Step into the fog-draped streets of Victorian England with the Redmond and Haze Mysteries, where murder lurks in quaint villages and an unlikely duo unravels secrets with wit and grit. Written by Irina Shapiro, this cozy historical mystery series blends intricate plots, rich period detail, and the charm of Birch Hill, a sleepy British hamlet with a knack for dark surprises.
Follow Jason Redmond, a battle-scarred American surgeon turned reluctant lord, and Daniel Haze, a dedicated local constable, as they tackle chilling crimes. From haunted abbeys to shadowy caravans, their adventures captivate fans of Sherlock Holmes and cozy mysteries alike, offering a delightful mix of suspense, history, and heart.
How Redmond and Haze Mysteries Began
Irina Shapiro, a lover of historical settings and paranormal twists, launched the Redmond and Haze Mysteries in 2020 with Murder in the Crypt. Inspired by her fascination with Victorian England and classics like Sherlock Holmes, Shapiro crafted a series that pairs a sharp American outsider with a steadfast British lawman. Her goal? To weave cozy mysteries that feel both familiar and fresh, grounded in the social intricacies of the 1860s.
Shapiro’s shift from time-travel tales to historical mysteries was a hit, with the series’ first three books released in quick succession in 2020. Her knack for vivid characters and atmospheric settings turned Birch Hill into a beloved backdrop for fans craving escapist yet thought-provoking reads.
The Heart of Redmond and Haze Mysteries
The series kicks off with Murder in the Crypt (2020), where a young man’s body is found stuffed in a medieval knight’s tomb. Redmond and Haze’s investigation reveals a web of village secrets, setting the tone for their deductive partnership. In Murder at the Abbey (2020), a young woman’s death near haunted ruins leads to a chilling cyanide poisoning case, testing the duo’s trust in each other.
Murder at the Mill (2020) ups the stakes with a gruesome discovery: a man strapped to a waterwheel. The case explores vengeance and betrayal, while Murder in the Caravan (2021) dives into prejudice and deception as a gentlewoman’s body is found in a Romani camp. Themes of class, duty, and justice run deep, with the Victorian setting highlighting rigid social hierarchies and personal struggles. Shapiro’s style—breezy yet layered—keeps the mysteries engaging, with subtle romance and character-driven plots adding warmth.
The interplay between Redmond’s modern medical knowledge and Haze’s traditional policing creates a dynamic contrast, while Birch Hill’s eerie charm grounds the stories. Fans praise the slow-burn character development, especially the duo’s evolving friendship and personal traumas—Redmond’s Civil War scars and Haze’s family grief.
Why Redmond and Haze Mysteries Resonates
The Redmond and Haze Mysteries have carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, blending historical authenticity with accessible storytelling. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about the series’ immersive Victorian vibe and the duo’s Holmes-and-Watson chemistry, earning it 4.5-star averages for early books. Its appeal lies in its balance of light escapism and deeper themes, making it a go-to for readers seeking both comfort and intrigue.
Shapiro’s focus on underrepresented perspectives—like Redmond’s American outsider status and the era’s social divides—adds freshness to the genre. With 15 books and counting, the series continues to grow, proving its staying power in a crowded market. Its influence lies in showing how historical mysteries can feel timeless yet relevant, inviting readers to explore human nature through a Victorian lens.
- First Book: Murder in the Crypt (2020)
- Number of Books: 15 (as of 2025)
- Setting: Birch Hill, Victorian England, 1860s
- Genre: Cozy Historical Mystery
Ready to unravel Victorian secrets? Grab Murder in the Crypt and dive into the Redmond and Haze Mysteries’ captivating world of suspense and charm!