Can the DI Tanner books be read as standalones?

While each book features a self-contained murder mystery that is solved by the final page, the overarching personal lives, careers, and relationships of DI John Tanner and DS Jenny Evans progress significantly. It is highly recommended to read them in order starting with Broadland .

Do I need to read the Inspector Capstan series before Space Police?

No, you do not. Attack of the Mammary Clans explains the premise of Capstan being cryogenically frozen and waking up in the 25th century. However, reading the original Inspector Capstan books first provides more background on his character and his original relationships.

Where are the DI Tanner books set?

They are set in the Norfolk Broads , a famous network of mostly navigable rivers and lakes in Norfolk and Suffolk, England. Real geographic locations and waterways like St. Benet's Abbey, Horsey Mere, and the River Bure serve as key settings.

Is Galaxy Squad connected to the Space Police series?

Yes, Galaxy Squad: Danger from Drackonia is set in the same futuristic universe (sharing the 26th century timeline) and features minor references, but it has a completely different cast of characters and is a standalone story.

Does David Blake write under a pseudonym?

No, David Blake writes under his own name. However, readers should be careful not to confuse his books with the "David Blake" crime thriller series written by author Howard Linskey .

David Blake Books in Order

Where to Start with David Blake?

For the vast majority of readers, the best starting point is Broadland, the first book in the DI John Tanner series. This series is David Blake's signature work, blending atmospheric police procedurals with compelling character arcs and romantic subplots. If you prefer zany, slapstick British comedy and science fiction, you can also start with The Slaughtered Virgin of Zenopolis (the beginning of the Inspector Capstan books) or dive straight into Attack of the Mammary Clans (which kicks off the futuristic Space Police series).

The DI John Tanner Norfolk Broads Murder Mystery Series

David Blake's flagship series is set against the hauntingly beautiful, misty waterways of the Norfolk Broads in England. The setting itself acts as a main character, with the tranquil waters frequently becoming the backdrop for gruesome crimes. The series follows Detective Inspector John Tanner, a complex detective who relocated from London to Norfolk to rebuild his life after personal tragedy. He is paired with DC (later DS) Jenny Evans. As the series progresses, their professional partnership evolves into a complicated romantic relationship, making it essential to read these books in order.

Because of the heavy continuity of Tanner and Evans' relationship and the recurring local cast, readers should follow the publication order:

Broadland (2019)
St. Benet's (2019)
Moorings (2019)
Three Rivers (2020)
Horsey Mere (2020)
The Wherryman (2021)
Storm Force (2021)
Long Gore Hall (2022)
Weavers' Way (2023)
Bluebell Wood (2023)
Swanton Morley (2024)
Stokesby Grave (2024)
The Bastwick Testament (2025)
Blackfleet Broad (2025)
The Watch House (2026)

The Inspector Capstan and Space Police Universe

For fans of zany comedy, David Blake created a shared universe focusing on the character of Detective Inspector Capstan. The reading order here is divided into two distinct eras: his 21st-century investigations in Bath and his 25th-century adventures in space.

1. Inspector Capstan Series (21st Century)

This four-book series introduces Capstan as a straight-man detective who deals with increasingly ridiculous crimes in the historic city of Bath. These stories feature a style of comedy reminiscent of classic 1960s British capers.

The Slaughtered Virgin of Zenopolis (2016)
The Curious Case of Cut-Throat Cate (2016)
The Thrills & Spills of Genocide Jill (2016)
The Herbaceous Affair of Cocaine Claire (2016)

2. Space Police Series (25th Century)

At the end of his contemporary career, Capstan is cryogenically frozen and mistakenly left on ice for over 400 years. Waking up in the 25th century, he is reinstated into the police force—now the Space Police—and partnered with Sergeant Dewbush, the distant descendant of his original subordinate. The series is packed with sci-fi parodies, absurd humor, and fast-paced space operations.

Attack of the Mammary Clans (2018)
The Final Fish Finger (2018)
The Toaster That Time Forgot (2018)
Rise of the Retail-Bot (2018)
Enemy at the Cat Flap (2018)
The Day The Earth Moved A Bit (2018)

3. Galaxy Squad (Spin-Off)

Set in the 26th century, Galaxy Squad: Danger from Drackonia (2018) is a standalone comic space opera set in the same universe. It follows a group of incompetent interns who accidentally poison Earth's premier space heroes and must impersonate them to finish a mission. While it contains minor Easter eggs for Space Police fans, it stands completely on its own.

The Abigail Love Romantic Comedies

Showcasing his versatility, Blake also penned a two-book romantic comedy series centered on Abigail Love, a chaotic YouTube news reporter, and her relationship with her cameraman, Will. These lighthearted books are completely independent of Blake's mystery and sci-fi universes.

Prime Time Love (2017)
Headline Love (2017)

What to Know Before You Start

If you are jumping into the DI Tanner series, keep in mind that the books rely heavily on their setting; looking at a map of the Norfolk Broads can enhance the experience as Tanner travels along real rivers and visits genuine landmarks. While the individual murder mysteries are resolved in each book, the personal drama and career milestones of the characters carry over continuously. For the comedy works, be prepared for a complete shift in tone—the humor is broad, satirical, and leans heavily into classic British farce and sci-fi tropes.