Step into the shadowy streets of Lydmouth, where post-World War II England hums with secrets and suspense! Andrew Taylor’s Lydmouth series weaves historical fiction with gripping crime and mystery, set in a fictional Anglo-Welsh border town. This critically acclaimed saga brings to life a world of societal shifts, complex characters, and intricate plots that keep readers guessing until the final page.
With its vivid portrayal of 1950s Britain, Lydmouth isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right. From the cloying morality of the era to the simmering tension between tradition and change, Taylor crafts a world that feels both nostalgic and unsettling. Whether you’re a fan of historical dramas or love a good whodunit, Lydmouth’s blend of human drama and clever mysteries is sure to captivate.
How Lydmouth Began
Andrew Taylor, a British author born in 1951, drew inspiration for the Lydmouth series from his fascination with post-war Britain’s social dynamics. A master of crime and historical fiction, Taylor—recipient of the prestigious CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger—set out to create a series that transcended typical detective stories. Launched in 1994 with An Air That Kills, Lydmouth emerged as a unique blend of atmospheric storytelling and psychological depth, rooted in the conservative yet evolving world of the 1950s.
Taylor’s own experiences in East Anglia and his academic background, including studies at Cambridge, informed his knack for vivid settings and layered characters. His goal was to craft mysteries that doubled as portraits of a society grappling with the scars of war and the dawn of modernity, making Lydmouth a standout in his prolific career.
The Heart of Lydmouth
The Lydmouth series spans eight novels, each unraveling a new mystery while deepening the town’s lore. An Air That Kills (1994) kicks things off when workmen uncover a baby’s skeleton in a cottage, sparking a chilling investigation led by journalist Jill Francis and Detective Inspector Richard Thornhill. The Mortal Sickness (1995) sees a spinster’s murder and a missing chalice shake the town, entangling Jill in local secrets. The Lover of the Grave (1997) explores a bizarre death by the Hanging Tree, while Call the Dying (2004) delves into a seance gone wrong amid a newspaper war.
At its core, Lydmouth examines human nature—grief, desire, and hidden motives—against a backdrop of societal change. Taylor’s prose captures the era’s drabness and moral rigidity, yet infuses it with vibrant characters like Jill, a London transplant escaping her past, and Thornhill, a married detective battling inner conflicts. Their unspoken attraction adds emotional stakes to the mysteries. Themes of gender roles, particularly the strength of women like Jill and the vicar’s wife, resonate, as does the town’s resistance to post-war progress, making each book a rich tapestry of history and suspense.
Taylor’s style, often compared to P.D. James and David Lynch, balances intricate plots with deep character studies. The 1950s setting, with its rationed optimism and provincial insularity, grounds the series in a palpable sense of time and place, while the mysteries—crafted with chilling precision—keep readers hooked.
Why Lydmouth Resonates
The Lydmouth series has earned a devoted following for its ability to transcend the crime genre, offering a window into the human condition. Critics praise Taylor’s storytelling, with The Times calling his mysteries “satisfyingly chilling” and Val McDermid dubbing him “the most under-rated crime writer in Britain.” Fans cherish the series for its evocative portrayal of 1950s life and its focus on character-driven drama, setting it apart from formulaic whodunits.
Its lasting appeal lies in its universal themes—change, morality, and the secrets we keep—paired with Taylor’s knack for making Lydmouth feel alive. By blending historical authenticity with psychological insight, the series remains a gem for readers seeking both intellectual depth and page-turning thrills.
- Publication Years: 1994–2020
- Number of Books: 8
- Notable Awards: Taylor’s broader work earned the CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger (2009)
Grab An Air That Kills and dive into Lydmouth’s mysterious world of crime and secrets! Whether you’re unraveling a murder or savoring the town’s post-war charm, Taylor’s series promises an unforgettable journey.