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series Reading Order

Captain Heimrich Books in Order

27 Books
1947 – 1966 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start with Captain Heimrich

For the best experience, readers should start the Captain Heimrich series with the very first novel, Think of Death (1947). While each mystery is a self-contained case, starting at the beginning allows you to watch Merton Heimrich grow from a quiet Lieutenant to a Captain, and follow the development of his personal life. A key milestone occurs in the ninth book, Burnt Offering (1955), which introduces Susan Faye, a fabric shop owner who eventually becomes his wife.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

Because the internal chronology of the series aligns with the publication sequence, the publication order is the recommended reading path. However, dedicated fans of the Lockridges' shared universe can also read Heimrich's pre-series appearances. He was introduced as a secondary character in the Mr. and Mrs. North series, beginning with Murder Out of Turn (1941) and appearing again in Death of a Tall Man (1946). Reading these first provides a fun prequel look at the detective before he took center stage.

The Shared Universe and Crossovers

The Lockridges built an interconnected fictional world where characters frequently crossed paths. Captain Heimrich's cases are primarily set in Westchester County and the fictional town of Van Brunt, New York. However, they occasionally overlap with the authors' other series. For instance, NYPD homicide investigator Lieutenant Nathan Shapiro makes a prominent appearance alongside Heimrich in Murder Can't Wait (1964).

The Complete Captain Heimrich Reading List

Here is the complete list of Captain Heimrich novels in recommended reading order, incorporating alternate titles and reconciling variations found in print editions:

  1. Think of Death (1947)
  2. I Want to Go Home (1948)
  3. Spin Your Web, Lady! (1949)
  4. Foggy, Foggy Death (1950)
  5. A Client Is Cancelled (1951)
  6. Death by Association (also published as Trial by Terror) (1952)
  7. Stand Up and Die (1953)
  8. Death and the Gentle Bull (also published as Killer in the Straw) (1954)
  9. Burnt Offering (1955) — Introduces Susan Faye.
  10. Let Dead Enough Alone (1955/1956)
  11. Practice to Deceive (also published as Practise to Deceive) (1957)
  12. Accent on Murder (1958)
  13. Show Red for Danger (1960)
  14. With One Stone (also published as No Dignity in Death) (1961)
  15. First Come, First Kill (1963)
  16. The Distant Clue (1963)
  17. Murder Can't Wait (1964) — Crossover featuring Nathan Shapiro.
  18. Murder Roundabout (1966)
  19. With Option to Die (1967)
  20. A Risky Way to Kill (1969/1970)
  21. Inspector's Holiday (1971)
  22. Not I, Said the Sparrow (1973/1974)
  23. Dead Run (1976) — Note: modern digital editions were re-released in 2018.
  24. The Tenth Life (1977)

Frequently Asked

QWho is Captain Merton Heimrich?

Merton Heimrich is a methodical, low-key detective with the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation who solves cozy mysteries in Westchester County and upstate New York.

QWhat is the recommended reading order for Captain Heimrich?

It is best to read the series in publication order starting with Think of Death (1947) to follow Heimrich's progression in rank and his evolving personal life.

QDo I need to read the Mr. and Mrs. North books first?

No. While Heimrich was introduced as a secondary character in the Mr. and Mrs. North novel Murder Out of Turn (1941), his own series is entirely self-contained.

QWho wrote the Captain Heimrich series?

The series was co-authored by the husband-and-wife writing team of Frances and Richard Lockridge until Frances's death in 1963, after which Richard wrote the remaining books solo.

QDoes Merton Heimrich ever get married?

Yes. Heimrich marries Susan Faye, a commercial fabric designer who is first introduced in the ninth novel, Burnt Offering (1955).

QAre there any character crossovers in the series?

Yes. The Lockridges maintained a shared universe. For example, NYPD Homicide Lieutenant Nathan Shapiro crosses over to assist Heimrich in Murder Can't Wait (1964).