The Recommended Reading Order for A.R. Ashworth
With only two published novels in the series, the reading path for A.R. Ashworth's work is straightforward. However, it is absolutely essential that you read these books in their strict chronological order. The character development, interpersonal relationships, and overarching plot lines regarding police corruption are tightly serialized. Reading the second book first will ruin major plot twists and spoil the traumatic events that conclude the debut novel.
- Souls of Men (2017)
- Two Faced (2018)
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
For the DCI Elaine Hope series, the publication order and chronological order are identical. The timeline of the second book begins directly in the aftermath of the first book's climax. There are no prequels, short stories, or companion novellas that disrupt this order. If you want to experience the full emotional weight of Elaine Hope's journey, you should follow the publication sequence without exception.
A Closer Look at the Books
Souls of Men (2017)
In this debut thriller, readers are introduced to DCI Elaine Hope, a tall, husky-voiced, and dedicated investigator within the London Metropolitan Police. The story begins when Hope takes over a bungled murder case involving a fifteen-year-old girl, Sheila Watson, in East London. The investigation quickly centers on an American surgeon, Dr. Peter Willend, who was spotted on the same bus as the victim. Despite immense pressure from her superiors and the media to secure a swift conviction, Hope’s detective instincts suggest that Willend is innocent. As she digs deeper to find the real killer, she faces corrupt colleagues within the force and hostile media attention. Along the way, the narrative delves into the vulnerabilities and past traumas of both Hope and Willend, establishing a complex bond between them.
Two Faced (2018)
The second installment picks up with Elaine Hope fighting to salvage both her career and her sanity. Relegated to desk duty while recovering from the severe physical and emotional trauma of a near-fatal assault in the previous book, she begins an unauthorized, off-the-books investigation. Elaine is determined to uncover whether her attack was purely the work of gangster Anton Srecko or if a member of the Metropolitan Police deliberately withheld backup. Meanwhile, a new high-profile murder in Kensington forces her former team members, Philip Bull and Simon Costello, to seek her help when their new DCI proves incompetent. This entry dives deep into themes of institutional corruption, vengeance, and recovery, alongside her evolving relationship with the similarly scarred Dr. Peter Willend.
The Future of the Elaine Hope Series
Although A.R. Ashworth originally envisioned the DCI Elaine Hope series as a trilogy, a third novel has yet to be published. The author's official website continues to showcase the first two titles, leaving the ultimate resolution of Elaine's battle against the Metropolitan Police's internal corruption open-ended. Despite the lack of a third book, the existing duology offers a complete and intensely character-driven experience for fans of dark crime thrillers.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving in, readers should prepare for a gritty, atmospheric experience reminiscent of Scandinavian Noir and modern British procedurals. Ashworth’s writing focuses heavily on "damaged people" and is notable for its exploration of domestic abuse, police corruption, and psychological trauma. The setting plays a significant role, contrasting the bleak, wintry streets of East London with the wealthy enclaves of Kensington. Readers who appreciate complex, flawed female leads and slow-burn character relationships will find a lot to love in this short but impactful series.