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DS Pete Gayle Books in Order

9 Books
2017 – 2021 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Path

For the best experience, readers should follow the DS Pete Gayle series in publication order. While each novel delivers a self-contained police investigation, the overarching narrative of Pete's personal life—specifically the tragic, unsolved disappearance of his son and his family's subsequent struggle with grief—unfolds step-by-step across the books. Reading them chronologically ensures you experience Gayle's character growth and his long-term quest for answers exactly as author Jack Slater intended.

DS Pete Gayle Books in Order

Below is the complete list of Jack Slater's DS Pete Gayle novels in their original release order. The series began in 2017 and has grown into a highly popular, long-running procedural line:

  1. Nowhere to Run (2017)
  2. No Place to Hide (2017)
  3. No Way Home (2017)
  4. No Going Back (2018)
  5. No Middle Ground (2018)
  6. No Safe Place (2019)
  7. No Compromise (2019)
  8. Nowhere to Run - The Dark Side (2020) — Note: This is a companion volume (often referred to as Book 1.5) rather than a direct sequel.
  9. No Compassion (2020)
  10. No Stone Unturned (2020)
  11. No Good Deed (2021)
  12. No Fair Hearing (2022)
  13. No Fear of Consequences (2022)
  14. No More Than Bones (2023)
  15. No Second Chance (2023)
  16. No Limit To Evil (2024)
  17. No Sense of Guilt (2025)
  18. No Trace Remains (2026)

Understanding "The Dark Side" Companion

One of the most unique aspects of this series is Nowhere to Run - The Dark Side. Published in 2020, this book functions as a supplemental retelling of the very first novel, Nowhere to Run. Rather than focusing on DS Gayle and the Exeter CID investigation, it flips the mirror to show the perspectives of the victims, their families, and the perpetrators. It is best read right after finishing the first book (as Book 1.5) or as a retrospective companion once you are deeper into the series.

What to Know Before You Start

Before you dive in, there are a few key details that help set the stage for your journey through the series:

  • The Setting: The books are set in and around the historic city of Exeter in Devon, England. Slater uses the atmospheric urban streets and the surrounding rural landscape to create a vivid backdrop that feels like a character of its own.
  • The Origin: Interestingly, Jack Slater did not originally plan to write police procedurals. After writing the standalone thriller The Venus Flaw, he took inspiration from a secondary character in that book to develop DS Peter Gayle.
  • The Tone: The series is known for its gritty realism, intricate forensic details, and emotional depth. It is highly recommended for fans of classic British procedurals and authors like Angela Marsons.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the DS Pete Gayle series?

You should start with the very first novel, Nowhere to Run (2017), to properly establish DS Pete Gayle's backstory and the mystery of his missing son.

QDo I need to read the DS Pete Gayle books in order?

Yes, it is highly recommended. Although the main crime cases are solved by the end of each book, Pete Gayle's personal struggles and the overarching story of his family develop chronologically.

QWhat is Nowhere to Run - The Dark Side?

It is a companion novel (Book 1.5) that retells the events of the first book, Nowhere to Run, from the perspectives of the victims and perpetrators rather than the police.

QWhere are the DS Pete Gayle books set?

The series is set in the atmospheric city of Exeter, England, and features the surrounding Devon countryside.

QWho is the author of the DS Pete Gayle series?

The series is written by British author Jack Slater, who has a background in biomedical science and engineering.