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Simon Serrailler books in order: the complete series
Looking for Susan Hill’s Simon Serrailler books in order? Look no further!
Susan Hill’s Simon Serrailler novels are in a league of their own – literate, detailed, and full of drama – standing head and shoulders above the majority of crime novels.
At their heart is a very English setting, the idyllic fictional cathedral town of Lafferton, and a very English Detective, Chief Superintendent Serrailler, in the pursuit of classic whodunits. But there’s nothing old-fashioned about the crimes and nothing cosy about the lives of the characters, including Serrailler’s.
With the series ongoing, it’s a perfect opportunity to delve into some brilliant crime fiction!
Susan Hill’s Simon Serrailler books in order:
The Various Haunts of Men by Susan Hill
1. The Various Haunts of Men (2004)
A woman vanishes in the fog up on the Hill in Lafferton. The police have one lead – a pair of expensive cuff-links found in her flat, with a mysterious note attached to them. Then a young girl, an old man and even a dog disappear in quick succession in exactly the same place.
Simon Serrailler and young policewoman Freya Graffham are given the task of unravelling the mystery. But can they find the Hill killer before he strikes again?
Read the first chapter of the book here.
The Pure in Heart by Susan Hill
2. The Pure in Heart (2005)
A little boy is snatched at the gate of his home while he waits for his lift to school.
An ex-con struggling to go straight finds himself drawn back into a criminal ring.
A young woman hovers between life and death.
Simon Serrailler is called in to investigate. But with dead-ends mounting up and time running out, has he taken on a case so complex it threatens to defeat him?
The Risk of Darkness by Susan Hill
3. The Risk of Darkness (2006)
Children are vanishing. The village of Lafferton is shattered.
There are no witnesses and no leads – just a kidnapper at large.
Then Simon Serrailler receives a call: a child has been snatched in Yorkshire. Has the abductor struck again? And will they find this child alive?
The Vows of Silence by Susan Hill
4. The Vows of Silence (2008)
A gunman is terrorising young women. What links these seemingly random murders? Is the marksman with a rifle the same person as the killer with a handgun? Or do the police have two snipers on their hands?
Simon Serrailler is in charge of the case, but is struggling to cope with a tragedy at the heart of his family.
The pressure is mounting…
The Shadows in the Street by Susan Hill
5. The Shadows in the Street (2010)
Two local prostitutes are found brutally strangled.
Simon Serrailler is called back urgently from his sabbatical but by the time he reaches Lafferton another girl has vanished.
Then the wife of the Dean at the Cathedral goes missing – has the killer widened their net or is there more than one murderer at large?
The Betrayal of Trust by Susan Hill
6. The Betrayal of Trust (2011)
Heavy rain falls on Lafferton. As the rainwater slowly drains away, a shallow grave – and a skeleton – are revealed.
It doesn’t take long to identify the remains as those of missing teenager, Harriet Lowther, who was last seen sixteen years ago.
But a cold case isn’t a priority: if Simon Serrailler is to solve the case, he will have to do it alone.
A Question of Identity by Susan Hill
7. A Question of Identity (2012)
One snowy night in the cathedral town of Lafferton, an old woman is dragged from her bed and strangled with a length of flex. Simon Serrailler and his team search desperately for clues to her murderer. All they know is that the killer will strike again, and will once more leave the same tell-tale signature.
Then they track down a name: Alan Keyes. But Alan Keyes has no birth certificate, no address, no job, no family, no passport, no dental records. Nothing.
Their killer does not exist.
The Soul of Discretion by Susan Hill
8. The Soul of Discretion (2014)
Simon Serrailler faces his most dangerous challenge yet. Going undercover, he must leave town immediately, change his identity and sever all contact with friends and family.
And, more importantly, he must inhabit the mind of the worst kind of criminal. But can he do so without losing everything?
Read an extract from the book here.
The Comforts of Home by Susan Hill
9. The Comforts of Home (2018)
Simon Serrailler’s last, devastating case was nearly the death of him and left him confronting a new reality. Recovering on a remote Scottish island, his peace doesn’t last long. He is pulled in to a murder inquiry by the overstretched local police. A newcomer, popular with the islanders, has died in perplexing circumstances.
