Step into the quirky, captivating world of Joe Sixsmith, where a balding, middle-aged former lathe operator turned private eye solves crimes with a mix of luck, heart, and his beer-loving cat, Whitey, by his side! Created by acclaimed British crime writer Reginald Hill, the Joe Sixsmith series blends cozy detective fiction with sharp humor and a touch of social commentary, set in the fictional grit of Luton, England. This unassuming hero’s adventures offer a refreshing twist on the private investigator genre, proving that even an everyman can crack the toughest cases.
With his ancient Morris car and a knack for stumbling into bizarre mysteries, Joe Sixsmith is the underdog you can’t help but root for. Whether dodging gangsters or navigating his meddling Aunt Mirabelle’s matchmaking, Joe’s charm lies in his decency and determination, making this series a hidden gem for fans of lighthearted crime fiction.
How Joe Sixsmith Began
Reginald Hill, best known for his gritty Dalziel and Pascoe series, introduced Joe Sixsmith in 1993 with Blood Sympathy. Inspired by a desire to create a protagonist starkly different from his hard-edged Yorkshire detectives, Hill crafted Joe as a black, working-class amateur sleuth in a fictional Luton—a nod to England’s industrial heartland. Hill’s love for blending humor with complex plots shines through, drawing from his fascination with classic and modern crime writers. The series, spanning five books, reflects Hill’s versatility, earning praise for its wit and warmth despite its smaller footprint compared to his more famous works.
The Heart of Joe Sixsmith
The Joe Sixsmith series kicks off with Blood Sympathy (1993), where Joe, newly redundant from his factory job, dives into private investigation with no experience but plenty of heart. His first case spirals into a wild ride involving a family murder, voodoo, and drug smugglers, all solved with serendipitous luck and a new lady friend’s help. Born Guilty (1995) sees Joe uncovering dark secrets after finding a boy’s body in a cardboard box, blending humor with poignant social themes. Killing the Lawyers (1997) throws Joe into a murder mystery involving a law firm and a threatened track star, showcasing his knack for juggling chaos. Finally, The Roar of the Butterflies (2008), the last book, follows Joe as he investigates cheating allegations at a golf club, cementing his reputation as Luton’s most unlikely hero.
Hill’s series stands out for its light, serendipitous tone, often compared to Douglas Adams’ Dirk Gently or the bumbling charm of Inspector Clouseau. Themes of resilience, community, and quiet heroism run deep, with Luton’s gritty yet vibrant setting mirroring Joe’s underdog spirit. Hill’s sly humor and sharp dialogue, paired with his critique of racism and class divides, give the series a timeless edge, even if it’s less polished than his Dalziel and Pascoe novels.
Why Joe Sixsmith Resonates
Though not as celebrated as Hill’s other works, the Joe Sixsmith series has carved a niche among fans of cozy mysteries and unconventional detectives. Its blend of humor, heart, and relatable characters offers a counterpoint to hardboiled crime fiction, appealing to readers who crave a gentler sleuth. Joe’s status as a black detective in a predominantly white setting adds a layer of cultural significance, subtly addressing diversity in a genre often lacking it. Hill’s death in 2012 marked the end of Joe’s adventures, but the series’ charm endures, inviting new readers to discover Luton’s most endearing PI.
- First Book Published: 1993 (Blood Sympathy)
- Total Books: 5
- Author’s Notable Award: Crime Writers’ Association Cartier Diamond Dagger (1995)
- Setting: Fictional Luton, England
Ready to meet Luton’s most lovable detective? Grab Blood Sympathy and dive into Joe Sixsmith’s hilarious, heartwarming world of crime-solving chaos!