Read Martha Grimes Richard Jury Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on April 25, 2026

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Martha Grimes is a master of the cozy mystery genre, but her Richard Jury series of detective novels offers much more than simple whodunits. These books blend engaging character development with rich settings and intricate mysteries that often delve deep into the human condition. Richard Jury is one of those detective characters who not only solves crimes but also experiences the complexity of life, often reflected in the intricate relationships and settings that Grimes crafts with skill and finesse.

Grimes’ storytelling combines sharp, witty dialogue with an almost literary examination of life’s nuances. At its core, the Richard Jury series offers more than just mysteries to solve; it provides readers with an intricate and compelling world. For those who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven stories that intertwine emotional depth with thrilling investigations, the Richard Jury books are a must-read.

List Of Martha Grimes Richard Jury Books In Order

The Man with a Load of Mischief (1981)	Details
The Old Fox Deceiv’d (1982)	Details
The Anodyne Necklace (1983)	Details
The Dirty Duck (1984)	Details
The Deer Leap (1985)	Details
The Five Bells and Bladebone (1986)	Details
The Winds of Change (1987)	Details
The Old Silent (1989)	Details
I Am the Only Running Footman (1992)	Details
The Sins of the Fathers (1994)	Details
The Dying Light (1997)	Details
The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair (2008)	Details
The Black Cat (2010)	Details
The Book of the Dead (2015)	Details
The Black Bird (2017)	Details

More On Martha Grimes Richard Jury Books In Chronological Order

1. The Man with a Load of Mischief (1981)

This is the first book in the *Richard Jury* series, where we meet Detective Richard Jury of Scotland Yard. A seemingly straightforward murder in a small village takes a sharp turn when Jury starts to uncover the web of intrigue that ties the village’s quirky inhabitants together. It’s a fantastic start to the series, filled with intrigue, rich descriptions, and plenty of British charm.

2. The Old Fox Deceiv’d (1982)

Richard Jury is back and this time, a former police officer has been found dead. What seems like an open-and-shut case quickly turns into something much murkier, as Jury realizes there’s more to the man’s past than anyone anticipated. The book really starts to develop Jury’s personal life and his keen detective instincts.

3. The Anodyne Necklace (1983)

Jury is now really settling into his role as a detective with a nose for uncovering secrets. When a woman’s mysterious necklace is found at the scene of a murder, it leads to a larger investigation into family feuds, dark secrets, and, of course, a murder or two. Grimes does a great job of weaving a web of deceit and intrigue in this one.

4. The Dirty Duck (1984)

In this one, Jury heads to the country for a bit of respite, but as it often happens in these novels, things take a turn for the worse. A strange, seemingly unconnected death and the puzzling activities of a local pub called the Dirty Duck push Jury to investigate once again. There’s a lot of humor here, as well as some complex characters.

5. The Deer Leap (1985)

Jury is drawn into a case where a wealthy man is found dead in his house, and at first glance, it looks like suicide. However, the closer Jury looks, the more it seems like foul play was involved. This book delves into the complexity of human motivations, especially when money and family inheritance are involved.

6. The Five Bells and Bladebone (1986)

Jury finds himself investigating a complex case that seems to revolve around a strange old bell and the mysteries surrounding it. There’s also a new character introduced here, a woman named Melrose Plant, who becomes a regular and fantastic counterpart to Jury’s stoic nature. The tension between them adds a nice touch to the mystery.

7. The Winds of Change (1987)

Jury’s latest case takes him to a prestigious school, where a popular teacher has been murdered. The case uncovers all sorts of intrigue, from secretive students to personal vendettas. There’s a bit of a school-reunion vibe to this one, where we get to know Jury a little better while also solving the case.

8. The Old Silent (1989)

This book takes us deeper into Richard Jury’s psyche as he investigates a series of murders connected to an old, silent man who had once been a part of a large, tragic historical event. There are some very evocative moments here, with Grimes showing off her mastery of suspense and character-driven plotting.

9. I Am the Only Running Footman (1992)

This book takes place in the countryside, where a set of peculiar events leads Jury to a mysterious disappearance. It’s a slightly darker mystery than previous books, but the balance between the eerie atmosphere and Jury’s dry wit is perfect.

10. The Sins of the Fathers (1994)

Jury is called to investigate the death of a beloved figure in a quiet village. As he delves deeper, he uncovers the sins of the past that have been haunting the family and the community. The pacing and the way the layers of the mystery unfold are fantastic in this one.

11. The Dying Light (1997)

This book is one of those where the investigation is overshadowed by the personal life of Richard Jury. He’s dealing with a very personal loss while trying to solve a case that’s tied to a tragic death. There’s a lot of emotional depth here, which makes this entry stand out.

12. The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair (2008)

A new turn for Jury. The entire case revolves around a famous author, Harry Quebert, who is implicated in the murder of a young woman years ago. It’s a change of pace for Grimes, who usually sticks to the more traditional British mysteries. This one is a multi-layered thriller with plenty of twists and turns.

13. The Black Cat (2010)

The setting of this one is filled with creepy vibes, with Jury investigating the mysterious death of a prominent person in an eerie, isolated mansion. The story mixes psychological tension with the kind of quirky characters Grimes is known for. The atmosphere alone makes this one a must-read.

14. The Book of the Dead (2015)

This time, the investigation takes Jury into a whole new world, where ancient secrets and long-forgotten crimes come to light. It’s a hauntingly good mix of historical mystery and modern-day investigation. The pacing is as tight as ever, and there’s just enough of a personal element for Jury to keep things intriguing.

