A.J. MacKenzie Books in Order

How to Read A.J. MacKenzie: Recommended Reading Paths

A.J. MacKenzie is the collaborative pen name of Anglo-Canadian historians Marilyn Livingstone and Morgen Witzel. Because their books span vastly different historical eras, there is no single overarching timeline that connects them all. Instead, the author's work is divided into three distinct tracks, each of which should be read in its chronological (and publication) sequence.

For the best experience, we recommend choosing one of the following entry points depending on your favorite historical era:

• For Medieval Espionage Fans: Start with the Simon Merrivale / Hundred Years' War sequence, beginning with A Flight of Arrows. This is their most expansive narrative, following a single protagonist through major battle campaigns and political intrigue across two connected series.
• For Classic Whodunnit & Smuggling Mysteries: Start with the Hardcastle & Chaytor (Romney Marsh) Mysteries, beginning with The Body on the Doorstep. It offers a cozy yet gritty atmosphere set in 1790s Kent.
• For Wartime Espionage and Action: Start with the War of 1812 / John MacLea trilogy, beginning with The Ballad of John MacLea. It is a fast-paced military thriller set on the Canadian-American frontier.

1. The Simon Merrivale Saga (The Hundred Years' War & Simon Merrivale Mysteries)

This is A.J. MacKenzie's most ambitious project, following the life and investigations of Simon Merrivale, a herald to the Prince of Wales and later a King's Messenger. The saga is split across two separate series titles, but they form a continuous, chronological story. To follow Simon's growth and the progression of the war, you must read the original Hundred Years' War trilogy before moving on to the Simon Merrivale Mysteries.

The Hundred Years' War Trilogy

This trilogy covers the early years of the conflict and King Edward III's campaign in France, blending military history with murder mystery.

1. A Flight of Arrows (2021) – Set in 1346. Simon Merrivale is tasked by the King to investigate the murder of an English knight on the eve of the Battle of Crécy, uncovering a massive conspiracy.
2. A Clash of Lions (2021) – Simon's investigations continue as the English army moves to besiege Calais, dealing with treason within the ranks and political plots.
3. The Fallen Sword (2022) – Concludes the initial trilogy during the chaotic aftermath of Calais, resolving the primary wartime conspiracies Simon has been tracking.

The Simon Merrivale Mysteries

Following the conclusion of the Hundred Years' War trilogy, the authors launched a new series focusing on Simon's career as a King's Messenger, dealing with post-war fallout and espionage across Europe.

1. By Treason We Perish (2023) – Simon is sent on a delicate mission to navigate peace negotiations, only to find himself entangled in a new string of political murders.
2. City of Woe (2024) – Set in Genoa, Simon must solve a murder that threatens to disrupt the financial backing of the English crown.
3. Path of Gold (2025) – Simon's investigations lead him to Spain, uncovering secrets that could reignite the war.

2. The Hardcastle & Chaytor Mysteries (Romney Marsh)

Set in Kent during the late 1790s, this series captures the atmosphere of smuggling, French revolutionary spies, and local parish drama. The books follow the partnership of the aging Reverend Amberley Hardcastle and the sharp-witted widow Amelia Chaytor. The central mystery of each book is self-contained, but the character relationships and subplots build from one book to the next.

1. The Body on the Doorstep (2016) – The rector finds a dying man on his doorstep, launching a complex mystery involving smugglers and French agents.
2. The Body in the Ice (2017) – Set during a freezing winter, a corpse found in a marsh ice-house forces the duo to uncover dark secrets among the local gentry.
3. The Body in the Boat (2018) – A murder on a stranded boat brings the threat of the French invasion closer to home, testing the duo's deductive skills.

3. The War of 1812 Epics (John MacLea Trilogy)

This trilogy shifts focus to the Canadian frontier during the War of 1812, featuring Captain John MacLea. It is heavier on action, military strategy, and historical espionage, appealing directly to fans of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series. The trilogy is a continuous narrative and should be read in order.

1. The Ballad of John MacLea (2019) – MacLea is tasked with identifying American sympathizers and spies along the border as war breaks out.
2. The Hunt for the North Star (2019) – MacLea must track down a missing vessel and secure vital intelligence before it falls into enemy hands.
3. Invasion (2019) – The climax of the trilogy, covering the high-stakes battles and betrayal on the Niagara frontier.

What to Know Before You Start

Marilyn Livingstone and Morgen Witzel bring their academic backgrounds in medieval economic history and early modern history to their writing. This results in incredibly dense, detailed settings where the historical context is as important as the plot. While the Romney Marsh books offer a more traditional cozy mystery structure, the Simon Merrivale and John MacLea books are heavily plot-driven espionage thrillers where understanding the political alliances of the era is key. We recommend starting with The Body on the Doorstep if you prefer a slower, character-focused mystery, or A Flight of Arrows if you want a sweeping epic.