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DCI Craig Gillard Books in Order

12 Books
2017 – 2023 Published
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How to Read the DCI Craig Gillard Series

Nick Louth's bestselling police procedural series centers on Detective Chief Inspector Craig Gillard, a Surrey-based detective whose sharp investigative mind is constantly tested by dark, high-stakes crimes. For the absolute best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the series in publication order. Because the books follow Craig’s evolving personal life—most notably his relationship with his partner and eventual wife, Sam—reading out of sequence will spoil major character developments, including domestic milestones, house moves, and family crises.

The DCI Craig Gillard Recommended Reading Order

Here is the complete sequence of DCI Craig Gillard novels in their recommended reading order:

  1. The Body in the Marsh (2017) – Craig's world is upended when his ex-girlfriend disappears, forcing him to confront a toxic criminologist on the run in a case that is intensely personal.
  2. The Body on the Shore (2019) – A brutal murder of a prominent architect in Lincolnshire's commuter belt pits Gillard against a professional killer.
  3. The Body in the Mist (2019) – A hit-and-run investigation involving Craig's aunt leads him to Devon, where he uncovers long-buried family secrets.
  4. The Body in the Snow (2020) – Gillard is called to a snowbound mansion to solve a locked-in murder mystery with a ticking clock.
  5. The Body Under the Bridge (2020) – The disappearance of a woman turns into a personal vendetta for Gillard as the investigation strikes too close to home.
  6. The Body on the Island (2020) – Craig is dispatched to a remote island, isolating him from his usual support network as he tracks a calculating killer.
  7. The Bodies at Westgrave Hall (2021) – Multiple historic secrets and fresh murders converge at an atmospheric English manor house.
  8. The Body on the Moor (2021) – Set against the bleak and unforgiving landscape of Yorkshire, Gillard hunts for a predator hiding in plain sight.
  9. The Body Beneath the Willows (2022) – A classic riverside mystery that demands meticulous forensics and old-fashioned police work.
  10. The Body in the Stairwell (2022) – A tense, puzzle-like investigation focusing on a victim found dead in an upscale hotel stairwell.
  11. The Body in the Shadows (2023) – The stakes reach a fever pitch when Craig's pregnant wife, Sam, is directly targeted by a killer.
  12. The Body in Nightingale Park (2023) – The final case of the series, wrapping up Craig Gillard's tenure with a pulse-pounding finale.

What to Know Before You Start

Nick Louth brings a unique level of realism and sharp observation to the DCI Craig Gillard books, drawing on his extensive background as a former Reuters foreign correspondent. Rather than relying on generic crime tropes, Louth infuses the series with realistic police work, psychological depth, and complex, morally grey characters. The settings play a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere of each book; while Gillard is officially based in the leafy suburban commuter belt of Surrey, his cases frequently drag him across the UK, from the windswept coastlines of Lincolnshire to the misty valleys of Devon and the desolate moors of Yorkshire.

The Core Appeal: The Craig and Sam Arc

While the primary draw of each book is a standalone, twist-filled mystery, the glue that binds the series together is Craig Gillard's personal journey. Unlike many fictional detectives who are portrayed as destructive, friendless loners, Craig is a deeply human protagonist who strives to balance his demanding job with a stable home life. His relationship with Sam is a central pillar of the narrative, progressing naturally from dating to marriage, and eventually dealing with the anxiety and excitement of pregnancy in the later entries. This makes reading the books chronologically highly rewarding, as the emotional consequences of his job directly impact his growing family.

What to Read Next: Spin-offs and Follow-ups

The DCI Craig Gillard series officially concluded in late 2023 with The Body in Nightingale Park. However, fans of Nick Louth's taut writing style do not have to look far for their next thrill. In 2024, Louth launched a brand-new crime series featuring DI Jan Talantire, set in the rugged coastal landscapes of Devon. The Talantire series kicks off with The Two Deaths of Ruth Lyle (2024) and continues with releases like The Last Ride, The Dark Edge, The Deep End, and The Hanging Place, offering the same page-turning suspense and intricate procedural detail that made Craig Gillard a reader favorite.

Frequently Asked

QCan the DCI Craig Gillard books be read as standalones?

Yes, each book features a self-contained murder mystery that is fully resolved by the end. However, it is highly recommended to read them in order to avoid spoilers regarding Craig's personal life and his relationship with Sam.

QWhere is the DCI Craig Gillard series set?

Craig Gillard is a detective based in Surrey, but his investigations frequently take him to other atmospheric locations across the UK, including Lincolnshire, Devon, and Yorkshire.

QIs the DCI Craig Gillard series finished?

Yes, the series concluded in August 2023 with the publication of the twelfth book, The Body in Nightingale Park.

QWho wrote the DCI Craig Gillard series?

The series was written by Nick Louth, a bestselling British thriller writer and former Reuters foreign correspondent.

QWhat is Nick Louth's next series after Craig Gillard?

Following the conclusion of the Gillard series, Louth launched the DI Jan Talantire series set in Devon, beginning with The Two Deaths of Ruth Lyle in 2024.