Hennessey and Yellich Books in Order

Recommended Reading Path: Where to Begin

If you want to step into the atmospheric, history-steeped streets of York with DCI George Hennessey and DS Somerled Yellich, the best place to start is the very beginning: Fear of Drowning (1999). Reading this series in publication order is highly recommended, as it allows you to experience the natural evolution of the characters, their shifting ranks, and their personal lives.

While each mystery is a self-contained case, the background lives of the detectives progress chronologically. You will see DS Somerled Yellich (whose first name is pronounced "Sorley") rise through the ranks to Detective Inspector and eventually to Detective Superintendent, while experiencing the milestones of his family life, including raising a son with Down syndrome. DCI George Hennessey, a grieving widower, also undergoes quiet personal growth across the books as he paces York’s ancient Roman walls and processes his loss.

Chronological vs. Publication Order

Because the series progresses in real-time alongside its publication, there is no separate chronological order for the main narrative. However, a major hallmark of Peter Turnbull’s writing is that many cases are essentially "cold cases" or involve the discovery of long-hidden secrets. The investigations frequently reach back decades into York's past, which gives the series a unique temporal depth. For the best experience, simply follow the publication order listed below.

The Complete Hennessey and Yellich Book List

Here is the complete list of all 25 novels in the Hennessey and Yellich series in their correct reading order:

1. Fear of Drowning (1999) - The debut novel where a vanished couple's bodies are discovered in a shallow grave, introducing the methodical teamwork of the York CID.
2. Deathtrap (2000) - A journalist’s apparent suicide opens up a dark trail leading back to an unsolved murder from years past.
3. Perils and Dangers (2001) - The detectives investigate a brutal blackmail scheme that ends in a gruesome death.
4. The Return (2001) - A long-absent figure returns to York, bringing old rivalries and a fresh wave of violence.
5. After the Flood (2002) - When floodwaters recede in York, they reveal a body that has been submerged for years.
6. Dark Secrets (2002) - A decades-old secret in a close-knit Yorkshire community comes to light after a suspicious death.
7. All Roads Leadeth (2003) - Hennessey and Yellich untangle a web of conspiracy involving local businesses.
8. Treasure Trove (2003) - A search for missing valuables leads the police into a complex murder investigation.
9. The Dance Master (2004) - The murder of a charismatic dance instructor reveals a trail of broken hearts and hidden motives.
10. Hopes and Fears (2004) - A complex case of missing persons forces the detectives to question the motives of a prominent family.
11. The Chill Factor (2005) - A cold winter in York is made worse by a chilling series of calculations behind a local murder.
12. The Legacy (2005) - A disputed inheritance and family secrets form the backdrop of this intricate investigation.
13. False Knight (2006) - Hennessey and Yellich look into a case involving identity theft and historical deception.
14. Fire Burn (2006) - An arson case leads to the discovery of a body and a deep-seated grudge.
15. Chelsea Smile (2007) - The detectives dive into the dark underbelly of the city to solve a brutal murder.
16. Once a Biker (2007) - The past catches up with a former motorcycle gang member, leading to a complex case for York CID.
17. No Stone Unturned (2008) - Hennessey and Yellich painstakingly reconstruct a puzzle surrounding an unidentified skeleton.
18. Turning Point (2008) - A turning point in a local criminal investigation changes the stakes for the York police team.
19. Informed Consent (2009) - Medical ethics and corporate greed collide in this modern police procedural.
20. Deliver Us from Evil (2010) - A high-stakes case forces Hennessey to confront the darker side of human nature.
21. Aftermath (2011) - In the wake of a tragedy, the detectives must pick up the pieces and find the culprit.
22. The Altered Case (2012) - A case that seems straightforward is suddenly altered by new forensic evidence and testimonies.
23. Gift Wrapped (2013) - A holiday-season mystery brings a bizarrely wrapped package containing a deadly secret.
24. A Dreadful Past (2016) - The York CID team revisits a 20-year-old triple murder triggered by a stolen antique vase.
25. Cold Wrath (2018) - The final novel in the series, featuring a complex investigation that serves as a fitting farewell to the team.

What to Know Before You Start

The Hennessey and Yellich books are highly regarded for their "cozy procedural" tone. Unlike many modern crime thrillers, they avoid excessive graphic violence and sensationalism. Instead, Peter Turnbull focuses on the methodical, day-to-day grind of police work, the rich historical backdrop of the city of York, and the genuine respect and camaraderie within the police force.

The series was primarily published by Severn House, especially from the mid-2000s onward, while early books were published by Collins Crime. If you are trying to collect physical copies, some of the older out-of-print books can be hard to track down, though they are increasingly available as ebooks and audiobooks.

Regarding the total number of books, some resources reference "26 books" while bibliographies only show 25. The list of full-length novels is exactly 25. The discrepancy occasionally stems from counting Turnbull's award-winning short stories or counting various regional and audio editions separately.

Other Series for Fans of Peter Turnbull

If you finish the 25 books of Hennessey and Yellich and want more of Peter Turnbull's methodical writing style, he has written two other major series:

• The Glasgow P Division Series: This 10-book series, beginning with Deep and Crisp and Even (1981), is set in Glasgow, Scotland. It follows Detective Sergeant Ray Sussock and offers a slightly grittier, more atmospheric look at Scottish urban crime.
• The Harry Vicary Series: Set in London, this series follows Detective Inspector Harry Vicary, a recovering alcoholic. It is known for being darker and more character-focused than the Hennessey and Yellich books.