Step into the gritty, pulse-pounding world of DI Barton, where the streets of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, pulse with danger and deception! Ross Greenwood’s DI Barton series is a standout in the crime thriller genre, blending heart-stopping suspense with a refreshingly human detective. Since its debut with The Snow Killer in 2019, this series has hooked readers with its intricate plots and relatable characters, earning its place among the best of British crime fiction.
Centered on Detective Inspector John Barton, a family man balancing the horrors of his job with a grounded home life, the series offers a unique take on the classic police procedural. Unlike the stereotypical brooding detective, Barton’s warmth and wit make him a character you’ll root for as he tackles chilling cases in a city that feels alive with secrets.
How DI Barton Began
Ross Greenwood, a Peterborough native born in 1973, crafted the DI Barton series from his deep connection to his hometown. Before becoming a full-time author, Greenwood worked as a prison officer, an experience that infused his writing with raw authenticity and insight into the criminal mind. Inspired by his desire to portray Peterborough in a nuanced light, he introduced DI Barton in The Snow Killer, which sold 40,000 copies in its first six months. Greenwood’s knack for blending humor, heart, and horror has since made the series a bestseller, with fans flocking to explore the locales featured in his books.
The Heart of DI Barton
The DI Barton series spans seven gripping novels, each diving into a new case that tests Barton’s investigative prowess. The Snow Killer (2019) kicks things off with a vengeful murderer striking every time it snows, leaving Barton’s team racing against the weather. The Soul Killer (2020) ups the ante with a serial killer whose crimes masquerade as suicides and accidents, keeping readers guessing. The Fire Killer (2022) explores arson and betrayal, while The Village Killer (2024) sees Barton back in action, unraveling a mystery in the quiet village of Castor.
Greenwood’s novels shine through their vivid Peterborough setting, where familiar streets like Oundle Road and Netherton become stages for dark deeds. Themes of justice, redemption, and the blurred line between victim and villain run deep, reflecting Greenwood’s prison officer background. His alternating perspectives—Barton’s methodical investigations juxtaposed with the killer’s chilling inner thoughts—create a layered, immersive experience. The series’ humor and heart, especially in Barton’s banter with his team, balance the grim cases, making each book a compulsive page-turner.
Why DI Barton Resonates
The DI Barton series has carved a niche in the crime thriller world, with nearly 250,000 books sold and glowing reviews from fans and critics alike. Readers praise Greenwood’s ability to craft “gritty, heart-pounding thrillers” with “twists aplenty,” comparing Barton to iconic detectives like Rebus and Morse. Its authentic portrayal of Peterborough has even turned the city into a pilgrimage site for fans eager to walk in Barton’s footsteps. By tackling timely issues like neurodivergence in the justice system and online crime, the series feels fresh and relevant, ensuring its lasting appeal.
- First Book: The Snow Killer (2019)
- Latest Book: The Village Killer (2024)
- Total Books: 7
- Setting: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Ready to dive into a crime thriller that’s as heartwarming as it is harrowing? Grab The Snow Killer and join DI Barton’s quest for justice in Peterborough’s shadowy streets!