Where Should You Start Reading Chris Simms?
If you are new to Chris Simms, the absolute best place to start is with the first book in his acclaimed DI Jon Spicer series, Killing the Beasts (2005). This novel introduces readers to the gritty streets of Manchester and Spicer's complex character as he tracks down a serial killer during the Commonwealth Games. While some readers choose to start with the short prequel story Roller Coaster (which explains how Spicer joined the police force), beginning with Killing the Beasts provides the perfect introduction to the dark, atmospheric tone that Simms is famous for.
For those who prefer a shorter commitment, the DC Iona Khan or DC Sean Blake duologies offer excellent standalone crime procedurals that can be read quickly without committing to a nine-book saga.
The DI Jon Spicer Series in Reading Order
The Detective Inspector Jon Spicer novels form the cornerstone of Chris Simms's bibliography. The series blends police procedurals with deep psychological investigations, with the city of Manchester serving as an atmospheric backdrop. While each book features a self-contained case, the personal lives and relationships of Jon Spicer and his team develop chronologically, making it highly recommended to read them in order.
- Roller Coaster (Prequel Short Story / Book 0.5) – A short story detailing the pivotal event that led Jon Spicer to join the police force. Often available via the author's readers club.
- Killing the Beasts (2005) – Spicer tracks a killer suffocating victims with a strange gel during the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games.
- Shifting Skin (2006) – The hunt for "The Butcher of Belle Vue," a killer who surgically flays his victims. Shortlisted for the Theakston's Crime Novel of the Year.
- Savage Moon (2007) – Spicer investigates a series of brutal, beast-like killings on the desolate Saddleworth Moor.
- Hell's Fire (2008) – A case surrounding the arson attack on a historic Manchester church, exposing deep-seated religious tensions.
- The Edge (2009) – A deeply personal case for Spicer as he goes on a rogue investigation following the murder of his own brother.
- Cut Adrift (2010) – Spicer investigates a mystery surrounding a body washed up in the canal networks, revealing a dark human trafficking ring.
- Sleeping Dogs (2014) – A cold case is reopened when new evidence emerges, forcing Spicer to confront secrets from the past.
- Death Games (2017) – A high-stakes investigation into a series of murders that seem to follow the rules of a twisted game.
- Dark Angel (2021) – Spicer explores Manchester's homeless community to solve a string of unexplained deaths linked to a mysterious "raven-winged" figure.
The DC Iona Khan Series
Detective Constable Iona Khan is a British-Asian officer working in Manchester's Counter Terrorism Unit. This short, high-octane series deals with modern political tensions, undercover operations, and international conspiracies. It consists of two books:
- Scratch Deeper (2012) – Khan investigates a high-profile murder that takes her from the streets of Manchester to the tropical setting of Mauritius.
- A Price to Pay (2013) – Khan dives into the dark underworld of runaway youth, exploitation, and local corruption.
The DC Sean Blake Series
This duology follows Detective Constable Sean Blake, a young and green officer navigating his first weeks on the force in Manchester. It is a fantastic entry point for readers who enjoy seeing a detective grow into their role while tackling gritty, modern street crimes.
- Loose Tongues (2018) – Blake's debut case involving a suspicious death that leads into a web of neighborhood secrets and silence.
- Marked Men (2019) – Blake finds himself in the crosshairs of a ruthless gang while investigating targeted assaults.
Chris Simms's Standalone Novels and Supernatural Thrillers
In addition to his police procedurals, Chris Simms has written several psychological and supernatural standalones. These novels allow him to experiment with different genres, ranging from motorway thrillers to ghost stories.
- Outside the White Lines (2003) – Simms's debut novel, a psychological thriller focusing on a serial killer stalking the UK's motorway network.
- Pecking Order (2004) – A dark thriller about a man who becomes entangled in a bizarre and sinister community project.
- Sing Me to Sleep (2014) – A departure into supernatural suspense, focusing on hauntings and psychological dread.
- Rats' Nest (2015) & Dead Gorgeous (2016) – Atmospheric, supernatural thriller stories that explore historical mysteries and ghosts.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the books of Chris Simms, it is helpful to understand the setting. Manchester is not just a backdrop in his stories; it acts as a living, breathing character. Simms frequently uses local landmarks like Saddleworth Moor, Gorton Monastery, and the city's complex canal networks to build atmosphere. His writing style focuses heavily on the psychological motivations of the killers, making these books lean more toward psychological thrillers rather than traditional "whodunit" cozy mysteries. Be prepared for dark, graphic themes, particularly in early novels like Shifting Skin.