vega_sed
       rq%stellar_atm = stellar_atm
@@ -263,9 +223,7 @@ subroutine set_colors_controls(rq, name, val, ierr)
 
       read (tmp, nml=colors)
 
-      call store_controls(rq, ierr)
-      if (ierr /= 0) return
-
+      call store_controls(rq)
    end subroutine set_colors_controls
 
-end module colors_ctrls_io
\ No newline at end of file
+end module colors_ctrls_io
diff --git a/colors/public/colors_lib.f90 b/colors/public/colors_lib.f90
index b245dc5677..a77cb899b8 100644
--- a/colors/public/colors_lib.f90
+++ b/colors/public/colors_lib.f90
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ end function alloc_colors_handle
 
    integer function alloc_colors_handle_using_inlist(inlist, ierr) result(handle)
       use colors_def, only: Colors_General_Info, do_alloc_colors, colors_is_initialized, get_colors_ptr
-      use colors_ctrls_io, only: read_namelist
+      use colors_ctrls_io, only: read_colors_namelist
       character(len=*), intent(in) :: inlist  ! empty means just use defaults.
       integer, intent(out) :: ierr  ! 0 means AOK.
       type(Colors_General_Info), pointer :: rq
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ integer function alloc_colors_handle_using_inlist(inlist, ierr) result(handle)
       end if
       handle = do_alloc_colors(ierr)
       if (ierr /= 0) return
-      call read_namelist(handle, inlist, ierr)
+      call read_colors_namelist(handle, inlist, ierr)
       if (ierr /= 0) return
       call get_colors_ptr(handle, rq, ierr)
       if (ierr /= 0) return
diff --git a/const/public/const_def.f90 b/const/public/const_def.f90
index e1425ebb83..f5cff50c48 100644
--- a/const/public/const_def.f90
+++ b/const/public/const_def.f90
@@ -36,8 +36,6 @@ module const_def
 
    integer, parameter :: strlen = 256  ! for character (len=strlen)
 
-   integer, parameter :: max_extra_inlists = 5  ! number of inlists an inlist can depend on
-
 !
 ! mathematical and physical constants (in cgs)
 !
diff --git a/eos/private/eos_ctrls_io.f90 b/eos/private/eos_ctrls_io.f90
index 3d8cd4b0ac..c57a244c7a 100644
--- a/eos/private/eos_ctrls_io.f90
+++ b/eos/private/eos_ctrls_io.f90
@@ -19,14 +19,15 @@
 
    module eos_ctrls_io
 
-   use const_def, only: dp, max_extra_inlists
+   use const_def, only: dp
+   use utils_namelist, only: max_extra_inlists
    use eos_def
    use math_lib
    use utils_lib, only: mesa_error
 
    implicit none
 
-   public :: read_namelist, write_namelist, get_eos_controls, set_eos_controls
+   public :: read_eos_namelist, write_namelist, get_eos_controls, set_eos_controls
    private
 
    ! controls for HELM
@@ -263,105 +264,65 @@ module eos_ctrls_io
 
    contains
 
-
    ! read a "namelist" file and set parameters
-   subroutine read_namelist(handle, inlist, ierr)
+   subroutine read_eos_namelist(handle, inlist, ierr)
+      use utils_namelist, only: read_namelist, missing_namelist_warning
       integer, intent(in) :: handle
       character (len=*), intent(in) :: inlist
       integer, intent(out) :: ierr  ! 0 means AOK.
       type (EoS_General_Info), pointer :: rq
-      include 'formats'
+
       call get_eos_ptr(handle,rq,ierr)
+
       if (ierr /= 0) return
+
       call set_default_controls
-      call read_controls_file(rq, inlist, 1, ierr)
+
+      if (inlist /= '') then
+         call read_namelist(inlist, read_eos_file, "eos", ierr, missing_namelist_warning)
+      end if
+
       if (ierr /= 0) return
-      rq% Gamma_e_all_HELM = exp10(rq% log_Gamma_e_all_HELM)
+
+      call store_controls(rq)
+
       if (FreeEOS_XZ_struct% Zs(num_FreeEOS_Zs) /= 1d0) then
          write(*,*) 'ERROR: expect FreeEOS_XZ_struct% Zs(num_FreeEOS_Zs) == 1d0'
          call mesa_error(__FILE__,__LINE__,'init_eos_handle_data')
       end if
-   end subroutine read_namelist
+   end subroutine read_eos_namelist
 
+   subroutine read_eos_file(unit, iostat, iomsg, extra_inlists, extra_inlists_mask)
+      use const_def, only: strlen
+      use utils_namelist, only: max_extra_inlists
 
