Helen Bradley Books In Order

Publication Order of Helen Bradley Books

Coming from America, the writer Patricia H. Rushford has been an important one within the world mystery and romance novels for quite some time now, which is largely thanks to her unique take on the genres, whilst also being able to craft an air of suspense alongside her gift for creating characters that are fully three-dimensional with personalities that speak to her readers. Writing for audiences worldwide, she produces books for readers of all ages and varieties, speaking on a universal level, whilst also clearly knowing and understanding her craft right down to the fundamental details, keeping her readers gripped right until the very last page. Winning awards, she is respected by both her many peers and contemporaries alike, as well as reaching readers from all across the globe, with many of her books reaching bestseller status. Producing over fifty books to date and counting, she has been prolific in both fiction and non-fiction, whilst also being a highly vocal spokesperson for her craft, passing on her knowledge to other young aspiring writers. Not only that, but she’s also a quilter and an artist, with a whole array of different creative endeavors behind her, something which is clearly reflected within her work. Building worlds and ever enduring characters, she is known to create protagonists that really ring true and resonate with her readers on a more personal and intimate level. She is known to do this through her many series and franchises, many of which are known to follow characters that are strong and resilient, whilst also being realistic in their mannerism and personalities. One of these is the character of Helen Bradley of the ‘Helen Bradley’ series following its lead female protagonist, as she undertakes a series of cases, managing to use her wits and intelligence with both good humor and grace. Set in Lincoln City in Oregon, America, it manages to capture the essence of its location, whilst also establishing Bradley’s place there as well. Working as a semi-retired ex-cop and travel writer, she deals with each case as they come, using every tool at her disposal to ensure that justice always prevails. Whilst the series may follow a lot of the more typical tropes expected of such a genre, Rushford is a gifted writer who really is able to make the format her own, creating a series that is highly unique and idiosyncratic in the process. Finding scores of fans worldwide, this is a series that will continue to gain traction with many readers for quite some time to come.

Starting in 1997 with the title ‘Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep’, it would then continue to 2000 with the final book ‘When Shadows Fall’. Running for a total of four titles between 1997 and 2000, it would later be followed up with a prequel almost fifteen years later in 2014 with the novel ‘Death on Arrival’, which would be set before the first. Working as a conclusive self-contained series, this all managed to incorporate a number of different exciting elements, whilst also remaining true to its one singular vision.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

Originally brought out through the ‘Thorndike Press’ publishing label, this would initially be released in 1997 on the 1st of February. Setting the series up, this would establish the character of Helen Bradley for the first time, as she would become an enduring creation for many years to come. It would also provide her with her first case to solve as well, one that would also keep the readers guessing throughout right till the very last page.

This first book sees Helen Bradley going undercover in a previously thought to be respected convalescent home following the highly suspect and mysterious death of a once prominent gerontologist. Facing a whole new slew of questions here, Helen finds that there are a number of pressing issues facing the residents here. Many suspect they being poisoned, but it could also be that they don’t completely have their mental faculties in order, something which Bradley needs to get to the bottom of. Will she learn the truth? Can she find those guilty? What will become of Bradley as she says ‘now I lay me down to sleep’?

Red Sky in Mourning

Published the same year as the first in 1997, this follow-up title was released not long after the original, with it coming out on the 1st of September later that year. Continuing in much the same vein as before, it would provide the next case for the ever intrepid ex-cop Helen Bradley, as she seeks to get to the bottom of another mystery. Keeping the readers guessing once again, it would also work at developing the characters and the world contained within, taking them all to another level, giving further insight into the life of its leading protagonist and her set of detective skills.

Heading to a coastal town in Washington State, Helen Bradley finds that her new assignment sees her assembling a regional travel guide for the area. It is only after arriving at the small bed and breakfast there that she learns about the truth behind the original author of the guide; she is now dead. Looking to find out more, she learns that a fisherman might have the answers as to what happened to the author, as Bradley hopes to find out more. Will she learn the truth? Can she get to the bottom of the case? What happens with red sky in mourning?

The Helen Bradley Series

A well written and highly involving series, this is a must for any fans of the genre, as well as fans of Rushford as well, with its knowing and intelligent take upon the format. Creating a lasting and enduring character in its leading protagonist, Helen Bradley is a fun and engaging lead, ensuring that the reader empathizes with her and her plight throughout. With more and more discovering the series everyday, this isn’t a series that’s going away anytime soon, as its legacy will live on into the foreseeable future for some time to come.