John Bude Books In Order
Book links take you to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn money from qualifying purchases.Publication Order of Superintendent William Meredith Books
The Lake District Murder | (1935) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Sussex Downs Murder | (1936) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Cheltenham Square Murder | (1937) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Death On Paper | (1940) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Trouble A-Brewing | (1940) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Slow Vengeance | (1941) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Death Knows No Calendar | (1942) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Death Deals A Double | (1943) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Death in White Pyjamas | (1944) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Death in an Ambush | (1945) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Death Makes a Prophet | (1947) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Dangerous Sunlight | (1948) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
A Glut of Red Herrings | (1949) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Death Steals the Show | (1950) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Constable & the Lady | (1951) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Death on the Riviera | (1952) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
When the Case Was Opened | (1952) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Twice Dead | (1953) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
So Much in the Dark | (1954) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Two Ends to the Town | (1955) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
A Shift of Guilt | (1956) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
A Telegram from Le Touquet | (1956) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Another Man's Shadow | (1957) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Publication Order of Inspector Bigswell Books
Publication Order of Inspector Sherwood Books
The Night the Fog Came Down | (1958) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
A Twist Of The Rope | (1958) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Publication Order of Superintendent Green Books
Loss of a Head | (1938) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Hand on the Alibi of Detection | (1939) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Publication Order of British Library Crime Classics Books
The Notting Hill Mystery | (1862) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Female Detective | (1864) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Poisoned Chocolates Case | (1929) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
It Walks by Night | (1930) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Secret of High Eldersham | (1930) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Castle Skull | (1931) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Mystery in the Channel | (1931) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Incredible Crime | (1931) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Murder of a Lady | (1931) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Lost Gallows | (1931) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Z Murders | (1931) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Corpse in the Waxworks / The Waxworks Murder | (1932) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Division Bell Mystery | (1932) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Portrait of a Murderer | (1933) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Death in Fancy Dress | (1933) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Family Matters | (1933) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Hog's Back Mystery | (1933) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Weekend at Thrackley | (1934) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Murder of My Aunt | (1934) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Quick Curtain | (1934) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Murder Underground | (1934) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Scarweather | (1934) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Death of an Airman | (1934) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Spy Paramount | (1934) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The 12.30 from Croydon | (1934) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Chianti Flask | (1934) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Lake District Murder | (1935) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Death on the Cherwell | (1935) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Cornish Coast Murder | (1935) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Death of Anton | (1936) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Death in the Tunnel | (1936) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Traitor | (1936) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Santa Klaus Murder | (1936) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Sussex Downs Murder | (1936) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Murder in Piccadilly | (1936) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Mystery in White | (1937) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Bats in the Belfry | (1937) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Cheltenham Square Murder | (1937) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Excellent Intentions | (1938) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Murder in the Museum | (1938) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Antidote to Venom | (1938) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Thirteen Guests | (1938) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Port of London Murders | (1938) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Arsenal Stadium Mystery | (1939) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Seven Dead | (1939) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Verdict of Twelve | (1940) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
A Scream in Soho | (1940) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Death of a Busybody | (1942) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Dead Shall be Raised & Murder of a Quack | (1942) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Somebody at the Door | (1943) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Murder's a Swine: A Second World War Mystery | (1943) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Checkmate to Murder | (1944) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Fell Murder | (1944) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Murder by Matchlight | (1945) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Trouble on the Thames | (1945) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Fire in the Thatch | (1946) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Death Makes a Prophet | (1947) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Smallbone Deceased | (1950) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Calamity in Kent | (1950) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Death Has Deep Roots | (1951) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Danger Within / Death in Captivity | (1952) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Murder in the Mill-Race | (1952) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Crossed Skis | (1952) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Death on the Riviera | (1952) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Colour Of Murder | (1957) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Christmas Egg | (1958) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Progress of a Crime | (1960) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Sergeant Cluff Stands Firm | (1960) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Methods of Sergeant Cluff | (1961) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Spoilt Kill | (1961) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Body in the Dumb River | (1961) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Due to a Death | (1963) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Surfeit of Suspects | (1964) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Belting Inheritance | (1965) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Last Best Friend | (1967) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The End of the Web | (1976) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Capital Crimes: London Mysteries | (2015) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Resorting to Murder | (2015) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Silent Nights | (2015) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Murder at the Manor | (2016) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Serpents in Eden | (2016) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Crimson Snow | (2016) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Foreign Bodies | (2017) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Long Arm of the Law | (2017) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Miraculous Mysteries | (2017) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Continental Crimes | (2017) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Blood on the Tracks | (2018) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Christmas Card Crime and Other Stories | (2018) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Golden Age of Detection Puzzle Book | (2018) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Deep Waters: Murder on the Waves | (2019) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Measure of Malice | (2019) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
The Pocket Detective 2: 100+ More Puzzles, Brainteasers and Conundrums | (2019) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Settling Scores: Sporting Mysteries | (2020) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
A Surprise for Christmas and Other Seasonal Mysteries | (2020) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Two-Way Murder | (2021) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
Guilty Creatures: A Menagerie of Mysteries | (2021) | Hardcover Paperback Kindle |
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.
Book Series In Order » Authors »