Books On Board

DI Matthew Brindle Books in Order

  • 2 Books
  • 2017 – 2018 Published

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Reading order
01
His Third Victim
His Third Victim
2017
Amazon
02
The Other Victim
The Other Victim
2018
Amazon
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The Recommended Reading Path

Because the DI Matthew Brindle series features a strong, continuous character arc for its protagonist, you should read the books in their original publication order. This sequence matches the chronological timeline of the cases and allows you to watch Matthew Brindle rebuild his life and career after a career-altering tragedy.

Here is the recommended reading path for the series:

  1. His Third Victim (2017)
  2. The Other Victim (2018)

Publication Order of the DI Matthew Brindle Books

Helen H. Durrant launched this series in 2017. Both novels were published by Joffe Books and are also available in a combined digital box set. Below is the publication history of the individual cases:

  • His Third Victim (2017): DI Matthew Brindle is called back to active duty following a traumatic ambush that killed his partner. He is immediately thrown into a hunt for a serial killer who marks his victims with the Chinese symbol for "sorry."
  • The Other Victim (2018): Brindle investigates the murder of a seemingly blameless estate agent, Ronald Potter. The investigation leads to a horrifying discovery in a cellar, links to organized crime, and a local nightclub.

What to Know Before You Start

Unlike many police procedural leads who come from humble backgrounds, DI Matthew "Matt" Brindle has aristocratic roots and resides at Brindle Hall. However, his privileged background does not shield him from the harsh realities of Northern English policing. Haunted by the ambush that killed his former partner and left him with physical and emotional scars, Matt is a deeply vulnerable yet dedicated detective.

The series is set in the rugged Pennine hills along the Yorkshire-Lancashire border, a landscape of wild, wind-swept moors and industrial towns. Durrant uses this vivid setting to mirror the dark, atmospheric tone of the crimes. Brindle is assisted by a loyal team, including the ambitious DS Kate Baxter and the sharp, young DC Lily Haines, whose dynamics evolve significantly between the first and second books.

Chronological Order and Continuity Caveats

There are no prequels, side stories, or short story collections in the DI Matthew Brindle series. The chronological timeline flows directly from the first page of His Third Victim to the conclusion of The Other Victim. Reading the books out of order will spoil the progression of Matt's recovery and the shifting relationships within his investigative team.

Crossovers, Spin-offs, and Future Books

While Helen H. Durrant is famous for her long-running series like Calladine & Bayliss and DI Stephen Greco, the DI Matthew Brindle series remains a self-contained entity. There are no crossover appearances where Matt Brindle meets Durrant's other famous detectives, and all books are written solely by Durrant.

As of now, the series remains a duology. The author has focused her recent efforts on extending her other popular detective series, meaning there is no current news regarding a third book for DI Brindle. However, the existing two novels provide a complete, satisfying story arc for crime fiction enthusiasts looking for a quick, high-intensity read.

Frequently Asked

Where should I start reading the DI Matthew Brindle series?

You should start with the first book, His Third Victim (2017), to understand Matt Brindle's traumatic backstory and meet his team before moving on to the sequel.

Can the DI Matthew Brindle books be read as standalones?

Yes, the murder mysteries in each book are self-contained and fully resolved. However, to appreciate the overarching character development and team dynamics, it is highly recommended to read them in order.

How many books are in the DI Matthew Brindle series?

There are currently two books in the main series: His Third Victim (2017) and The Other Victim (2018).

Are there any crossovers with other Helen H. Durrant books?

No. Although Helen H. Durrant's other books are also set in Northern England, the DI Matthew Brindle series is completely standalone with no crossovers.

Is there a DI Matthew Brindle box set available?

Yes, publisher Joffe Books has released a digital double-book box set containing both His Third Victim and The Other Victim.

What is the setting of the DI Matthew Brindle series?

The series is set along the Yorkshire-Lancashire border in England, specifically around the atmospheric Pennine hills, moors, and nearby industrial towns.