Step into the quirky, thrilling world of Jordan Lacey, where a feisty ex-policewoman turned private investigator transforms the sleepy seaside town of Latching, Sussex, into a hotbed of mystery and intrigue! Stella Whitelaw’s Jordan Lacey series, spanning nine novels, blends classic British detective fiction with a dash of humor and heart. With her sharp wit and unyielding pursuit of justice, Jordan tackles cases from stolen tortoises to chilling murders, all while navigating her complicated feelings for the stoic Detective Inspector James.
Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a bold edge, this series offers a delightful mix of suspense, eccentric characters, and the charm of a small-town setting. Whether you’re drawn to Jordan’s resourceful sleuthing or the vivid backdrop of the Sussex coast, there’s something irresistibly captivating about her adventures.
How Jordan Lacey Began
Born from the imagination of Stella Whitelaw, a seasoned British journalist and novelist, the Jordan Lacey series debuted in 2000 with Pray and Die. Whitelaw, inspired by her love for the Sussex landscape and her knack for crafting spirited heroines, created Jordan as a former policewoman fired for her outspokenness. Drawing on her own experiences walking the South Downs to manage pollution-induced asthma, Whitelaw infused Latching with vivid coastal charm, making it a character in its own right. Her goal was to craft a heroine who was both relatable and fearless, blending humor with the grit of detective work.
The Heart of Jordan Lacey
The series kicks off with Pray and Die, where Jordan, now running First Class Junk, her antiques shop, stumbles into a case involving a dead nun and a hidden World War II fortune. In Spin and Die (2002), she juggles department store fraud and a deadly funfair ride accident, uncovering sinister connections. Turn and Die (2007) sees her solving a back-to-front mystery after a woman is acquitted of murder, while Jazz and Die (2014) takes her to a Dorset jazz festival to protect a trumpeter’s daughter. Each book brims with Jordan’s zany antics, from disguises to near-death escapades, like being trapped in a watermill or dodging poisoned parsley.
Themes of resilience, independence, and justice weave through the series, with Jordan proving her worth in a male-dominated field. Whitelaw’s light, engaging style balances cozy mystery vibes with darker undertones, set against Latching’s picturesque piers and stormy cliffs. The romantic tension with DI James adds a layer of emotional depth, keeping readers hooked on whether Jordan’s unrequited love will ever bloom.
Why Jordan Lacey Resonates
Though not as widely known as some detective series, Jordan Lacey has carved a niche among cozy mystery fans for its quirky charm and memorable heroine. Readers praise Jordan’s pluck and Whitelaw’s ability to make Latching feel alive, with its eccentric locals and hidden secrets. The series’ blend of humor, heart, and suspense offers a refreshing take on British detective fiction, appealing to those who love Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum or M.C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin. Its lasting appeal lies in Jordan’s relatability—she’s a flawed, determined woman who turns setbacks into triumphs, inspiring readers to root for her.
- Publication Years: 2000–2014
- Number of Books: 9
- Setting: Latching, West Sussex
- Genre: Cozy Mystery/Detective Fiction
Grab Pray and Die and dive into Jordan Lacey’s thrilling world of mysteries, where every case is a chance to outsmart danger and uncover the heart of Latching!