-   recursive subroutine read_controls_file(rq, filename, level, ierr)
-      use ISO_FORTRAN_ENV, only: IOSTAT_END
-      character(*), intent(in) :: filename
-      type (EoS_General_Info), pointer :: rq
-      integer, intent(in) :: level
-      integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-      logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: read_extra
-      character (len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: extra
-      integer :: unit, i
+      integer, intent(in) :: unit
+      integer, intent(out) :: iostat
+      character(len=strlen), intent(out) :: iomsg
+      character(len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists
+      logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists_mask
 
-      ierr = 0
-      if (level >= 10) then
-         write(*,*) 'ERROR: too many levels of nested extra controls inlist files'
-         ierr = -1
-         return
-      end if
+      integer :: i
 
-      if (len_trim(filename) > 0) then
-         open(newunit=unit, file=trim(filename), &
-            action='read', delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-         if (ierr /= 0) then
-            if (level == 1) then
-               ierr = 0  ! no inlist file so just use defaults
-               call store_controls(rq)
-            else
-               write(*, *) 'Failed to open eos namelist file ', trim(filename)
-            end if
-            return
-         end if
-         read(unit, nml=eos, iostat=ierr)
-         close(unit)
-         if (ierr == IOSTAT_END) then  ! end-of-file means didn't find an &eos namelist
-            ierr = 0
-            write(*, *) 'WARNING: Failed to find eos namelist in file: ', trim(filename)
-            call store_controls(rq)
-            close(unit)
-            return
-         else if (ierr /= 0) then
-            write(*, *)
-            write(*, *)
-            write(*, *)
-            write(*, *)
-            write(*, '(a)') 'Failed while trying to read eos namelist file: ' // trim(filename)
-            write(*, '(a)') 'Perhaps the following runtime error message will help you find the problem.'
-            write(*, *)
-            open(newunit=unit, file=trim(filename), action='read', delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-            read(unit, nml=eos)
-            close(unit)
-            return
-         end if
-      end if
+      read_extra_eos_inlist(:) = .false.
 
-      call store_controls(rq)
+      read(unit, nml=eos, iostat=iostat, iomsg=iomsg)
 
-      if (len_trim(filename) == 0) return
+      if (iostat /= 0) then
+         return
+      end if
 
-      ! recursive calls to read other inlists
       do i=1, max_extra_inlists
-         read_extra(i) = read_extra_eos_inlist(i)
-         read_extra_eos_inlist(i) = .false.
-         extra(i) = extra_eos_inlist_name(i)
-         extra_eos_inlist_name(i) = 'undefined'
-
-         if (read_extra(i)) then
-            call read_controls_file(rq, extra(i), level+1, ierr)
-            if (ierr /= 0) return
-         end if
+         extra_inlists(i) = extra_eos_inlist_name(i)
+         extra_inlists_mask(i) = read_extra_eos_inlist(i)
       end do
 
-
-   end subroutine read_controls_file
-
+   end subroutine read_eos_file
 
    subroutine set_default_controls
       include 'eos.defaults'
    end subroutine set_default_controls
 
-
    subroutine store_controls(rq)
       type (EoS_General_Info), pointer :: rq
       ! controls for HELM
@@ -434,6 +395,7 @@ subroutine store_controls(rq)
       rq% logT1_PC_limit = logT1_PC_limit
       rq% logT2_PC_limit = logT2_PC_limit
       rq% log_Gamma_e_all_HELM = log_Gamma_e_all_HELM
+      rq% Gamma_e_all_HELM = exp10(rq% log_Gamma_e_all_HELM)
       rq% log_Gamma_e_all_PC = log_Gamma_e_all_PC
       rq% PC_Gamma_start_crystal = PC_Gamma_start_crystal
       rq% PC_Gamma_full_crystal = PC_Gamma_full_crystal
diff --git a/eos/public/eos_lib.f90 b/eos/public/eos_lib.f90
index a8864acbac..a3826af4cb 100644
--- a/eos/public/eos_lib.f90
+++ b/eos/public/eos_lib.f90
@@ -57,13 +57,13 @@ end function alloc_eos_handle
 
       integer function alloc_eos_handle_using_inlist(inlist,ierr) result(handle)
          use eos_def, only:do_alloc_eos
-         use eos_ctrls_io, only:read_namelist
+         use eos_ctrls_io, only:read_eos_namelist
          character (len=*), intent(in) :: inlist  ! empty means just use defaults.
          integer, intent(out) :: ierr  ! 0 means AOK.
          ierr = 0
          handle = do_alloc_eos(ierr)
          if (ierr /= 0) return
-         call read_namelist(handle, inlist, ierr)
+         call read_eos_namelist(handle, inlist, ierr)
       end function alloc_eos_handle_using_inlist
 
