Dive into the clever and captivating world of Inspector Peach, where murder mysteries meet sharp wit and unexpected humor! J.M. Gregson’s Inspector Peach series, a gem of British crime fiction, follows the tenacious Detective Inspector Percy Peach as he unravels complex cases in the fictional Lancashire town of Brunton. With 19 books brimming with suspense and charm, this series offers a fresh, lighthearted take on the police procedural genre that keeps readers hooked.
Unlike gritty, violence-heavy thrillers, Inspector Peach blends intricate plots with a comedic flair, making it perfect for fans who love a good whodunit with a side of laughter. Ready to meet a detective who’s as sharp as he is cheeky? Let’s explore Percy Peach’s world!
How Inspector Peach Began
J.M. Gregson, a former teacher with a knack for storytelling, launched the Inspector Peach series in 1994 with Who Saw Him Die?. After 27 years in education, Gregson turned to full-time writing, drawing inspiration from his Lancashire roots to craft a detective who feels both timeless and unique. Percy Peach, short, bald, and brimming with attitude, emerged as a formidable sleuth with a penchant for outsmarting criminals and teasing his bumbling boss, Superintendent Tommy Tucker. Gregson’s goal? To create mysteries that entertain without relying on graphic violence or profanity, appealing to readers who crave clever plots and memorable characters.
The Heart of Inspector Peach
The series kicks off with Who Saw Him Die?, where Peach investigates the suspicious death of widower Tom Harrison in a house full of ex-convicts. In Missing, Presumed Dead, Percy and his capable partner, Detective Sergeant Lucy Blake, tackle a young woman’s disappearance, uncovering dark secrets. To Kill a Wife sees them unravel the murder of a vicious woman with no shortage of enemies, while Murder at the Lodge dives into a strangling at a Masonic event, packed with quirky suspects. Each book delivers a tightly woven mystery, blending suspense with Gregson’s signature humor.
Set in Brunton—a stand-in for Blackburn—the series explores themes of justice, human nature, and the quirks of small-town life. Peach’s abrasive yet insightful style, paired with Lucy Blake’s ambition, creates a dynamic duo that shines through witty banter and clever interrogations. The stories avoid excessive violence, focusing instead on psychological depth and comedic moments, like Peach’s playful jabs at suspects or his shark-like grin when closing a case. Fans often compare Peach to Inspector Morse for his distinctive flair, but his humor sets him apart in the genre.
Why Inspector Peach Resonates
The Inspector Peach series has carved a niche in crime fiction for its refreshing blend of mystery and mirth. Readers praise Gregson’s ability to craft engaging plots that keep them guessing until the final pages, with characters like Peach and Blake feeling like old friends. The series’ light tone and Lancashire setting offer a cozy yet thrilling escape, appealing to fans of classic British mysteries by Agatha Christie or M.C. Beaton. Though not a household name, Inspector Peach has a loyal following, with reviewers on platforms like Goodreads calling it “a proper whodunit” for its brisk pace and vivid characters.
Gregson’s legacy lies in proving that crime novels can be gripping without being grim. His 19-book run, ending with Backhand Smash in 2016, showcases a commitment to storytelling that entertains and uplifts, making Inspector Peach a hidden treasure for mystery lovers.
- First Book: Who Saw Him Die? (1994)
- Total Books: 19
- Setting: Brunton, Lancashire
- Key Characters: DI Percy Peach, DS Lucy Blake
Ready to crack cases with a detective who’s equal parts brains and banter? Grab Who Saw Him Die? and step into Inspector Peach’s delightful world of Lancashire mysteries!