John Dean Books In Order

Publication Order of DCI John Blizzard Books

Publication Order of Detective Chief Inspector Jack Harris Books

Publication Order of Early DCI John Blizzard Books

Chronological Order of Early DCI John Blizzard Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of John Dean Poems Books

Publication Order of St. Martin's True Crime Library Books

About John Dean

John Dean is a freelance journalist and author known for crafting intriguing mystery novels. With a strong background in crime reporting for various newspapers and magazines, he skillfully incorporates real-world insights into his writing. This experience gives his stories an authentic edge, making them captivating for readers who enjoy unraveling mysteries. His ability to weave intricate plots ensures that his books are both engaging and thought-provoking.

Dean also writes under the pseudonym John Stanley, showcasing his versatility and creativity as a writer. His characters, especially protagonists, are well-developed and relatable, drawing readers into their world with ease. He has a knack for creating individuals who are both complex and believable, adding depth to his narratives. This talent for character creation helps make his stories not only entertaining but also memorable.

Many of his storytelling gifts lie in his ability to combine his journalistic skills with a flair for fiction. His novels often feature engaging narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats. With plots that are both intricately woven and easy to follow, his work appeals to a wide range of mystery enthusiasts. Dean’s unique insights and strong sense of character make his books an enjoyable journey for anyone who picks them up.

He entertains a global audience by crafting stories that stay true to his personal experiences and insights. Drawing from his extensive career as a crime reporter, he infuses his writing with authenticity, making his stories relatable and believable for readers everywhere. This genuine approach resonates with audiences, as it adds depth and realism to the mysteries he presents. His ability to intertwine factual elements with gripping fiction keeps readers eager to turn the pages.

By staying authentic to his own style and background, Dean effortlessly connects with readers from diverse cultures and locations. His unique perspective brings a fresh angle to the mystery genre, offering narratives that feel both familiar and new. This connection is further strengthened by his skillful character development, allowing readers to see bits of themselves in his protagonists and other characters. Consequently, his stories transcend geographical boundaries, appealing to mystery lovers around the world.

Ultimately, John Dean’s success in engaging readers globally lies in his commitment to authenticity and his deep understanding of storytelling. Through well-developed plots and characters, he brings to life narratives that captivate and entertain all who read them. The balance of personal truth and universal appeal in his writing ensures that his books remain favorites among fans of mystery fiction worldwide.

Early and Personal Life

In 1997, John decided to become a freelance journalist, which allowed him to explore a wide array of subjects. From crime and wildlife to business, he contributed to both regional and national newspapers as well as various magazines. This broad exposure to different topics enriched his understanding of storytelling, providing him with diverse insights that would later inspire his mystery novels. His work as a freelancer further solidified his reputation as a versatile and skilled writer.

After retiring in March 2020, John shifted his focus entirely to crime fiction, channeling his vast experience into creating gripping stories. Alongside writing, he also shares his knowledge and passion for storytelling by running creative writing courses.

Now residing in South West Scotland, John continues to engage readers with his talents and dedication to his craft, inspiring both new and seasoned authors with his commitment to storytelling excellence. His journey reflects the growth and adaptation of a writer who remains true to his roots while continually expanding his creative horizons.

Writing Career

John Dean has established a noteworthy presence in the mystery genre with his fully published series featuring DCI John Blizzard and DCI Jack Harris. The DCI John Blizzard series began with ‘The Long Dead’ in 2006, followed by several enthralling titles like ‘The Secrets Man’ in 2011, ‘Death List’ in 2019, continuing through to ‘The Name on the Bullet’ in 2023 and ‘The Meek Shall Inherit’ in 2025. This series showcases Dean’s talent for crafting complex plots and creating compelling characters, consistently engaging his readers.

Moreover, the DCI Jack Harris series highlights Dean’s ability to build suspenseful narratives, starting with ‘The Dead Hill’ in 2008. The series includes gripping novels like ‘Thou Shalt Kill’ released in 2018, ‘The Killing Line’ in 2020, right up to his ‘To Catch a Lie’ in 2024.

Writing under the pseudonym John Stanley, Dean also introduced the character Danny Radford, featured in ‘The Numbers Game’ from 2014 and its follow-up ‘Sentinel’ in 2015. This extensive body of work reflects Dean’s dedication and creativity in delivering captivating stories that continue to resonate with readers.

To Honour the Dead

Published on April 23, 2018, ‘To Honour the Dead’ is a mystery thriller authored by John Dean. It is the fourth installment in the Detective Chief Inspector Jack Harris series. This book was released by The Book Folks, offering readers another engaging mystery to unravel within the series.

In the small town of Levton Bridge, DCI Jack Harris investigates the connection between vandalized war memorials and the murder of a WWII veteran. While local police suspect mischievous youngsters, Harris believes there is more to the story. Pressure mounts from authorities to solve the case before Remembrance Sunday amid anti-war protests.

As the investigation stalls, Harris, who prefers his beloved dogs to people, becomes increasingly frustrated and considers revisiting his past experiences in Manchester to find the culprit.

This engaging mystery delves into intriguing connections in Levton Bridge. DCI Harris provides a gripping narrative with twists that keep readers eagerly turning pages. A compelling read!

The Latch Man

‘The Latch Man,’ a crime thriller by John Dean, was published on June 1, 2020. This book is the eighth installment in the Early DCI John Blizzard mystery series. Released by The Book Folks, it offers readers another intriguing addition to the captivating series featuring DCI John Blizzard.

Doris Hornsby, a notorious criminal matriarch, contacts the police after seeing an intruder, prompting DCI Blizzard to investigate. Despite her criminal past, Doris now seeks protection, leading Blizzard to sense her genuine fear. When Doris is later found dead, Blizzard dismisses the conclusion of natural causes, suspecting the involvement of the infamous Latch Man, known as a harmless thief.

As he delves deeper, he uncovers community-shaking secrets and longstanding rivalries, pushing him to solve the mystery and prevent further tragedy.

This gripping crime thriller keeps readers hooked with its twists and suspense. DCI Blizzard’s investigation unfolds in a captivating manner. A must-read for mystery enthusiasts!