The Recommended Reading Path: Where to Start
If you are planning to dive into the Redmond and Haze Mysteries by Irina Shapiro, the best way to experience the series is by following its publication order. Because the books follow a tight, linear timeline, the chronological order is identical to the publication order. Reading them in this sequence allows you to experience the slow-burn character development, the deepening partnership between the two leads, and the major life changes that affect the supporting cast of Birch Hill.
You should absolutely start with the first novel, Murder in the Crypt. This book introduces Jason Redmond, a traumatized American Civil War surgeon who unexpectedly inherits an English estate, and Daniel Haze, a steadfast local parish constable. Their initial mutual suspicion slowly gives way to professional respect, establishing the foundation for all the mysteries that follow. Skipping ahead will spoil major character arcs, relationship progressions, and promotions within the local constabulary.
Redmond and Haze Mysteries in Publication Order
Here is the complete list of the Redmond and Haze Mysteries in their correct reading order. The series began in 2020 and has consistently delivered atmospheric, character-driven mysteries year after year:
- Murder in the Crypt (2020) – Redmond arrives in Birch Hill and teams up with Haze when a modern corpse is discovered inside a medieval knight's tomb.
- Murder at the Abbey (2020) – The duo investigates the cyanide poisoning of a young woman near the haunted ruins of a local abbey.
- Murder at the Mill (2020) – A gruesome death at a local mill forces the investigators to confront themes of labor, betrayal, and village vengeance.
- Murder in the Caravan (2021) – The body of a wealthy gentlewoman is found in a Romani camp, exposing prejudice and secrets.
- Murder in the Grave (2021) – Secrets from the past are unearthed when an old grave reveals a secondary, much more recent victim.
- Murder at Ardith Hall (2021) – A high-society gathering at a grand estate turns deadly, forcing Redmond and Haze to navigate the rigid class divides of Victorian England.
- Murder on the Sea Witch (2022) – The investigators board a merchant vessel to solve a murder, shifting the setting away from Birch Hill.
- Murder in Half Moon Street (2022) – The partnership moves into the atmospheric and dangerous streets of London to solve a metropolitan crime.
- Murder in Highgate (2022) – A complex investigation set against the backdrop of the famous Highgate Cemetery.
- Murder in the Mews (2023) – An urban mystery focusing on family betrayals and hidden motives in London's carriage houses.
- Murder of a Mermaid (2023) – The discovery of a body in a coastal setting brings a folklore-inspired mystery to the duo's plate.
- Murder Among the Dead (2023) – A chilling winter mystery that challenges the duo's deductive skills as they face local superstitions.
- Murder of a Hangman (2024) – A severed head found on the steps of Newgate Prison belongs to the hangman himself, presenting a massive list of vengeful suspects.
- Murder of Innocents (2024) – One of the darkest cases in the series, forcing Redmond and Haze to track a predator targeting the vulnerable.
- Murder of a Medium (2025) – Victorian spiritualism takes center stage when a popular medium is murdered during a dark seance.
- Murder in Bloody Weald (2025) – Set in the ancient, atmospheric woods where local lore and modern greed collide.
- Murder of a Vampire (2025) – The duo investigates a bizarre case where the victim's death mimics the traits of gothic vampire folklore.
- Murder in the Maze (2026) – A New Year's Eve treasure hunt at an ancestral home ends in tragedy when the host is found dead at the center of his garden maze.
Chronological Order and Character Continuity
While each book presents a self-contained murder mystery that is resolved by the final page, the underlying narrative of the series relies heavily on chronological continuity. Over the course of the novels, Jason Redmond struggles to overcome his physical and psychological scars from his service in the American Civil War, while Daniel Haze deals with intense family grief and works his way up from a humble parish constable to an esteemed Inspector.
As you progress through the books, you will also witness the gradual evolution of their domestic lives, their romantic interests, and the changing landscape of Birch Hill. Reading the books out of order will result in significant confusion regarding character roles, marital statuses, and professional standings.
A Great Next Step: The Tate and Bell Mysteries
If you finish the Redmond and Haze series and find yourself craving more Victorian-era historical mysteries, Irina Shapiro has penned a sister series called the Tate and Bell Mysteries. Set in the same historical period, this series follows the partnership of Gemma Tate, a former Crimean War nurse, and Sebastian Bell, a cynical, jaded detective. The series focuses heavily on metropolitan crime, social class struggles, and medical details, sharing the same atmospheric DNA as Redmond and Haze.
The Tate and Bell Mysteries should also be read in publication order:
- The Highgate Cemetery Murder (2024)
- Murder at Traitors' Gate (2024)
- Murder at the Foundling Hospital (2024)
- Murder at the Orpheus Theatre (2025)
- Murder on Platform Four (2025)
- Murder on the Prince Regent (2025)
- The Carnival Murders (2026)
- Murder on Devil's Ridge (2026)
What to Know Before You Start
The Redmond and Haze series is classified as cozy historical mystery, meaning it avoids excessive graphic gore and focuses instead on deduction, atmosphere, and character relationships. The dynamic between Redmond and Haze is heavily reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, but with a unique twist: Redmond is the medical expert who brings modern scientific techniques to the table, while Haze relies on local knowledge, traditional police work, and stubborn determination. The juxtaposition of Redmond's American perspective against the rigid Victorian class system of Birch Hill provides a constant source of quiet humor and social commentary throughout the books.