Step into the gritty yet heartfelt world of the Ted Darling series, where Detective Chief Inspector Ted Darling tackles chilling crimes in Stockport, England, with a blend of sharp intuition and quiet compassion. Written by L.M. Krier, these police procedurals offer a fresh spin on crime fiction, weaving intricate mysteries with deeply human characters that keep readers hooked from page one.
Unlike the brooding, rule-breaking detectives of modern thrillers, Ted Darling is a refreshingly grounded hero—a gay police officer navigating prejudice, balancing his demanding career with his personal life, and leading his team with integrity. With over 19 novels, this series is a must-read for fans of character-driven crime stories that feel real and relatable.
How Ted Darling Began
The Ted Darling series sprang to life on Christmas Eve 2014, when author Lesley Tither, writing as L.M. Krier, had a vivid dream about a fully formed detective named Ted Darling. A retired journalist and court reporter, Krier drew on her experience covering criminal cases to craft authentic police procedurals. Encouraged by a friend’s enthusiastic response to her first chapter, Krier penned the prequel, The First Time Ever, and the series took off, growing into a beloved indie crime saga set in her hometown of Stockport.
The Heart of Ted Darling
The series kicks off with The First Time Ever, a prequel exploring Ted’s early career as a Specialist Firearms Officer facing a life-changing decision after meeting his partner, Trevor. In Baby’s Got Blue Eyes, Ted, now in the CID, investigates a string of murders with a personal twist, uncovering a killer closer than he expects. Shut Up and Drive ramps up the tension as Ted’s team hunts a knife-wielding predator targeting women in supermarket car parks. Later, Walk On By sees Ted juggling a complex operation involving a brutal stabbing and a vindictive superior.
Set in the working-class streets of Stockport, the series blends meticulous police work with themes of loyalty, diversity, and resilience. Krier’s background as a court reporter shines through in the realistic dialogue and procedures, while Ted’s personal life—his long-term relationship with Trevor and their growing collection of cats—adds warmth and humor. The novels tackle tough issues like prejudice, corruption, and trauma with sensitivity, making them stand out in the genre.
What makes Ted Darling special is its focus on character. Ted isn’t a lone wolf; he thrives on teamwork, earning the respect of his diverse squad. Fans praise the series for its balance of gritty crime and heartfelt moments, with Krier’s knack for weaving contemporary issues into compelling plots keeping readers coming back for more.
Why Ted Darling Resonates
The Ted Darling series has carved a niche in crime fiction, earning accolades like a spot on mrsbloggsbooks.com’s Outstanding Reads of 2019. Its authentic portrayal of police work and Ted’s quiet strength as a gay officer facing subtle biases resonate with readers seeking inclusive, relatable heroes. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about the series’ addictive pacing and well-researched plots, with many devouring all 19 books during lockdowns. Krier’s indie success proves that fresh voices can thrive in a crowded genre.
- Publication Years: 2015–present
- Number of Books: 19 (as of 2025)
- Setting: Stockport, Greater Manchester
- Notable Recognition: Featured on mrsbloggsbooks.com’s Outstanding Reads (2019)
Grab The First Time Ever and dive into Ted Darling’s gripping world of crime, heart, and humor. With mysteries that keep you guessing and characters you’ll root for, this series is your next binge-read!