Step into the gritty, jazz-infused streets of Nottingham, where Detective Inspector Charlie Resnick solves crimes with a sandwich in hand and a love for life’s complexities! John Harvey’s Charlie Resnick series, a gem of British police procedurals, blends hard-hitting crime stories with a deeply human protagonist. From its debut in 1989, this series has captivated readers with its vivid setting and Resnick’s relatable struggles.
With eleven novels and a collection of short stories, the series follows Resnick, a Polish-descended detective, as he navigates murder cases, personal heartbreak, and the social issues of contemporary Britain. Ready to meet a detective who’s as passionate about justice as he is about Billie Holiday’s tunes? Let’s dive in!
How Charlie Resnick Began
In the late 1980s, John Harvey, a seasoned writer of pulp fiction and poetry, sought to craft a crime series rooted in realism. Inspired by his time living in Nottingham and his love for American crime writers like Elmore Leonard, Harvey created Charlie Resnick, a middle-aged, divorced detective with a knack for solving crimes and a taste for jazz. The first novel, Lonely Hearts (1989), was a hit, earning a spot on The Times’ list of the 100 Greatest Crime Novels of the Century. Harvey’s experience writing for TV, including a Nottingham-based probation service series, shaped the multi-layered storytelling that defines Resnick’s world.
The Heart of Charlie Resnick
The Charlie Resnick series is a masterclass in police procedurals, blending gritty crime plots with rich character studies. Lonely Hearts kicks off with Resnick investigating brutal murders linked to a newspaper’s lonely hearts column, setting the tone for his dogged pursuit of justice. In Rough Treatment (1990), he tackles a burglary gone wrong, uncovering a web of drugs and betrayal. Cold in Hand (2008) sees Resnick facing gang violence and personal loss, while Darkness, Darkness (2014), the final novel, revisits the 1984 Miners’ Strike, weaving history into a cold case mystery.
Harvey’s Nottingham is a character in itself, its working-class neighborhoods and Polish delis vividly rendered. Themes of loneliness, social inequality, and the toll of police work permeate the series, grounded by Resnick’s personal life—his failed marriage, his four cats, and his romantic entanglements. The jazz soundtrack, from Miles Davis to Billie Holiday, adds soul, reflecting Resnick’s introspective nature. Unlike flashy detectives, Resnick is ordinary yet extraordinary, making his triumphs deeply satisfying.
Why Charlie Resnick Resonates
The Charlie Resnick series stands out for its authenticity and emotional depth, earning praise from critics like Sue Grafton, who called Resnick one of crime fiction’s most fully realized characters. Its realistic portrayal of Nottingham’s socioeconomic struggles and police life has influenced the genre, inspiring writers to ground their stories in real-world issues. Adaptations for BBC TV and radio, starring actors like Tom Wilkinson, brought Resnick to new audiences, while Harvey’s 2007 Diamond Dagger Award cemented his legacy. Fans cherish the series for its heart and humanity, making it a must-read for crime fiction lovers.
- First published: 1989 (Lonely Hearts)
- Number of novels: 11, plus one short story collection
- Setting: Nottingham, England
- Awards: Lonely Hearts named in The Times’ 100 Greatest Crime Novels; Harvey won the CWA Diamond Dagger (2007)
- Adaptations: Two BBC TV movies and multiple BBC Radio 4 dramas
About Charlie Resnick
Ready to explore Nottingham’s mean streets with a jazz-loving detective? Grab Lonely Hearts and dive into Charlie Resnick’s captivating world of crime and heart!