Step into the gritty, gripping world of Eric Ward, where a former policeman turned solicitor navigates the murky waters of crime and justice in Newcastle, England! Roy Lewis’s Eric Ward series, spanning 18 thrilling novels, blends legal drama with classic crime mystery, delivering page-turning adventures that keep readers hooked. With his sharp investigative instincts and a personal life as complex as his cases, Eric Ward is a standout in the crime fiction genre, captivating fans for over three decades.
From the shadowy quaysides of Newcastle to high-stakes boardrooms, Ward’s journey is a rollercoaster of suspense, betrayal, and moral dilemmas. Whether you’re a fan of Peter James or Ruth Rendell, this series offers a unique mix of legal intrigue and old-school detective work that’s hard to resist.
How Eric Ward Began
Born from the mind of Roy Lewis, a former teacher and Inspector of Further & Higher Education, the Eric Ward series kicked off in 1980 with A Certain Blindness. Lewis, who lived in Northern England, drew inspiration from his legal expertise and the rugged charm of Newcastle to craft a protagonist who’s both relatable and flawed. Ward, a principled ex-cop forced into early retirement due to glaucoma, reinvents himself as a solicitor, blending his old investigative skills with his new legal career. This career pivot, combined with Lewis’s knack for tightly woven plots, set the stage for a series that’s as much about personal struggles as it is about solving crimes.
Lewis’s background in law and education gave him a unique lens, allowing him to infuse the series with authentic legal details and a deep sense of place. His goal? To create a character who wasn’t just another detective but a man wrestling with physical limitations, a turbulent marriage, and a relentless drive to uncover the truth.
The Heart of Eric Ward
The Eric Ward series is packed with standout novels, each showcasing Ward’s knack for untangling complex mysteries. In The Sedleigh Hall Murder (Book 1), Ward dives into a suspicious inheritance case tied to a decade-old manslaughter conviction, uncovering secrets linked to a local lord. The Farming Murder (Book 2) sees him navigating a bitter family feud over a farm, where dark secrets lead to a shocking death. The Quayside Murder (Book 3) throws Ward into danger as he investigates a London entrepreneur’s shady dealings, while The Diamond Murder (Book 4) takes him to Marseilles, entangled in a web of crime and past promises.
The series shines through its themes of justice, betrayal, and resilience. Ward’s glaucoma adds a layer of vulnerability, making his triumphs feel earned as he battles both criminals and his own failing eyesight. Set against the gritty backdrop of 1970s and 1980s Newcastle, Lewis’s prose is crisp and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a city steeped in industrial charm and hidden dangers. The blend of legal maneuvering and classic whodunit suspense creates a distinctive style that keeps readers guessing, with twists that unfold like a chess game.
Ward’s personal life—particularly his strained marriage to a wealthy, globe-trotting wife—adds emotional depth, grounding the high-stakes mysteries in human conflict. Fans praise Lewis for his ability to balance intricate plots with character-driven storytelling, making each book a standalone thrill yet part of a larger, evolving saga.
Why Eric Ward Resonates
The Eric Ward series has carved a niche in crime fiction, earning accolades from outlets like the Daily Telegraph for its “admirable sense of character and place” and the Oxford Times for its “relentlessly accurate” pacing. Its appeal lies in Ward’s everyman quality—a flawed hero who’s neither invincible nor infallible, yet doggedly pursues justice. The series’ pre-internet, pre-cell phone setting offers a nostalgic charm, appealing to readers who love classic mysteries with a modern edge.
Lewis’s work has inspired a loyal following, with fans on Goodreads and Amazon lauding the series’ depth and craftsmanship. While not as mainstream as some crime giants, its cult status among mystery enthusiasts speaks to its enduring quality. The series’ blend of legal drama and gritty investigation makes it a hidden gem for readers seeking something beyond typical detective fare.
- First Book: A Certain Blindness (1980)
- Latest Book: The Zodiac Murder (2010)
- Total Books: 18
- Setting: Newcastle, England
- Genres: Crime Mystery, Legal Thriller
Grab A Certain Blindness and dive into Eric Ward’s world of crime, law, and unrelenting suspense! Whether you’re chasing twists or craving a hero with heart, this series is your next binge-read.