Step into the shadowy streets of London with Dr. Clare Burtonall, where medical expertise meets gritty crime-solving in a mystery series that’s as captivating as it is unconventional! Penned by British author John Grant under his pseudonym Jonathan Gash, the Dr. Clare Burtonall series blends the precision of a physician’s mind with the chaos of the city’s underworld. With her unlikely partner, Bonn, a charismatic gigolo, Clare tackles cases that unravel secrets and test moral boundaries, offering readers a thrilling ride through a lesser-known gem of detective fiction.
This series isn’t your typical whodunit. It dives deep into London’s darker corners, pairing sharp wit with raw human drama. Whether you’re a fan of medical thrillers or gritty mysteries, Dr. Clare Burtonall’s world is a must-explore for anyone craving something fresh and bold.
How Dr. Clare Burtonall Began
John Grant, a former doctor and major in the Royal Army Medical Corps, brought his medical background and storytelling flair to create the Dr. Clare Burtonall series. Writing as Jonathan Gash, best known for the Lovejoy series, Grant launched this new venture in 1997 with Different Women Dancing. Inspired by his own experiences in medicine and a knack for subverting genre tropes, Grant crafted Clare as a physician-turned-detective whose cases blur the lines between right and wrong. The series, published by Penguin Books and others, marked a bold shift from Grant’s earlier work, diving into a grittier, more urban narrative.
The Heart of Dr. Clare Burtonall
The series kicks off with Different Women Dancing (1997), where Clare meets Bonn after witnessing a businessman’s suspicious death. As they dig deeper, Clare uncovers ties to her own husband, setting the tone for a series that thrives on personal stakes. Prey Dancing (1998) follows Clare into London’s underworld, delivering a message from a deceased patient that pulls her into a dangerous gang conflict. Later, Blood Dancing (2006), the series’ finale, sees Clare and Bonn probing a street girl’s death and a missing boy, all while their way of life hangs in the balance. With five books total, each installment weaves standalone mysteries with evolving character arcs.
Themes of morality, trust, and survival pulse through the series. Clare’s medical precision contrasts with Bonn’s street-savvy charm, creating a dynamic partnership that thrives on tension and mutual respect. London itself is a vivid character, its seedy alleys and bustling wharfs brought to life with Grant’s insider knowledge. The series’ style is raw yet witty, blending noir-like grit with sharp dialogue that keeps readers hooked. Unlike traditional mysteries, it explores the human cost of crime, making every case feel deeply personal.
Why Dr. Clare Burtonall Resonates
Though less celebrated than Grant’s Lovejoy series, Dr. Clare Burtonall has carved a niche among fans of medical thrillers and urban mysteries. Its blend of forensic detail and street-level drama offers a refreshing take on the detective genre, appealing to readers who enjoy Patricia Cornwell or Lynda La Plante. The series’ focus on complex characters and ethical dilemmas gives it lasting appeal, inviting readers to ponder the gray areas of justice. For those who discover it, Clare and Bonn’s adventures feel like a hidden treasure in crime fiction.
- First Book: Different Women Dancing (1997)
- Total Books: 5
- Author: John Grant (as Jonathan Gash)
- Setting: London, UK
Ready to unravel London’s darkest secrets? Grab Different Women Dancing and dive into Dr. Clare Burtonall’s thrilling world of mystery and intrigue!