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series Reading Order

DI Kelly Porter Books in Order

12 Books
2018 – 2024 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the DI Kelly Porter series in publication order, starting with the debut novel, Dark Game (2018). While a prequel novel, First Act, was released in 2026, it is best enjoyed after you have already become familiar with Kelly's character. Starting with the main series allows you to experience her return to Cumbria and watch her rebuild her life and career step-by-step.

As you progress through the series, the overarching character development, Kelly's personal relationships—especially with her family and colleagues—and the lingering effects of past cases evolve continuously. Reading out of order will spoil these long-term emotional payoffs.

DI Kelly Porter Books in Publication Order

Below is the list of all DI Kelly Porter novels in the order they were published. This is the sequence most fans and the publisher recommend for first-time readers:

  1. Dark Game (2018) – The series debut. Kelly Porter returns to Cumbria after a Metropolitan Police scandal and immediately tackles a cold case involving the abduction of a young girl.
  2. Deep Fear (2018) – Kelly is called to solve a series of brutal murders where the killer leaves symbolic, disturbing clues.
  3. Dead End (2018) – A fatal accident on a remote mountain pass reveals a complex criminal conspiracy.
  4. Bitter Edge (2019) – The murder of a wealthy local businessman in a tight-knit Lake District community exposes dark secrets.
  5. Bold Lies (2019) – When a body is found in a lake, Kelly must look past the scenic beauty of Cumbria to track down a ruthless killer.
  6. Blood Rites (2019) – Set around Castlerigg Stone Circle, this mystery delves into pagan rituals and a mute young girl found wandering the fells.
  7. Little Doubt (2020) – A shocking double murder at a prestigious private school rocks the local community.
  8. Lost Cause (2020) – Kelly is drawn into a cold case from the 1970s that still holds dangerous consequences in the present day.
  9. Lying Ways (2021) – The discovery of a body in a shipping container pulls Kelly into a human trafficking investigation.
  10. Sudden Death (2022) – A sudden death at a local sports event leads Kelly to suspect foul play within a prestigious sports club.
  11. Silent Bones (2023) – Decades-old skeletal remains found on a remote farm force Kelly to investigate long-buried family secrets.
  12. Shared Remains (2024) – A modern murder investigation links back to a historic, devastating house fire.
  13. Cruel Truth (2026) – Kelly investigates a suspicious death beneath a rowing boat at Rydal Water that connects to a billion-dollar wellness industry empire.
  14. Cold Shadow (Slated for 2027) – The next upcoming installment in the main procedural series.

Chronological Order: Where Does the Prequel Fit?

In early 2026, Rachel Lynch published a prequel novel titled First Act. This book changes the chronological order of the series if you prefer to read events in the order they occurred:

  • First Act (Prequel, 2026) – Set in 2008 in London. It follows a 28-year-old Kelly Porter as she begins her dream job with the Metropolitan Police’s murder squad at Bethnal Green CID, long before her return to the Lake District.
  • The main novels (from Dark Game through Cruel Truth and onward) follow chronologically from her return to Cumbria.

While reading chronologically is a fun option for a re-read, starting with the prequel is not necessary. Dark Game remains the definitive introduction to the tone, setting, and core dynamics of Kelly's world.

What to Know Before You Start

Rachel Lynch’s crime series is heavily defined by its regional authenticity. Having grown up in Cumbria, Lynch brings the Lake District to life, using real fells, lakes, and historical landmarks like Castlerigg as atmospheric backdrops. The landscapes are as much a character in the books as the detectives themselves.

Additionally, Lynch’s background in history and sports science gives the books a distinct edge. The police work is detailed and procedural, while her knowledge of human anatomy brings a gritty realism to the forensic aspects of the investigations. Readers should be prepared for dark themes, but they are always balanced by Kelly’s deep compassion and her struggle to manage a complicated family life, particularly her relationship with her sister, Nikki.

Rachel Lynch’s Wider Thriller Universe

If you finish the Kelly Porter books and want more of Rachel Lynch's writing, you can explore her other works. She has written another thriller series featuring Major Helen Scott of the Royal Military Police, which offers a slightly different, military-focused angle on crime solving. Lynch is also the author of several standalone psychological thrillers, including The Rift, The Rich, The Famous, and The Gathering (2026), which are perfect for quick, suspenseful reads between Kelly Porter novels.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best book to start with in the DI Kelly Porter series?

The best place to start is Dark Game (2018), which is the first novel published in the series. It introduces Kelly's return to Cumbria and establishes the main characters and settings.

QDo I need to read the DI Kelly Porter books in order?

Yes, it is highly recommended. While the individual crime investigations are resolved within each book, Kelly's personal life, relationships, and career progression develop chronologically across the series.

QWhere does the prequel First Act fit in the reading order?

Chronologically, First Act takes place first, setting Kelly Porter's story in London in 2008. However, because it was published in 2026, it is best read after you are already familiar with the main series.

QHow many books are in the DI Kelly Porter series?

As of 2026, the series consists of 13 main novels, one prequel (First Act), and an upcoming 14th main novel (Cold Shadow) scheduled for release in 2027.

QAre the DI Kelly Porter books standalones?

The mystery plots in each book are self-contained and resolved by the end of the novel. However, the overarching character arcs and personal subplots carry over, meaning they are best read in sequence.

QWhat other books has Rachel Lynch written?

Aside from Kelly Porter, Rachel Lynch has written the Major Helen Scott Royal Military Police thriller series, as well as standalone thrillers such as The Rift, The Rich, The Famous, and The Gathering.