Step into the thrilling world of Alicia Friend, where a perky detective with a razor-sharp mind tackles chilling crimes in the gritty underbelly of British policing! A. D. Davies’ Alicia Friend series is a refreshing take on the crime thriller genre, blending intricate plots, unexpected twists, and a protagonist whose sunny disposition lights up even the darkest cases. From kidnappings to serial killers, Alicia’s adventures keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Meet Detective Sergeant Alicia Friend: too nice for the police force, yet too brilliant to be ignored. Her quirky charm and analytical prowess make her a standout in a genre often dominated by gruff detectives. Set in the moody landscapes of northern England and beyond, this series is a must-read for fans of British crime thrillers craving something unique.
How Alicia Friend Began
Born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, A. D. Davies initially dreamed of writing horror novels but found his calling in crime fiction. His creative writing degree from the University of Leeds fueled his passion for storytelling, and Alicia Friend emerged as a vibrant, unconventional detective in 2014 with His First His Second. Inspired by Davies’ love for complex characters and his travels in places like New Zealand, the series reflects a blend of psychological depth and real-world grit. Alicia’s creation was a response to the stereotypical brooding detective, offering readers a heroine who’s both relatable and extraordinary.
The Heart of Alicia Friend
The Alicia Friend series kicks off with His First His Second (2014), where Alicia and her partner, DI Donald Murphy, investigate the kidnap-murders of young women in a chilling northern winter. The stakes escalate as a victim’s father, Richard, launches a rogue investigation, complicating Alicia’s efforts. In In Black In White (2015), Alicia’s sabbatical in America pits her against a psychopath filming victims’ politically charged confessions, showcasing her ability to unravel complex motives. With Courage With Fear (2016) sees her face a devious serial killer, testing her intellect like never before, while To Begin the End (2020) wraps up the Century Killer case with a heart-pounding showdown against a killer obsessed with Alicia’s past.
The series’ themes weave together personal growth, psychological intrigue, and societal tensions. Alicia’s journey from an overly cheerful analyst to a jaded yet resilient detective mirrors the toll of her profession, making her deeply human. Settings, from Leeds’ urban sprawl to rural West Yorkshire’s eerie villages, ground the stories in a distinctly British atmosphere. Davies’ style—fast-paced, twist-heavy, and character-driven—appeals to fans of Karin Slaughter and James Patterson, with Alicia’s unorthodox methods adding a fresh spin.
Why Alicia Friend Resonates
Alicia Friend’s appeal lies in her duality: she’s both a brilliant profiler and a woman grappling with personal challenges, like pregnancy and workplace dynamics. Readers praise her originality, with reviews calling her a “refreshing take” on the crime genre. The series’ ability to tackle hot-button issues—terrorism, cults, and class divides—with empathy and nuance has earned it a loyal, if niche, following. Its blend of standalone stories and overarching character arcs keeps fans hooked, eagerly awaiting Alicia’s next case.
- Publication Years: 2014–2020
- Number of Books: 7 (6 novels, 1 novella)
- Setting: Northern England, with ventures to the U.S.
- Genre: Crime Thriller, Police Procedural
Ready to dive into a crime thriller with heart and brains? Grab His First His Second and join Alicia Friend’s unforgettable journey through a world of mystery and mayhem!