Recommended Reading Path: Where to Start with Frey and McGray
For readers diving into the gothic, atmospheric world of inspectors Ian Frey and 'Nine-Nails' McGray, the best starting point is undoubtedly the debut novel, The Strings of Murder. Because the series features a tightly woven overarching narrative—focusing on Detective McGray's tragic family history and his sister's mysterious circumstances—reading the books in their exact release order is highly recommended. Skipping around will spoil major character developments and resolve plot threads prematurely.
Frey & McGray Books in Publication and Chronological Order
Oscar de Muriel's series consists of seven full-length novels and two supplementary short releases. Because the chronological sequence of the mysteries aligns almost perfectly with their publication order, following the release track is simple and rewarding:
- The Strings of Murder (2015) – The novel that starts it all. Inspector Ian Frey is exiled from London to Edinburgh, where he is paired with the superstitious, rough-around-the-edges Detective McGray to solve a gruesome, locked-room murder of a violinist that hints at black magic.
- The Hunt (2015) – A holiday-themed short story (often designated as Book 1.5). Set during Christmas 1888, it follows Frey as he attempts to enjoy a peaceful break at his family's English estate, only to be interrupted by an unwelcome guest.
- A Fever of the Blood (2016) – The second novel. The duo hunts an escaped asylum patient through a harsh winter, leading them into a web of dark family secrets, old feuds, and rumored witchcraft.
- A Mask of Shadows (2017) – The third novel. The detectives enter the superstitious world of the theater when a production of Shakespeare's Macbeth in Edinburgh is plagued by bloody prophecies and a legendary banshee's wail.
- The Loch of the Dead (2018) – The fourth novel. Frey and McGray travel to the remote Scottish Highlands to protect a wealthy family facing death threats near a dark, mysterious loch rumored to possess healing powers.
- The Darker Arts (2019) – The fifth novel. A classic country-house locked-room mystery where a local charm-seller is found dead, forcing the detectives to untangle local folklore, spiritualism, and human greed.
- The Falling Shroud (2020) – A special digital companion piece (often designated as Book 5.5). Released to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the series, this is an atmospheric, wintry poem that sets a gothic mood rather than presenting a standard investigation.
- The Dance of the Serpents (2020) – The sixth novel. The detectives are summoned to London by the Prime Minister himself to investigate a strange, politically sensitive poisoning case linked to a suspicious cult.
- The Sign of the Devil (2022) – The seventh and final novel. The overarching mysteries surrounding the detectives' personal lives and the paranormal elements are brought to a head in a high-stakes investigation involving body snatchers and a sinister devilish mark.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
There are no major chronological jumps or flashbacks that require shifting the sequence of the main novels. The only minor adjustment involves the placement of the supplementary releases. The Hunt takes place during Christmas 1888, fitting neatly between the events of The Strings of Murder and A Fever of the Blood. Meanwhile, The Falling Shroud functions as a brief, atmospheric anniversary poem that is best read after finishing The Darker Arts but before starting The Dance of the Serpents.
What to Know Before You Start
Oscar de Muriel's series is frequently described as a Victorian "X-Files," blending historical realism with gothic horror. A central charm of the series is the clash of perspectives between the two leads. Inspector Ian Frey is a cultured, logical Londoner who insists on rational explanations for every clue. Detective 'Nine-Nails' McGray is a proud, superstitious Scotsman who is deeply open to paranormal and occult theories. This creates an entertaining dynamic of skeptics vs. believers alongside historical English-Scottish cultural friction. While the mysteries feature seemingly supernatural elements, the author craftily keeps readers guessing whether a logical explanation exists or if something truly otherworldly is at play.
Spin-offs and Co-authored Books
Oscar de Muriel has not written any spin-offs, companion novels, or co-authored books set within the Frey and McGray universe. The series is complete with the publication of The Sign of the Devil in 2022. The author has since turned his focus to standalone fiction, such as his upcoming novel The End of the Vodka, meaning readers can enjoy the Frey and McGray saga as a self-contained, fully resolved nine-part experience.