DCI Andy Gilchrist Books In Order

Publication Order of DCI Andy Gilchrist Books

The crime novelist Frank Muir has been writing his unique brand of detective and mystery fiction for some years now, notably that of the DCI Andy Gilchrist series which has totaled over six books so far and counting. Coming from Glasgow in Scotland, he now holds a dual citizenship in both the United Kingdom and the United States, all due to his working overseas for over thirty years, before moving back to his home country and settling down to write. Living on the outskirts of Glasgow he focuses on crime and suspense, taking the time out to research his next big idea both in and around the city. This has proven to be a successful formula over the years, with many people flocking to his work seeing where he will take his characters next. DCI Gilchrist is one such character, as this series has proven to be particularly popular over the years.

Brought out under the pen-name T.F. Muir, Frank Muir has brought out a total of six books in the DCI Gilchrist series so far and counting, with audio-books and e-books of each title as well, creating one of his most popular franchises to date. Lauded by both critics and the general public alike, along with his many peers and contemporaries, this particular series has set a benchmark for Muir as an author of crime fiction. With many finding this series difficult to put down, as they are known for their page-turning quality, it’s easy to see why he’s currently one of the leading figures in the industry. Clearly displaying a gift for action and suspense, he has also managed to develop the character of Gilchrist over the course of the series as well. Many readers find the eponymous detective chief inspector highly relatable and this is why they continue to keep coming back for more.

Eye for an Eye

This being the first in the DCI Gilchrist series of novels, it manages to set the the leading character up along with enough back-story to get things started. Published on the first of July in 2007, this was originally released through the Luath Press publishing label, as it created both the overall style and tone of the series as a whole. Establishing both the style and the overall tone of the franchise, it works in building up an ambiance, with the eponymous detective chief inspector Andy Gilchrist at the center of it all, as he gets his first case to deal with.

Detective Inspector Andy Gilchrist is a man driven by his fear of failure among other things, as he seeks to maintain both his career and his reputation. Up against the odds he is a motivated and ambitious individual who would rather work alone than with others. Whilst this may be cause for conflict on some occasion, this also means he isn’t someone to leave the job only half done. Taking place in St. Andrews in Scotland, this case follows Gilchrist as he works to track down a vicious serial killer who now stalks the idyllic university town. Given the title of ‘The Stabber’, this particular killer is found to only kill in the heavy rain, and then only choosing people who are found to abuse women. Up against the elements, this is one of Britain’s most vicious killers to date, as it also transpires they may be on the verge of a complete mental breakdown with their trademark being that they stab their victim through their left eye. Will DCI Gilchrist and his team be able to track the killer down in time? Where will the killer strike next? Who are they and what could be their motivation beyond an eye for an eye?

Hand for a Hand

Following on directly from the first, this sequel continues in much the same vein as the original novel, providing the audience with more of what they are looking for, whilst also bringing in some surprise twists and turns along the way in order to keep them guessing right up until the very end. Initially published in 2009, again through the Luath Press publishing house, it manages to further establish both the style and the tone of the series overall. The character of detective inspector Andy Gilchrist is also developed, creating an even deeper level than what came previously, as he is handed his next case.

Taking place in St. Andrews in Scotland once again, this time the case features a killer who is leaving clues for DCI Gilchrist. Using the amputated body parts of their victims to deliver messages, the killer seems to have something nasty in store for the detective. With each clue that comes his way, it soon transpires who the next victim could be in this particularly horrifying ordeal. Where will the killer strike again? Why are they doing this? Who could be the next victim as they discover a hand for a hand?

The DCI Andy Gilchrist Series

One of the reasons that this particular series has taken off so well is not simply down to the pace of the novels, but the characters as well. During the course of the franchise the leading protagonist of DCI Gilchrist himself has been fully fleshed out during the course of the stories, building a fully rounded and three dimensional individual who readers can easily relate to. Giving him flaws while keeping him likable in the process is difficult, as it so often falls into contrivances and cliches, something which Frank Muir has managed to avoid here as an author at the peak of his game. Couple that with the edge-of-your-seat plots and the reason behind his success becomes apparent, as he masterfully uses suspense to drive the narrative forwards. Providing twists and turns with each title in the series, he manages to provide returning readers with what they have come to expect from the books, whilst simultaneously surprising them with a new set of twists and turns with each story. As the books look set to continue on into the foreseeable future this doesn’t appear to be stopping anytime soon, as the career of Frank Muir grows from strength-to-strength, something which will always be apparent in the ever popular DCI Andy Gilchrist series.