Where to Start Reading Carol Wyer's Books
Carol Wyer is a remarkably versatile British author who successfully transitioned from writing laugh-out-loud romantic comedies and menopause humor to penning dark, grit-filled police procedurals. Because her bibliography spans two completely different genres, your best starting point depends entirely on what kind of story you are in the mood for:
- For Thriller Fans: Start with Little Girl Lost (2017), the first book in the Detective Inspector Robyn Carter series. This book marked Wyer's transition into crime fiction and introduces her atmospheric Staffordshire settings.
- For Comedy and Humor Fans: Start with Grumpy Old Menopause (2013), a hilarious yet highly practical nonfiction-comedy crossover that won the People's Book Prize in 2015.
- For Standalone Psychological Suspense: Dive straight into Behind Closed Doors (2022), a twisty standalone thriller that does not require commitment to a long-running series.
The Detective Robyn Carter Series
Published in quick succession starting in 2017, the DI Robyn Carter series launched Wyer's career as a bestselling crime writer. Robyn Carter is a tenacious detective operating in rural Staffordshire, haunted by the tragic loss of her fiancé. The series is best read in strict publication order, as Robyn's personal life and her search for closure regarding her fiancé's death form a continuous, overarching narrative thread across the five books.
- Little Girl Lost (2017)
- Secrets of the Dead (2017)
- The Missing Girls (2017)
- The Silent Children (2017)
- The Chosen One (2018)
The Detective Natalie Ward Series
Following the success of Robyn Carter, Carol Wyer introduced Detective Inspector Natalie Ward in 2018. Natalie is a mother trying to balance a highly demanding job hunting serial killers with a complicated family life, including a husband with a gambling addiction. This series is famous among crime fiction fans for its high emotional stakes and a tragic, ongoing plotline that culminates in major shifts for Natalie's character. Due to heavy continuity and spoilers regarding Natalie's family, reading these books out of order is highly discouraged.
- The Birthday (2018)
- Last Lullaby (2018)
- The Dare (2019)
- The Sleepover (2019)
- The Blossom Twins (2019)
- The Secret Admirer (2020)
- Somebody’s Daughter (2020)
The Detective Kate Young Series
Launched in 2021, the DI Kate Young series represents Wyer's darkest work. Kate Young is a detective struggling with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, and paranoia following a traumatic shootout. As she tries to solve complex investigations, she must also navigate corruption inside her own police force and query her own sanity. This series has a tight chronological progression and must be read in order to fully appreciate the psychological unraveling and recovery of the protagonist.
- An Eye for an Eye (2021)
- A Cut for a Cut (2021)
- A Life for a Life (2022)
- A Truth for a Truth (2023)
- A Soul for a Soul (2024)
Carol Wyer’s Standalone Novels and Humor Books
Before becoming a staple of the UK crime scene, Wyer spent years writing humorous women's fiction and romantic comedies. These books focus on the humorous side of aging, dating, and family life. All of Wyer's humor books and her standalone psychological thrillers are self-contained and can be read in any order. Her standalone works include:
- Mini Skirts and Laughter Lines (2011) – Wyer's adult debut focusing on life's midlife challenges with a comic twist.
- Surfing in Stilettos (2012) – A lighthearted story about romance, self-discovery, and stepping out of one's comfort zone.
- How Not to Murder Your Grumpy (2013) – A humorous guide to living with and surviving a grumpy spouse.
- Just Add Spice (2013) – A comedy-romance about a woman reinventing her culinary and personal life.
- Grumpy Old Menopause (2013) – Wyer’s award-winning breakthrough humor book tackling the realities of menopause.
- Three Little Birds (2014) – A heartwarming, funny novel about friendship and starting over.
- Grumpies On Board (2015) – The comedic follow-up to her popular "grumpy" humor series.
- Life Swap (2016) – A fun look at what happens when two very different women trade lifestyles.
- Take a Chance on Me (2016) – A romantic comedy full of misunderstandings and heartwarming moments.
- Suddenly Single (2019) – A contemporary romance about navigating life and modern dating after a long relationship ends.
- What Happens in France (2019) – A charming romance set in the scenic French countryside.
- Behind Closed Doors (2022) – A standalone psychological thriller about secrets, marriage, and deception, perfect for fans of her crime work who want a quick, non-series read.