Where to Start Reading Alex Walters / Michael Walters
British crime writer Michael Walters writes under two names: his real name, Michael Walters, and his popular pen name, Alex Walters. While he uses distinct names and settings, all of his series share a love for rich, atmospheric backgrounds and complex characters. Depending on your personal tastes, there are three primary paths to begin your reading journey:
- For atmospheric, international procedurals: Start with the Inspector Nergui series (written as Michael Walters), beginning with The Shadow Walker. Set in post-Soviet Mongolia, this series stands out for its gritty realism and unique, evocative setting.
- For rugged, traditional Scottish crime: Dive into the DI Alec McKay series (written as Alex Walters), starting with Candles and Roses. Set in the windswept Scottish Highlands, it focuses on intense procedural work and deep character relationships.
- For psychological suspense with a touch of the paranormal: Begin the DCI Kenny Murrain series (written as Alex Walters) with Late Checkout. If you prefer to get the complete backstory for key characters, you should read the Marie Donovan books, Trust No One and Nowhere to Hide, first.
The Mongolia Mysteries: Inspector Nergui Series
Written under his real name, Michael Walters, this trilogy transports readers to Ulaanbaatar and the vast Gobi Desert during Mongolia's transition out of the Soviet era. The books follow Inspector Nergui, a senior security official, and his colleague Doripalam as they tackle complex, politically charged crimes.
While each book features a self-contained mystery, they should be read in order of publication to fully appreciate the evolving political landscape and character relationships.
- The Shadow Walker (2007)
- The Adversary (2007)
- The Outcast (2008)
The Scottish Highlands: DI Alec McKay Series
Writing as Alex Walters, the author created DI Alec McKay, a detective based in the Highlands (specifically around the Black Isle and Inverness). McKay is a stubborn, deeply dedicated investigator dealing with personal grief and a challenging professional environment. The series is celebrated for its vivid descriptions of the Scottish landscape and its tight, tense plots.
This series is highly serialized regarding the character arcs, so starting at the beginning is strongly recommended.
- Candles and Roses (2016)
- Death Parts Us (2017)
- Their Final Act (2018)
- Expiry Date (2019)
- For Their Sins (2021)
- A Parting Gift (2022)
- The Low Road (2025)
The Manchester Universe: DCI Kenny Murrain & Marie Donovan
One of the most interesting aspects of Walters's bibliography is the crossover between his early standalone thrillers and his long-running police procedurals. In 2011 and 2012, Walters published two Manchester-based crime thrillers featuring undercover police officer Marie Donovan. Although originally published as standalones, Marie Donovan subsequently joins the team of DCI Kenny Murrain in Late Checkout (2016).
The DCI Kenny Murrain series introduces a light supernatural element: Murrain possesses a sensory, synesthetic "gift" that allows him to experience crime scenes and clues with heightened, almost psychic sensitivity. To get the maximum enjoyment out of these characters, read the Marie Donovan prequels before starting Murrain's main cases.
The Marie Donovan Prequels
- Trust No One (2011)
- Nowhere to Hide (2012)
The DCI Kenny Murrain Series
- Late Checkout (2016)
- Dark Corners (2016)
- Murrain's Truth: A Trio of DCI Kenny Murrain Short Stories (2016)
- Snow Fallen (2018)
- Stilled Voices (2020) (Also published as Lost Lies)
- Life Remains (2021) (Also published as Stolen Lives)
The Derbyshire Peak District: Detective Annie Delamere Series
In 2020, Alex Walters launched the Detective Annie Delamere series, set in the picturesque yet treacherous Peak District of Derbyshire. Annie Delamere is a sharp, experienced officer dealing with complex investigations, local politics, and family dynamics. This series features a lighter, more traditional police procedural feel compared to the dark, sensory-heavy Kenny Murrain books.
Like his other police procedurals, reading in publication order is best for following Annie's personal life and career trajectory.
- Small Mercies (2020)
- Lost Hours (2020)
- Bad Terms (2022)
- Old Evils (2023)
Standalone Novels and Anthologies
Aside from his major series, Walters has published standalone books and contributed to charity anthologies. These are excellent if you want to sample his writing style without committing to a multi-book arc.
Standalone Novels
- Winterman (2019) – A historical crime thriller set in the freezing winter of 1947 in a remote English community.
- Human Assets (2022) – A modern thriller exploring corporate greed, conspiracy, and espionage.
Anthologies and Collections
- Dark Minds (2016) – A crime fiction anthology featuring various authors, raising funds for hospice care.
- Written in the Stars (2022) – A multi-author crime collection themed around astrology and the zodiac.