Peter Grainger Books In Order
Book links take you to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn money from qualifying purchases.Publication Order of DC Smith Books
| An Accidental Death | (2013) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| But For The Grace | (2014) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Luck and Judgement | (2015) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Persons of Interest | (2015) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| In This Bright Future | (2016) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Rags of Time | (2016) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Time and Tide | (2017) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| A Private Investigation | (2018) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Truth | (2021) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Camera Man | (2023) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Kings Lake Investigation Books
| Songbird | (2019) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| On Eden Street | (2020) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Roxanne | (2020) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Missing Pieces | (2021) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Another Girl | (2023) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Willows and Lane Books
| Lane | (2017) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| One-Way Tickets | (2018) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Arcadia | (2022) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
| Afon | (2012) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| The Rink | (2012) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
| Asher | (2013) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Collections
| Paris and Other Love Stories | (2014) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Robert Partridge Collections
| Paris and Other Love Stories | (2014) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
A British author, the writer Peter Grainger is a well known novelist of mystery fiction, largely focused on detective lead investigations. This his been the prime focus for much of his career, as he takes much of his inspiration from that of other infamous British detectives, such as Inspector Morse. The influence is clearly evident here, as he brings his own detective, DC Smith, to life, along with other books as well. Setting his mysteries firmly within the world of British detective fiction it is clear where his tastes lie as an author of his increasingly popular stories, stories that only increase in popularity as time goes on.
Early and Personal Life
Growing up in the United Kingdom, the tastes of Peter Grainger have always been resolutely British as a writer. This can be seen reflected within his writing, as it was something he would nurture from an early age and on into his adult career. With a strong love of detective lead mysteries, he would first be introduced to the form through the television, with shows such as ‘Inspector Morse’ and ‘Inspector Frost’ being a constant source of inspiration to him over the course of his career.
Carrying on this love of British detective fiction throughout his life, he would nurture it having always been a reader. Combining his love of the two forms, he would manage to create his own stories in time, taking his own perspective to the genre. This would then allow him to harness his skills as a writer, applying them to the genre, giving it a unique and idiosyncratic approach.
It would take some time to find himself as a writer, as he was constantly honing and refining his skills. This would slowly start to transform all throughout his working life, giving him an insight into the writing process and how he functions as an author. Working and writing, he was always looking for new and compelling ideas, all while learning how to effectively format a good solid mystery.
Continuing his writing career to this very day, he mostly puts out novels in his long-running ‘DC Smith’ series of novels. Knowing how to craft a mystery now he always manages to engage his audience on a very primal level, grabbing their attention immediately and not letting go. With more expected to follow, along with some stand-alone novels too, he doesn’t appear to be stopping any time soon either.
Writing Career
The year of his first book release was 2013 and this was when he would bring out his debut title in the long-running ‘DC Smith’ series. Called ‘An Accidental Death’ it would not only kick-start the franchise, but also his writing career in the process as well. This would then in time grow along with his reputation, as he would develop both his writing and that of the character of ‘DC Smith’.
Whilst it is mostly his ‘DC Smith’ series of novels that he is mostly known for, he also writes a series called ‘Willows and Lane’ which he has recently started. The ‘DC Smith’ series has six titles in total so far and counting, whilst ‘Willows and Lane’ only has one, with more expected to follow. It is perhaps his ‘DC Smith’ series that is his most popular and prolific, but only time will tell as the other one goes on.
With a strong presence online Grainger has largely been promoting himself and his work, having made himself a highly prolific presence. This has enabled him to build upon his main character of ‘DC Smith’, giving him the backstory he needs when writing about him. It also allows readers to resonate with him far more effectively, creating a sense of familiarity with the character to grows over time.
Now clearly within his element, Peter Grainger continue to writer regularly having come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. Taking time out to enjoy walking and sightseeing too, he keeps himself active in the search for new and fulfilling ideas to write about. This is expected to carry on into the foreseeable future as well, as his writing career grows from strength-to-strength for some time to come.
The Rags of Time
Coming out through the ‘Covey Publishing’ label, this was to be the sixth title in the ongoing ‘DC Smith’ series of novels. Setting up another stand-alone investigation for the eponymous detective, it follows on from the previous title, but it can also be read casually too. Developing the many characters and the overall world of the franchise, it marks an exemplary addition to the series overall.
