Step into the shadowy streets of Lafferton, where Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Serrailler unravels mysteries that pulse with suspense and humanity. Susan Hill’s acclaimed Simon Serrailler series, a gem in modern crime fiction, blends intricate whodunits with the personal struggles of a complex detective. With a cathedral town setting that feels both cozy and chilling, this series hooks readers with its literate storytelling and emotional depth.
Unlike fast-paced thrillers, these novels linger on character and place, making every case feel personal. Ready to meet a detective who’s as enigmatic as the crimes he solves? Let’s dive into the world of Simon Serrailler!
How Simon Serrailler Began
In 2004, Susan Hill, already renowned for her gothic masterpiece The Woman in Black, ventured into crime fiction with The Various Haunts of Men. Inspired by real-world tragedies like the Soham murders, Hill crafted a series grounded in the ripple effects of crime on a community. Lafferton, a fictional English cathedral town, became the vivid backdrop for Simon Serrailler, a chief inspector whose analytical brilliance is matched by his guarded heart. Hill’s goal was to create crime novels that were as much about people as puzzles, setting her series apart in a crowded genre.
The Heart of Simon Serrailler
The series, spanning 13 books and two short stories, follows Serrailler as he tackles cases that expose Lafferton’s darker side. In The Various Haunts of Men (2004), a woman vanishes on Lafferton’s foggy Hill, sparking a chilling investigation led by Serrailler and rookie Freya Graffham. The Pure in Heart (2005) escalates with a child’s abduction, weaving themes of loss and redemption. The Risk of Darkness (2006) explores grief-driven obsession, while A Change of Circumstance (2021) delves into a drug network exploiting vulnerable youth.
Hill’s novels stand out for their gothic-tinged prose and deep dives into human psychology. Themes of morality, family, and the cost of justice permeate the series, with Lafferton’s idyllic facade hiding secrets. Serrailler himself is no stock detective—his artistic pursuits, tangled relationships, and medical family ties (his sister Cat is a GP) add layers to his character. The slow-burn pacing and rich character arcs make these books as much literary fiction as crime drama.
Why Simon Serrailler Resonates
With over a million copies sold worldwide, the Simon Serrailler series has carved a niche in crime fiction. Fans praise its blend of suspense and emotional heft, often comparing it to the works of Ruth Rendell and P.D. James. Hill’s fearless tackling of tough topics—like grief, addiction, and societal decay—earns critical acclaim, while Serrailler’s evolving personal life keeps readers invested. The series’ potential TV adaptation, likened to a modern-day Inspector Morse, hints at its growing cultural footprint. For those craving crime novels with heart and depth, Serrailler delivers.
- First Book: The Various Haunts of Men (2004)
- Latest Book: A Change of Circumstance (2021)
- Number of Books: 13, plus two short stories
- Awards: Hill’s broader work has won the Whitbread and Somerset Maugham awards
Grab The Various Haunts of Men and step into Lafferton’s gripping world of crime and secrets. Simon Serrailler’s mysteries await—will you unravel them?