       subroutine free_eos_handle(handle)
diff --git a/kap/private/kap_ctrls_io.f90 b/kap/private/kap_ctrls_io.f90
index a3e26e16a9..811ba6b417 100644
--- a/kap/private/kap_ctrls_io.f90
+++ b/kap/private/kap_ctrls_io.f90
@@ -19,13 +19,14 @@
 
    module kap_ctrls_io
 
-   use const_def, only: dp, max_extra_inlists
+   use const_def, only: dp
+   use utils_namelist, only: max_extra_inlists
    use kap_def
    use math_lib
 
    implicit none
 
-   public :: read_namelist, write_namelist, get_kap_controls, set_kap_controls
+   public :: read_kap_namelist, write_namelist, get_kap_controls, set_kap_controls
    private
 
    real(dp) :: Zbase
@@ -133,91 +134,54 @@ module kap_ctrls_io
 
 
    ! read a "namelist" file and set parameters
-   subroutine read_namelist(handle, inlist, ierr)
+   subroutine read_kap_namelist(handle, inlist, ierr)
+      use utils_namelist, only: read_namelist, missing_namelist_warning
       integer, intent(in) :: handle
       character (len=*), intent(in) :: inlist
       integer, intent(out) :: ierr  ! 0 means AOK.
       type (Kap_General_Info), pointer :: rq
-      include 'formats'
+
       call get_kap_ptr(handle,rq,ierr)
+
       if (ierr /= 0) return
+
       call set_default_controls
-      call read_controls_file(rq, inlist, 1, ierr)
+
+      if (inlist /= '') then
+         call read_namelist(inlist, read_kap_file, "kap", ierr, missing_namelist_warning)
+      end if
+
       if (ierr /= 0) return
-   end subroutine read_namelist
 
+      call store_controls(rq, ierr)
+   end subroutine read_kap_namelist
 
-   recursive subroutine read_controls_file(rq, filename, level, ierr)
-      use ISO_FORTRAN_ENV, only: IOSTAT_END
-      character(*), intent(in) :: filename
-      type (Kap_General_Info), pointer :: rq
-      integer, intent(in) :: level
-      integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-      logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: read_extra
-      character (len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: extra
-      integer :: unit, i
+   subroutine read_kap_file(unit, iostat, iomsg, extra_inlists, extra_inlists_mask)
+      use const_def, only: strlen
+      use utils_namelist, only: max_extra_inlists
 
-      ierr = 0
-      if (level >= 10) then
-         write(*,*) 'ERROR: too many levels of nested extra controls inlist files'
-         ierr = -1
-         return
-      end if
+      integer, intent(in) :: unit
+      integer, intent(out) :: iostat
+      character(len=strlen), intent(out) :: iomsg
+      character(len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists
+      logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists_mask
 
-      if (len_trim(filename) > 0) then
-         open(newunit=unit, file=trim(filename), &
-            action='read', delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-         if (ierr /= 0) then
-            if (level == 1) then
-               ierr = 0  ! no inlist file so just use defaults
-               call store_controls(rq, ierr)
-            else
-               write(*, *) 'Failed to open kap namelist file ', trim(filename)
-            end if
-            return
-         end if
-         read(unit, nml=kap, iostat=ierr)
-         close(unit)
-         if (ierr == IOSTAT_END) then  ! end-of-file means didn't find an &kap namelist
-            ierr = 0
-            write(*, *) 'WARNING: Failed to find kap namelist in file: ', trim(filename)
-            call store_controls(rq, ierr)
-            close(unit)
-            return
-         else if (ierr /= 0) then
-            write(*, *)
-            write(*, *)
-            write(*, *)
-            write(*, *)
-            write(*, '(a)') 'Failed while trying to read kap namelist file: ' // trim(filename)
-            write(*, '(a)') 'Perhaps the following runtime error message will help you find the problem.'
-            write(*, *)
-            open(newunit=unit, file=trim(filename), action='read', delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-            read(unit, nml=kap)
-            close(unit)
-            return
-         end if
-      end if
+      integer :: i
 
-      call store_controls(rq, ierr)
+      read_extra_kap_inlist(:) = .false.
+
+      read(unit, nml=kap, iostat=iostat, iomsg=iomsg)
 
-      if (len_trim(filename) == 0) return
+      if (iostat /= 0) then
+         return
+      end if
 
-      ! recursive calls to read other inlists
       do i=1, max_extra_inlists
-         read_extra(i) = read_extra_kap_inlist(i)
-         read_extra_kap_inlist(i) = .false.
-         extra(i) = extra_kap_inlist_name(i)
-         extra_kap_inlist_name(i) = 'undefined'
-
-         if (read_extra(i)) then
-            call read_controls_file(rq, extra(i), level+1, ierr)
-            if (ierr /= 0) return
-         end if
+         extra_inlists(i) = extra_kap_inlist_name(i)
+         extra_inlists_mask(i) = read_extra_kap_inlist(i)
       end do
 
