Where to Start with D.I. Tom Mariner
If you are diving into the atmospheric world of Detective Inspector Tom Mariner, the best place to start is at the very beginning with Deadly Lies (originally published as The Worm in the Bud). While each book features a self-contained investigation that can technically be read as a standalone mystery, the overarching character arcs, personal relationships, and Mariner's own psychological evolution build sequentially from book to book.
By reading the series in order, you will witness the evolution of Mariner's team at the Birmingham police department, his complex relationship with his half-brother, his love-hate relationship with his old cottage, and his evolving dynamics with colleagues like Knox and Millie Khatoon.
The Great Title Rename: Severn House vs. Joffe Books
One of the most common points of confusion for new readers is the existence of multiple titles for the same books. The series was originally published by Piatkus and Severn House. When Joffe Books acquired the publishing rights, they reissued the novels under new, uniform titles ending in "Lies" to create a cohesive brand. To avoid buying duplicates, refer to our comparison list below.
The D.I. Tom Mariner Books in Chronological Order
Since the chronological events follow the publication sequence, readers should read the books in the order they were written. Below is the complete list of Chris Collett's D.I. Tom Mariner books, including their original titles and publication years:
- Deadly Lies (2004) - Originally published as "The Worm in the Bud". Introducing Detective Inspector Tom Mariner, who investigates the suspicious death of a journalist, Eddie Barham, ruled as suicide. He uncovers a key witness with autism, whose testimony forces Mariner to test his own instincts.
- Innocent Lies (2005) - Originally published as "Blood of the Innocents". The case revolves around two missing teenagers from vastly different backgrounds, forcing Mariner to investigate local religious communities and family secrets in Birmingham.
- Killer Lies (2006) - Originally published as "Written in Blood". When a decomposed body is found, followed by the murder of a high-profile local politician and a bomb blast, Mariner faces a complex web of conspiracy.
- Baby Lies (2007) - Originally published as "Blood Money". Mariner's holiday is interrupted when a six-week-old baby is abducted from a local nursery. With intense media pressure and his own brother's trial looming, Mariner must locate the child.
- Married Lies (2009) - Originally published as "Stalked by Shadows". Mariner and his team, including Knox and Millie Khatoon, take on a double investigation involving a persistent stalker and a brutal murder.
- Buried Lies (2013) - Originally published as "Blood and Stone". An investigation into a historic crime and buried secrets that resurface, challenging Mariner's team with cold-case forensics and tight-lipped locals.
- Missing Lies (2015) - Originally published as "Dead of Night". A pattern of vanishing women in Birmingham sends Mariner's new-look squad on a frantic search against the clock.
- Darkest Lies (2017) - Originally published as "A Good Death". Mariner must unravel the secrets surrounding a suspicious death that leads back to the dark underbelly of the West Midlands.
- Midnight Lies (2022) - Released directly under this title. Mariner faces a complex web of deceit in a case that tests his moral compass and detective skills to their limits.
- Costly Lies (2026) - The newest addition, released in June 2026. Mariner is drawn into a high-stakes investigation where truth is a rare commodity and the cost of silence is deadly.
What to Know Before You Start
Chris Collett's writing is heavily informed by her own background as a Birmingham resident, university lecturer, and educator working with individuals with autism. This gives the series its trademark empathy and social awareness, particularly visible in how Mariner interacts with vulnerable witnesses. The series is highly recommended for fans of classic British procedurals written by authors like Ian Rankin, Peter James, and Peter Robinson.