Miss Seeton Books In Order

Publication Order of Miss Seeton Books

The Miss Seeton book series belongs to the cozy mystery genre. However, it has been described by many who have read it as featuring more of comedy than sinister crime solving. This is one of the many reasons why this book series has garnered so much support and appreciation. The first book was released in 1968 and for the next more than 3 decades a total of 22 books were released. Initially, the books were criticized for their uncanny resemblance to the Miss Marple book series and were considered a cheap rip off. However, readers and critics alike grew to appreciate the uniqueness of the Miss Seeton series. Below is an overview of the series including details about the author, the plot and the oh so loved Miss Seeton herself.

About The Authors

The Miss Seeton book series is a product of Heron Carvic’s literary genius. It was originally intended to act as a more comical version of an equally popular series at the time with a similar plot. Heron Carvic’s was originally named Geoffrey Rupert William but changed his name while in France as a way to separate himself from his troubled past. The talented actor, comedian and writer made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. However, nothing sticks out from his legacy as much as the Miss Seeton book series. He started it all with the book ‘Picture Miss Seeton’ and wrote 4 more installations to the series before he died.

After his death in 1964, authors Hamilton Crane (Sarah Mason) and Hampton Charles (Roy Peter Martin) both of whom were world renowned cozy mystery authors. Roy Martin wrote 3 of the books whereas Sarah Mason wrote more than 10 of the books. Sarah Mason in particular has been praised for her ability to stay true to Heron Carvic’s writing style in the Miss Seeton series.

One very interesting fact about these two writers is the fact that they both used pseudonyms with the initials H.C. in memory of the original author of the series. This was a way to not only pay homage to Heron Carvic but also to keep his very popular series alive.

The Main Character: Miss Seeton

The stories in these books revolve around the life and many interesting adventures of a retired art teacher known as Emily D. Seeton. She is a spinster in her mid-forties whose path keeps crossing with that of the Plummergen Village police force. For some reason, she always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Her unique ability to draw very realistic sketches becomes a real resource to local law enforcement allowing them to solve crime and other mysteries in their quaint little village.

However unlike any other heroine in the crime and mystery solving genre, it is Miss Seeton’s naivety, brutal honesty and all round comic nature that make her stand out. Calling her completely clueless would be the understatement of the century but it is what makes her as a character such a hit in the crime and mystery book series world. She is also very innocent and oblivious of just how dim-witted she seems to those around her. She also seems unaware of sarcasm and it would take a lot to hurt her feelings with words.

Throughout the series, police officers, politicians and even army officials agree to put up with her only so that they can get to benefit from her amazing gift.

Plot Summary And Series Highlights

As earlier stated, the plot revolves around Miss Seeton’s crime solving adventures with the police in her village. The first book; Picture Miss Seeton; gives readers a clear idea of where it all started. It tells the heroine’s history and gives a glimpse into her somewhat disturbed mind. She first gets on the Plummergen police radar after witnessing a stabbing outside a theatre when she decides to leave early. The gifted artist is able to draw a portrait depicting the suspect’s perfect likeness and the police are thrilled. But they soon find out that although fruitful, working with Miss Seeton is not all fun games and high tea at four.

The next several series feature many different adventures with Miss Seeton and different law enforcement agencies. These range from child murder cases and witch hunts in the second and third books to Scotland Yard revival and army service during World War II. The second two books in particular are among the most popular which is to be expected as they were from the original writer.

In all of these stories, Miss Seeton uses her artistic prowess to help law enforcement agents to solve various mysteries. Her talents are so effective that they earn her nationwide respect with her crime solving sketches in very high demand. However, she seems to have a knack for getting into trouble and pissing off the wrong people and has, on more than one occasion, ended up on the wrong side of the very law she is trying to aid. Whether it is leaving out important details or unwittingly misleading the Plummergen police, her tendency to cause mayhem is undeniably entertaining. The police are not the only ones she manages to piss off having managed to get into trouble with various criminals including burglars, drug rings and kidnappers.

In a nutshell, the stories in the Miss Seeton series are packed full of fun and adventure with something interesting to look forward to in every page.

Bottom line

It goes without saying that the Miss Seeton book series is something worth checking out. Each of the 22 books has something very special to offer with creative and very well written plots. If you are one of those who thought that it was just another Miss Marple rip off, then you are in for a surprise.

The unique stories feature the perfect combination of mystery, misery and humor making them perfect for all kinds of readers. Be prepared to experience a wide range of emotions and reactions including laughter at Miss Seeton’s innocent bluntness and frustration as a result of all the mayhem she keeps causing. Therefore, whether you are following Miss Seeton to the war or learning how she helps bust a drug ring, you can rest assured that you will enjoy every single moment.

4 Responses to “Miss Seeton”

1. Doris Cleaver: 8 months ago

   Love these stories.

   Reply
2. Jerri: 2 years ago

   Thank you for the background information on Heron Carvic. As I read the Miss Seeton series many years ago I wondered about the 3 “H.C.” authors. There is a slightly different style amongst the authors but all of the books in the series are quite good. I thoroughly enjoyed the humor in the situations Miss Seeton got into. I’m always disappointed when a series runs out!

   I felt Miss Seeton to be loosely similar to Miss Marple but feel MissEss is clueless whereas Miss M was positively a sleuth.

   Are there any other series similar to these?

   Reply
3. StarWatcher: 2 years ago

   I just discovered this site, and it’s been very useful. I’ve gone ebook, and am donating all my paperbacks to senior citizen’s centers. This site has helped me number the books in order on the front cover, so future readers can figure them out.

   However, I think this page could be improved by the addition of the original 5 penned by Heron Carvic — just for completion’s sake.

   1 Picture Miss Seeton
   2 Miss Seeton Draws the Line
   3 Witch Miss Seeton
   4 Miss Seeton Sings
   5 Odds on Miss Seeton

   Regardless, I’m going to pass on word about your site to my e-friends. Thanks so much for all your hard work.

   StarWatcher

   Reply
   • Graeme: 2 years ago

     Thank you for the feedback and I 100% agree with you – that was an oversight on our part. I will change that right away.

     Reply