-   end subroutine read_controls_file
-
+   end subroutine read_kap_file
 
    subroutine set_default_controls
       include 'kap.defaults'
diff --git a/kap/public/kap_lib.f90 b/kap/public/kap_lib.f90
index fa3403a209..d5549eca21 100644
--- a/kap/public/kap_lib.f90
+++ b/kap/public/kap_lib.f90
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ end function alloc_kap_handle
 
       integer function alloc_kap_handle_using_inlist(inlist,ierr) result(handle)
          use kap_def, only:do_alloc_kap,kap_is_initialized
-         use kap_ctrls_io, only:read_namelist
+         use kap_ctrls_io, only:read_kap_namelist
          character (len=*), intent(in) :: inlist  ! empty means just use defaults.
          integer, intent(out) :: ierr  ! 0 means AOK.
          ierr = 0
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ integer function alloc_kap_handle_using_inlist(inlist,ierr) result(handle)
          end if
          handle = do_alloc_kap(ierr)
          if (ierr /= 0) return
-         call read_namelist(handle, inlist, ierr)
+         call read_kap_namelist(handle, inlist, ierr)
          if (ierr /= 0) return
          call kap_setup_tables(handle, ierr)
          call kap_setup_hooks(handle, ierr)
diff --git a/star/job/run_star_support.f90 b/star/job/run_star_support.f90
index fc4264ba2d..1627a44e9b 100644
--- a/star/job/run_star_support.f90
+++ b/star/job/run_star_support.f90
@@ -1718,8 +1718,7 @@ subroutine create_merger_model(s, ierr)
          if (failed('set_star_kap_and_eos_handles',ierr)) return
          call star_set_colors_handles(id_aux, ierr)
          if (failed('star_set_colors_handles',ierr)) return
-         call store_controls(s_aux, ierr)
-         if (failed('store_controls',ierr)) return
+         call store_controls(s_aux)
          call do_star_job_controls_before(id_aux, s_aux, .false., ierr)
          if (ierr /= 0) return
          call star_read_model(id_aux, s% job% saved_model_for_merger_2, ierr)
diff --git a/star/private/ctrls_io.f90 b/star/private/ctrls_io.f90
index 7b6cbff920..5f7e48786e 100644
--- a/star/private/ctrls_io.f90
+++ b/star/private/ctrls_io.f90
@@ -616,18 +616,20 @@ end subroutine do_one_setup
 
 
  subroutine read_controls(id, filename, ierr)
+ use utils_namelist, only: read_namelist, missing_namelist_error
  use star_private_def
- use utils_lib
  character(*), intent(in) :: filename
  integer, intent(in) :: id
  integer, intent(out) :: ierr
 
  type (star_info), pointer :: s
- ierr = 0
  call get_star_ptr(id, s, ierr)
  if (ierr /= 0) return
 
- call read_controls_file(s, filename, 1, ierr)
+ call read_namelist(filename, read_controls_file, "controls", ierr, missing_namelist_error)
+ if (ierr /= 0) return
+
+ call store_controls(s)
  call check_controls(s, ierr)
 
  end subroutine read_controls
@@ -651,68 +653,33 @@ subroutine check_controls(s, ierr)
  end subroutine check_controls
 
 
- recursive subroutine read_controls_file(s, filename, level, ierr)
- use star_private_def
- use utils_lib
- character(*), intent(in) :: filename
- type (star_info), pointer :: s
- integer, intent(in) :: level
- integer, intent(out) :: ierr
- logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: read_extra
- character (len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: extra
- integer :: unit, i
+ subroutine read_controls_file(unit, iostat, iomsg, extra_inlists, extra_inlists_mask)
+    use const_def, only: strlen
+    use utils_namelist, only: max_extra_inlists
 
- ierr = 0
+    integer, intent(in) :: unit
+    integer, intent(out) :: iostat
+    character(len=strlen), intent(out) :: iomsg
+    character(len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists
+    logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists_mask
 
- if (level >= 10) then
- write(*,*) 'ERROR: too many levels of nested extra controls inlist files'
- ierr = -1
- return
- end if
+    integer :: i
 
- if (len_trim(filename) > 0) then
-    open(newunit=unit, file=trim(filename), action='read', delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-    if (ierr /= 0) then
-       write(*, *) 'Failed to open control namelist file ', trim(filename)
-       return
-    end if
-    read(unit, nml=controls, iostat=ierr)
-    close(unit)
-    if (ierr /= 0) then
-       write(*, *)
-       write(*, *)
-       write(*, *)
-       write(*, *)
-       write(*, '(a)') 'Failed while trying to read control namelist file: ' // trim(filename)
-       write(*, '(a)') 'Perhaps the following runtime error message will help you find the problem.'
-       write(*, *)
-       open(newunit=unit, file=trim(filename), action='read', delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-       read(unit, nml=controls)
-       close(unit)
-       return
-    end if
- end if
+    read_extra_controls_inlist(:) = .false.
 
