Step into the gritty, pulse-pounding world of D.I. Charlotte Savage, where the streets of Plymouth, England, pulse with secrets and danger! Mark Sennen’s police procedural mystery/thriller series follows Detective Inspector Charlotte Savage, a tenacious and complex heroine who battles serial killers, corruption, and her own personal demons. Since its debut in 2011, this series has hooked readers with its vivid Devon settings, intricate plots, and a protagonist who’s as relatable as she is relentless.
With a knack for blending heart-stopping suspense and emotional depth, the D.I. Charlotte Savage series is a must-read for fans of British crime fiction. Whether you’re drawn to the psychological twists of a serial killer case or the raw humanity of a detective fighting for justice, Charlotte’s world will keep you turning pages late into the night.
How D.I. Charlotte Savage Began
Born in Surrey and shaped by his teenage years in rural Shropshire, Mark Sennen crafted the D.I. Charlotte Savage series from his garden shed-turned-writer’s den near Devon. A self-published debut, Touch (2011), skyrocketed to bestseller status on Amazon’s thriller charts, launching Charlotte into the spotlight. Inspired by his love for crime fiction and authors like Graham Hurley, Sennen set out to create a detective who felt real—flawed, driven, and deeply tied to the rugged landscapes of Plymouth and Dartmoor.
Sennen’s background as a programmer and his fascination with human nature fueled the series’ complex narratives. He envisioned Charlotte as a detective navigating not just crime scenes but also personal loss, including the tragic death of her daughter, which haunts her investigations. This blend of professional and personal stakes set the series apart in the crowded crime genre.
The Heart of D.I. Charlotte Savage
The series kicks off with Touch (2011), where Charlotte and her Plymouth CID team hunt a serial rapist-turned-murderer targeting young women. The case escalates when a victim’s body washes up on a beach, plunging Charlotte into a chilling chase. In Bad Blood (2013), the stakes rise as a child’s murder and a colleague’s abduction reveal a psychopath with a personal grudge against Charlotte. Cut Dead (2014) sees her tracking a presumed-dead killer who resurfaces, leaving headless corpses in his wake. Tell Tale (2015) deepens Charlotte’s struggle, pitting her against corruption and her own thirst for revenge.
Themes of justice, vengeance, and resilience weave through the series, grounded by Plymouth’s atmospheric backdrop—think windswept moors and gritty urban streets. Sennen’s multi-narrative style, alternating between Charlotte, her team, and the killers’ twisted minds, creates a tense, immersive experience. Charlotte’s evolution from a driven detective to a woman wrestling with grief and moral dilemmas adds emotional heft, making her a standout in modern detective fiction.
The series’ police procedural roots shine in its detailed depictions of investigations, from media pressure to mob mentality. Yet, it’s the personal touches—Charlotte’s bond with her husband, her vendetta against her daughter’s killer—that make the stories resonate. Fans praise Sennen’s vivid settings and unpredictable plots, though some note the graphic intensity may not suit all readers.
Why D.I. Charlotte Savage Resonates
The D.I. Charlotte Savage series has carved a niche in British crime fiction, offering a fresh take on the police procedural with its strong female lead and richly drawn Plymouth setting. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon laud its gripping pace and Charlotte’s relatable complexity, comparing it to TV hits like Broadchurch. While not a household name, the series has built a loyal following, with readers eagerly awaiting each installment for its blend of heart and horror.
Its impact lies in its authenticity—Sennen’s Plymouth feels alive, and Charlotte’s struggles mirror real-world tensions in law enforcement. By tackling themes like corruption and personal loss, the series invites readers to question justice and morality, ensuring its place in the genre’s evolving landscape.
- First Book: Touch (2011)
- Number of Books: 8
- Setting: Plymouth, England
- Author: Mark Sennen
Ready to unravel Plymouth’s darkest mysteries? Grab Touch and dive into D.I. Charlotte Savage’s thrilling world of crime and courage!