Ann Purser Books In Order

Publication Order of Round Ringford Books

Publication Order of Lois Meade Mystery Books

Publication Order of Ivy Beasley Mystery Books

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Ann Purser is a British author that has written general fiction, though most people know her best for her mystery novels. Ann Pursuer’s strength lies in her ability to transport readers to rural British villages where life isn’t quite as sweet and innocent as is often assumed.

+Biography

English Villages are Ann Purser’s bread and butter. Of course, the author relies upon the charm of characters like Lois Meade to keep readers engaged. But it is for her ability to paint vivid pictures of the English village that readers flock to her books.

And her obsession with such settings isn’t that surprising. The author was born in Market Harborough, Leicestershire which is an English village.

Most of Ann Purser’s life was spent in rural villages. Her command of the landscape, the culture, the language and the personalities of English villages can be imputed to the personal experiences she has accrued over the years.

An Open University graduate, Purser has tried her hand at a variety of careers. This includes keeping hens and donkeys, managing an art gallery and doing clerical work at a local school.

Of the many jobs that came her way only writing stuck.

Purser remembers reading ‘Rupert and the Greedy Princess’ as a child and hating it because it terrified her. That particular title marked the author’s earliest memorable encounter with the written word.

And if ‘Rupert and the Greedy Princess’ was the last book she ever read, Ann Purser wouldn’t have gone into publishing. Fortunately for the author, she was eventually introduced to ‘The Pied Piper of Hamelin’ by Robert Browning

Browning was the first author Purser remembers reading and loving. Purser’s father worked at the Midland Bank and his boss was a kind man who frequently gave them gifts. It was from him that Purser received ‘The Pied Piper of Hamelin’.

She read the book over and over again, taken by its descriptions and rhymes. She also loved the tension that permeated the story. And if any book was responsible for sparking the author’s desire to write, it was that one.

Ann Purser wouldn’t let that drive go to waste. Sure she meandered somewhat. But she always knew she would take up her pen and put her stories to paper one day.

When that day came, Purser did not immediately recognize it.

Most parents celebrate the birth of their child. Ann and Philip Purser were not too sure how to feel about their daughter. At first, they thought she had been born prematurely. Then the doctor gave them the cerebral palsy diagnosis.

It was quite the difficult blow for the couple. But they recovered and fought to give their child the best possible life she could have. By the time she was eight-years-old, the little girl had the capacity to finally attend school.

It should have been a joyous time, a chance to see their little one take her first steps to a brighter future. But all Ann Purser felt was gloom. She had poured so much of her life into caring for her daughter that the child’s absence left her feeling empty.

Her husband initially sympathized with her attitude. But then it got too much for him and he encouraged her to write her feelings down. He hoped it would give her some release.

Philip Purser had no idea what that advice would achieve. Ann Purser wrote her feelings of gloom down, and she got a magazine called “SHE” to publish them in a column. The feedback from readers gave Purser an unexpected sense of satisfaction.

She began contributing articles to any publications in the area that would have her. Some of them initially set out to acquire the services of her husband, who also writes, but Philip encouraged them to give his wife a shot.

Purser started writing reviews for the Stage and Television Today and she thoroughly enjoyed it. That opened the way for the author to interview television and radio personalities.

Then came the degree from the Open University, at which point Ann Purser felt that she was finally ready to publish her first novel.

Purser wrote six novels about village life. The ‘Round Ringford’ series did not necessarily set the publishing arena alight. But it gave Purser a taste of what it took to write a novel, paving the way for her career as an author of mystery thrillers.

The author also wrote a book for parents looking after disabled children. Purser’s daughter has influenced her journey as an author. Seeing her overcome her disability to become a mature married successful woman encourages Purser to keep persevering despite the challenges.

When the author isn’t writing, she is pursuing her hobbies which include gardening and tapestry. She also sings in her church choir, not to mention playing the recorder with her friends.

When time allows, Purser will read.

+Murder on Monday

Lois Meade is a devoted wife with three children. She makes money cleaning houses in Long Farnden, a quaint village. The job, though difficult, has its perks. When a local spinster dies, Lois uses her access to her clients’ houses to poke around for clues.

The decision immediately bites her in all the wrong places. She unearths secrets that threaten to shatter the peace of Long Farnden. And if Lois isn’t careful, her family might pay the price for her actions.

The first book in the Lois Meade series follows the exploits of a working woman living in rural England. Lois works as a cleaning lady to help pay the bills, though she steers clear of her home village because her kids do not want to see their mom cleaning their classmates’ homes.

When a murder happens, Lois realizes that her position gives her access to information that even the police cannot acquire.

+Terror on Tuesday

Lois Meade is a mother and housecleaner that must put her sleuthing skills to effective use after she encounters a body in a chapel donning a suit of armor.

The second book in the Lois Meade series finds Lois Meade stumbling into more murder and mayhem. And after the success of her first murder, she is better prepared to contend with this new killer.

2 Responses to “Ann Purser”

1. Jan Grazier: 3 years ago

   I am a huge Ann Purser fan and have just finished Suspicion at Seven.
   It ends with a teaser about another mystery that Inspector Cowgill has presented Lois with. Is there a book eight in this series? Suspicion at Seven was published in 2014- I do not know of any additional books-
   Is Ann Purser still writing?? I anxiously await your reply- i am very much hoping for more Lois Meade mysteries! Any information you can give would be very appreciated!

   Reply
   • Graeme: 3 years ago

     Unfortunately, I don’t think we are going to see any more books from Ann. Not sure why but it looks like she has stopped writing.

     Reply