Books On Board

Daniel Campbell Books in Order

  • 9 Books
  • 2012 – 2020 Published

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Reading order
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Where to Start with Daniel Campbell's Books

For readers looking to dive into the gritty, realistic police procedurals of Daniel Campbell, the starting point is clear: Dead on Demand. Co-authored with his brother Sean, this 2012 debut introduces Detective Chief Inspector David Morton, a dogged London detective known for navigating complex, high-tech, and forensic-heavy cases. While the authors design each book to function perfectly as a standalone mystery, reading them in order allows you to follow the overarching character arcs, family dynamics, and professional growth of DCI Morton and his team.

The DCI Morton Series in Publication Order

If you want to experience the series exactly as it was released, follow the publication order. This sequence traces the development of the authors' style and the evolving cases handled by the London police department:

  • Dead on Demand (2012) – The debut case where DCI Morton investigates a sinister online swap scheme that leads to murder.
  • Cleaver Square (2013) – A bleak case set around the Hackney Marshes, dealing with identity theft and human trafficking.
  • Ten Guilty Men (2015) – A complex puzzle surrounding the high-profile murder of a celebrity photographer.
  • The Patient Killer (2016) – Morton tracks a meticulous killer whose victims seem unconnected on the surface.
  • Missing Persons (2017) – A shift in perspective as Morton's colleague, Inspector Rafferty, takes a lead role investigating a disappearance linked to her past.
  • The Evolution of a Serial Killer (2017) – A chilling case that explores a student turning into a methodical murderer.
  • Double Blind / My Hands Are Tied (2018/2020) – Morton must work outside official channels when his own son is accused of murder.
  • Christmas Can Be Murder: A DCI Morton Novella (2019) – A festive, fast-paced holiday investigation.

Chronological Reading Order and Key Caveats

While the publication order is straightforward, there are a few chronological details and title changes that can confuse new readers. Most notably, the seventh full-length novel was originally published under the title Double Blind in 2018 before being rebranded and re-released as My Hands Are Tied in 2020. They are the exact same book, so there is no need to purchase both.

The recommended chronological flow for the complete experience is as follows:

  1. Dead on Demand
  2. Cleaver Square
  3. Ten Guilty Men
  4. The Patient Killer
  5. Missing Persons
  6. The Evolution of a Serial Killer
  7. My Hands Are Tied (originally Double Blind)
  8. Christmas Can Be Murder

The novella Christmas Can Be Murder can be read as a standalone holiday mystery at any point after you are familiar with the characters, but chronologically it sits comfortably after the events of My Hands Are Tied.

Inside the Campbell Writing Process

The creation of the DCI Morton series is as unique as the mysteries themselves. Daniel Campbell and his brother Sean—a barrister with extensive legal and forensic knowledge—embarked on their joint writing journey in 2012 following a St. Patrick's Day bet to write a novel in 90 days. Their collaborative process divides the workload: Daniel focuses on the broad narrative arcs, pacing, and creative plotting, while Sean handles the legal research and forensic authenticity.

Readers often notice a curiosity in Daniel Campbell's biography. Many publisher and fan profiles state that Daniel was just 16 years old when he wrote the debut novel during the 2012 bet. However, records note he was born in 1988, which would make him 24 in 2012. This age discrepancy is a common point of discussion in fan circles but does not detract from the tight, fast-paced storytelling of the series.

Exploring the Broader Campbell Universe

If you finish the DCI Morton series and want more crime fiction, you can look into Sean Campbell's solo endeavors. While Daniel has focused primarily on the co-authored DCI Morton books, Sean has expanded into standalone thrillers and spin-offs. His notable solo projects include:

  • The Grifter (2021) – A standalone psychological revenge thriller co-authored with Ali Gunn, focusing on a billionaire and a former electrician seeking vengeance.
  • Murdered by the Mob (2023) – The first installment in Sean's solo DI Rafferty series, which follows the detective introduced in the DCI Morton books.

Note that Daniel Campbell is not involved in these later projects, which lean more into Sean's individual writing style.

Frequently Asked

What is the recommended reading order for the DCI Morton books?

We recommend reading the DCI Morton series in publication order, starting with Dead on Demand. While the mystery in each book is self-contained, the personal lives and career paths of Morton and his colleagues progress sequentially.

Are Double Blind and My Hands Are Tied different books?

No, they are the same book. My Hands Are Tied is a retitled and rebranded edition of the seventh novel, which was originally published as Double Blind in 2018.

Where does the novella Christmas Can Be Murder fit in the series?

Christmas Can Be Murder is a holiday-themed novella. It can be read as a standalone festive story, but chronologically it takes place after the events of My Hands Are Tied.

How did Daniel and Sean Campbell begin co-authoring books?

The brothers started writing together in 2012 after making a St. Patrick's Day bet to write a novel in 90 days. This led to their debut book, Dead on Demand, and the birth of the DCI Morton series.

Does Daniel Campbell write any other series?

No. Daniel's primary focus has been the DCI Morton series. His brother Sean, however, has written solo thrillers like The Grifter and launched the DI Rafferty spin-off series starting with Murdered by the Mob.