The Andrew Gaddes Reading Path
Since Andrew Gaddes currently has only one published novel, finding the right reading order is incredibly simple. You can dive straight into his debut standalone book:
- Those Who Go by Night (2018)
To date, there are no companion stories, spin-offs, or sequels. However, the depth of research and atmosphere of this single work offers a satisfying, self-contained journey for anyone looking for a premium historical mystery experience.
"Those Who Go by Night" (2018): Plot & Character Details
Set in 1324 England, the story revolves around Thomas Lester, a young investigator with a complex past. He is the son of a disgraced knight. Thomas is dispatched by the Bishop of Lincoln to the isolated village of Bottesford to solve a gruesome crime: a beggar's body has been found desecrated and draped across the church altar, in a manner designed to mock the Crucifixion.
Thomas must solve the murder quickly because a papal inquisitor has also been sent to the village. The local lord, Sir Mortimer De Bray, fears that if the inquisitor uncovers heresy, the crown or the church will seize his lands, bringing ruin to the entire region. The investigation forces Thomas to navigate a web of secrets, accusations of witchcraft, and the terrifying prospect of the Inquisition.
What to Know Before You Start
Atmosphere and Tone
Gaddes brings a lawyer's eye for detail and structure to his prose, giving the investigation a meticulous feel. However, he balances this analytical precision with a deep appreciation for medieval folklore and superstition. The atmosphere is tense, fog-laden, and deeply immersive, reflecting the fears of a community caught between medieval piety and institutional power.
Recommended Starting Point
Since Those Who Go by Night is Gaddes's only book, it is the default and best starting point. It works perfectly as a standalone novel. The ending resolves the central mystery, though the rich world-building leaves the door open for potential future cases featuring Thomas Lester.
Who Will Enjoy His Work?
Fans of medieval mystery authors like Jeri Westerson (Crispin Guest series), S.D. Sykes (Somershill Manor series), Ellis Peters (Brother Cadfael), and C.J. Sansom (Matthew Shardlake series) will find Gaddes's style highly appealing. It combines historical accuracy with the pacing of a modern thriller.
About the Author: Transition from Law to Fiction
Andrew Gaddes was born in Grantham, England. He studied jurisprudence at Oxford University and built a successful legal career as a solicitor, working in both London and Brussels. He later relocated to Wayne, Pennsylvania, with his family, where he earned a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and continued to practice law. Gaddes drew on his knowledge of English history, legal structures, and regional folklore to craft his debut novel.