Dead Good Journeys: England

The next stop on our Dead Good Journey is England – a land renowned for its rolling green countryside, less than desirable weather, cups of tea and, of course, Queen Lizzie.

Whether you’re visiting the stone built beauty of Edinburgh, curling up in a quaint, cosy cottage or exploring the rough, tough streets of the capital city, make sure you take along a crime novel to help immerse yourself the landscape and culture.

1. Personal by Lee Child

We had to add this new book to our list – we’ve been waiting patiently for Jack Reacher to head back to the UK ever since The Hard Way. See our fair and pleasant land from the viewpoint of the inscrutable drop-out renegade crusader for justice that is Lee Child’s creation. Personal takes Reacher across the Atlantic to Paris – and then to London and it’s one hell of a ride.

 

 

2. Long Way Home by Eva Dolan

First in a major new series, from a CWA Debut Dagger shortlisted author featuring a detective duo from the Peterborough Hate Crimes Unit. It’s a harrowing and compelling look at modern England that you won’t be able to put down.

 

 

 

3. The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches by Alan Bradley

12 year old detective Flavia de Luce is set to become a national treasure as film director Sam Mendes’ production company has optioned her stories for TV. An amateur detective with a penchant for poisons, Flavia is a quirky heroine and the England of her adventures reflects her style. Rolling hills, crumbling castles and lots of styles for her to hop over, this series is very clever, witty and nostalgic.

 

 

4. Bryant and May: The Bleeding Heart by Christopher Fowler

Contemporary crime fiction’s answer to Holmes and Watson or Mulder and Scully, Bryant and May and the Peculiar Crimes Unit investigate fiendish goings on in their most challenging and dangerous case yet. This series just goes from strength to strength and really highlights London’s hidden communities – fascinating reading.

 

 

5. The Skeleton Road by Val McDermid

Atmospheric and spine-chilling, The Skeleton Road by Val McDermid is published in September and McDermid is renowned for her vivid depictions of Scotland. When a skeleton is discovered hidden at the top of a crumbling, gothic building in Edinburgh, Detective Chief Inspector Karen Pirie is faced with the unenviable task of identifying the bones. As Karen’s investigation gathers momentum, she is drawn deeper into a world of intrigue and betrayal, spanning the dark days of the Balkan Wars.

 

6. Harbour Street by Ann Cleeves

A different location for Cleeves with Harbour Street, moving off Shetland to the bustling city that is Newcastle. Detective Joe Ashworth and his daughter Jessie travel home on the busy Metro in Newcastle. The train is stopped unexpectedly, and Jessie sees that one woman doesn’t leave with the other passengers: Margaret Krukowski has been fatally stabbed.

 

 

 

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Hmmm… this list could go on and on – which Britain-set crime novels are your favourite?

I think I feel a spin-off post on the horizon. Stay tuned!