Books On Board

Slater and Norman Mystery Books in Order

  • 17 Books
  • 2014 – 2024 Published

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Reading order
2 of 2 reading orders shown

The Recommended Reading Order for Slater and Norman

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the publication order of the Slater and Norman Mystery series (also known as the DS Dave Slater series). While each case features a self-contained mystery that is resolved by the end of the book, the underlying character relationships, personal lives, and career arcs of Dave Slater and Norman Norman develop linearly from one installment to the next.

A major turning point occurs in the middle of the series when the duo transitions from police detectives to private investigators. Reading the books out of order will spoil these personal developments and the evolution of their unique partnership.

Publication Order of DS Dave Slater / Slater and Norman Books

  1. Death Of A Temptress (2014) – Also published under the alternative title Death by Carpet. This is the first full-length novel where Slater meets his new partner, Norman Norman.
  2. Just A Coincidence (2014) – Also published under the alternative title Death by Plane.
  3. Florence (2015) – Also published under the alternative title Death by Night.
  4. The Wrong Man (2015) – Also published under the alternative title Death by Kitchen Sink.
  5. The Red Telephone Box (2015) – Also published under the alternative title Death by Telephone Box.
  6. The Secret of Wild Boar Woods (2016)
  7. A Skeleton In The Closet (2016)
  8. The Kidney Donor (2016) – This book marks a major transition in the series as Slater and Norman transition to operating as private investigators.
  9. What's In A Name? (2017)
  10. A Puzzle Of Old Bones (2017)
  11. A Fatal Deception (2017)
  12. Wrongly Convicted (2018)
  13. Deceptive Appearances (2018)
  14. The Invisible Man (2019)
  15. Death by Caravan (2024)

Where Do the Novellas and Prequels Fit?

In addition to the fifteen full-length novels, P.F. Ford has written several novellas that expand the Slater and Norman universe. Depending on your preferences, you can integrate them chronologically or read them as companion pieces.

The Prequel Novella

  • A Complete Fiasco (originally published as The Making of a Scapegoat in 2013) – This novella is a prequel that introduces DS Dave Slater before the events of the first novel. It explains the botched case that got Slater benched by his superiors and made into a scapegoat, setting the stage for his redemption in Death Of A Temptress.

Supplemental Novellas

  • An Innocent Victim (2018) – Published between Wrongly Convicted and Deceptive Appearances, this novella provides a quick, standalone mystery that fits neatly into the later timeline of the series.
  • The Mysterious Death of Archibald Lewis (2019) – Published after Deceptive Appearances, this short case offers another bite-sized mystery for fans of the duo.

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

If you prefer to read the series in strict chronological order, you should start with the prequel novella before diving into the main series. The chronological reading order is as follows:

  1. A Complete Fiasco / The Making of a Scapegoat (Prequel Novella)
  2. Death Of A Temptress (Book 1)
  3. Just A Coincidence (Book 2)
  4. Florence (Book 3)
  5. The Wrong Man (Book 4)
  6. The Red Telephone Box (Book 5)
  7. The Secret of Wild Boar Woods (Book 6)
  8. A Skeleton In The Closet (Book 7)
  9. The Kidney Donor (Book 8)
  10. What's In A Name? (Book 9)
  11. A Puzzle Of Old Bones (Book 10)
  12. A Fatal Deception (Book 11)
  13. Wrongly Convicted (Book 12)
  14. An Innocent Victim (Novella)
  15. Deceptive Appearances (Book 13)
  16. The Mysterious Death of Archibald Lewis (Novella)
  17. The Invisible Man (Book 14)
  18. Death by Caravan (Book 15)

What to Know Before You Start

Before jumping into the streets of Tinton with Slater and Norman, here are a few practical insights to keep in mind:

The Alternative Titles Confusion

When the early books in the series were first released digitally, they carried humorous "Death by..." working titles (such as Death by Carpet and Death by Plane). They were later re-titled to sound like more traditional detective novels (e.g., Death Of A Temptress and Just A Coincidence). If you come across these different names on retail sites or library catalogs, rest assured they are the exact same books.

Cozy Mystery vs. Police Procedural

P.F. Ford occupies a unique niche that bridges the gap between traditional British police procedurals and lighthearted cozy mysteries. While the books feature realistic police investigations, bureaucracy, and dark conspiracies, they steer clear of gratuitous gore or graphic violence. The heart of the series is the warm, humorous, and sometimes sarcastic banter between the meticulous, instinct-driven Dave Slater and his eccentric, disheveled partner Norman Norman.

The PI Transition

Be prepared for a change of scenery in Book 8, The Kidney Donor. After years of dealing with police department politics, the detectives strike out on their own as private investigators. This shift breathes fresh air into the formula, changing the stakes and the types of cases they take on, while keeping their classic partnership dynamic intact.

Frequently Asked

What is the best starting point for the Slater and Norman Mystery series?

The best starting point is the first novel, Death Of A Temptress. Alternatively, you can start with the prequel novella, A Complete Fiasco, which explains how DS Dave Slater got benched by his department prior to the first book.

Can the Slater and Norman books be read as standalones?

While each book features a self-contained mystery that is solved by the end, it is highly recommended to read them in order. The overarching character development, personal relationships, and their transition from police detectives to private investigators build continuously across the series.

Why do some books in the series have multiple titles?

The first five digital releases originally carried "Death by..." titles (e.g., Death by Carpet for the first book). They were later renamed to more standard mystery titles (e.g., Death Of A Temptress), which sometimes causes confusion on online platforms.

Where does the series take place?

The series is primarily set in the fictional town of Tinton, a small, atmospheric English town where quiet country lanes and local pubs hide complex crimes and dark secrets.

How does the detectives' status change in Book 8?

Beginning with The Kidney Donor (Book 8), Dave Slater and Norman Norman transition from being Detective Sergeants in the police force to working as private investigators, changing the dynamics of their cases.

Who wrote the Slater and Norman Mystery books?

The series is written by Welsh indie author P.F. Ford, who began publishing the mysteries in 2013 after starting his writing career later in life.