The Recommended Reading Order
The Kempston Hardwick Mysteries, written by British author Adam Croft, are a delightful blend of classic Cozy Age detective fiction pastiche and modern wit. To get the most out of the developing relationship and banter between the curmudgeonly amateur detective Kempston Hardwick and his well-meaning yet bumbling companion Ellis Flint, you should read the books in their official publication order. Because the narrative timeline moves forward linearly with each installment, publication order is also the chronological order.
1. Exit Stage Left (2011)
The series begins with the debut novel, Exit Stage Left. The story introduces readers to Kempston Hardwick, a man described as having been born a hundred years too late, and his friend Ellis Flint. When washed-up comedian Charlie Sparks drops dead right in the middle of a live performance, the police are quick to write it off. However, Kempston smells something fishy and launches his own investigation into a death that raises far more questions than answers.
2. The Westerlea House Mystery (2013)
In the second book, the duo tackles a classic locked-room mystery. The setting shifts to Tollinghill, where TV psychic Oscar Whitehouse is found murdered inside a locked room at Westerlea House. The investigation becomes increasingly tangled when a second killing occurs, and townspeople report sightings of the supposedly dead victim roaming around.
3. Death Under the Sun (2014)
Leaving the chilly English weather behind, Kempston and Ellis head to the chaotic Greek island of Friktos for a holiday in the third novel. However, relaxation is short-lived when a resort murder occurs. The duo is dragged into a high-stakes investigation under the Mediterranean sun, dealing with local chaos and a web of secrets among the holidaymakers.
4. The Thirteenth Room (2015)
Returning to English soil, the fourth installment takes place at the Manor Hotel. Here, Kempston and Ellis investigate a series of eerie deaths associated with the hotel's room thirteen. The plot masterfully balances the threat of the supernatural with the classic, grounded deductions of Golden Age detective fiction.
5. The Wrong Man (2019)
The fifth novel starts at the Freemason's Arms during a book launch for famous novelist Rupert Pearson. The celebration takes a grim turn when Pearson's personal assistant is found dead face-down in a ditch. When the police arrest a suspect and prepare to close the case, Kempston becomes convinced they have captured the wrong man. Along with Ellis, he works to find the true culprit among the victim's long list of enemies.
The Bonus Short Story: A Cry for Help
In addition to the main novels, Adam Croft penned a short story titled A Cry for Help. In this quick mystery, Kempston Hardwick is visited by a desperate woman who claims someone is actively trying to murder her. Hardwick must act fast to verify her claims and stop a killer before it is too late. This short story is generally offered as bonus content for subscribers of Adam Croft's VIP Club newsletter and has been bundled in various series box sets. Chronologically, it functions as a standalone case that can be read at any point in the series, though it is best enjoyed after you have familiarized yourself with the main characters in the first couple of books.
Kempston Hardwick Audio Plays and Adaptations
The series has enjoyed significant success in audio formats. The debut book, Exit Stage Left, was adapted into a full-cast audio play starring popular British TV stars, including Robert Daws as Kempston Hardwick, Stephen Palfreman as Ellis Flint, and Emily Atack. Additionally, standard audiobook versions of the novels are widely available, narrated by Tim Dalgleish, making the series highly accessible for listeners who prefer to enjoy their cozy mysteries on the go.
What to Know Before You Start
The Kempston Hardwick Mysteries are distinct from Adam Croft's grittier psychological thrillers. They are designed as a lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek pastiche of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, offering a nod to masters like Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle. While the crimes involve murder, the focus is on intellectual puzzle-solving, witty dialogue, and the humorous dynamic between Kempston and Ellis. The books can technically be read as standalones since each mystery wraps up fully, but reading them in order allows you to appreciate the gradual character development and inside jokes between the lead pair.