Oz Blackstone Books In Order

Publication Order of Oz Blackstone Books

Publication Order of Oz Blackstone Short Stories/Novellas

A Scottish author of crime novels, the writer Quintin Jardine has created a number of different successful stories over the years. Setting up fictional characters he’s brought them to life, allowing the reader to become heavily invested in them over the course of the series run. Going under the name of Matthew Reid as well, he has brought out some highly popular, influential and iconic protagonists. Set in London in the United Kingdom is one such series featuring a highly popular character, being that of Oz Blackstone. The Oz Blackstone series follows the eponymous private investigator as he solves cases both in and around the city. As a set of detective novels they follow this now iconic character as he attempts to get to the bottom of the mystery by any means necessary.

Running for over nine books in total this was a fairly extensive series, that manage to instigate a number of spin-offs of its own. Creating an extensive world for his readers to get involved in, Jardine is a master of his craft, with his ability to build an effective mystery. With more and more discovering his work everyday, this is a series that will live on into the foreseeable future, as it’s not going away anytime soon.

Blackstone’s Pursuits

Initially brought out in 1996 through the Headline publishing label, this was first released on the 20th of March. Setting up the Oz Blackstone series this was to be the first book in the ongoing franchise, as it established much of the premise. With many of the characters being introduced for the first time too, it also provides the first case file for them all to deal with as well.

With many of Quintin Jardine’s key ideas and themes being developed here, this is also where Primavera Phillips is introduced for the first time too. Setting up the foundations for his world in this franchise, it’s a definite must for anyone looking to get started with his work. Offering many of his now trademark flourishes, such as suspense and intrigue, it’s also great as a stand-alone mystery. The series itself takes place in the city of London, a factor which makes this a resolutely British series through and through. Giving a highly detailed description of the city it really feels alive, with its great sense and usage of location throughout. Becoming almost central to the action, the city starts to take on a life of its own almost, as it becomes a sort of character in of itself. In regards to the characters themselves here, they are all brilliantly realized, as they allow the story to resonate on a deeper level with the reader. Primavera Phillips is introduced as the perfect foil to clash again Oz Blackstone, as the two of them have such strong personalities. Oz Blackstone himself is not the standard investigator either, as he defies convention throughout, with his innovative take on the genre.

The private investigator Oz Blackstone has taken on a case involving a missing half-million from an insurance company. One problem is, though, is that he soon discover the body of an embezzler discovered with a knife embedded deep in his back. Not only that, but the money is nowhere to be seen and it feels like Oz is being taken under by it all, at which point Primavera Phillips enters and everything changes. Will he be able to solve the case? Can he find the missing money? What will become of Blackstone’s pursuits?

A Coffin for Two

Brought out through the Headline publishing house once again, this was released just one year after the first title, as it follows on directly as a sequel. Marking the second installment of the ‘Oz Blackstone’ series of novels, this was released on the 9th of October in 1997. Providing more of what people have now come to appreciate about the franchise, it also offers some twists and turns of its own along the way.

A lot of Jardine’s themes and ideas return here intact, as many of the relationships have been formed and the parties have been introduced. Developing their personalities further, it allows the franchise to take a deeper level, with personalities such as Primavera also taking centre stage now too. Working together, Oz and Primavera’s relationship is something that the readers get to see blossoming throughout, something which allows them to feel closer to the action. With the city of London in the background this time, the action has been moved on to the Costa Brava this time. Changing the location to fit the narrative, they’re both now meant to be relaxing, but this is obviously not to be, as certain events soon transpire. Moving the story here, though, gives the narrative a wider sense of scope, as well as allowing it to further explore the relationship between Primavera and Oz even further. With the main characters back as well, it would seem that they are the same as they were before, despite having solved the previous case. Primavera is still clashing with Oz, although they have both grown a lot closer, something which develops throughout the series. Oz is also a far more well defined character here too, as he comes into his element as a fully three-dimensional personality.

Now in love with one another, as well as with plenty of money, Primavera and Oz head to the Costa Brava to celebrate their previous successful case. Relaxing in the village of St Marti they soon discover that everything isn’t as it initially seems, as they find secrets and murder lurking beneath the idyllic surface of the village. Looking to evict a somewhat skeletal squatter, they also go about trying to authenticate a supposed Dali masterpiece, which was brought by someone at a less than reputable auction. Will they find out what’s really going on? Can they ever relax? How will they escape a coffin for two?

The Oz Blackstone Series

As a perfect example of the form this is ideal for fans of the thriller and mystery genre, as it’s easy and accessible to get into. Understanding his craft down to the last minute detail, Jardine has built an impressive franchise, along with a successful spin-off series as well with Primavera Blackstone branching off from it. This has allowed a whole brand of sorts to be built from this particular character, as readers worldwide have been drawn to it with its universal appeal. With his profile growing along with that of the series, it appears that his popularity wont be abating anytime soon either, as his legacy will continue to live on for some time yet.