Karen Charlton Books In Order

Publication Order of Regency Reivers Books

Publication Order of Detective Lavender Mysteries Books

Publication Order of York Ladies' Detective Agency Mysteries Books

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Primarily focused upon historical mysteries, the British author Karen Charlton brings an almost academic quality to her fiction. Well researched and highly accurate, they give a balanced and realistic perspective of the time periods that they portray and the worlds that they inhabit. Giving highly nuanced mysteries as well, they manage to draw the reader, regardless of who they or their background knowledge on the subject matter. Creating fun and engaging mysteries, she is able to present her stories in a manner that is at once both universal and timeless, a factor which goes some way towards explaining her mass appeal.

Early and Personal Life

Born in Sheffield in the United Kingdom, she grew up in both Leeds and Sheffield, as she harbored a passion for both reading and writing from a young age. Spending much of her childhood engrossed in books, she was a voracious reader, as well as being a keen writer, immersing herself in literature. Over the years she would take this interest of hers and become more professional in her approach to the art and craft of writing, along with a deep interest in history and a clear and articulate understanding of the past and genealogy specifically.

Graduating in English she would dedicate herself full-time to the art of writing, as she was to become a gifted and able storyteller. Focusing on her craft throughout, she would constantly be looking for new ideas and material to put into her work. Giving her the academic standing she needed to go forth and progress as well, she would hone her skills as a writer and as a novelist too.

Previously working as a teacher prior to becoming a full-time writer, she also has a background in academia of her own. As a coordinator of the ‘Famelton Writing Services’ as well, she has given herself a strong foundation with which to build her writing career from. This was a literary consultancy agency for other up-and-coming writers run by already successful writers and authors, giving them aid and assistance.

Continuing to write she still puts out work at a regular and ever consistent pace, as she tours nationally with her writing. Living in the north of England she attends events regularly whereby she conducts readings of her own work, whilst communicating with her fans. This is something that’s expected to carry on for some time yet, as she’s currently working on her next novel to publish.

Writing Career

Bringing out her first book titled ‘Catching the Eagle’ on the 12th of August in 2011, Karen Charlton made her debut onto the literary scene. Working as the first novel in the ongoing ‘Regency Reivers’ series of novels, it not only sets up a promising new author, but a franchise as well. Establishing her presence as a well informed and well researched writer, it managed to create a style that was entirely unique to her.

Creating a number of series, Charlton has been fully capable of producing franchises with an arc that progresses through the overall course. So far she has two books in total in her ‘Regency Reivers’ series, set in Northumberland in the early part of the 19th century. Along with this she has also created the ‘Detective Lavender Mysteries’ series of novels, a franchise which she is continuing.

Seen as a leading authority within her field, she is particularly well regarded for her contributions to the genre of historical fiction. Making each story a puzzle as well, she is just as highly adept at crafting a mystery that intrigues and keeps the reader guessing throughout. Combining characters, action and accuracy, it’s easy to see why she is favored by both the critics and the general public alike.

Starring on television as well, she has had guest appearances on the BBC TV show ‘Eggheads’, where she was a winning contestant. Knowledgeable as she is creative, she also enjoys the theater, something which she also manages to incorporate into her work too. Winning the ‘Yorkshire Tourist Board’ award for her ‘Murder Mystery Weekends’, she is also a prize winning author as well.

Knowing exactly what her audience want and what they are looking for, Karen Charlton has found her voice as her career moves forwards. An intelligent and dedicated writer, she also imparts her learning and ideas at a number of different speaking events across the United Kingdom. Showing no signs of stopping anytime soon either, she is going to continue on into the foreseeable future for some time to come yet.

The Sculthorpe Murder

Marking the third installment of the ongoing ‘Detective Lavender Mysteries’ series of novels, this was originally brought out on the 30th of August in 2016. Following on with another investigation for the eponymous detective, it works as a stand-alone case file and mystery. Progressing in a similar vein to the previous two novels, it manages to provide more of what the audience have now come to expect, whilst also keeping it fresh and exciting.

With every constable in the county of Northamptonshire circa 1810 out on the trail of the Panther Gang, it appears that a violent mob is staking its claim. Following the murder of an old man Middleton after he was robbed, it is up to Constable Ned Woods and Detective Stephen Lavender to solve the case. Coming from London’s Bow Street police department though, it appears that the murder of William Sculthorpe is deeper than it initially appears. Will they find the killer? What is causing the recent unrest? Who committed the Sculthorpe murder?

Catching the Eagle

Initially published for the Kindle, this was first brought out on the 12th of August, 2011, to much acclaim. Brought out through the ‘Famelton Publishing’ label, it was to be the first in the ongoing series of ‘Regency Reivers’ novels. Taken from real-life experiences, it’s a story that came to Charlton after discovering about her own genealogy, something which she later wrote about in the non-fiction book ‘Seeking Our Eagle’.

Taking place in 1809, this is set on Easter Monday in Kirkley Hall manor house, as Jamie Charlton is suspected of burglary there as he faces the gallows. With £1,157 gone in rent money Jamie Charlton and steward Michael Aynsley stand accused of theft, in the largest burglary that the manor has ever faced. That’s when Jamie’s brother William must step-up and help prove his innocence, all whilst dealing with his own personal demons. Will they be able to find the burglar before it’s too late? Can Jamie escape the gallows? What will they discover when catching the eagle?