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series Reading Order

Brock and Poole Books in Order

17 Books
2002 – 2019 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start with Brock and Poole

For the best experience, you should read the Brock and Poole series in publication order. The series begins with Working Girl, which introduces the starkly different yet highly effective partnership between the veteran, German-speaking Detective Chief Inspector Harry Brock and his younger, scruffier sidekick, Detective Sergeant Dave Poole. Reading in order allows you to see their personal relationship, mutual respect, and recurring habits (like their struggle to quit smoking) evolve over the course of seventeen novels.

Brock and Poole Books in Order

The series consists of 17 novels published between 2001 and 2019. Follow this recommended reading sequence:

  1. Working Girl (2001 / 2002)
  2. Light Fantastic (2003)
  3. Whiplash (2004)
  4. Kicking the Air (2005)
  5. Whispering Grass (2005 / 2006)
  6. Drumfire (2006)
  7. Lost or Found (2007 / 2008)
  8. Jack in the Box (2008)
  9. Breach of Privilege (2009)
  10. All Quiet on Arrival (2010)
  11. Gunrunner (2011)
  12. Make Them Pay (2012 / 2013)
  13. Reckless Endangerment (2014)
  14. Exit Stage Left (2015)
  15. Suddenly at Home (2016)
  16. Deadlock (2018)
  17. Naked Flames (2019)

Understanding the Order Caveats

While the overall order is straightforward, there are minor discrepancies in book numbering across databases, particularly regarding Lost or Found. Some lists index it as Book 7 based on its publication date (2007), while other systems place it as Book 10. Regardless of the numbering system used by different retailers, the narrative flow remains intact. Reading the series in the sequence listed above will ensure you don't miss any development in the partnership between Brock and Poole.

About the Author and Universe

Graham Ison was a former Scotland Yard detective who spent over 30 years in law enforcement, which brings an unmatched level of realism to the police procedures in Brock and Poole. Despite writing other notable detective series like Hardcastle (set around WWI), Tommy Fox, and Gaffney and Tipper, there are no crossovers or spin-offs connecting Brock and Poole to Ison's other books. Each series stands completely on its own, meaning you can dive into Brock and Poole without needing to read any of Ison's other police procedurals.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended reading order for the Brock and Poole series?

It is best to read the series in publication order starting with Working Girl. This allows you to experience the characters' growth and their changing relationship as the books progress.

QWhy is there confusion about the order of Lost or Found?

Depending on the source, Lost or Found (published in 2007) is sometimes listed as Book 7 or Book 10. Despite this numbering variance, following the standard publication sequence keeps the detective duo's story clear.

QWho is the author of the Brock and Poole series?

The series was written by Graham Ison, a former Scotland Yard detective who served for over 30 years in law enforcement. His background gives the books their highly realistic police procedural style.

QAre there any spin-offs or crossovers with Graham Ison's other books?

No. Although Graham Ison wrote other police series like the historical Hardcastle novels, the Tommy Fox series, and the Gaffney and Tipper books, they exist in separate universes and feature no crossovers with Brock and Poole.

QHow many books are in the Brock and Poole series?

There are 17 books in the main series, beginning with Working Girl in 2001/2002 and concluding with Naked Flames in 2019.

QWhat is the partnership dynamic between Brock and Poole?

The series features Detective Chief Inspector Harry Brock, a mature, sharp-dressed, German-speaking investigator, and Detective Sergeant Dave Poole, his scruffier, cheeky younger partner. Their chemistry, banter, and respect drive the books.

QWhere are the Brock and Poole mysteries set?

The novels are set in and around London, England, spanning from gritty backstreets to upscale enclaves like Heathrow Airport, Hampstead, and the West End.