Step into the charming streets of York, England, where Chief Inspector George Hennessey and Detective Sergeant Somerled Yellich unravel mysteries with a blend of sharp police work and cozy charm! Peter Turnbull’s Hennessey and Yellich series is a delightful escape for fans of British police procedurals, offering a relaxing yet gripping dive into crime-solving against a picturesque backdrop. With its low-key investigations and vivid sense of place, this series is perfect for readers craving a soothing yet intriguing read.
How Hennessey and Yellich Began
Born from the mind of Peter Turnbull, a Yorkshire native and former social worker, the Hennessey and Yellich series debuted in 1999 with Fear of Drowning. Turnbull, who also worked as a steelworker and crematorium assistant, drew on his deep connection to York’s history and landscapes to craft authentic, grounded stories. His goal was to create a police procedural that felt both methodical and comforting, blending the grit of crime with the warmth of a cozy mystery.
The Heart of Hennessey and Yellich
The series follows Chief Inspector George Hennessey, a widower who walks York’s ancient walls and chats with his late wife in his garden, and Detective Sergeant Somerled Yellich, a devoted family man with a son who has Down syndrome. Their partnership anchors the series, with cases that range from missing persons to cold-case murders. Key books include Fear of Drowning, where Hennessey investigates a vanished couple found in a shallow grave, and Deathtrap, which links a journalist’s suicide to a decades-old murder. Perils and Dangers tackles a blackmailer’s gruesome death, while A Dreadful Past revisits a 20-year-old triple murder sparked by a stolen vase.
Turnbull’s writing shines in its economy of style, weaving detailed police work with York’s medieval charm—think misty streets and the looming York Minster. Themes of justice, memory, and community run deep, with crimes often tied to the past. The cozy vibe comes from the lack of graphic violence and the detectives’ gentle, respectful approach, making the series a soothing yet intellectually engaging read.
Why Hennessey and Yellich Resonates
Though less flashy than blockbuster crime series, Hennessey and Yellich has carved a niche among fans of British procedurals for its understated brilliance. Readers praise its vivid Yorkshire setting and Turnbull’s knack for crafting tight, satisfying plots. With 26 books, the series offers a comforting consistency, perfect for curling up with a cup of tea. Its influence lies in proving that quiet, character-driven mysteries can captivate without high-stakes drama, appealing to those who love a slower, thoughtful pace.
- First published: 1999 with Fear of Drowning
- Total books: 26, ending with Cold Wrath (2019)
- Setting: York, England
- Genre: Police procedural with cozy mystery elements
- Award: Peter Turnbull won an Edgar Award for a 2012 short story
About Hennessey and Yellich
Ready to stroll York’s ancient walls with Hennessey and Yellich? Grab Fear of Drowning and dive into a world of cozy crime-solving that’s as comforting as a warm Yorkshire pudding!