Benedict Brown Books in Order

Where to Start with Benedict Brown

If you are new to Benedict Brown's witty, character-driven whodunits, you have a few excellent entry points depending on your preference for modern or historical settings. Because his series are distinct in time and tone, you can start with any of the main series without spoiling the others.

• For Contemporary Cozy Mystery Lovers: Start with the Izzy Palmer Mystery series. The best place to begin is the first full-length novel, A Corpse Called Bob (2019). While there is a short prequel novella, A Corpse in the Freezer, the first novel does a fantastic job of establishing Izzy's quirky personality and her transition from crime-fiction fan to amateur sleuth.
• For Historical 1920s Whodunits: Begin with the Lord Edgington Investigates series, starting with Murder at the Spring Ball (2021). This series blends classic Golden Age detective tropes with the heartwarming, humorous dynamic between a grandfather and grandson.
• For Meta-Mystery and Character Play: Dive into the Marius Quin Mysteries with Murder at Everham Hall (2023). It features a mystery novelist solving real-life crimes in 1920s England alongside his childhood friend and a lovable Basset hound.

1. Izzy Palmer Mystery Series

The Izzy Palmer series follows a modern, crime-fiction-obsessed young woman in London who finds herself caught up in real-life murder investigations. It is a love letter to Agatha Christie, packed with eccentric suspects, closed-circle mysteries, and plenty of self-aware humor.

While publication order is the easiest way to read the series, there are a couple of chronological deviations to keep in mind, such as the prequel novella and intermediate holiday stories. Here is the recommended reading order:

1. A Corpse in the Freezer (2019) - A prequel novella (often numbered as Book 0) that introduces Izzy before her first major case.
2. A Corpse Called Bob (2019) - Book 1 and the official starting point of the series, where Izzy investigates the murder of her loathsome boss.
3. A Corpse in a Caravan (2020) - A fun, shorter mystery (often listed as Book 1.5) that takes place between the first and second novels.
4. A Corpse in the Country (2020) - A classic country house murder mystery.
5. A Corpse on the Beach (2020) - Set at the glamorous but suspicious Cova Negra Hotel.
6. A Corpse in London (2020) - Izzy returns to her hometown to tackle urban intrigue.
7. A Corpse for Christmas (2020) - The first festive installment in the series.
8. A Corpse at a Birthday Party (2020) - A fast-paced mystery set during what should have been a celebration.
9. A Corpse in a Locked Room (2021) - A classic locked-room puzzle that challenges Izzy's deductive skills.
10. A Corpse in a Quaint English Village (2021) - Izzy investigates secrets hidden behind manicured hedges.
11. A Corpse Wrapped in Tinsel (2021) - Another delightful holiday-themed mystery.
12. A Corpse at A School Reunion (2023) - Old rivalries turn deadly in this nostalgic whodunit.
13. A Corpse from the Past (2024) - Izzy digs into a cold case that hits close to home.

2. Lord Edgington Investigates Series

Set in the glamorous yet treacherous 1920s, this bestselling series features the legendary retired Scotland Yard superintendent Lord Edgington and his teenage grandson, Christopher. Christopher acts as both the narrator and the assistant, growing from a naive sidekick into a capable detective in his own right.

The series is highly serialized regarding the characters' personal growth, so reading them in order is strongly recommended. Several novellas (such as #1.5 and #7.5) slot cleanly between the main novels:

1. Murder at the Spring Ball (2021) - The inaugural mystery that introduces the grandfather-grandson duo.
2. Death from High Places (2021) - A shorter novella (Book 1.5) that continues their early adventures.
3. A Body at a Boarding School (2021) - Christopher returns to school, only for murder to disrupt the term.
4. Death on a Summer’s Day (2021) - A warm-weather mystery full of family tension.
5. The Mystery of Mistletoe Hall (2021) - A winter-themed country house puzzle.
6. The Tangled Treasure Trail (2022) - A treasure hunt turns deadly.
7. The Curious Case of the Templeton (2022) - Also published as The Curious Case of the Templeton-Swifts.
8. The Crimes of Clearwell Castle (2022) - A Gothic-tinged mystery in an isolated castle.
9. The Snows of Weston Moor (2022) - A snowy, atmospheric thriller.
10. What the Vicar Saw (2023) - Small-town secrets are laid bare.
11. Blood on the Banisters (2023) - A fast-paced, high-stakes investigation.
12. A Killer in the Wings (2023) - Set in the theatrical world of the 1920s.
13. The Christmas Bell Mystery (2023) - A festive, heartwarming mystery.
14. A Novel Way to Kill (2024) - A novella (Book 7.5) featuring a literary puzzle.
15. The Puzzle of Parham House (2024) - The duo confronts a complex puzzle in a stately home.

3. Marius Quin Mystery Series

Sharing the same 1920s setting as Lord Edgington, the Marius Quin series follows an eccentric mystery novelist who finds himself living out the plots of his own books. Marius is accompanied by Lady Isabella (Bella) Montague and his stubborn Basset hound. This series features a lighter, meta-fictional tone, mocking and celebrating the conventions of the genre.

1. Murder at Everham Hall (2023) - Marius's debut case.
2. The Hurtwood Village Murders (2024) - A rural mystery full of local eccentrics.
3. The Castleton Affair (2024) - Marius navigates high society and high stakes.
4. A Body at the Grand Hotel (2024) - A luxurious setting becomes the backdrop for a clever crime.

The 1920s Shared Universe and Crossovers

Fans of Benedict Brown's historical mysteries will be delighted to know that Lord Edgington and Marius Quin inhabit the same universe. While you do not need to read them together, they frequently reference one another's exploits. The connection culminates in A Body at the Grand Hotel (Marius Quin Book 4), where Marius actually telephones Lord Edgington and Christopher to consult on the case. Reading the Lord Edgington books before Marius Quin Book 4 will make this crossover cameo much more rewarding.

4. Anthologies

• Mysteries, Midsummer Sun and Murders (2022) - A cozy multi-author anthology featuring a contribution from Benedict Brown alongside writers Hillary Avis and R.B. Marshall. Ideal for readers looking for quick, sunny summer mysteries.