D.S. Jessica Daniel Books in Order

Recommended Reading Path for D.S. Jessica Daniel

If you want to experience the full evolution of Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel, the best way to read this series is in chronological order. While the main case in each novel is fully wrapped up by the final page, Jessica's personal life, her professional struggles within the Manchester police force, and her relationships with recurring characters develop continuously across the novels. Starting from the beginning gives you the complete picture of her journey from a sharp-witted detective sergeant battling department politics to a seasoned investigator tackling increasingly complex cases.

You should begin your journey with Locked In (published as The Killer Inside in the United States), which introduces Jessica's signature blend of sarcasm, tenacity, and vulnerability as she hunts a serial killer operating in Manchester.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

For the most part, the publication order of the D.S. Jessica Daniel books mirrors the chronological timeline of her life. However, Kerry Wilkinson has written two companion novellas—As If by Magic and April—which slot into specific chronological points. The most notable difference involves April, which was published in 2016 but is chronologically set as Book 5.5, taking place immediately after Playing with Fire (2013) and before Thicker Than Water / The Missing Dead (2013). Reading April in its chronological position ensures a seamless transition of events.

D.S. Jessica Daniel in Publication Order

Here is the order in which Kerry Wilkinson originally published the books:

1. Locked In / The Killer Inside (2011)
2. Vigilante (2011)
3. The Woman in Black (2011)
4. As If by Magic (2012) – Novella (Book 3.5)
5. Think of the Children (2013)
6. Playing with Fire (2013)
7. Thicker Than Water / The Missing Dead (2013)
8. Behind Closed Doors (2014)
9. Crossing the Line (2014)
10. Scarred for Life (2015)
11. April (2016) – Novella (Book 5.5)
12. For Richer, For Poorer (2016)
13. Nothing but Trouble (2017)
14. Eye for an Eye (2018)
15. Silent Suspect (2019)
16. The Unlucky Ones (2019)
17. A Cry in The Night (2020)

D.S. Jessica Daniel in Chronological Order

To follow the timeline of Jessica's life and cases step-by-step, use this recommended chronological order:

1. Locked In / The Killer Inside (2011)
2. Vigilante (2011)
3. The Woman in Black (2011)
4. As If by Magic (2012) – Novella
5. Think of the Children (2013)
6. Playing with Fire (2013)
7. April (2016) – Novella (Set chronologically as Book 5.5)
8. Thicker Than Water / The Missing Dead (2013)
9. Behind Closed Doors (2014)
10. Crossing the Line (2014)
11. Scarred for Life (2015)
12. For Richer, For Poorer (2016)
13. Nothing but Trouble (2017)
14. Eye for an Eye (2018)
15. Silent Suspect (2019)
16. The Unlucky Ones (2019)
17. A Cry in The Night (2020)

Spin-offs and the Shared Manchester Universe

Kerry Wilkinson’s crime fiction is set in a shared universe centered around Manchester, allowing characters to cross paths between different series. The most significant spin-off from the Jessica Daniel series features Andrew Hunter, a private investigator who makes his debut in the fifth Jessica Daniel novel, Playing with Fire. He quickly became a fan favorite, prompting Wilkinson to give him his own standalone mystery series.

The Andrew Hunter spin-off series consists of the following books:

• Something Wicked (2014)
• Something Hidden (2016)
• Something Buried (2019)

Additionally, Wilkinson penned a novella titled March as part of his calendar-themed releases, which features Andrew Hunter. While the Andrew Hunter books contain minor cameos and nods to Jessica Daniel, they are written to stand on their own and can be read independently of the main police procedural series.

What to Know Before You Start

Kerry Wilkinson originally self-published Locked In in 2011, and its explosive word-of-mouth success on the Kindle charts quickly led to a major publishing deal with Pan Macmillan. The series is heavily grounded in its Manchester setting; the city's rainy streets, contrasting neighborhoods, and distinct local atmosphere act as a vivid backdrop to Jessica's investigations.

Readers appreciate the series because Jessica Daniel is far from a perfect, all-knowing hero. She is flawed, fiercely independent, struggles with healthy relationships, and frequently runs afoul of her superiors. This human touch, combined with the fast pacing and tight, dialogue-driven plotting, makes it a highly addictive read for fans of British police procedurals.