Where to Start: The Recommended Reading Path
If you are new to Chris Collett's gripping crime fiction, the best place to start is at the very beginning of her signature series. While each mystery is self-contained and resolves its central plot, the personal lives, professional struggles, and personal growth of the characters develop sequentially. Reading them out of order means missing out on the rich, evolving backdrop of Detective Inspector Tom Mariner's life.
Therefore, the recommended reading path is to follow the D.I. Tom Mariner series in publication order. However, there is a major caveat: the series underwent a significant renaming process when Joffe Books reissued the novels. To ensure you do not buy the same book twice or get confused by different titles, it is helpful to understand the publishing history before diving in.
The Great Title Rename: Joffe Books Reissues
When publisher Joffe Books acquired the rights to the D.I. Tom Mariner series, they reissued the first eight novels with brand-new titles. The new titles were standardly formatted to end with "Lies" to create a cohesive brand. For example, the debut novel The Worm in the Bud became Deadly Lies. Because of this, you may find these books sold under different names depending on the edition you pick up. The newer "Lies" titles are now the most commonly available editions in bookstores and online platforms.
The D.I. Tom Mariner Series in Order
Here is the complete list of Detective Inspector Tom Mariner novels in their recommended reading order, including their original titles and reissue names:
- Deadly Lies (originally published as The Worm in the Bud in 2004) - The debut novel introduces DI Tom Mariner and a complex case involving a journalist's death where the only witness is an autistic youth. This book establishes Mariner's empathetic character and his tendency to look beyond the obvious.
- Innocent Lies (originally published as Blood of the Innocents in 2005) - Mariner investigates the disappearance of a schoolgirl, leading to a tense investigation that explores cultural divides and personal secrets in Birmingham.
- Killer Lies (originally published as Written in Blood in 2006) - When a body is discovered in a canal, Mariner is drawn into a dark mystery that tests his detective skills to the limit.
- Baby Lies (originally published as Blood Money in 2007) - A case involving a kidnapped infant forces Mariner to navigate a web of secrets and desperation, highlighting the social themes Collett is known for.
- Married Lies (originally published as Stalked by Shadows in 2009) - Mariner must deal with a stalker and the dark side of romantic relationships in a story filled with psychological tension.
- Buried Lies (originally published as Blood and Stone in 2013) - The discovery of skeletal remains brings a decades-old crime to light, forcing Mariner to dig into the past.
- Missing Lies (originally published as Dead of Night in 2015) - A missing person case leads Mariner into the gritty underworld of Birmingham's night scene.
- Darkest Lies (originally published as A Good Death in 2017) - Mariner probes an arson case that reveals hidden corruption and personal tragedies, pushing him to make difficult choices.
- Midnight Lies (2022) - Published directly under this title, this novel finds Mariner confronting his own past when a former love interest reappears in the middle of a fresh investigation.
- Costly Lies (2026) - The tenth installment finds a recovering Mariner on leave, only to be pulled back into action when a successful winemaker is found dead at his desk, followed by a body in a canal.
Standalone Novels
In addition to the long-running DI Mariner series, Chris Collett has written standalone crime fiction that allows her to explore different settings and characters:
- The Truth About Murder (2019) - Set in the fictional English town of Charnford, this thriller follows Stefan Greaves, a lawyer living with cerebral palsy who wakes up from a coma to discover a neonatal ward whistleblower has been found dead. He teams up with rookie police officer Mick Fraser to uncover a wide-ranging, corrupt conspiracy.
What to Know Before You Start
Chris Collett’s novels are highly regarded for their realism and emotional depth. Before starting, readers should keep a few unique aspects of her work in mind:
A Gritty, Real-World Birmingham: Rather than setting her stories in idyllic country villages, Collett uses Birmingham as a major character. Her stories highlight the city's canals, diverse neighborhoods, and industrial history, creating a textured and realistic backdrop for police procedurals.
Representation of Disabilities: Drawing from her 25-year career in special education and teaching individuals with autism, Collett writes characters with disabilities with remarkable authenticity. In the debut novel, Deadly Lies, an autistic character plays a central role. In the standalone The Truth About Murder, protagonist Stefan Greaves has cerebral palsy. These characters are written with empathy, agency, and nuance rather than being treated as simple plot devices.
Character-Driven Mystery: Tom Mariner is a down-to-earth detective who lives in a canal-side cottage and enjoys a quiet pint. He is flawed, makes mistakes, and is deeply shaped by his interactions with the victims and suspects. This makes the series feel grounded and emotionally resonant compared to high-action thrillers.