- call store_controls(s, ierr)
+    read(unit, nml=controls, iostat=iostat, iomsg=iomsg)
 
- ! recursive calls to read other inlists
- do i=1, max_extra_inlists
-    read_extra(i) = read_extra_controls_inlist(i)
-    read_extra_controls_inlist(i) = .false.
-    extra(i) = extra_controls_inlist_name(i)
-    extra_controls_inlist_name(i) = 'undefined'
-
-    if (read_extra(i)) then
-       write(*,*) 'read ' // trim(extra(i))
-       call read_controls_file(s, extra(i), level+1, ierr)
-       if (ierr /= 0) return
+    if (iostat /= 0) then
+       return
     end if
- end do
 
+    do i=1, max_extra_inlists
+       extra_inlists(i) = extra_controls_inlist_name(i)
+       extra_inlists_mask(i) = read_extra_controls_inlist(i)
+    end do
 
  end subroutine read_controls_file
 
-
  subroutine set_default_controls
 
  xa_central_lower_limit_species(:) = ''
@@ -766,14 +733,9 @@ subroutine set_default_controls
  end subroutine set_default_controls
 
 
- subroutine store_controls(s, ierr)
+ subroutine store_controls(s)
  use star_private_def
- use chem_def  ! categories
- use utils_lib, only: mkdir
  type (star_info), pointer :: s
- integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-
- ierr = 0
 
  ! where to start
  s% initial_mass = initial_mass
@@ -4272,7 +4234,7 @@ subroutine set_control(s, name, val, ierr)
       read(tmp, nml=controls)
 
       ! Add to star
-      call store_controls(s, ierr)
+      call store_controls(s)
       if(ierr/=0) return
 
    end subroutine set_control
diff --git a/star/private/pgstar_ctrls_io.f90 b/star/private/pgstar_ctrls_io.f90
index dcf53870fd..3899a6bf01 100644
--- a/star/private/pgstar_ctrls_io.f90
+++ b/star/private/pgstar_ctrls_io.f90
@@ -3060,87 +3060,48 @@ module pgstar_ctrls_io
       contains
 
       subroutine read_pgstar(s, filename, ierr)
-         use star_private_def
-         use utils_lib
+         use utils_namelist, only: read_namelist, missing_namelist_warning
+         use star_private_def, only: star_info
          type (star_info), pointer :: s
          character(*), intent(in) :: filename
          integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-         character (len=strlen) :: pgstar_namelist_name
-         pgstar_namelist_name = ''
-         ierr = 0
+
          call set_default_pgstar_controls
-         call read_pgstar_file(s, filename, 1, ierr)
+         call read_namelist(filename, read_pgstar_file, "pgstar", ierr, missing_namelist_warning)
+         if (ierr /= 0) return
+         call store_pgstar_controls(s)
       end subroutine read_pgstar
 
+      subroutine read_pgstar_file(unit, iostat, iomsg, extra_inlists, extra_inlists_mask)
+         use const_def, only: strlen
+         use utils_namelist, only: max_extra_inlists
 
-      recursive subroutine read_pgstar_file(s, filename, level, ierr)
-         use star_private_def
-         use utils_lib
-         character(*), intent(in) :: filename
-         type (star_info), pointer :: s
-         integer, intent(in) :: level
-         integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-         logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: read_extra
-         character (len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: extra
-         integer :: unit, i
+         integer, intent(in) :: unit
+         integer, intent(out) :: iostat
+         character(len=strlen), intent(out) :: iomsg
+         character(len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists
+         logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists_mask
 
-         ierr = 0
+         integer :: i
 
-         if (level >= 10) then
-            write(*,*) 'ERROR: too many levels of nested extra pgstar inlist files'
-            ierr = -1
-            return
-         end if
+         read_extra_pgstar_inlist(:) = .false.
 
