Books On Board
series Reading Order

Brock and Kolla Books in Order

14 Books
1994 – 2021 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

For the best experience, readers should follow the Brock and Kolla series in publication order. Because the characters' lives, promotions, and interpersonal relationships progress linearly, reading the books in sequence is highly recommended to avoid spoiling major character arcs.

  1. The Marx Sisters (1994)
  2. The Malcontenta (1995)
  3. All My Enemies (1996)
  4. The Chalon Heads (1998)
  5. Silvermeadow (2000)
  6. Babel (2002)
  7. The Verge Practice (2003)
  8. No Trace (2004)
  9. Spider Trap (2006)
  10. Dark Mirror (2009)
  11. Chelsea Mansions (2011)
  12. The Raven's Eye (2013)
  13. The Promised Land (2019)
  14. The Russian Wife (2021)

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

Fortunately for readers, the chronological timeline of the novels aligns perfectly with their publication dates. There are no prequels or historical flashbacks that require jumping around the list. Starting with The Marx Sisters introduces you to Detective Chief Inspector David Brock and Detective Sergeant Kathy Kolla's very first partnership, and the series continues chronologically up to the final novel, The Russian Wife.

Setting and Themes

Maitland, who has a background in architecture and urban design, uses London as a central character in the series. Each book is set in a distinct neighborhood or architectural landmark—from the historic Jerusalem Lane in the debut to a massive modern shopping center in Silvermeadow. The novels are often structured like an archaeological dig, uncovering historical secrets, greed, and institutional corruption layer by layer.

Other Works by Barry Maitland

While Maitland is best known for Brock and Kolla, he has also written other crime novels. These do not cross over with the Brock and Kolla series but are highly recommended for fans of his style:

  • The Harry Belltree Trilogy: Set in Sydney, Australia, this separate series follows detective Harry Belltree in Crucifixion Creek (2014), Ash Island (2015), and Slaughter Park (2016).
  • Bright Air (2008): A standalone mystery novel set in a cliffside community in Australia.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Brock and Kolla series?

You should start with the first novel, The Marx Sisters (1994). This introduces the partnership between DCI David Brock and DS Kathy Kolla and sets the tone for their future cases.

QDo I need to read the Brock and Kolla books in order?

Yes, it is highly recommended. While the mystery in each book is self-contained, the personal lives, careers, and dynamic relationship of Brock and Kolla develop progressively throughout the series.

QHow many books are in the Brock and Kolla series?

There are 14 novels in the main series, spanning from 1994 to 2021.

QAre there any spin-offs or crossovers with other Barry Maitland books?

No, there are no crossovers. Barry Maitland's other major work, the Harry Belltree Trilogy, is set in Australia and remains completely separate from the London-based Brock and Kolla universe.

QWho are the primary characters in the series?

The series revolves around David Brock, a seasoned, old-school Detective Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard, and Kathy Kolla, an ambitious, younger investigator who rises through the ranks over the course of the series.

QHas the series won any literary awards?

Yes, the second book in the series, The Malcontenta, won the prestigious Australian Ned Kelly Award for Best Novel in 1996.