What is the recommended starting book for the Thomas Berrington series?

You should start with either the prequel novella A Death of Innocence for chronological order, or the first novel The Red Hill if you prefer to start with a full-length mystery.

How many books are in the Thomas Berrington series?

As of 2025, there are fifteen books in total: ten in the original Moorish Spain series (including the prequel novella) and five in the follow-up Tudor Mystery series.

What is the difference between the original series and the Tudor Mystery series?

The original series is set in 15th-century Moorish Spain during the final years of Al-Andalus, while the Tudor Mystery series follows the characters to England and Spain during the early Tudor period under King Henry VII.

Can the Thomas Berrington books be read as standalones?

The individual murder mysteries are self-contained, but the characters' lives, relationships, and the historical background progress chronologically, so it is best to read them in order.

Who is the main companion in the series?

Thomas's primary companion is Jorge , a charismatic court eunuch who provides sharp wit, local political knowledge, and balance to Thomas's serious, analytical nature.

Are there any spin-offs or related series by David Penny?

There are no spin-offs. David Penny's other works, like the paranormal thriller series Unit-Thirteen and the crime series Izzy Wilde , are set in different universes and are completely unrelated.

Thomas Berrington Historical Mystery Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Path

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Thomas Berrington books in chronological order. While the publication order is almost identical to the chronological order, starting with the prequel novella establishes critical background history for the main characters. Beginning with the prequel allows you to witness the earliest partnership and personal tragedies that shape Thomas Berrington before he is thrown into the court intrigues of the Alhambra.

Chronological Reading Order

A Death of Innocence (Novella / Book 0.5) – Published in 2020, this prequel explores Thomas's early life and the event that set his investigative journey in motion.
The Red Hill (Book 1) – Published in 2014, this is the debut novel where Thomas investigates palace murders in Granada's Alhambra.
Breaker of Bones (Book 2) – Published in 2015, taking Thomas and Jorge to the ancient city of Cordoba.
The Sin Eater (Book 3) – Published in 2016, set against the backdrop of Garnatah during personal turmoil.
The Incubus (Book 4) – Published in 2017, continuing the gritty investigations in southern Spain.
The Inquisitor (Book 5) – Published in 2018, where Thomas faces the horrors of the Spanish Inquisition and plague in Sevilla.
The Fortunate Dead (Book 6) – Published in 2018, dealing with political conspiracies and rising tensions.
The Promise of Pain (Book 7) – Published in 2019, diving deeper into the final years of Moorish Al-Andalus.
The Message of Blood (Book 8) – Published in 2020, showcasing the tightening Christian siege on the Moorish kingdom.
A Tear for the Dead (Book 9) – Published in 2020, concluding the first major story arc set in Moorish Spain.
Men of Bone (Tudor Mystery Book 1) – Published in 2021, launching the sequel series with Thomas and Jorge relocating.
A Death of Promise (Tudor Mystery Book 2) – Published in 2022, following the duo as they navigate early Tudor politics.
The Hidden Dead (Tudor Mystery Book 3) – Published in 2023, where dark secrets in England come to light.
The Beasts of the City (Tudor Mystery Book 4) – Published in 2024, continuing their investigations in urban London.
A Surfeit of Grief (Tudor Mystery Book 5) – Published in 2025, where Thomas is sent by King Henry back to southern Spain to assist in the marriage negotiations of Catherine of Aragon.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

The main difference between publication order and chronological order lies in the placement of the prequel, A Death of Innocence. David Penny published this novella in 2020, right around the time the ninth novel, A Tear for the Dead, was released. Chronologically, the novella takes place before The Red Hill. If you prefer to read in publication order, you would read the first eight books, then read the prequel, and then read book nine. However, most fans agree that reading the prequel first provides valuable context on Thomas's medical practice, his worldview, and his relationship with the people around him.

The Moorish Spain Era (The Original Series)

The original ten-part sequence (nine novels plus one prequel) is set between 1482 and 1492, capturing the turbulent final decade of Islamic rule in Spain (Al-Andalus). Thomas Berrington is an English surgeon living as an émigré in the Moorish kingdom. His unique knowledge of anatomy and medicine makes him a highly effective forensic investigator. Alongside Jorge, a sharp-witted court eunuch, Thomas becomes an unwilling detective for sultans, queens, and powerful lords. The atmosphere is thick with political tension, religious division, and the impending conquest of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand.

The Tudor Mystery Era (The Sequel Series)

After the fall of Moorish Spain, David Penny transitioned his characters into a new phase with the Thomas Berrington Tudor Mystery series. Beginning with Men of Bone in 2021, this continuation moves the timeline forward. Thomas and Jorge find themselves navigating the cold, damp, and politically treacherous environment of early Tudor England under King Henry VII. The change in setting introduces new cultural clashes, as the characters adapt from the sun-drenched, scientifically advanced society of Al-Andalus to the raw, emerging power of the Tudor court. Despite the change in geography, the core appeal remains the same: complex forensic puzzles, sharp historical detail, and the endearing, banter-filled relationship between Thomas and Jorge.

What to Know Before You Start

David Penny's series stands out in the historical mystery genre for its gritty, uncompromising look at medieval medicine and warfare. As a physician, Thomas doesn't benefit from modern technology, relying instead on observation, dissection, and early logical analysis. Readers should be prepared for detailed descriptions of wounds, surgeries, and the harsh realities of 15th-century life. Additionally, the political landscape is highly authentic, featuring real historical figures like Queen Isabella, King Ferdinand, and various Moorish rulers. The narrative does not take sides, choosing instead to highlight the human cost of the Reconquista on both Christian and Muslim citizens.

Practical Reader Advice

Best Starting Point

The absolute best starting point is The Red Hill if you want to jump straight into a full-length novel, or A Death of Innocence if you want to experience the events in strict chronological order. Starting anywhere else will spoil major character developments, particularly regarding Thomas's family and the shifting political control of Spain.

Are the Books Standalone?

While each book features a self-contained murder mystery that is fully resolved by the final chapter, the overarching political plot and the personal lives of Thomas and Jorge develop continuously. Reading them out of order will make the background character arcs and political developments confusing.

Spin-offs and Co-authored Works

There are no spin-offs or co-authored works in the Thomas Berrington universe. David Penny is the sole author of these books. While he has written other series, such as the Unit-Thirteen paranormal spy thrillers and the Izzy Wilde mysteries (under the pseudonym D.G. Penny), these are entirely unrelated to the historical mystery series.