Jill Paterson Books In Order

Publication Order of Alistair Fitzjohn Books

Publication Order of Phoebe Chadwick Mysteries Books

About Jill Paterson

The British author Jill Paterson is a highly talented writer of crime and mystery thrillers, writing stories filled with suspense and tension. Instantly grabbing her readers from the outset, she really understands what it is that they’re looking for when it comes to her writing. Delivering thrilling novels filled with intrigue, she constantly keeps them guessing throughout, every step of the way. Keeping her audience glued to their seats, she makes sure her stories are compelling and entertaining in equal measure.

Immersing her readers in her rich and layered worlds, she ensures that they remain invested in her highly textured stories. The narratives that she weaves are extremely intricate, making it extremely easy for readers to lose themselves within them. Over the years this unique formula of hers has proven to be hugely successful, making for some highly singular storytelling. Saying precisely what she wants to say too, she provides a clear message through her work as well, giving it a real sense of personality.

Another essential factor of note with her writing is that of her characters, as they really do come to life upon the page. Setting many of her books within Australia, she largely writes about areas she knows, also bringing them to life in the process. Pushing the boundaries of the genre, she ensures that her mysteries always remain one step ahead of the reader, with countless twists, turns, and surprises. With further titles planned for release in the future, she’s a writer with plenty further titles set for publication in the pipeline.

Early and Personal Life

Born in Yorkshire in the United Kingdom, Jill Paterson would grow up in South Australia in Adelaide, where she was raised. Following this she would move to Ontario in Canada, where she would live for eleven years of her life, before moving back to Australia. Developing her craft as an author for much of her life, she would seek inspiration from the world around her, putting it back into her work.

Attending the Australian National University, she would gain an Arts Degree, before going on to work at the Australian National University’s School of Law. Spending over ten years with the Business Council of Australia, along with the University of South Wales and the ADFA Campus based in the School of Electrical Engineering, she’s gained plenty of experience. Currently living in Canberra, Australia, near to where she sets many of her of her books, she lives and works with her husband there.

Writing Career

The first book that Jill Paterson would release was back in 2011, and it was a mystery novel titled ‘Murder at the Rocks.’ It was also the second in the ‘Fitzjohn Mystery’ series of novels, each with their own self-contained mystery featuring Detective Chief Inspector Alistair Fitzjohn. Paterson would also publish her ‘Phoebe Chadwick Mystery’ series of books as well, which begun in 2020 with ‘Murder At The Beaufort.’

Largely focusing on mysteries, Paterson has developed her series over the years, with many of her protagonists becoming iconic in their own right. She has also published non-fiction works as well, looking at self-publishing guides and help with writing for aspiring novelists. Keeping her many readers regularly updated, she maintains a profile both online and off, with a lot more to come yet.

The Fourth String

Originally published her book through the ‘J. Henderson’ publishing label, this would first come out back in 2017 on the 18th of December. Marking the seventh book in the ongoing ‘Alistair Fitzjohn’ series of mystery novels, it provides another self-contained story. The books don’t need to be read in any particular order, but it does offer plenty of character development and world-building for returning fans.

A run-down apartment building named ‘The Claremont’ is thrown into disarray when Sydney Symphony conductor Crispin Fairchild, it’s most famous resident, is found murdered. Everyone seems saddened by this tragedy, along with his orchestra, but one of them could potentially be the killer. Taking on the case, Detective Chief Inspector Alistair Fitzjohn sets about uncovering the deep and dark secrets of the late great conductor. What will he manage to find, can he find the real killer before it’s too late, and just who is playing the fourth string?

As a straightforward mystery, it has a lot to offer both fans of the author, and of the genre as a whole, as it really makes the most of its format. Showing another side to Alistair Fitzjohn as a leading character, it really fleshes his personality out, showing who he is as a person. Keeping readers constantly invested for the duration of the novel, it will keep them guessing the whole way.

Murder At The Beaufort

This book would be the first in the ‘Phoebe Chadwick Mysteries’ series, setting up the franchise as a whole with its first mystery. Each book was set to contain a self-contained mystery, with this coming out in 2020 on the 30th of September. Paterson released it through the ‘J. Henderson’ imprint, and this would offer a stand-alone story in a series that can easily be read in any particular order.

Looking forward to a new life living in Shellcove, Phoebe Chadwick has accepted Joanna Reid’s partnership offer at the Beaufort Boutique Hotel. When she steps off the train after arriving though, her sister Elizabeth is there to inform Phoebe that Joanna has been found dead. Not accepting Inspector Henshaw’s insistence that Joanna took her own life, Phoebe finds help with Olivia, the last member of the Beaufort family. Will they manage to find the murderer in time, can they discover what actually happened, and just who is behind the murder at the Beaufort?

Making for a great introduction to a new and exciting mystery series, this is definitely a perfect example of the genre. Setting up a whole new world with a new set of characters, it really works at establishing the style and the overall tone of the series to follow. Easy to pick, it’s difficult to put down, as it’s highly accessible making it more than ideal as a quick and casual read.