Lesley Thomson Books In Order

Publication Order of The Detective's Daughter Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

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Lesley Thomson is a British author known for writing gripping mystery and thriller novels. Her book A Kind of Vanishing earned The People’s Book Prize in 2010, showcasing her skill in crafting engaging stories. One of her most popular works, The Detective’s Daughter, became a number one bestseller and topped Sainsbury’s ebook charts in 2014. Readers enjoy her ability to weave suspenseful plots with well-developed characters.

Thomson’s talent for creating memorable protagonists shines in her Detective’s Daughter series. The second book, Ghost Girl, also reached number one in Sainsbury’s e-chart, proving her knack for keeping audiences hooked. Her stories balance intrigue with relatable characters, making them both entertaining and easy to follow. Each book builds on the last, pulling readers deeper into the world she creates.

In 2015, Thomson released The Detective’s Secret, continuing her successful series. That same year, she also published The Runaway, an ebook short story focused on Stella Darnell, the detective’s daughter. Her writing stands out for its sharp storytelling and clever twists, keeping fans eager for more. With a gift for blending mystery and emotion, Thomson’s books remain a favorite among thriller lovers.

She truly captivates readers around the globe with mysteries that feel both fresh and authentic. Her stories stay true to her unique voice, blending clever puzzles with real, relatable emotions. Fans appreciate how she avoids clichés, crafting narratives that surprise and satisfy in equal measure. Her books don’t just follow trends—they set their own standard.

What makes her work stand out is the way she balances tension with deep character connections. Protagonists like Stella Darnell feel fully realized, pulling readers into their worlds with ease. Thomson’s writing never sacrifices heart for suspense, making each twist more impactful. Readers stay hooked because her stories feel genuine, not forced or exaggerated.

Whether through bestselling novels or shorter ebooks, Thomson delivers consistent quality. Her ability to entertain without relying on flashy gimmicks proves her skill as a storyteller. Longtime fans and new readers alike trust her to provide gripping, well-crafted mysteries. That reliability, paired with her originality, keeps her audience coming back for more.

Lesley Thomson continues to write, with more stories still ahead for her readers. Fans can expect new mysteries that stay true to her signature style—clever, character-driven, and full of suspense. Whether expanding her existing series or introducing fresh ideas, her future work promises to deliver the same engaging storytelling. For thriller lovers, that means plenty more page-turning adventures to enjoy.

Early and Personal Life

Lesley Thomson was born in 1958 and spent her childhood in London, where the city’s energy and atmosphere shaped her imagination. She attended Holland Park Comprehensive before studying at the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, building a foundation for her future writing. Early on, she developed a love for storytelling, drawn to the power of words and the worlds they could create.

Growing up near the District Line of the London Underground, she found inspiration in the sounds and rhythms of train travel. The clattering trains, warm dusty air, and steady thud of wheels on tracks left a lasting impression on her. These vivid childhood memories later influenced the setting and mood of The Detective’s Daughter series, adding authenticity to her stories.

Today, Thomson lives in Lewes, Sussex, with her partner, continuing to write mysteries that resonate with readers. Her journey from a book-loving child to a bestselling author reflects her dedication to the craft. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for weaving suspense, she keeps delivering stories that captivate audiences worldwide.

Writing Career

Lesley Thomson’s writing career began with her debut novel, Seven Miles from Sydney, published in 1987. She gained wider recognition with A Kind of Vanishing in 2007, which won The People’s Book Prize in 2010. However, her most notable success came with The Detective’s Daughter series, launched in 2013, which became a bestseller and established her as a leading voice in British mystery fiction.

The series has since expanded to nine novels, including Ghost Girl, The Dog Walker, and The Mystery of Yew Tree House, with each book earning praise for its gripping plots and strong characters. Alongside the series, she has written standalone novels like Death of a Mermaid and The Companion, showcasing her versatility as a writer.

With a steady output of compelling mysteries, Thomson continues to captivate readers and shows no signs of slowing down.

A Kind of Vanishing

Lesley Thomson’s standalone mystery novel A Kind of Vanishing was published in 2007 by Myriad Editions. The book later won The People’s Book Prize in 2010.

During summer 1968, on the day Robert Kennedy was shot, two nine-year-old girls play hide-and-seek in an abandoned village. Alice teases Eleanor with a secret about Eleanor’s mother. When Eleanor’s turn comes to hide, Alice vanishes without a trace. The disappearance sets off a haunting mystery that lingers for decades.

Many have come to praise this thriller for its gripping mystery and atmospheric tension. Thomson masterfully blends historical events with a chilling disappearance, creating an unforgettable, award-winning story.

The Detective’s Secret

Lesley Thomson’s mystery thriller The Detective’s Secret was published in 2015 by Head of Zeus. It is the third installment in The Detective’s Daughter series.

In October 1987, during a hurricane, an unidentified man’s body decomposes in a west London water tower, remaining unclaimed. Twenty-six years later, during another storm, a man dies under a Piccadilly Line train—his brother claims murder, but train driver Jack believes it’s suicide. Jack and Stella investigate the case, uncovering hidden truths. Meanwhile, Jack harbors his own secret that could change everything.

Readers enjoy Thomson’s mystery for its clever dual-timeline mystery and atmospheric storm settings. Thomson delivers another gripping case for Stella and Jack, blending suspense with emotional depth.

The Dog Walker

Lesley Thomson’s mystery thriller The Dog Walker was published in 2017 by Head of Zeus. It is the fifth installment in The Detective’s Daughter series.

In January 1987, newlywed Helen Honeysett vanishes during an evening run along the Thames towpath, her body never found. Nearly three decades later, her husband hires private detective Stella Darnell and Jack Harmon to investigate. The five households near the isolated towpath remain tight-lipped, hiding long-buried secrets. Stella and Jack must unravel this cold-case mystery, piecing together clues to expose a killer who’s evaded justice for years.

Fans have come to praise The Dog Walker for its chilling cold-case mystery and atmospheric Thames setting. Thomson delivers another tense, satisfying Stella and Jack investigation.

One Response to “Lesley Thomson”

1. Pauline Blakemore: 7 months ago

   Love this author, love Stella and Jack series. It was like I knew them at the end. Thank you for the great reads.

   Reply