-         if (len_trim(filename) > 0) then
-            open(newunit=unit, file=trim(filename), action='read', delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-            if (ierr /= 0) then
-               write(*, *) 'Failed to open pgstar namelist file ', trim(filename)
-               return
-            end if
-            read(unit, nml=pgstar, iostat=ierr)
-            close(unit)
-            if (ierr /= 0) then
-               write(*, *)
-               write(*, *)
-               write(*, *)
-               write(*, *)
-               write(*, '(a)') &
-                  'Failed while trying to read pgstar namelist file: ' // trim(filename)
-               write(*, '(a)') &
-                  'Perhaps the following runtime error message will help you find the problem.'
-               write(*, *)
-               open(newunit=unit, file=trim(filename), action='read', delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-               read(unit, nml=pgstar)
-               close(unit)
-               return
-            end if
-         end if
+         read(unit, nml=pgstar, iostat=iostat, iomsg=iomsg)
 
-         call store_pgstar_controls(s, ierr)
+         if (iostat /= 0) then
+            return
+         end if
 
-         ! recursive calls to read other inlists
          do i=1, max_extra_inlists
-            read_extra(i) = read_extra_pgstar_inlist(i)
-            read_extra_pgstar_inlist(i) = .false.
-            extra(i) = extra_pgstar_inlist_name(i)
-            extra_pgstar_inlist_name(i) = 'undefined'
-
-            if (read_extra(i)) then
-               call read_pgstar_file(s, extra(i), level+1, ierr)
-               if (ierr /= 0) return
-            end if
+            extra_inlists(i) = extra_pgstar_inlist_name(i)
+            extra_inlists_mask(i) = read_extra_pgstar_inlist(i)
          end do
 
       end subroutine read_pgstar_file
 
-
-      subroutine store_pgstar_controls(s, ierr)
-         use star_private_def
+      subroutine store_pgstar_controls(s)
+         use star_private_def, only: star_info
          type (star_info), pointer :: s
-         integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-
-         ierr = 0
 
          s% pg% file_device = file_device
          s% pg% file_digits = file_digits
diff --git a/star/private/star_job_ctrls_io.f90 b/star/private/star_job_ctrls_io.f90
index ec40d29f5a..a95c209178 100644
--- a/star/private/star_job_ctrls_io.f90
+++ b/star/private/star_job_ctrls_io.f90
@@ -525,89 +525,50 @@ module star_job_ctrls_io
 
 
       subroutine do_read_star_job(s, filename, ierr)
+         use utils_namelist, only: read_namelist, missing_namelist_error
          use star_private_def
-         use utils_lib
          type (star_info), pointer :: s
          character(*), intent(in) :: filename
          integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-         character (len=strlen) :: star_job_namelist_name
-         star_job_namelist_name = ''
-         ierr = 0
+
          call set_default_star_job_controls
-         call read_star_job_file(s, filename, 1, ierr)
+         call read_namelist(filename, read_star_job_file, "star_job", ierr, missing_namelist_error)
+
+         if (ierr /= 0) return
+         call store_star_job_controls(s)
          call check_star_job_controls(s, ierr)
       end subroutine do_read_star_job
 
+      subroutine read_star_job_file(unit, iostat, iomsg, extra_inlists, extra_inlists_mask)
+         use const_def, only: strlen
+         use utils_namelist, only: max_extra_inlists
 
-      recursive subroutine read_star_job_file(s, filename, level, ierr)
-         use star_private_def
-         use utils_lib
-         character(*), intent(in) :: filename
-         type (star_info), pointer :: s
-         integer, intent(in) :: level
-         integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-         logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: read_extra
-         character (len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: extra
-         integer :: unit, i
+         integer, intent(in) :: unit
+         integer, intent(out) :: iostat
+         character(len=strlen), intent(out) :: iomsg
+         character(len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists
+         logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists_mask
 
-         ierr = 0
+         integer :: i
 
-         if (level >= 10) then
-            write(*,*) 'ERROR: too many levels of nested extra star_job inlist files'
-            ierr = -1
-            return
-         end if
+         read_extra_star_job_inlist(:) = .false.
 
-         if (len_trim(filename) > 0) then
-            open(newunit=unit, file=trim(filename), action='read', delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-            if (ierr /= 0) then
-               write(*, *) 'Failed to open control namelist file "'//trim(filename)//'"'
-               return
-            end if
-            read(unit, nml=star_job, iostat=ierr)
-            close(unit)
-            if (ierr /= 0) then
-               write(*, *)
-               write(*, *)
-               write(*, *)
-               write(*, *)
-               write(*, '(a)') &
-                  'Failed while trying to read control namelist file: ' // trim(filename)
-               write(*, '(a)') &
-                  'Perhaps the following runtime error message will help you find the problem.'
-               write(*, *)
-               open(newunit=unit, file=trim(filename), action='read', delim='quote', status='old', iostat=ierr)
-               read(unit, nml=star_job)
-               close(unit)
-               return
-            end if
-         end if
+         read(unit, nml=star_job, iostat=iostat, iomsg=iomsg)
 