It’s good to be back on the job. And when Simon returns to Lafferton, an arsonist is on the rampage and a woman whose daughter disappeared some years before is haunting the police station seeking closure. She will not let it rest, and Simon is called in to do a cold-case review.
The Benefit of Hindsight by Susan Hill
10. The Benefit of Hindsight (2019)
On the face of it Simon Serrailler has had time to recuperate after the violent incident that cost him his arm, and nearly his life.
Lafferton is apparently going through a quiet patch, so far as crime is concerned, until one night two local men open their front door to a distressing scene.
In her new role as a private GP, Simon’s sister Cat’s medical and counselling skills are tested by terrible and unexpected events at the homes of two very different Lafferton women.
A Change of Circumstance by Susan Hill
11. A Change of Circumstance (2021)
DCS Simon Serrailler has long regarded drugs ops in the Lafferton area as a waste of time. Small-time dealers are picked up outside the local secondary school, they’re given a fine or a suspended and away they go. And rinse and repeat. But when the body of a young drug addict is found in neighbouring Starly, the case pulls Simon into a whole new way of running drugs. The foot soldiers? Vulnerable local kids like Brookie and Olivia, who will give Simon a bitter taste of this new landscape.
It is a harsh winter at home as well as work. Simon’s GP sister Cat and her husband Kieron are struggling with medical dramas big and small. A trip to Bevham General on her rounds sets off alarm bells for Dr Cat, and a visit from her son Sam as he tries to work out if his midwifery course is right for him coincides with a threat to their beloved family dog. Simon is working hard, but he’s restless, wondering what next. There’s nothing new going on for him in Lafferton, but sometimes the familiar holds surprises, too…
The Sound of Footsteps by Susan Hill
12. The Sound of Footsteps
The highly anticipated 12th instalment in the Simon Serrailler series will be hitting shelves soon!
There you have it – Susan Hill’s Simon Serrailler books in order! How many have you read? Let us know in the comments below…
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I have read and thoroughly enjoyed all the books in the series so far and cannot wait to pre order the next one.
I have read all the books. Absolutely love them and can’t wait for the next
I have absolutely loved all the Simon Serrailler books and can easily read them more than once. Now looking forward to The Sound of Footsteps. Thanks Susan.
I have read all 11 books and am looking forward to No 12. Great reading.
Please please please Susan book 12 please. What a brilliant writer you are. I’ve read all 11 four times. Excellent. Thank you so much 💓
Have just finished A Question of Identity and only one thing spoiled it for me – the utterly pointless “film” scenario. Am I the only one who found Hannah an entitled little brat? I wished Simon hadn’t found her in the street when she ran away!
When is the next book?
My wife has just suggested thes books to my Mother. I have Googled and read the first paragraph of all the above synopses and I think we’re up to speed!
1 to 11 in 6 weeks, oops. I now have a lot of jobs to catch up with.
When is book 12 hitting the shelves?
Will be a completely new Simon, new cottage with Rachel his wife.
Waiting, somewhat impatiently, for the next. Loved this series!
I have just finished reading ‘A Change of Circumstance’ From the first to this last one, utterly enjoyable, enthralling, csn’t put ‘downable’!!! Like going to old friends and hearing the next stage of their story. Now I have to wait eagerally, impatiently for the next!! Gonna start again from begining and relax and enjoy.Thankyou
I have listened to the full series Susan Hills Simon Serrailler books really enjoyed them hope she does some more
I am new to the Simon Serrailler books but think that they are amazing and I am loving every page. Can’t wait to read them all. Susan Hill’s characterization is superb.
I’ve read them all and loved them. I’m hoping there will be more.
I’ve read all Susan Hill books and enjoyed them all. Hope Susan will continue to write more.
I have read them all except No11
Can’t wait to get it
Have read them all. Absolutely wonderful and I do so hope there will be more. Please!
Just about to order number 11. These are a terrific series of books to read and I’ve recommended them to so many people, all who have loved them all. The latest was an American and her sister who lives in Germany. Thoroughly recommended.
Love love this series, looking forward to the next one. Thank you
Enjoyed the Simon Serailler series so much. By far my most favourite detective stories because I love the background stories of Simon’s family.
I have read all of them in order, loved them all.
I’ve read them all in order, as you should, for any good series. I love the setting, the variety of people in the community and of course Simon and his family. Such an interesting family. Really looking forward to #11. Hope she keeps writing these people.
