Anthony Bidulka Books in Order

How to Start Reading Anthony Bidulka

Anthony Bidulka has carved out a unique space in crime fiction, affectionately dubbed "Saskatchewan Gothic." His mysteries blend small-town prairie warmth with international intrigue, featuring diverse characters who are as charming as they are resilient. If you are new to his work, you have two primary, equally delightful entry points depending on your favorite subgenre.

Option 1: The Russell Quant Mysteries (Witty & Globe-Trotting)

For most readers, the best place to start is at the beginning of Bidulka's career with Amuse Bouche (2003). This novel introduces Russell Quant, a wine-loving, gay, half-Ukrainian, half-Irish private investigator based in Saskatoon. These books read like a cozy-adjacent PI series: they are filled with humor, local Canadian charm, and travel-log adventures that take Russell from the prairies to destinations like Paris, Spain, and South Africa. This is a long-running series where you will want to read in order to appreciate Russell's personal growth, relationship evolutions, and the returning cast of friends and clients.

Option 2: The Merry Bell Trilogy (Modern Cozy Mystery)

If you prefer a tighter, contemporary trilogy with a focus on deep personal journeys, start with Livingsky (2023). This launches the Merry Bell trilogy, which follows a transgender private investigator who relocates from Vancouver back to her home city of Saskatoon (known locally as "Livingsky") to start her own business. This trilogy has a modern cozy feel, rich with family dynamics, small-town gossip, and a strong sense of community. Because of the ongoing storyline involving Merry's personal life and transition, it is highly recommended to read this trilogy in chronological order.

Anthony Bidulka Books in Order of Publication

While Anthony Bidulka's series are distinct, reading them in publication order is a great way to watch his style evolve from breezy, comedic detective mysteries into high-stakes thriller territory, and finally to deeply emotional standalone fiction.

The Russell Quant Mystery Series

Russell Quant's investigations began in 2003 and originally wrapped up in 2012. However, after a 14-year hiatus, Bidulka returned to his signature sleuth in 2026 with a brand-new installment. The series should be read in this sequence:

1. Amuse Bouche (2003)
2. Flight of Aquavit (2004) - Winner of the Lambda Literary Award for Best Men's Mystery.
3. Tapas on the Ramblas (2005)
4. Stain of the Berry (2006)
5. Sundowner Ubuntu (2007)
6. Aloha Candy Hearts (2009)
7. Date with a Sheesha (2010)
8. Dos Equis (2012)
9. Quant (2026) - This comeback features a 15-year time jump, bringing an older Russell back to his hometown of Howell, Saskatchewan, to uncover family secrets and investigate a local tragedy.

The Merry Bell Mystery Trilogy

This completed trilogy follows Merry Bell as she establishes her new life and detective agency in Saskatoon. Read these books in exact chronological order:

1. Livingsky (2023)
2. From Sweetgrass Bridge (2024)
3. Home Fires Burn (2025)

The Adam Saint Suspense Series

If you are in the mood for action-packed thrillers rather than detective stories, this duology is the right fit. It follows Adam Saint, a luxury-loving disaster recovery agent who deals with aftermaths of global catastrophes. Read them in this order:

1. When the Saints Go Marching In (2013)
2. The Women of Skawa Island (2014)

Standalone Novels

Bidulka has written two standalone novels that showcase his versatility in suspense and character-driven drama. They can be read at any time:

• Set Free (2016) - A suspense thriller about a kidnapped Canadian author fighting to survive in Marrakech.
• Going to Beautiful (2022) - Winner of the 2023 Crime Writers of Canada Award for Best Crime Novel. This story follows an international chef who, following a personal tragedy, seeks answers in a tiny, quirky, and snow-swept Saskatchewan town named Beautiful.

What to Know Before You Start

Before you dive into Bidulka's catalog, it is helpful to understand how his books handle tone and setting. Bidulka's writing style is known for combining lighthearted humor and cozy environments with genuinely dark undercurrents—hence the term "Saskatchewan Gothic." His characters deal with real danger, trauma, and prejudice, but the books are ultimately grounded in hope, resilience, and the joy of life.

Saskatchewan itself acts as a main character in almost all of Bidulka's works. Whether he is describing the cold winter winds of Saskatoon or the tight-knit nature of small farming communities, he writes about the Canadian prairies with deep affection and detail. Finally, while most books have self-contained mystery plots, the character development in the Russell Quant and Merry Bell series is highly continuous, so skipping around is not advised if you want the full emotional impact of the characters' lives.