Step into the shadowy fells of England’s Lake District, where the Natural Detective series by J.J. Salkeld spins gritty crime tales laced with dry humor. This captivating crime fiction saga follows ex-police officer Detective Sergeant Owen Irvine, a rugged countryman unraveling rural mysteries. With its vivid sense of place and rich characters, Natural Detective invites readers to explore a world where beauty hides dark secrets.
Unlike typical urban thrillers, this series plants its roots in the pastoral charm of Cumbria, blending modern policing with the timeless rhythms of rural life. Ready to meet a detective as tethered to the land as the Herdwick sheep he shepherds? Let’s dive in!
How Natural Detective Began
J.J. Salkeld, the pen name of Richard Simpson, crafted the Natural Detective series after years as a journalist and documentary filmmaker in Cumbria. His deep connection to the Lake District’s landscapes and communities inspired this Northern noir venture. Launched in 2016 with An Invasive Species, the series builds on Salkeld’s earlier success with the Lakeland Murders, introducing Owen Irvine as a reluctant private investigator with a knack for sniffing out crime.
Salkeld’s goal was to capture the Lake District’s dual nature—its breathtaking vistas and hidden underbelly. Drawing from his insider’s perspective, he wove stories that feel authentic, grounded in the region’s culture and challenges. Fans of his earlier work will spot familiar faces, like DI Andy Hall, seamlessly integrated into this fresh narrative.
The Heart of Natural Detective
The series kicks off with An Invasive Species, where Owen Irvine, a craftsman and ex-cop, tackles a case tied to the Lake District’s rural fabric. In A Lamb’s Tale, set in the serene Kentmere Valley, Irvine investigates a farmer’s stolen ewe and a phishing scam, only to stumble into a dangerous criminal network. The Slip & the Catch sees him uncovering a drug cache on his farm, choosing to hunt the culprits himself. The MISPER Mystery, the eighth novella, shifts focus to other characters like DS Ian Mann, grappling with budget cuts and mysterious holes in the landscape.
Themes of rural crime, social decay, and the politics of policing pulse through the series. Salkeld’s Northern noir style balances grim narratives with wit, painting the Lake District as both idyllic and perilous. Owen Irvine stands out as a rounded hero—passionate about detection yet flawed with a tendency for violence. The setting itself is a character, with Cumbria’s fells and valleys shaping every plot twist.
Readers are drawn to the series’ authenticity, from its depiction of farming life to the camaraderie among characters like Kathy Stone and Andy Hall. Unlike blood-soaked thrillers, Natural Detective focuses on the human cost of crime, making it a thoughtful yet gripping read.
Why Natural Detective Resonates
Natural Detective has carved a niche in British crime fiction, offering a refreshing rural perspective in a genre dominated by cityscapes. Fans praise its immersive storytelling and relatable characters, with reviews highlighting the series’ ability to transport readers to Cumbria’s rugged beauty. Its blend of humor and hard-hitting issues, like budget-strained policing, resonates with those craving nuanced detective tales.
Though less mainstream than urban crime series, its cult following cherishes its unique voice. Salkeld’s insider knowledge ensures the Lake District feels alive, making each book a love letter to the region and a testament to the power of place-driven storytelling.
- First Book: An Invasive Species (2016)
- Number of Books: 8 novellas (as of latest data)
- Setting: Lake District, Cumbria, England
- Author: J.J. Salkeld (Richard Simpson)
Grab An Invasive Species and dive into the Natural Detective’s world of rural intrigue and Northern noir charm!