Recommended Reading Path for DI Jon Spicer
For the best experience, readers should follow the DI Jon Spicer series in its publication order. Author Chris Simms writes the series as a continuous journey, meaning Jon Spicer's personal life, career progression, family dynamics, and psychological scars evolve incrementally from one book to the next. While the mysteries in each book are self-contained, the overarching character development makes chronological reading highly rewarding.
Here is the recommended reading path, including the exclusive prequel novella:
- Roller Coaster (Prequel Novella / Book 0.5)
- Killing the Beasts (Book 1, 2005)
- Shifting Skin (Book 2, 2006)
- Savage Moon (Book 3, 2007)
- Hell's Fire (Book 4, 2008)
- The Edge (Book 5, 2009)
- Cut Adrift (Book 6, 2010)
- Sleeping Dogs (Book 7, 2014)
- Death Games (Book 8, 2017)
- Dark Angel (Book 9, 2021)
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
The chronological order of the series matches the publication order, with the sole exception of the prequel novella, Roller Coaster. This short story takes place before the events of Killing the Beasts and reveals the tragic catalyst that drove Jon Spicer to join the police force in the first place.
Where Should You Start?
While purists may want to begin with the prequel, the absolute best starting point for new readers is the first full-length novel, Killing the Beasts. Published in 2005, it was written to introduce Jon Spicer to the world as a newly promoted Detective Inspector. It establishes the series' signature gritty tone, Spicer's complex family relationships, and the dark underbelly of Manchester. Starting here allows you to experience the character exactly as the author intended. Once you are hooked on Spicer's investigative style, you can backtrack to Roller Coaster to understand his origin story.
Detailed Book-by-Book Breakdown
Roller Coaster (Prequel Novella)
This prequel story details a night out that turns tragic, resulting in a violent assault. The pursuit of justice in the aftermath of this event is what ultimately motivates Jon Spicer to abandon his previous path and join the police. The story is not widely available in print but is offered as an exclusive free download for members of Chris Simms' official Readers Club.
Killing the Beasts (2005)
Set during the buzzing atmosphere of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, Jon Spicer is tasked with solving a series of horrific killings where the victims appear to have been mauled by a savage beast. As the investigation deepens, Spicer realizes he is hunting a highly calculated human killer whose actions mimic animal attacks.
Shifting Skin (2006)
In his second outing, Spicer confronts the gruesome crimes of the "Butcher of Belle Vue." The case drags him into Manchester's illegal cosmetic surgery industry and the dark corners of the local sex trade. The novel explores themes of vanity, identity, and the physical vulnerabilities of the victims.
Savage Moon (2007)
When a woman's mutilated body is discovered on Saddleworth Moor, rumors swirl of a wild beast—possibly a big cat—roaming the landscape. When a second victim is found killed in the same bizarre fashion, Spicer must determine if the killer is indeed an animal or a cunning murderer using local legends as a cover.
Hell's Fire (2008)
A series of destructive arson attacks target historic churches across Manchester. Spicer is assigned to the case, which quickly becomes dangerous when the fires escalate to murder. This entry dives into religious history, extremism, and the changing social landscape of the city.
The Edge (2009)
The series takes a deeply personal and emotional turn in the fifth novel. Spicer's estranged younger brother is found murdered and mutilated. Blinded by grief and a thirst for justice, Spicer leaves his Manchester jurisdiction and travels to the remote seaside town where the body was found to hunt the killer himself.
Cut Adrift (2010)
Spicer is called to investigate the murder of a Russian asylum-seeker. The investigation stalls when it is revealed the victim was living under a stolen identity. As more asylum-seekers are killed, Spicer must navigate the complex realities of human trafficking and political corruption.
Sleeping Dogs (2014)
Following a violent attack on his family by an aggressive, giant dog in a local park, Spicer realizes this was not a random occurrence. The search for the dog's handler takes him on a personal journey across the Irish Sea to a remote village in Ireland, linking the threat back to his own family's roots.
Death Games (2017)
Having joined the Specialist Firearms Command, Spicer's first day on the job is anything but routine. He is immediately thrown into a high-stakes counter-terrorism operation to stop a catastrophic attack planned against the city of Manchester.
Dark Angel (2021)
The ninth novel finds Manchester's homeless population targeted by a killer. Rumors spread of a winged, shadowy figure preying on rough sleepers. To protect the vulnerable and find a missing young woman, Spicer goes undercover, living on the streets to draw out the "Dark Angel."
What to Know Before You Start
Chris Simms' novels stand out for their psychological realism. Unlike many crime fiction detectives who are portrayed as isolated misanthropes, Jon Spicer has a domestic life, dealing with a partner, children, and complex family relationships. These personal subplots carry over from book to book, which is why reading in order is highly recommended.
The setting of Manchester is also crucial. Simms uses the city's transitioning architecture—from abandoned industrial cotton mills to modern high-rises—to mirror the social divides and psychological states of his characters.
Spin-offs, Crossovers, and Co-Authored Works
Although Chris Simms has written other crime series set in the Greater Manchester area—such as those featuring DC Sean Blake and DC Iona Khan—there are no formal crossovers, cameo appearances, or shared cases between these characters and DI Jon Spicer. Each series exists independently. Additionally, all books in the DI Jon Spicer series are written solely by Chris Simms, with no co-authored books or spin-off series.