Step into the shadowy, suspense-filled world of the Felse Investigations, where mid-20th century Britain comes alive with clever mysteries and heartfelt family ties! Written by Ellis Peters, the beloved author behind the Brother Cadfael series, this 13-novel detective saga follows Detective Inspector George Felse, his wife Bunty, and their curious son Dominic as they unravel crimes in the fictional county of Midshire. With intricate plots, moral dilemmas, and a cozy yet thrilling vibe, the Felse series is a hidden gem for mystery lovers craving rich storytelling.
How Felse Began
Ellis Peters, the pen name of Edith Pargeter, kicked off the Felse Investigations in 1951 with Fallen into the Pit. Inspired by her Shropshire roots and fascination with human nature, Peters crafted a modern detective series set in the post-World War II era. Unlike her later medieval Cadfael mysteries, the Felse books were contemporary for their time, blending police procedurals with family dynamics. Peters’ knack for complex characters and evocative settings laid the foundation for a series that spanned nearly three decades, concluding in 1978 with Rainbow’s End.
The Heart of Felse
The Felse series shines through its blend of gripping mysteries and deep emotional undercurrents. In Fallen into the Pit, young Dominic discovers a murdered ex-Nazi in a Welsh mining town, sparking a case that tests George’s detective skills and family loyalties. Death and the Joyful Woman, the Edgar Award-winning second book, sees Dominic smitten with a suspect in a beer tycoon’s brutal murder, weaving romance into a tense whodunit. Flight of a Witch explores eerie folklore as a beautiful teenager vanishes, hinting at witchcraft, while A Nice Derangement of Epitaphs uncovers smuggling secrets in a Cornish grave.
The series’ strength lies in its themes of morality, justice, and the gray areas of human behavior. Set in the atmospheric Midshire, with its quaint villages and rugged borders, the stories capture post-war Britain’s social shifts. Peters’ prose is lyrical yet accessible, her mysteries packed with red herrings and clever twists. Whether George is solving crimes or Dominic’s youthful zeal drives the plot, the Felse family’s warmth anchors the series’ darker moments.
Why Felse Resonates
The Felse Investigations carved a niche in the mystery genre with their blend of cozy and cerebral storytelling. The Edgar Award for Death and the Joyful Woman in 1963 cemented Peters’ reputation, and the series’ adaptation into an episode of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour brought it wider acclaim. Fans cherish the Felse books for their nuanced characters and timeless appeal, offering a window into mid-century Britain that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Though less famous than Cadfael, the series remains a beloved find for readers seeking smart, character-driven mysteries.
- About Felse
- Publication Years: 1951–1978
- Number of Books: 13
- Award: Edgar Award for Best Novel (1963, Death and the Joyful Woman)
- Setting: Midshire, a fictional West Midlands county
Ready to crack a case with George and Dominic? Grab Fallen into the Pit and dive into the Felse Investigations’ captivating world of mystery and heart!