I’ve read all of them. Looking forward to #11 in October. I hope there will be more. It’s not just Simon and his work that I like, it’s the family dynamics.
Have read them all and all look good on my bookcase, looking forward to having the new book to read too.
Just started book 4 so have a way to go!
Great to read these positive comments. I’m only half way through the first book and delighted to have so many more to look forward to.
I have read them all and look forward to the new title coming in the fall. These would make a great Netflix series.
I have just re-read all the Simon Serrailler Cases and love them all. Waiting patiently for Book No 11. Thank you Susan Hill
Delighted to hear number 11 is on its way. A great series of books, very well written. Thankyou Susan Hill!
Thought the series had ended and recently discovered 9 and 10. Still have 10 to read and so glad to hear there will be an 11. Love this series!
I’ve read them all … and they certainly helped me through lockdown here in Melbourne Australia. Love them and can’t wait for No 11. Will be sorry when the series ends, as it must, I suppose. Would like to know what happens to the kids of whom I’ve become so fond … and will Simon ever find true love!
I have just started book 3 and I’m hooked, very good reads and very believable.
I keep checking for the next one!
Susan Hill was recommended on Louise Penny’s FB page. They are both great writers.
We have been waiting along time for number 11.
Just love theses books in fact all her books.
Love the setting of a cathedral town as I come from York.
Like so many others, am patiently waiting for the next book…..please.
Like everyone one above, can’t wait for the next book. Keep them coming Susan Hill. Have reread several, at various times, whilst waiting for the next one to be written and published. Have even imagined which actors and actresses could play the parts should a TV series ever materialise !!
Please write another book I have loved the whole series
Number 11; 12; 13 PLEASE Ms Hill. Addicted to your lovely man. You cant leave a girl pining can you?????
I am hooked. For my birthday last October my friend gave me number 1. I have just downloaded 8 and 9. Dreading coming to an end. I love the characterisation interspersed with the crime. Really enjoyable. More please.
I love your stories about Serrailler. I have read them all. Please write Number 11 💕
No 11, that would be perfect
Please let there be a number 11 Susan Hill 🙂 Have loved all of your books 📚 Simon and Cat are brilliant thanks
Love the books.
Looking forward to the next one.
Just love these books. Can’t wait for the next. Apart from the thrill of the central story, we get to know about Simon’s family and feel concern for their problems and feel pleasure when things go well!
I love this series — so much that I am re-reading a couple of them now. Is she working on another? Can’t wait; great characters, well-defined plots, and solid prose. What’s not to like?
Love this series of books. What wonderful characters!!!! Can’t wait for the next one.
Just started book 7 really enjoying them, love to read a series of books one after the other .
Just waiting for book 11
Have loved the whole series. Just read With the benefit of hindsight. Wonderful. Roll on number 11. Thank you Susan Hill.
I read books 1-4 about 10 years ago and then forgot about them. My friend, and another of our book group members, got into them and I got my reading mojo back. Just finished No 7 and getting stuck into the rest of the series. I hate it when they finish and there isn’t another one to read!
Got me through the lockdown here in co Wicklow
Read them all and waiting impatiently for book 11.
Read them all and waiting impatiently for book 11.
Love them and wishing for more.
Have given away a mountain of books but have kept yours, and hand them on to friends to borrow.
Thank you for such great pleasure.
I picked up The Risk of Darknes in a charity shop and was totally hooked. I’ve read them all (plus the short story) more than once and am currently re-reading them. Can’t wait for the next!
I agree with all the praise! Great books which have helped me through the shelter-in-place order. I reread all 10. Keep ’em coming, Susan!
Hi, I have read all of the Susan Hill books apart from the last one which I’m waiting for it to be published in paperback format. I’ve loved them all and can very happily re-read them again. My only negative comment is that there seems to be a really big gap in timescales from the soul of discretion to the comforts of home. Previously the timescales have been spot on, but somehow I feel like I’ve missed a book in between which I haven’t. Of course I’ll continue to read Susan Hill books as long as she continues to write them.
I have read them all and eagerly await more!!!!
