Embark on an Exciting Journey into the World of Suspense and Crime-Solving Expertise!
In the realm of crime fiction, police procedural novels offer its readers an immersive experience into the complexities of crime-solving. Police procedurals not only provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of procedures followed by law enforcement but also offer a window into the personal lives of police detectives.
As we delve into the heart of each series, let’s discover compelling characters, intricate plots, and the unique atmospheres that set these stories apart. Let’s unlock the doors to a world where detectives chase clues and suspects, medical examiners perform autopsies on brutally murdered victims, and demands of the job reverberate through the personal lives of our detectives.
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1. Chief Inspector Shadow Mysteries by H L Marsay
Detective Chief Inspector John Shadow is a loner who prefers to work on his own, but he can’t avoid being paired with the enthusiastic Sergeant Jimmy Chang. Together, they investigate a series of murders that are linked to York’s rich and turbulent history, from the Viking invasion to the Roman occupation, from the medieval plague to the modern pop scene. Shadow and Chang must unravel the dark secrets of the past and present, before the killer strikes again. This is a gripping series of mysteries that will keep you guessing until the end.
2. Inspector Morse Series by Colin Dexter
Inspector Morse is a cultured and enigmatic detective who loves opera, crossword puzzles, and ale. He works in the historic city of Oxford, where he is often faced with baffling and sophisticated cases that involve the academic elite and the criminal underworld. Morse is assisted by his loyal partner Sergeant Lewis, who is more down-to-earth and practical. Together, they form an unlikely but effective duo, who use their intelligence and intuition to solve crimes. This is a series of novels that will challenge and entertain you with their clever plots and witty dialogue.
3. Vera by Ann Cleeves
Vera Stanhope is a brilliant detective inspector who leads a team of dedicated officers in the Northumberland countryside. She is also a complex and flawed character, who struggles with her own demons and personal issues. Vera solves cases that are often complex and intriguing, involving the secrets and lies of the rural communities she knows so well. She relies on her intuition and compassion, as well as her sharp wit and humour, to get to the truth.
4. Shetland by Ann Cleeves
Jimmy Perez is a detective inspector who lives and works in the remote and beautiful Shetland Isles. He is a native of the islands, but also an outsider, as he has a mixed heritage and a troubled past. Perez faces challenging crimes and mysteries that test his skills and his loyalty. He also explores his own identity and his relationship with the islanders, who are often suspicious and secretive. This is a series of novels that will transport you to a stunning and atmospheric setting, where nothing is as it seems.
5. Adam Dalgliesh Series by P.D. James
Follow the investigations of Detective Chief Inspector Adam Dalgliesh, a brilliant but complex sleuth who is also a published poet. Dalgliesh solves crimes in London and beyond, using his intuition and intelligence, as well as his literary sensibility. This is a series of novels that combine elegant prose, psychological insight, and suspenseful plots.
6. Dalziel and Pascoe Series by Reginald Hill
Join the unlikely duo of Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel and Detective Inspector Peter Pascoe, who work together to solve murders in Yorkshire. Dalziel is a blunt and boorish veteran, while Pascoe is a young and educated modernist. Together, they form an effective and entertaining partnership, as they deal with complex and challenging cases.
7. Inspector Lynley Series by Elizabeth George
Meet Inspector Thomas Lynley, the eighth Earl of Asherton, who works for Scotland Yard as a detective. Lynley is paired with Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, who comes from a working-class background and resents Lynley’s aristocratic status. Lynley and Havers overcome their differences and become a formidable team, as they investigate crimes that involve the secrets and lies of the British society.
8. Roy Grace Series by Peter James
Follow the adventures of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, who works in the city of Brighton. Grace is a dedicated and innovative cop, who is willing to use any means necessary to catch the criminals, including the paranormal. Grace is also haunted by the disappearance of his wife Sandy, who vanished without a trace ten years ago. This is a series of novels that are fast-paced, realistic, and thrilling.
9. Tom Thorne Series by Mark Billingham
Follow the investigations of Detective Inspector Tom Thorne, a middle-aged detective inspector in London, England. Thorne is a complex and flawed character, who often bends the rules and crosses the line to catch the criminals. He also struggles with his personal life and his relationships. This is a series of novels that are gritty, realistic, and thrilling.
10. Wycliffe series by W.J. Burley
Join the adventures of Charles Wycliffe, the area CID superintendent in the West Country, England. Wycliffe is a calm and methodical detective, who uses his intuition and experience to solve crimes. He also deals with the challenges of his family and his colleagues. This is a series of novels that are atmospheric, intriguing, and well-written.
11. Wexford Series by Ruth Rendell (writing as Barbara Vine)
Meet Inspector Reginald Wexford, a brilliant but compassionate detective who works in the fictional town of Kingsmarkham, Sussex, England. Wexford solves cases that are often complex and socially relevant, involving the secrets and lies of the British society. He is assisted by his loyal partner Detective Mike Burden, who is more conservative and conventional. This is a series of novels that are elegant, psychological, and suspenseful.
12. Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths
Not strictly a police procedural as the series features a forensic archaeologist who often finds herself involved in criminal investigations.
Explore the mysteries of archaeology and crime with Dr Ruth Galloway, a forensic archaeologist who lives in a remote cottage in Norfolk, England. Ruth works with the police (particularly DCI Harry Nelson) in cases where her expertise can be of use. She also faces the challenges of being a single mother and a professional woman. This is a series of novels that blend history, mystery, and romance.
The Book Decoder 
Love Elly Griffiths and pd James
👍👍
I love Elly Griffiths, Ann Cleeves, Peter James and Mark Billingham. 💕📚
I love most of Joffe Books’ and One More Chapter’s police procedural series. Ann Cleeves is an all-time favorite. 🙂