Books On Board

Lakeland Murders Books in Order

  • 14 Books
  • 2013 – 2021 Published

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Reading order
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The Recommended Reading Order

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Lakeland Murders series in publication order. While there is a prequel novella, The Two Towns, that takes place before the events of the first novel, starting with the first full-length book allows you to experience the natural evolution of DI Andy Hall and his team as the author originally intended.

As you progress through the series, characters grow, relationships shift, and the local Kendal CID team adapts to internal police politics and budget cuts. Reading the books in the order they were written ensures you avoid minor character spoilers and fully appreciate the slow-burn narrative arc.

Lakeland Murders Books in Order

Below is the complete sequence of the Lakeland Murders books as established by their publication history. This order follows DI Andy Hall, DC (later DI) Jane Francis, and DS Ian Mann through their various investigations in Cumbria:

  1. Separated at Death (2013) – The series debut introduces DI Andy Hall as he investigates the strangling of a wealthy teenager in Kendal's Serpentine Woods.
  2. Death on High (2013) – DI Hall and DC Jane Francis probe a suspicious fatal fall in Fairfield, while DS Ian Mann goes undercover to tackle rural crime.
  3. Death on Account (2013) – The team faces a complex financial-themed murder case that tests their deductive skills.
  4. Riddled on the Sands (2013) – A grim discovery on the shifting sands of Morecambe Bay leads to an intricate investigation.
  5. The Two Towns (2014) – A novella that functions as a prequel, exploring the early policing careers of the team.
  6. Pale Horse, Dark Horse (2014) – A murder case tied to the historic Appleby Horse Fair exposes tensions within the local community.
  7. Hail and Farewell (2014) – The team deals with a challenging investigation involving deep personal secrets.
  8. Mortal Men (2014) – DI Jane Francis takes the lead on a brutal Troutbeck killing, testing her newly promoted leadership.
  9. Delayed & Denied (2015) – A tense procedural that dives into the bureaucratic frustrations of modern British policing.
  10. A Half Remembered Life (2015) – The detectives look into a cold case that resurfaces to haunt the Lake District.
  11. Death Becomes Him (2016) – A suspicious death brings the Kendal CID into contact with local rivalries and hidden motives.
  12. Inherit the Earth (2019) – DI Andy Hall and his team navigate a murder case with deep roots in Cumbria's generational farming families.
  13. The Cumbrian County Lines (2019) – The team tackles the modern threat of urban drug networks expanding into rural Lake District communities.
  14. Hall Goes East (2021) – A shift in scenery as Andy Hall travels outside his usual territory, bringing his signature Lakeland methods to a new environment.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

For the vast majority of the series, chronological order aligns perfectly with publication order. However, the main exception is the novella The Two Towns, which was published fifth in the sequence (2014) but takes place chronologically before the events of Separated at Death (2013).

The Prequel Conundrum: Start with Book 1 or Book 5?

If you prefer a strictly chronological timeline, you can start your journey with The Two Towns. This novella establishes the background dynamics of the team and gives a taste of the region's unique culture before the main novels begin. However, most fans agree that starting with Separated at Death is superior, as it is a full-length novel that does a much better job of establishing the series' signature tone, character depth, and slow-burn pacing.

The Shared Cumbrian Universe and Spin-offs

J.J. Salkeld (the pen name of author and former journalist Richard Simpson) has created a richly detailed, interconnected literary universe set across Cumbria. Readers of the Lakeland Murders will find familiar faces and locations popping up in the author's other series:

  • Border City Blues Series: Set in nearby Carlisle, this series is grittier and more urban, focusing on Detective Sergeant Samantha "Pepper" Wilson. DI Andy Hall and Jane Francis make brief crossover appearances, tying the two series together.
  • The Natural Detective Series: Following former police officer and countryman Owen Irvine, this series features recurring characters from the Lakeland Murders, particularly within the agricultural communities. Owen Irvine himself appears in the Lakeland Murders novella One Lawyer Less.

What to Know Before You Start

The Lakeland Murders series is beloved by fans of British police procedurals for several distinct reasons. First, the author uses his 15 years of experience as a Cumbrian journalist to capture the authentic, day-to-day realities of local policing, avoiding the exaggerated dramatics of typical thrillers. The stories focus heavily on how budget cuts, austerity, and local politics affect the detectives' work.

Furthermore, Salkeld's writing is characterized by a "no-gore" approach. The focus remains on psychological depth, community impact, and the complex human relationships of the recurring cast, all set against the misty fells, quiet stone circles, and cobbled streets of the Lake District.

Frequently Asked

What is the best book to start with in the Lakeland Murders series?

The recommended starting point is Separated at Death, the first novel published in 2013, as it perfectly introduces the core characters and the atmosphere of Kendal's CID team.

Where does the prequel novella 'The Two Towns' fit in?

Chronologically, The Two Towns takes place first, but it was published fifth. You can read it either before Book 1 or in its publication slot between Riddled on the Sands and Pale Horse, Dark Horse.

Can the Lakeland Murders books be read as standalones?

While each book contains a self-contained mystery that is resolved by the end, the overarching character development, promotions, and personal relationships carry over significantly, making it best to read them in order.

Are the Lakeland Murders books set in a real location?

Yes, the series is set in England's real Lake District in the county of Cumbria, with much of the action centered around the historic market town of Kendal.

Who is the author J.J. Salkeld?

J.J. Salkeld is the pen name of Richard Simpson, a former journalist and documentary filmmaker who spent 15 years working in Cumbria, which inspired the authenticity of his novels.

Is the Lakeland Murders series connected to other books?

Yes, it shares a universe with J.J. Salkeld's other series, Border City Blues and The Natural Detective, featuring character crossovers and shared Cumbrian settings.