By Ben Robinson
Recently, I’ve been particularly enjoying sinking my teeth into a good detective drama. Whether it is sleuthing with Poirot or delving deep into a Gothic case that needs solving with Sherlock Holmes, there’s always something compelling about immersing yourself in a book series where you get to know the characters and follow them on their missions. Here are a few of my favourite detective and crime book series of late:
‘Holy Island’ by LJ Ross
I would argue that LJ Ross is one of the great modern crime writers of our time. Holy Island is the first in an ongoing series of about 25 books where DCI Ryan solves mysteries set across the North East. Ranging from the castles of Northumberland to the inner-city streets of Newcastle, this book series will not only take you into an underworld of crime, but immerse you in all the cultural delights that the region has to offer. As the first instalment in the series, Holy Island sets the tone with an opening murder that becomes something far larger, but you’ll have to read the book to find out more…
‘Murder on the Orient Express’ by Agatha Christie
Few trains in literary history are as iconic as the Orient Express. Immortalised by Agatha Christie in Murder on the Orient Express, this luxurious train has become interlinked with mystery, intrigue, and murder. First introduced in 1883, the real Orient Express connected Paris with Constantinople, offering passengers a taste of glamour and adventure. Over the years, this iconic train has inspired countless stories of crime, espionage, and suspense, making it a perfect setting for a literary escape. This is one of the most famous crime books of all, set on one of the world’s most luxurious trains – if you haven’t read any Agatha Christie before, this is the ideal place to get started.
‘The Red House Mystery’ by A.A. Milne
Best known for creating Winnie-the-Pooh, A. A. Milne took a rather different direction with The Red House Mystery, a classic country-house murder mystery published in 1922. When a guest is found murdered at the secluded Red House, amateur detective Antony Gillingham takes it upon himself to investigate, enlisting his friend Bill Beverley to help unravel the clues. With a locked-room puzzle, suspicious characters, and plenty of twists, Milne delivers an entertaining whodunnit that pays homage to the golden age of detective fiction. A lighter, witty alternative to darker crime novels, it’s an enjoyable read for anyone who loves a good mystery.
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