Gregor Demarkian Books In Order

Publication Order of Gregor Demarkian Books

Born as Orania Papazoglou, she would go on to become widely known as the famous American author Jane Haddam. Writing thriller and mystery novels she became a clear master of the genre as an art-form, with her engaging and thrilling stories. With a keen eye for character, she would create compelling and charismatic leading protagonists who would become iconic for many over the courses of their respective franchises. Taking place in Philadelphia in the United States is one series with one such iconic character which is titled Gregor Demarkian. Following the case files of this former FBI agent, the series follows him as he solves a series of mysteries through his keen sense of investigation. An astute individual, he always gets to the bottom of the case doing whatever it takes to ensure that justice always prevails.

Lasting for a total of twenty-nine books so far and counting, this is perhaps one Haddam’s largest and longest series to date. With a lot of potential to continue expanding indefinitely, this series doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime in the near future. Starting out in 1990 it has been around for a long time, amassing a huge following over the course of its run, something which continue for some time to follow.

Not a Creature was Stirring

Originally published through the Crimeline publishing label, this title first came out on the 1st of November in 1990. Setting up the series overall, this was the first title in the ongoing Gregor Demarkian franchise under the name of Jane Haddam. Introducing the characters for the first time, it manages to bring in their backstory, as well as developing their arc too.

As straightforward mystery thrillers go, this is a great addition to the genre and a definite must for any fan of it. Clearly understanding it well, Haddam has created an effective novel and character with all her usual wit and charm. Fans not only the genre, but her work in general as well, will not be disappointed by this particular entry to her oeuvre, as it offers all her trademark flourish. With the series being set in Philadelphia, it is clearly a city that is close to the author’s heart, as it is very vividly described here. Setting this particular novel in a country estate, it manages to gain a feeling of isolation, which also plays into the narrative well. Whilst this is the ideal setting for a murder mystery, it manages to create a sense of tension that is dark and foreboding. The characters themselves are also extremely well realized, as it’s a cast whereby anybody could potentially be the suspect. This is something that Haddam also does well, as she creates personalities that are very lifelike, allowing it to become believable for the reader. In regards to the reader this is especially the case with the lead protagonist of Gregor Demarkian, as he takes the action forwards in a clear and confident manner.

At the age of fifty-five Gregor Demarkian has now retired from life in the FBI, as he’s served for over twenty years. With his much loved wife Elizabeth having died he is now looking to find a purpose since he initially retired to take care of her. Then the multimillionaire Robert Hannaford summons him for a Christmas feast, but he is soon murdered leaving Hannaford to solve the case. Will he be able to find the killer? Can he live the quiet life? What happened in the shadows when not a creature was stirring?

Precious Blood

Released through the Crimeline publishing house once again, this picked up directly from where the last book left off. Continuing in much the same vein as before it gave the audience more of what they they were looking for, whilst also giving them some twists and turns along the way. Initially published on the 1st of March in 1991, this was brought out not long after the first title, as it paved the way for the series to follow.

Taking the story forwards, Haddam once again offer more of they’ve come to expect in both her themes and her ideas. Not only that, but she is clearly more confident here as writer, as this is later on in her career where she has very much settled down into her role and the format. Knowing exactly what it is that she wants to say, her brevity here is something to be admired, as it gets straight to the point without losing any of the suspense. Again the city of Philadelphia is also a backdrop, despite much of the action not happening here alone, as it takes place in Black Rock Park. With Gregor Demarkian back on the scene, though, he is still as sharp and articulate as ever, whilst also remaining just as easy to relate to for the audience.

Back in high-school Cheryl found herself kind of outcast by the other kids, then one night she had the seemingly best night of her life as their moods changed and they were nice to her at Black Rock Park. Going ahead twenty years, she finds herself with cancer and returning to that location, only to find that they were pretending, and soon she is found poisoned. Stepping onto the scene is Gregor Demarkian, as he goes out of his way to find out what really happened here and what skeletons they all hold in the closet. Will he find the truth? Can he find the culprits? What will become of the precious blood?

The Gregor Demarkian Series

A fun and entertaining series that manages to carry all of Papazoglou aka Haddam’s now trademark wit with it. Working as a straightforward detective mystery series, Gregor Demarkian is an engaging and compelling character who really brings the series to life. Showing charm and wit too, Haddam is really in her element here as, whatever happens, she always manages to keep it both fun and engaging. As more and more discover this work each day, the franchise increases in popularity, as it will set a benchmark for the genre for many years to come.

One Response to “Gregor Demarkian”

1. Toni: 5 months ago

   Will there be any more audiobooks provided. I’m looking for NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING. This is my introduction to Gregor and Benis.
   (My favorite)

   Reply