Alex Howard Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Alex Howard

Before diving into the detailed lists, it helps to know that the books written by Alex Howard (and later published under his real name, Alex Coombs) fall into two completely different mystery subgenres. Because of this, your starting point depends entirely on what kind of mystery you are in the mood for:

• For gritty, high-stakes detective procedurals: Start with The Stolen Child (originally published under the title Time to Die). This kicks off the intense, fast-paced DCI Hanlon series, featuring a fierce and rule-breaking detective inspector in London.
• For cozy culinary mysteries: Start with Murder on the Menu. This is the first book in the Old Forge Café Mysteries, featuring chef Charlie Hunter solving crimes in a picturesque village. It is a much lighter, charm-filled cozy mystery series that draws directly on the author's real-life experience as a professional chef.

The Complete DCI Hanlon & PI Hanlon Reading Order

The Hanlon series follows the career of a tough, unorthodox female protagonist. The series is split into two distinct eras: her time as a Detective Inspector (DCI Hanlon) and her subsequent career as a Private Investigator (PI Hanlon). To fully appreciate the character arc, personal relationships, and ongoing plot threads, you should read these books in chronological order.

DCI Hanlon Books in Order

Note that the first four books were originally published under the pseudonym Alex Howard and later re-released under the name Alex Coombs. They were also renamed during these republishing runs, which frequently confuses readers. Here is the correct chronological sequence with both titles noted:

1. The Stolen Child (Originally published in 2014 as Time to Die) — Hanlon is tasked with finding a kidnapped child, showcasing her extreme loyalty and dangerous, unorthodox methods.
2. The Innocent Girl (Originally published in 2015 as Cold Revenge) — Hanlon goes undercover in Oxford to dismantle a sadistic killer's web.
3. The Missing Husband (Originally published in 2015 as A Hard Woman to Kill) — Hanlon faces off against the Russian mafia in London.
4. The Silent Victims (Originally published in 2017 as An Incidental Death) — A dark case involving anarchist murders and deep-seated corruption.

PI Hanlon Books in Order

After the events of the DCI Hanlon books, the protagonist leaves the police force behind and moves to Scotland to work as a private investigator. These books were published directly under the name Alex Coombs:

1. Silenced For Good (2020) — Set against the haunting Scottish landscape, Hanlon investigates a suspicious death in a remote community.
2. Missing For Good (2020) — A complex missing person case that pulls Hanlon deeper into local secrets.
3. Buried For Good (2021) — The dramatic conclusion of the Scottish trilogy.

The Old Forge Café Mysteries (Charlie Hunter)

In 2023, the author shifted gears to write cozy culinary mysteries. Set in the quiet village of Hampden Green in the Chilterns, this series follows Chef Charlie Hunter. Having trained as a chef himself, the author infuses these novels with authentic food details, local recipes, and a warm, inviting community atmosphere—which is regularly disrupted by murder.

1. Murder on the Menu (2023) — Chef Charlie Hunter opens her dream restaurant, The Old Forge, only for a local critic to end up dead on the floor.
2. Death in Nonna's Kitchen (2024) — Charlie is caught in the middle of a deadly culinary rivalry.
3. A Knife in the Back (2024) — Secrets cook up trouble in the kitchen as Charlie investigates another local murder.
4. Death of a Mystery Guest (2025) — A high-profile guest dies under mysterious circumstances at the café.
5. Murder and the Maitre D' (2025) — Charlie Hunter's latest adventure solving crimes amidst catering events.

Anthologies & Short Stories

If you want to read every piece of fiction the author has published, there is one key anthology to look out for:

• The Mammoth Book of Jack the Ripper Stories (2015) — This collection includes a short story contribution by the author (writing as Alex Coombs), exploring the mythology and history of London's most famous historic crimes.

What to Know Before You Start

Reading Alex Howard (Alex Coombs) is a rewarding experience, but there are a few practical caveats to keep in mind:

• The Name Change: The author originally debuted the Hanlon series under the pen name Alex Howard. When publishers changed and the series expanded, the earlier books were republished under his real name, Alex Coombs, alongside the newer PI Hanlon and Old Forge Café books. When searching online, keep both names in mind.
• Different Tones: Do not expect the same mood across both series. The Hanlon books are dark, visceral police procedurals dealing with heavy topics like human trafficking, mafia violence, and child abduction. The Old Forge Café books are classic, lighthearted cozy mysteries with recipes, quirky village residents, and low-violence investigation.
• Chronology Matters for Hanlon: While the cozy mysteries can generally be enjoyed as standalone novels, the Hanlon series has a strong emotional and professional arc for its lead character. Reading the DCI books before the PI books is highly recommended to understand why Hanlon left the force and ended up in Scotland.