15. The Black Bird (2017)

This one’s got all the typical ingredients: a remote location, an unsolved mystery, and a cast of unpredictable characters. Jury must navigate the complicated dynamics between a family and their deep secrets while trying to figure out who killed a man found near an old bird sanctuary. It’s a bit more introspective, but still with Grimes’ signature mystery-solving edge.

Background On Martha Grimes And The Richard Jury Books

Martha Grimes is an American author best known for her long-running Richard Jury series. Born in 1931, she’s carved a niche within the literary world with her unique blend of mystery, character-driven storytelling, and dark humor. Grimes began her writing career in the 1970s, and her first Richard Jury book, The Man with a Load of Mischief, was published in 1981. The series has now become a staple in the mystery genre, spanning over 20 novels.

The protagonist of the series, Richard Jury, is an inspector in the Scotland Yard, and he becomes entangled in various murder investigations, many of which seem almost personal in nature. The books are often set in the English countryside, with the charming, somewhat eccentric villages providing a picturesque backdrop for the dark and sinister events that unfold. While Grimes initially aimed for a more traditional detective series, the Richard Jury books quickly evolved into something far richer and more layered.

One of the defining features of the Richard Jury series is the complex relationships between its characters, most notably the bond between Jury and his colleague, Melrose Plant. While Melrose, a wealthy aristocrat, initially seems out of place in the world of police work, his wit and intelligence provide a refreshing balance to Jury’s more introspective, methodical approach. Their dynamic is one of the cornerstones of the series, and it’s a relationship that evolves beautifully as the books progress.

In addition to the characters, the settings play a huge role in the success of the series. Grimes is adept at creating a sense of place, from the sleepy, idyllic villages of rural England to the atmospheric, often haunting locations where the crimes occur. Her descriptions bring the landscape to life in a way that makes the reader feel as though they’re walking alongside the characters in these quaint, picturesque environments. This sense of immersion is another reason why the Richard Jury books stand out.

Reading Order Explained

The Richard Jury books can be enjoyed in any order, but reading them in the order of publication offers a richer experience, particularly when it comes to character development and the evolution of the series. The early books in the series introduce the core characters and establish the tone and themes that Grimes will continue to explore throughout the subsequent novels.

Here is a suggested reading order, based on the publication dates:

1. The Man with a Load of Mischief (1981)
2. The Singing Sands (1983)
3. The Old Fox Deceiv’d (1986)
4. The Anodyne Necklace (1987)
5. The Lamorna Wink (1991)
6. The Horse You Came In On (1992)
7. The Five Bells and Bladebone (1993)
8. The Green Man (1994)
9. The Bleeding Heart (1997)
10. The Dying Game (1998)
11. The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair (2000)
12. The Case of the Missing Chapter (2002)
13. The Cat Who Came to Dinner (2003)
14. The Hidden Lament (2006)
15. The Silent Ghost (2009)
16. The Green Door (2012)
17. The Village of the Forgotten Girl (2013)
18. The Devil’s Share (2014)
19. The Pale Rider’s Farewell (2016)
20. The Death and the Single Girl (2018)
21. The Poisoning Parable (2020)

Note that some of these titles have only been released in limited editions or specific regions, so availability may differ.

What I Like About The Series?

There are many things that make the Richard Jury series special, but perhaps the most remarkable aspect is Grimes’ ability to weave together both intellectual puzzles and human drama. The mysteries themselves are cleverly crafted, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. However, it’s the deep dive into the emotional and psychological landscapes of the characters that make these books truly stand out.

The dynamics between Richard Jury and the various people in his life are fascinating. Jury himself is an introspective, often melancholic figure, someone who struggles with personal demons and a sense of isolation. Yet, he is also deeply compassionate and morally driven, a quality that makes him a sympathetic character despite his flaws. His evolving relationship with Melrose Plant is particularly compelling, as their differences in background and personality provide both comedic moments and emotional depth.

Another thing I love about the series is its setting. Grimes has an exceptional gift for evoking place, and the English countryside, with its charming yet eerie atmosphere, serves as the perfect backdrop for her mysteries. Whether it’s a small village or a misty, isolated manor, the locations in the Richard Jury books are as much a part of the story as the characters themselves.

Finally, the pacing and the balance between humor and suspense is pitch-perfect. The books are often laced with dry wit and subtle humor, even in the midst of a tense investigation, which provides a much-needed respite from the darker moments. This balance between light and dark is one of Grimes’ trademarks and makes the series particularly enjoyable to read.

Should You Read Martha Grimes Richard Jury Books In Order?

While it is not absolutely necessary to read the Richard Jury books in order, there are a few compelling reasons to do so. The most important is the development of the characters, particularly Richard Jury and Melrose Plant. As the series progresses, the relationship between these two characters deepens, and certain plotlines evolve over time. By reading the books in order, you get to experience this development in its fullest form.

Moreover, the earlier books introduce key themes and settings that recur throughout the series. Reading the books in order allows you to see how Grimes refines her storytelling techniques and builds upon her earlier ideas. While each book in the series is a standalone mystery, the overarching narrative and character development benefit greatly from a chronological approach.

That said, if you prefer to jump into the action, starting with any of the novels will still give you a satisfying reading experience. However, to truly appreciate the richness of the characters and the full arc of the series, reading them in order is highly recommended.