Yorkshire Murder Mysteries Books In Order

Publication Order of Yorkshire Murder Mysteries Books

Yorkshire Murder Mysteries Series
Yorkshire Murder Mysteries is a crime-fiction series by J.R. Ellis. The series introduces a team of detectives led by the old-fashioned DCI Jim Oldroyd and DS Carter. Throughout the series, these detectives will be chasing different killers across different parts of the English countryside. Catching the killers is not always easy, but it is the chase that makes these stories irresistible. The author also exposes the lives of the main characters outside work, making them more relatable to the reader. If you are a fan of British literature and enjoy murder mysteries, you will love this book.

The Body in the Dales
The Body in the Dales comes first in the Yorkshire Murder Mysteries. This story starts with a body found deep inside a cave known as The Jingling Pot. The dead man is Dave Atkins, a village rogue disliked by many. This only means that the detectives investigating this case, DCI Jim Oldroyd and his new partner DS Carter will have quite a list of suspects. What has them puzzled is how the body got in the cave in the first place. The body is devoid of caving gear, so there is no way Dave accidentally died when visiting the caves. There had also been a team of cavers at the same location a few days ago, and they did not see any body even though Dave looks like he had been dead for a week when his body was found.

From the start, this sounds like an impossible crime. How did Dave’s body end up in such a remote part of the cave? Is it possible that he was killed elsewhere and his body later dumped in the caves? Despite the uncertainties surrounding this case, it is clear that Jim and Carter have a murderer on the loose, and they have to catch him before more damage is done. Soon after, someone with important information on this case also dies under mysterious conditions, and the detectives are forced to race against time before the body count rises. It is clear the murder will do everything to cover his tracks, so Jim and Carter have to tread carefully. However, for every answer they get, more questions emerge, and the lies exposed shock the close-knit community.
Follow Jim and Carter as they work to solve two murders and stay a step ahead of the killer. Most of their suspects are cavers who know the caves well, so narrowing their list is quite a task. Things get darker the deeper they get into the case, and the unexpected twist will keep you on your toes for a good part of this story. The storyline will draw you in from the start, and you cannot help but fall in love with the protagonist and other characters. With their eerie darkness and unknown dangers, the caves are a perfect backdrop for this murder scene. The story moves at such a brisk pace, and it is intriguing how leads crop up as Jim and Carter meet with different suspects.

The Body in the Dales is an intriguing story characterized by a complex mystery, well-fleshed characters, and a unique storyline. Set in a small village in Yorkshire Dales, the tale allows the reader to enjoy the magnificent landscapes and beautiful places in this region. You also get some background on the detectives, so it becomes easy to understand their actions.

The Quartet Murders
The Quartet Murders come second in the Yorkshire Murder Mysteries. It is in December, and DCI Jim Oldroyd is excited to be attending a concert where world-famous violinist Hans Muller will be performing. Not even the awful weather would dampen his mood. He would never have anticipated that this violinist would be killed by a bullet the same night. Swinging fast into action, Jim secures the crime scene and also finds the murder weapon. However, the killer is nowhere to be seen, and he had taken the victim’s priceless violin with him. How come no one saw the killer leave or even take the instrument from the violinist’s hands? Jim was there at the concert, and he did not catch the killer even after arriving at the crime scene minutes later. Is it possible that the killer was not working alone?

Jim’s old partner DCI Sam Alderdice requests him to join the investigation, and he is more than happy to do so. This case takes Jim deep into the world of instrument collectors who are not afraid to kill if that is what it takes to get a prized instrument in their hands. The suspects are many, so it will take some time before the detectives can catch what looks like a seasoned killer. As this talented detective works on this case, more secrets are revealed, and they become his main focus until another death happens in London. Now DS Andy Carter has to go to his old patch while leads to him discovering a cartel of wealthy collectors, violent gangs, and the ever-elusive Nazi Gold.

The author’s descriptions of Yorkshire are so detailed it will feel like you are right there with the characters exploring the lands. You will enjoy interacting with the characters, some you already know from the first book and other new ones. The plot is detailed but not complicated, and the story stays intriguing to the last page. It will take some time to guess the killer, but things will make sense when he is revealed. Jim and Carter continue working well together, and you will enjoy the banter between these two intriguing characters. It is also amazing to see the softer side of DCI Jim. You wouldn’t have thought he is such a massive fan of classical music in the first book.

The Quarter Murders is a well-written and plotted story. In this book, the author allows you to learn about the suspects and the happening in their lives. You also get to learn a thing or two about the stringed instrument. The pace is consistent throughout the book, and the ending will leave you searching for the third installment in this series.