-         call store_star_job_controls(s, ierr)
+         if (iostat /= 0) then
+            return
+         end if
 
-         ! recursive calls to read other inlists
          do i=1, max_extra_inlists
-            read_extra(i) = read_extra_star_job_inlist(i)
-            read_extra_star_job_inlist(i) = .false.
-            extra(i) = extra_star_job_inlist_name(i)
-            extra_star_job_inlist_name(i) = 'undefined'
-
-            if (read_extra(i)) then
-               call read_star_job_file(s, extra(i), level+1, ierr)
-               if (ierr /= 0) return
-            end if
+            extra_inlists(i) = extra_star_job_inlist_name(i)
+            extra_inlists_mask(i) = read_extra_star_job_inlist(i)
          end do
 
-
       end subroutine read_star_job_file
 
-
-      subroutine store_star_job_controls(s, ierr)
+      subroutine store_star_job_controls(s)
          use star_private_def
          type (star_info), pointer :: s
-         integer, intent(out) :: ierr
-
-         ierr = 0
 
          s% job% mesa_dir = mesa_dir
          s% job% eosDT_cache_dir = eosDT_cache_dir
@@ -1730,7 +1691,7 @@ subroutine set_star_job(s, name, val, ierr)
          read(tmp, nml=star_job)
 
          ! Add to star
-         call store_star_job_controls(s, ierr)
+         call store_star_job_controls(s)
          if(ierr/=0) return
 
       end subroutine set_star_job
diff --git a/star_data/public/star_data_def.f90 b/star_data/public/star_data_def.f90
index 6a8ee0ae51..04d10feb6d 100644
--- a/star_data/public/star_data_def.f90
+++ b/star_data/public/star_data_def.f90
@@ -21,8 +21,9 @@ module star_data_def
 
    use rates_def, only: rates_reaction_id_max, other_screening_interface, other_rate_get_interface
    use utils_def, only: integer_dict
+   use utils_namelist, only: max_extra_inlists
    use chem_def, only: num_categories, iso_name_length
-   use const_def, only: sp, dp, qp, i8, strlen, max_extra_inlists
+   use const_def, only: sp, dp, qp, i8, strlen
    use rates_def, only: maxlen_reaction_Name
    use eos_def, only: EoS_General_Info
    use kap_def, only: Kap_General_Info
diff --git a/star_data/public/star_pgstar.f90 b/star_data/public/star_pgstar.f90
index a1b7197a0e..542c1b5540 100644
--- a/star_data/public/star_pgstar.f90
+++ b/star_data/public/star_pgstar.f90
@@ -19,7 +19,8 @@
 
 module star_pgstar
 
-   use const_def, only: dp, strlen, max_extra_inlists
+   use const_def, only: dp, strlen
+   use utils_namelist, only: max_extra_inlists
    use chem_def, only: iso_name_length
 
    implicit none
diff --git a/utils/Makefile b/utils/Makefile
index 23312d61b6..44b4a0bb16 100644
--- a/utils/Makefile
+++ b/utils/Makefile
@@ -12,7 +12,8 @@ SRCS := public/utils_def.f90 \
 	private/utils_nan.f90 \
 	private/utils_nan_qp.f90 \
 	private/utils_nan_sp.f90 \
-	private/utils_system.f90
+	private/utils_system.f90 \
+	private/namelist.f90 \
 
 ifeq ($(WITH_OPENMP),yes)
   SRCS += private/utils_openmp.f90
@@ -31,7 +32,7 @@ CHECK_RESULTS_GOLDEN := test/test_output
 
 # Install
 
-MODULES := utils_def.mod utils_lib.mod
+MODULES := utils_def.mod utils_lib.mod utils_namelist.mod
 INSTALL_INCLUDES := formats
 