Lying dead near Lowacre within a field is Mark Randall, all whilst DC Smith was engaged elsewhere in the city of Belfast. Telling himself that it ‘isn’t his case’ Smith attempts to continue to engage himself elsewhere, but finds it impossible to put the murder out of his mind. That’s when he finds the investigation isn’t going in the direction it should be, as he finds the wrong man may get convicted. Will he be able to find the real killer? Can he gain justice for the murdered? What will become of him as he finds himself up against the rags of time?
Lane
Using the ‘Covey Publishing’ outlet once again, this manages to work as a stand-alone effort from Grainger as an author. Released on the 30th of January in 2017, this was a title that came out during the midst of his career, with an already eager audience waiting. Marking somewhat of departure from his more mystery based novels, it follows a more low-key beat, with lessons of life and living it.
Emily Willows is the middle-aged protagonist, looking to placate her boredom and her wealth, as she doesn’t really know what to do with herself. That’s when she is presented with a day unlike any other, as she finds herself faced with a set of events that could really challenge her. Terrified within an inch of her life, she doesn’t know what truly awaits her after a new neighbour moves in with a mysterious past. Will she find out what life is really all about? What secrets are lurking in the strangers past? Can she keep out of the fast lane?
Book Series In Order » Authors »
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I LOVE THE DC SMITH SERIES BY PETER GRAINGER!! I hope there’s more to come!!!
I have listened to them all on Audible. 18 books and waiting for more! Gildart Jackson is a great narrator as well. I am not as keen on the Willows and Lane series. But still great reading. It is a pity the Robert Partridge books are not on Audible. But maybe I should be careful what I wish for??
Peter Grainger is outstanding. I would like to see his work made into a TV series, with the right lead actor to channel DC’s sardonic wit and intelligence.
I am enjoying the DC Smith books immensely. Just as a thought or daydream, if they made a TV series, probably to old now bless Him, but would David Jansen be the best guy for the part.
Because I’ve listened to the audible series I think Mark Rylance would be the perfect DC Smith
In love with Smith !! But also the Emily Willows books.. I will be missing them if and when you stop writing !! Keep it up
just listened to all of the DC smith series plus the kings lake series as well. i rate all of them as elevens on a scale of ten. (i still have the camera man on kindle which i feel i need to savor … so i haven’t started it yet). the narrator – gildart jackson – is great. i’m shocked that peter grainger doesn’t seem to have a wikipedia page. as far as i’m concerned, he’s right up there with peter lovesey and peter robinson … not to mention many of the nordic noir greats. thank you mr. grainger … please keep writing!
I totally agree. He should write a TV series.
I am in Canada and found the DC stories through our online library. They are fascinating stories that keep me guessing. I enjoy the audio books as I can listening and keep doing my walking and working .Very good job Mr. Grainger!!Please keep writing.
I don’t know how I came across the DC Smith series. But I was totally hooked by the first book. I love British police procedurals and Peter Grainger does them the best in my Opinion.
And I will admit as I am doing things at work, I am thinking “How would DC handle this….”
I’m an American and I became hooked on police procedurals decades ago. Then I discovered British writers in the genre and fell down that amazing rabbit hole. Peter Grainger is one of my top picks here. I had read the first few dc Smith books several years ago and just read the three Willows and Lane series books. Character is everything—well almost— and Grainger is a master. The other key is the police procedure, and it’s my belief that Grainger presents this better than any author in the genre. A real treat. And now I will read the rest of the Smith and King’s Lake books. Thank you, Peter Grainger!
Peter Grainger just published his third Willow & Lane book – ARCADIA.
The first 2 in the series are fabulous!!! Amazon has just a few reviews on Arcadia, all 5 stars. I read & listen to his books. The narrator for the first 2 is excellent. I don’t believe Arcadia is available yet in audio but it should be shortly. Anything written by Peter Grainger is excellent. I only found him in the past year and he is now my favorite author!
I have listened to them all. They have been a lifesaver for me at 85. Partly blind, an ex NZ Police Office. I hope there is more to come. I have never listened to better book and Gildert, the reader is outstanding
Loved DS Smith and then the four books following. Will you write more about Chris and his team. Best police procedures I’ve read in a long time.
Have just finished reading all the D C Smith Investiages series. I thoroughly enjoyed them all. Just started reading the Kings Lake Series.
Would recommend these books to everyone.
A very good and well crafted police procedural series. Strong characters.