Jill Paton Walsh Books In Order

Publication Order of Goldengrove Books

Publication Order of Gripping Tales Books

Publication Order of Imogen Quy Books

Publication Order of Lord Peter Wimsey & Harriet Vane Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Collections

Publication Order of Picture Books

Publication Order of Chapbooks

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Jill Paton Walsh

The British author Jill Paton Walsh was well known mystery thrillers and children’s novels, which were both imaginative and creative. Reaching an audience of young readers worldwide, she was a gifted storyteller who could immediately capture the attention of her audience. This would work to establish her as a household name for many, allowing her to become hugely successful on an international level. Writing a number of mystery thrillers too, she was highly gifted in the art of suspense as well, keeping the reader hooked throughout.

Her mysteries were both intelligent and creative, as she knew exactly what she wanted to do with the genre. Remaining in complete control of her art at all times, she would pace her stories and narratives with expert precision too. This would allow her to create a momentum that was perfectly laid out, right until the very last page, all the way through to the conclusion. Teaching writing herself, she would pass on her craft and learning to others, allowing a new generation of writers to follow in her footsteps.

Some of her work would also be adapted for the stage, as she was a writer who was extremely well versed in character too. Creating long lasting personalities that really stood out, they’d leave a powerful impression on the reader long after they’d put the book down. This could be seen in her many ongoing series as well, as readers would return time and time again for her next instalment. Leaving behind a legacy that many still appreciate to this day, her work will continue to find an audience into the foreseeable future.

Early and Personal Life

Born as Gillian Bliss in London, 1937, on the 29th of April, Jill Paton Walsh would grow up with a strong passion for literature. Educated in North Finchley at St. Michael’s Convent, followed by St. Anne’s College in Oxford, she would nurture her love of both reading and writing. Following this she would go on to teach at Enfield Girls’ Grammar School, teaching English there between 1959 and 1962.

Later she would go on to pursue writing full-time, becoming a key figure in the literary community, making a name for herself. Living a long and illustrious life, she would create a legacy quite unlike any other, as well as having three children. With more and more readers discovering her work every day, this legacy of hers will continue to grow for a long time yet.

Writing Career

Studying English at Oxford, Walsh would be taught under none other than Tolkien, and this would lead to her first novel ‘Hengest’s Tale’ in 1966. Later on she’d produce a number of mystery series, including several memorable characters, such as the amateur sleuth ‘Imogen Quy,’ starting with the novel ‘The Wyndham Case’ in 1993. Creating some iconic detectives over the years, many readers would come to appreciate her very immediate style of writing. Writing essays too, many of which were on children’s literature, she was a prestigious figure winning many awards, and she’ll continue to be a benchmark in the field for years to come.

The Bad Quarto

Initially published through the ‘Minotaur Books’ publishing label, this would first come out on the 22nd of February in 2007. The book would also mark the fourth in the ‘Imogen Quy’, with her name rhyming with ‘why,’ series of mystery novels. Featuring another mystery for the amateur sleuth college nurse to solve it’s a self-contained story set in St. Agatha’s College, Cambridge University, once again.

There’s plenty of exciting elements at play here, as the story makes the most of its college location, taking everything there into account. Using the work of Dorothy Sayers the inspiration here is clear, and it’s definitely a creative and interesting take on the genre. It also features many characters throughout as well, as they all feature in their own particular role, being the environment to life as a whole.

Taking place at St. Agatha’s College in Cambridge University, this sees the historical institute as the setting for the ‘Harding’s Folly’; a gap between a pediment and window that many students make a dangerous tradition of jumping. Claiming the lives of a number of them, it seems to have just claimed one more, as a controversial and glamorous student has just lost their life to it. Stepping on to the scene is Imogen Quy, the college nurse and amateur sleuth, as it appears it may not be an accident, and one student aims to prove this by performing ‘The Bad Quarto,’ a shortened section of Hamlet, to the suspect. Will they find out who was behind the tragedy? Can they learn the truth? What will become of The Bad Quarto?

A Desert in Bohemia

Originally released in 2000 through the ‘Plume’ publishing house, this would be an entirely stand-alone historical novel. Using real events from history during the end of the Second World War, it would incorporate a fictional tale that’s almost a parable. Published during the later part of Walsh’s writing career, it’s a must for any fans of her as an author looking to see how she developed her voice.

This is very much a book of its time, and there’s several different layers running concurrently throughout the story as a whole. With a colorful cast of characters, it takes on many different issues, whilst also depicting the period realistically and authentically. It is set in a fictional country, although this is largely to allow the underlying meaning and the message of the novel to shine through.

Set in 1945, this sees the German army retreating back across Eastern Europe, as they leave the many inhabitants behind reeling in turmoil. Taking refuge in the deserted castle Libohrad, Eliska is a terrified and bloodstained young woman, who’s soon joined Slavomir and his partisans, along with the idealistic Jiri. That’s when the owner of the castle, Count Michael Blansky, returns upsetting the balance, and he’s made to leave his aristocratic heritage behind with the arrival of Communist troops. How will the legacy he leaves affect those who remain though? Where will they all find themselves during the following years? What will become of a desert in Bohemia?