 include $(MAKE_DIR)/Makefile
diff --git a/utils/private/namelist.f90 b/utils/private/namelist.f90
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..90a6dc8468
--- /dev/null
+++ b/utils/private/namelist.f90
@@ -0,0 +1,145 @@
+! ***********************************************************************
+!
+!   Copyright (C) 2026  The MESA Team
+!
+!   This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+!   it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License
+!   as published by the Free Software Foundation,
+!   either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.
+!
+!   This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+!   but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+!   MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
+!   See the GNU Lesser General Public License for more details.
+!
+!   You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public License
+!   along with this program. If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+!
+! ***********************************************************************
+
+!> Reading nested namelists
+module utils_namelist
+   implicit none
+   private
+
+   integer, parameter :: max_nested_inlists = 10
+   integer, parameter :: max_extra_inlists = 5
+
+   abstract interface
+      !> Read a single inlist
+      !>
+      !> Implementations of this interface should only read one namelist (with the unit, iostat, and iomsg passed to read) and
+      !> optionally set the extra_inlists and extra_inlists_mask arguments. Each element of extra_inlists for which
+      !> extra_inlists_mask is set to true will also be read in by read_namelist. If there is no need to read in extra inlists,
+      !> just set all elements of extra_inlists_mask to false.
+      subroutine reader(unit, iostat, iomsg, extra_inlists, extra_inlists_mask)
+         use const_def, only: strlen
+         import max_extra_inlists
+         implicit none
+         integer, intent(in) :: unit
+         integer, intent(out) :: iostat
+         character(len=strlen), intent(out) :: iomsg
+         character(len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists
+         logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists), intent(out) :: extra_inlists_mask
+      end subroutine reader
+   end interface
+
+   type missing_namelist
+      integer, private :: action
+   end type missing_namelist
+
+   type(missing_namelist), public, parameter :: missing_namelist_error = missing_namelist(0)
+   type(missing_namelist), public, parameter :: missing_namelist_warning = missing_namelist(1)
+   type(missing_namelist), public, parameter :: missing_namelist_silent = missing_namelist(2)
+
+   public :: read_namelist, missing_namelist, reader, max_extra_inlists
+
+   contains
+      !> Read a nested set of namelists starting from a single file.
+      !>
+      !> This also handles error reporting to the user. Missing namelist
+      !> entries are handled based on the value of the `missing` argument.
+      subroutine read_namelist(file, r, namelist_name, ierr, missing)
+         character(len=*), intent(in) :: file
+         procedure(reader) :: r
+         character(len=*), intent(in) :: namelist_name
+         integer, intent(out) :: ierr
+         type(missing_namelist), intent(in) :: missing
+
+         if (len_trim(file) == 0) then
+            ierr = 0
+            return
+         end if
+
+         call read_one_namelist(file, r, namelist_name, 1, ierr, missing)
+      end subroutine read_namelist
+
+      recursive subroutine read_one_namelist(file, r, namelist_name, level, ierr, missing)
+         use const_def, only: strlen
+
+         character(len=*), intent(in) :: file
+         procedure(reader) :: r
+         character(len=*), intent(in) :: namelist_name
+         integer, intent(in) :: level
+         integer, intent(out) :: ierr
+         type(missing_namelist), intent(in) :: missing
+
+         integer :: iostat, unit, i
+         character(len=strlen) :: iomsg
+         character(len=strlen), dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: extra_inlists
+         logical, dimension(max_extra_inlists) :: extra_inlists_mask
+
+         if (level >= max_nested_inlists) then
+            write(*, *) '[ERROR]: too many levels of nested ', namelist_name, ' inlist files'
+            ierr = -1
+            return
+         end if
+
+         open(newunit = unit, file = trim(file), action = 'read', &
+            delim = 'quote', status = 'old', iostat = iostat, iomsg = iomsg)
+
+         if (iostat /= 0) then
+            write(*, *) '[ERROR]: Failed to open ', namelist_name, &
+               ' namelist file "', trim(file), '". Error message: "', trim(iomsg), '"'
+            ierr = -1
+            return
+         end if
+
+         call r(unit, iostat, iomsg, extra_inlists, extra_inlists_mask)
+
+         close(unit)
+
+         if (iostat /= 0) then
+            if (is_iostat_end(iostat)) then
+               select case(missing%action)
+               case(missing_namelist_error%action)
+                  write(*, *) '[ERROR]: Failed to read ', namelist_name, &
+                     ' namelist from "', trim(file), '". Namelist ', namelist_name, ' is not found'
+                  ierr = -1
+               case(missing_namelist_warning%action)
+                  write(*, *) '[WARNING]: Failed to read ', namelist_name, &
+                     ' namelist from "', trim(file), '". Namelist ', namelist_name, ' is not found'
+               case(missing_namelist_silent%action)
+                  ! Do nothing
+               end select
+               extra_inlists_mask(:) = .false.
+            else
+               write(*, *) '[ERROR]: Failed to read ', namelist_name, &
+                  ' namelist from "', trim(file), '". Error message: "', trim(iomsg), '"'
+               ierr = -1
+            end if
+            return
+         end if
+
+         do i=1, max_extra_inlists
+            if (extra_inlists_mask(i) .and. len_trim(extra_inlists(i)) /= 0) then
+               call read_one_namelist(extra_inlists(i), r, namelist_name, level + 1, ierr, missing)
+
+               if (ierr /= 0) then
+                  return
+               end if
+            end if
+         end do
+
+      end subroutine read_one_namelist
+end module utils_namelist