Where to Start Reading Colin Youngman's Books
If you are new to the grit and regional charm of Colin Youngman’s thrillers, the absolute best starting point is The Angel Falls, the debut novel in his acclaimed Ryan Jarrod series. Set against the backdrop of Newcastle upon Tyne, this series is the definitive core of Youngman's work. While each mystery is technically self-contained, reading them in publication order allows you to follow the personal growth, local relationships, and career progression of Detective Constable Ryan Jarrod.
For readers who prefer short, sharp shocks of suspense rather than a long-running police procedural, his Twist Series of novellas and short stories offers a fantastic alternative. These can be read in any order. Meanwhile, his standalone novels showcase different genres, ranging from road-trip suspense in Dead Heat to historical supernatural mystery in The Doom Brae Witch.
The Ryan Jarrod Series in Publication Order
Often described as a "Geordie Rebus" or a Tyneside equivalent to the works of Ann Cleeves, the Ryan Jarrod series is deeply rooted in the landmarks and atmosphere of North East England. From the River Tyne to St James' Park, the setting acts as a character in its own right. Here is the recommended reading order for the Ryan Jarrod books:
- The Angel Falls (2020) – Jarrod investigates a series of urban bombings and murders that put Newcastle on edge.
- The Girl on the Quay (2020) – A deep dive into the dark underbelly of Newcastle’s Quayside and organized crime networks.
- The Lighthouse Keeper (2020) – A tense pursuit of a serial killer that links to a political conspiracy.
- High Level (2021) – A high-stakes investigation that places Jarrod in the crosshairs of a ruthless enemy.
- Operation Sage (2021) – Jarrod handles a complex case involving undercover operations and deep-seated betrayal.
- Low Light (2022) – Secrets from the past resurface in a coastal mystery that threatens Jarrod’s career.
- The Tower (2022) – DC Jarrod faces a vengeful adversary in a high-octane battle set above the streets of Newcastle.
- Bones of Callaley (2023) – A historical cold case comes alive when human remains are discovered at Callaley Castle.
- The Graveyard Shift (2023) – A night-shift investigation leads to a series of terrifying revelations and murders.
- Sand Dancer (2024) – A gripping thriller set around the beaches and landmarks of South Shields.
- Metro (2024) – Crime strikes the local transit system, forcing Jarrod to race against time.
- Wall's End (2025) – A dark mystery centered around the historic boundaries of Wallsend and its industrial heritage.
- NE1 (2026) – The latest entry in the series, continuing Jarrod's battle against the changing criminal landscape of the North East.
The Twist Series: Novelettes of Pure Suspense
In addition to his full-length novels, Colin Youngman has crafted the Twist Series. These are shorter, fast-paced novellas and novelettes designed to be read in a single sitting. They do not share characters or a central plot; instead, they are bound by the theme of intense psychological pressure culminating in a shocking, unexpected reversal. They can be read in any order, but here is how they were published:
- Dead Lines (2016) – A tense thriller exploring how quickly an ordinary life can unravel under pressure.
- The Refugee: Fantasy or Prophecy? (2016) – A speculative and fantasy-tinged thriller dealing with displacement and survival.
- Twists (2017) – An anthology compiling several of Youngman's short, twisty stories.
- Brittle Justice (2017) – A quick-fire legal and moral drama where the truth is not what it seems.
- A Fall Before Pride (2017) – A psychological profile of ambition and subsequent downfall.
Colin Youngman's Standalone Novels
If you want a break from Detective Jarrod’s investigations but still crave Youngman's signature pacing, his standalones are highly recommended. Each book explores a completely different setting and tone:
- Dead Heat (2017) – Moving away from his usual Tyneside setting, this road-trip thriller follows a widow and a hitman on a dangerous journey across the United States.
- Alley Rat (2018) – A dark, psychological thriller that tracks a police unit hunting a serial predator known as "The Rat" who preys on vulnerable women.
- The Doom Brae Witch (2019) – A historical fantasy and gothic mystery that explores an ancient 18th-century curse affecting a modern-day estate.
What to Know Before You Start
Youngman’s writing is heavily influenced by his life in Tyneside and Northumberland. Having spent decades in the public service and even appearing as a TV extra on popular dramas like Vera, Youngman brings an authentic local flair to his prose. You can expect vivid descriptions of Newcastle’s geography, Geordie dialogue, and a pacing that mirrors the quick-cut editing of television crime dramas. While the themes can be dark, the warmth of the local community and the resilience of DC Jarrod balance the grim subject matter, making it a must-read for fans of British crime fiction.