John Bude Books In Order

Publication Order of Superintendent William Meredith Books

Publication Order of Inspector Bigswell Books

Publication Order of Inspector Sherwood Books

Publication Order of Superintendent Green Books

Publication Order of British Library Crime Classics Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About John Bude

Going under the pseudonym of John Bude, the British writer Ernest Elmore was well known for writing mystery novels. Publishing most of his books under the moniker of John Bude, he’d release several series too, many of them establishing well known and iconic characters. Gifted in the art of suspense and intrigue, Elmore would use the Bude name to create to numerous mysteries that really stood out from the page. Creating an atmosphere throughout all his novels, readers from all over would come to appreciate his work and leading protagonists.

While Elmore would look at other genres in his career, including children’s and fantasy novels, he’d largely focus on mystery when writing under his John Bude name. This would prove to be hugely successful, as he’d reach scores of readers from around the world, creating a style quite unlike any other. Making a name for himself all around the world, his books would be massively popular, as readers would continue to come back for more. From his intriguing premises to his engaging characters, he’d always pay close attention to detail at every level.

The leading protagonists that he’s created over the years are also world renowned, as many of them stay with the reader long after they put the book down. This coupled with his compelling premises really managed to make his stories work on a variety of different levels for readers. Knowing his audience, he would draw them in then hold them there, glued to to the edge of theirs seats with every single turn of the page. Leaving behind a legacy that’s stile felt to this very day, more and more readers will continue to discover the name of John Bude for years to come.

Early and Personal Life

Born Ernest Carpenter Elmore on the 4th of November in 1901, he was born and raised in Maidstone, Kent. Primarily working as a theatre producer as well as a director, he would have an illustrious career until his passing on the 8th of November, 1957, in Hastings, Sussex. Attending Mill Hill School, he would board there until 1919, before later going on to secretarial college in Cheltenham.

He would also later work as a games master at the St Christopher School in Letchworth, assisting in the dramatic arts during his time there too. This would then see him join with the Lena Ashwell Players, leading to him touring the country, as he would also begin to write extensively during this time too. He would marry Muriel Betty Sharp, living in Maidstone, before moving to Beckley in Sussex together, where he would go on to become a full-time writer.

Writing Career

Publishing his first book in 1928, Ernest Elmore would release his debut title ‘The Steel Grubs’ which would be a stand-alone. Later in 1935 he would go on to release his first two John Bude novels, one being ‘The Cornish Coast Murder,’ this being his only Inspector Bigswell book. The other book he’d publish was titled ‘The Lake District Murder,’ and this was the first in his long-running and much loved ‘Superintendent Meredith’ series of novels.

Producing a number of mystery novels over time, there would also be the ‘Inspector Green’ and ‘Inspector Sherwood’ series of books. These would all help establish the name of Bude, creating a vast number of well known, and equally well regarded mystery titles. With a legacy that continues to grow all the time, the books are testament to some of the best examples of the genre, and will be for years to come.

Death Makes a Prophet

Originally brought out in 1957 on the 1st of January, this would also be released through the British Library press. As one of their crime classics, it was the eleventh title in the ongoing ‘Superintended William Meredith’ series of novels, following on with a another mystery. All the mysteries and stories themselves are self-contained, so they don’t really need to be read in order, although some arcs are brought over.

Taking place during the 1940s in Welworth Garden City, it’s a town inhabiting many progressive and forward thinking folk, from socialists, to vegetarians, to alternative religious groups. Heading one of the more eccentric factions is Eustace K. Mildmann, as he’s the High Prophet of the ‘Children of Osiris.’ Within the cult there’s many secrets hiding just underneath the surface, and eventually one of them leads to murder. Stepping onto the scene Inspector Meredith must untangle the many lies and petty jealousies if he ever hopes to get to the bottom of it all.

There’s plenty of humor here, with numerous turns of phrase that really bring the story and the world to life. With a fun and engaging mystery at the heart of it too, it really works on several different levels, making the most of its premise and its characters. Keeping the reader constantly guessing throughout, there’s a lot here, as it’s definitely a compelling story that stays with the reader long after they’ve finished.

The Cornish Coast Murder

Published through ‘The British Library’ imprint once again, this would be the one and only book featuring Inspector Bigswell. It would also be one of the first novels brought out under the name of John Bude, initially coming out back in 1935. Another mystery, it would also be a stand-alone story, as the narrative is entirely self-contained, making this easy to pick up, but difficult to put down.

Set in the otherwise quiet Cornish village of Boscawen, the Reverend Dodd spends most of his free time sat by the fire reading detective stories. Then one day a real-life mystery turns up, as the local magistrate Julius Tregarthan, known for his ill-temper and secretive ways, is found shot in the head. Not only that, but there’s absolutely no clues whatsoever, as police inspector Bigswell turns up on the scene, with Dodd there to help him solve the case. Moving around the village, the two of them aim to put their skills to the test, finding what really happened to Julius in the Cornish Coast murder.