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Crispin Guest Medieval Noir Books in Order

16 Books
2008 – 2021 Published
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Reading order

How to Read the Crispin Guest Medieval Noir Series

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the series in publication order. The main character, Crispin Guest, goes through a continuous journey of personal growth, and the recurring characters—such as his loyal apprentice Jack Tucker—develop significantly as the books progress. The only major choice readers face is what to do with the prequel novel, Cup of Blood.

Where to Start: Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

While the series follows a consistent timeline where each novel generally takes place a year after the last, there are two different ways you can approach the order:

  • Publication Order (Recommended): Start with the debut novel, Veil of Lies. This is how the author introduced the world, letting you discover Crispin's detective work alongside the original mystery that set the tone for the series.
  • Chronological Order: Start with Cup of Blood. Although published seventh, it takes place before the events of Veil of Lies and shows the very first meeting between Crispin and Jack Tucker. However, since the author wrote it later, starting here may spoil some of the organic character introductions.

Complete Crispin Guest Book List

Based on the series library, here is the complete publication order for the Crispin Guest series, including the key novels and the short story Dark Chamber:

  1. Veil of Lies (2008)
  2. Serpent in the Thorns (2009)
  3. The Demon's Parchment (2010)
  4. Troubled Bones (2011)
  5. Blood Lance (2012)
  6. Shadow of the Alchemist (2013)
  7. Cup of Blood (2014) — Note: A prequel showing Crispin's early days and how he met Jack Tucker.
  8. The Silence of Stones (2016)
  9. A Maiden Weeping (2016)
  10. Dark Chamber (2016) — Note: A standalone short story featuring Crispin Guest.
  11. Season of Blood (2017)
  12. The Deepest Grave (2018)
  13. Traitor's Codex (2020)
  14. Sword of Shadows (2020)
  15. Spiteful Bones (2021)
  16. The Deadliest Sin (2021)

Spin-offs and Connected Series

While the Crispin Guest series is complete and self-contained, Jeri Westerson has written other historical mystery and fantasy series, including the King's Fool Mysteries (set in Henry VIII's Tudor court) and the Booke of the Hidden urban fantasy series, which features the werewolf spin-off series Moonriser.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Crispin Guest series?

It is best to start with the debut novel, Veil of Lies. Reading in publication order allows you to follow the natural development of Crispin Guest's character and relationships.

QIs Cup of Blood the first book in the series?

No, Cup of Blood was published seventh in the series, but it is chronologically a prequel. It details Crispin Guest's early days and how he first met his apprentice, Jack Tucker.

QHow many books are in the Crispin Guest Medieval Noir series?

The main series consists of 15 full-length novels and one short story (Dark Chamber), concluding with The Deadliest Sin.

QIs the Crispin Guest series completed?

Yes. The author, Jeri Westerson, officially concluded the series with the 15th novel, The Deadliest Sin, which wraps up the character's long-running story arc.

QWhat is the chronological setting of the series?

The series is set in 14th-century London, beginning in 1384 during the reign of King Richard II, with each subsequent book moving forward roughly a year in Crispin's life.

QWho is Crispin Guest?

Crispin Guest is a disgraced former knight who was stripped of his title and estate for treason against King Richard II. To survive in the London streets, he works as a detective for hire, known as the 'Tracker'.