Just finished Comforts of Home …. now have to get my mitts on the Benefits of Hindsight. Have read them all except the first and the last. Fun, quick, compelling reads
I have read all books except one (the last one) the benefith of hindsight. I really enjoyed it. I hope you will continue with the serie. Besides i love to read your ghosts book too, very erie and compelling
Pieter Versney
I have just completed “The Benefits of Hindsight”, having read all the previous Simon Serrailler books in the series. I have loved them all. Having been an enormous fan of P. D. James, I have been delighted to find an author who writes a thoughtful, literate but intriguing detective story with the appealing family context running as a thread throughout. Long may Susan Hill continue to be inspired!
I thoroughly enjoyed all Susan Hill books, can’t wait to read The benefit of hindsight.
I am about to read book 9. I have found this series of books exhilarating, informative and moving. They are so well researched and the characters so beautifully drawn with difficult subject matter always approached with care. I owe a great debt of thanks to Susan Hill for giving me great comfort through her character Cat. I lost my husband two years ago and have not met anyone else who had suffered the lack of sharing feelings and thoughts of what the future holds for those left behind until Cat. She has sustained me through difficult times. So, again, thank you Susan Hill.
Have read at least seven of these books at present reading the lastest benefit of hindsight .love all of them ablsolutley brilliant !!
I have read them all, Susan Hill brings her characters to life in a way few authors can.
So looking forward to reading the latest book in the series , due out 3rd October 2019.
Loving this series, my new favourite author
I have read almost all books about Simon Serrailer.
Nevertheless the remarks of mrs Hill on internet about ending the serie I still hope mrs Hill will write some more books about SR. You can count on me that I will read even peruse them all.
All excellent
Read all of them so far and currently re-reading them. They are great – involving, detailed, practical, emotional and beautifully written. Can’t wait to read the new one in October.
Waiting eagerly for the new one
I live in Australia and absolutely love Susan’s books. I feel as though I know Simon , Cat and family. Keep them coming Susan. Can’t understand why they haven’t been made into a TV series .
Joyfully, all of them…and cannot wait for the release of The Benefit of Hindsight! I became a Hill fan when I read The Woman in Black after watching the Daniel Radcliffe film version. For several years, I taught the book to my sophomore English class because it is so beautifully written and wonderful for teaching literary elements. Then I stumbled across the crime novel series and was seriously hooked. I think I have read everything she has written, after recently finishing The Small Hand and Black Sheep. So, I wait patiently (kind of) for what is coming next!
On my eighth book love them put onto the author by a friend great reading
I’ve read up to and including number 8 and loved them.
I was given number 5 to review and immediately sought out theeRlier ones and read them in order. I love the background to the novels, the family life that influences his character and actions in his job.
I am on book 5. Excellent books love the storys and the charachters. Im so invested in them. Im a regular at waterstones keep ordering the books from there.
I have read all the books, absolutely love them. I feel I know Laverton so well, and have it in my minds eye when I read about it. Simon and his extended family are a joy to read about too. Can’t wait till October for the next instalment, thank you so much for the enjoyment .
Only discovered the series this winter and am up to number 6. hank you for this chronological list btw. These books are keeping me thoroughly entertained during these long winter nights. I am more familiar with fast paced American type thrillers so I am appreciating the contrast in style of Susan HIll. Not that the Serrailler novels are sluggish – anything but! They still demand swift page turning skills. Enjoying the deep character development, the vicarious frustrations of the regulars, sorry to see some go and curious to meet the new ones. Power to your elbow for many years to come, Susan.
I’ve read all but the last and must check to see if it is out as haven’t seen it anywhere. I just finished The Comforts of Home and thought it was the most recent. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing is so good, the characters always so interesting and they come to life so much so that you want to linger and get to know them better. I wonder where Sam will end up and if Cat will like working outside the system and what about the father and his talk of selling his house and buying a newhome. Lots happening. I look forward to The Benefit of Hindsight. Keep up the great writing, Susan, always so enjoyable to read your stories.
have read them all except the last one – comforts of Home. Waiting for my turn at the library. Lots of other things to read and keep me busy while I wait.
I’ve read them all and waited impatiently for the follow-up to The Soul of Discretion! Now half-way through The Comforts of Home and intrigued! I feel as if I know Simon and his family and friends – all interesting and totally believable! I wish Susan Hill a long and productive life so we can read more in this series.
Agree with that. Can’t wait for next book!