Where to Start: The Recommended Reading Path
For readers new to Christopher Geoffrey McPherson's work, the absolute best starting point is the James Murray Mysteries. This is his signature series and showcases his talent for blending historical authenticity with classic hard-boiled detective mystery tropes. You should begin with the very first book, Murder at Eastern Columbia, and follow the publication order. The series features a unique dual-narrative framing device: the protagonist, James Murray, is an aspiring writer in 1930s Los Angeles who is attempting to write his own detective stories. The narrative frequently alternates between Murray's everyday life working at the iconic Eastern Columbia department store and the gritty, fictional detective case he is writing. Reading these books in order allows you to follow both the overarching development of Murray's personal life and his growth as a writer.
If you prefer standalone historical fiction or dystopian stories over mystery series, you can start with either News on the Home Front, which offers a poignant look at the home front during World War II, or the speculative thriller 22 (also known as 22: The Biography of a Gun).
The James Murray Mysteries in Order
This series is best read in strict publication order, as the events in James Murray's life progress chronologically from one book to the next, and secondary characters recur throughout his journey. The recommended sequence is:
- Murder at Eastern Columbia (2013): The series debut introduces James Murray, a clerk at the Eastern Columbia department store who dreams of escaping his mundane job by writing hard-boiled pulp fiction. When a real murder occurs at the store, James finds himself caught in a web of crime that mirrors the fiction he loves.
- Sabotage at RKO Studio (2013): Set against the backdrop of the golden age of Hollywood cinema, the second installment sees James investigating mysterious mishaps and potential sabotage on the set of an RKO Studio production.
- Abduction at Griffith Observatory (2014): The mystery deepens at one of Los Angeles's most famous landmarks. This book features stronger thematic ties to the previous two novels, bringing recurring plot threads together as James investigates a high-profile kidnapping.
- Blackmail at Wrigley Field (2015): Moving to the iconic baseball stadium of 1930s Los Angeles (the former home of the LA Angels), this story blends sports history, corporate greed, and extortion.
- Haunting at Ocean House (2015): The fifth mystery takes James to the Santa Monica coast, exploring the secrets of a grand beachfront mansion and combining elements of classic noir with a gothic, atmospheric vibe.
- The James Murray Mysteries Companion (2016): This companion guide serves as an excellent reference for fans, detailing the real historical landmarks of 1930s Los Angeles that McPherson meticulously researched and incorporated into the series.
Exploring McPherson's Standalone Novels
Beyond his detective series, McPherson wrote several standalone books that highlight his versatility across genres, ranging from historical survival stories to speculative sci-fi:
Dystopian and Speculative Fiction
- The Babi Makers (2013): A significant departure from his historical works, this science fiction novel is set in a dark, dystopian future. The narrative centers on a society where genetic engineering is the primary industry, and the production of human babies is controlled as a vital economic resource.
- 22 (2017): Also published under the title 22: The Biography of a Gun, this unique speculative novel tracks the history of a single firearm in a near-future America. The plot is structured around 22 chapters, each focusing on a different person whose life is dramatically altered by the gun.
Historical and Drama Standalones
- The Life Line: A story of survival (2012): Set in San Francisco, this gripping drama focuses on the immediate aftermath of a devastating earthquake, focusing closely on human resilience and survival under extreme circumstances.
- Sincerely, Dina Lamont (2019): Subtitled How One of Hollywood's Biggest Stars Got Lost to Time, this novel utilizes McPherson's love for Hollywood history to unravel the fictional life and mysterious disappearance of a forgotten golden-era starlet.
Historical Fiction Collections and Early Works
McPherson's early publications from 2012 highlight his deep interest in early-to-mid 20th-century history. These titles can be read completely independently of each other:
- News on the Home Front (2012): This novel follows the parallel lives of two women, Carole and Irene, during World War II. Drawing from McPherson's background in journalism, the book explores the challenges, reporting, and emotional struggles of those left behind in America and Europe.
- Sarah & Gerald (2012): A romantic drama set in 1920s Paris, capturing the artistic passion, historical glitter, and ultimate tragedies experienced by American expatriates during the Lost Generation era.
- Forever -- and Other Stories (2012): A collection of shorter fiction that showcases McPherson's early experimentation with different tones, styles, and periods.
Children's Literature
McPherson also wrote two whimsical books aimed at younger readers, both centered on feline protagonists:
- Mama Cat (2003): The author's earliest published book, a cozy and heartwarming story for children.
- A Cat in Time (2018): A whimsical fantasy story featuring a magical cat traveling through ancient Japan.
What to Know Before You Start
Because Christopher Geoffrey McPherson had a long career as a journalist and radio host, his writing is characterized by an exceptional attention to detail. When reading the James Murray Mysteries, look out for the real historical Los Angeles landmarks (such as the Eastern Columbia Building and the Griffith Observatory). The author does not just use these as backdrops; they serve as active components of the plot. There are no major reading order disputes, as the publication order perfectly aligns with the chronological timeline of both his primary mystery series and his standalone releases. His speculative works, like 22, feature a more episodic structure compared to his narrative-driven historical dramas, showing the breadth of his creative range.