Chris Nickson Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Chris Nickson

Chris Nickson is a master of British historical crime fiction, celebrated for his deeply researched and atmosphere-thick mysteries. While he has written standalones and music biographies, the heart of his work lies in his interconnected historical series. Most of his novels are set in his hometown of Leeds, Yorkshire, taking readers from the Georgian era through the mid-20th century. Outside of Leeds, he has also penned a medieval mystery series set in Chesterfield.

Because his series are divided by distinct historical eras, you do not need to read all of his books in one massive chronological sequence. Instead, the best approach is to choose the historical era that interests you most and read that specific series in publication order. The characters, cases, and societal struggles develop sequentially within each series, making publication order the most satisfying way to experience them.

The Leeds Historical Mystery Universe (Chronological Timeline)

For readers who want to experience the evolution of Leeds through the centuries, Nickson's books form a grand historical tapestry. Reading the series in order of their historical settings provides a fascinating look at the city's growth, from a wool-trading town in the 18th century to the industrial struggles of the Victorian era and the home front during the World Wars.

1. Richard Nottingham Series (1730s Georgian Leeds)

This is Chris Nickson's debut fiction series. It follows Richard Nottingham, the Constable of Leeds, as he investigates gritty, brutal crimes in a rapidly expanding town dominated by the wool trade. The series balances dark detective work with rich family drama as Nottingham, his deputy John Sedgwick, and his daughter Emily navigate the perils of their time.

• The Broken Token (2010)
• Cold Cruel Winter (2011)
• The Constant Lovers (2012)
• Come the Fear (2012)
• At the Dying of the Year (2013)
• Fair and Tender Ladies (2013)
• Convalescence (2013) - Ebook-exclusive short story
• Free from All Danger (2018)

2. Simon Westow Series (1820s Regency Leeds)

Set during the turbulent decade of the 1820s, this series introduces Simon Westow, a "thief-taker" operating in a Leeds filled with poverty, industrial unrest, and political change. Alongside his silent but deadly assistant, Jane, Westow searches for stolen property and missing persons, frequently uncovering dark conspiracies in the city's slums.

• The Hanging Psalm (2019)
• The Hocus Girl (2020)
• To the Dark (2021)
• The Blood Covenant (2022)
• The Dead Will Rise (2023)
• The Scream of Sins (2024)
• Them Without Pain (2024)
• A Rage of Souls (2025)

3. DI Tom Harper Series (1890s–1920s Late Victorian & Edwardian Leeds)

The DI Tom Harper series is Nickson's longest-running and most popular work. Beginning in 1890, it follows Detective Inspector Tom Harper as he solves complex cases ranging from industrial sabotage to high-profile murders. The books also feature his wife, Annabelle, a suffragist and business owner, weaving social history, political movements, and women's rights into the plots.

• Gods of Gold (2014)
• Two Bronze Pennies (2015)
• Skin Like Silver (2016)
• The Iron Water (2016)
• On Copper Street (2017)
• The Tin God (2018)
• The Leaden Heart (2019)
• The Molten City (2020)
• Brass Lives (2021)
• A Dark Steel Death (2022)
• Rusted Souls (2023)

4. Cathy Marsden Series (1940s World War II Leeds)

Set during the dark days of the Second World War, this series follows Police Sergeant Cathy Marsden. Seconded to the Special Investigation Branch (SIB), Cathy investigates military desertion, black market smuggling, and espionage on the home front, navigating both the physical dangers of wartime Leeds and the sexism of the era.

• No Precious Truth (2025)
• The Faces of the Dead (2026)

5. WPC Lottie Armstrong Series (1920s–1940s Leeds)

This series follows Lottie Armstrong, one of the first female police officers in Leeds. Starting in 1924, Lottie deals with the skepticism of her male colleagues while solving crimes that target the city's most vulnerable. The second book jumps forward to the home front of World War II.

• Modern Crimes (2017) - Set in 1924
• The Year of the Gun (2018) - Set in 1944

6. Dan Markham Series (1950s Leeds Noir)

Stepping into the mid-20th century, this series features Dan Markham, a private inquiry agent in 1950s Leeds. The books have a distinct noir feel, capturing the jazz clubs, post-war redevelopment, and political paranoia of the Cold War era.

• Dark Briggate Blues (2015)
• The New Eastgate Swing (2016)

John the Carpenter Series (1360s Medieval Chesterfield)

For readers who want to step outside of Leeds, Nickson's medieval mysteries are set in 14th-century Derbyshire. The protagonist, John the Carpenter, is a master craftsman who is reluctantly drawn into solving murders. Set shortly after the Black Death, the series offers a fascinating look at medieval construction, religious devotion, and the lack of modern forensics.

• The Crooked Spire (2013)
• The Saltergate Psalter (2016)
• The Holywell Dead (2018)
• The Anchoress of Chesterfield (2021)

Other Works and Standalones

In addition to his historical mysteries, Chris Nickson has written standalone novels and contemporary thrillers. Notable among these is The Dead On Leave (2018), a historical mystery set in 1916 London. He has also authored the Laura Benton series (featuring Emerald City and West Seattle Blues), set in 1980s Seattle, drawing heavily on his decades of experience as a music journalist. His non-fiction works include numerous biographies of artists like John Martyn, Soundgarden, Keanu Reeves, and Ewan McGregor, written during his career as a music writer in the United States.