Wendy Percival Books In Order

Publication Order of Esme Quentin Mystery Books

About Wendy Percival

A British author, Wendy Percival is very well regarded for her unique brand of mystery and suspense novels that really capture the attention of the reader. Often writing stories of crime, she knows how to build an air of suspense and tension within the reader, really keeping them hooked for each and every turn of the page. Continually ensuring that her audience is kept guessing as well, she really knows and understands how to craft a solid mystery too. With expert pacing throughout, she knows how to create a well managed narrative that really carries the story and characters along.

Drawing from a whole range of different influences, Wendy Percival has created a wholly singular voice within her work. This approach has allowed her to become hugely successful all around the world, with her books reaching many far and wide. Knowing her audience well, she really speaks to them in a manner that is both direct and straight to the point, grabbing them immediately. Her mysteries have become critically acclaimed by many, seeing her become one of the foremost writers within her field and genre to date.

She’s also known for using inspiration from the world around her, using experiences and putting them back into her work. Often looking at her own family history, she regularly uses her Shropshire roots as the basis for many of her stories and series. Genealogy has helped to inspire many of her stories, with ‘skeletons in the closet’ being one of her regular and recurring themes. With a lot more books to come yet, she definitely isn’t stopping her writing career any time in the near future either.

Early and Personal Life

Born in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom, Wendy Percival would grow up in rural Worcester, developing a passion for literature from an early age. Later she would go on to train as a primary school teacher, all the while developing her love of writing, as she would move down to North Devon in 1980. Remaining in teaching for over twenty years, she would continue to write, all the while looking for new ideas and experiences to help inspire her.

Later she would begin to take writing far more seriously though, as she would buy a copy of the ‘Writing Magazine.’ This would then lead to her entering the ‘Summer Ghost Competition’ in 2002, which she subsequently won, and she hasn’t looked back since. Regularly writing on her own blog, as well as producing a number of books, she continues to produce work on a consistent basis.

Writing Career

In 2008 Wendy Percival would publish her first full novel, which was a mystery titled ‘Blood-tied,’ and it would also begin the ‘Esme Quentin Mystery’ series. This collection of novels would focus on the leading protagonist of Esme Quentin as she went about solving various different cases and crimes. Looking at historical ties, these books also take Wendy Percival’s love of genealogy and uses it to form much of the basis of her stories.

Largely focusing on her Esme Quentin series when it comes to fiction, she also writes regularly on her blog about genealogy. This interest of hers feeds back into her fiction and vice-versa, as it has come to help create the foundations for much of her work. With a lot more mystery books and stories planned for release on the horizon, she isn’t set to finish any time soon either.

The Malice of Angels

Originally released in 2017 on the 13th of October, this would first come out through the SilverWood Books publishing label. Marking the third title in the ongoing ‘Esme Quentin Mystery’ series of books, it would carry on from the previous two titles with another self-contained mystery. The books themselves can be read in any particular order, but there are ongoing themes and arcs that reward returning readers.

When the journalist colleague Max Rainsford returns after some time having worked with Esme Quentin’s late husband Tim in the past, he’s asking questions. Enquiring about a story which Tim had reported on thirty-five years prior, Esme doesn’t want to get involved, fearing Max’s motives. Looking into the murder of a World War Two soldier, this then sees Esme helping her friend Ruth and her mother Bea’s sister gain closure. Will she be able to help them both, what does Max really want, and how is everything connected when facing the malice of angels?

Taking place in Devon, Wendy Percival draws heavily from her own background and setting, which is something that makes it all wholly more realistic. Gradually revealing pieces of information as the book progresses, the story really works on a number of different levels. The characters themselves are all well drawn too, making it an extremely immersive read, whilst also being highly accessible.

The Fear of Ravens

Initially published back in 2020 on the 29th of June, this would be the fourth book in the ‘Esme Quentin Mystery’ series. Following on from the previous three books, it provide another stand-alone mystery in much the same mold as before, but with plenty of twists and turns of its own. It would also pave the way for more to come in the future, as it’s a mystery series that has the room to continue expanding indefinitely. Once again set in Devon, the story takes Wendy Percival’s love of history and uses it to help create another compelling mystery that has lots of surprises and twists along the way.

Employed to research the history of an old mill owned by Anna Brannock, her client, Esme Quentin discovers a long and ancient history filled with family feuds. With stories of witchcraft and murder, Esme uncovers some disturbing details related to the past, and ones that have modern day implications. With an ancient curse from the 19th century, Esme must uncover whether or not it still holds power to this day, seeing what she can do about it. Will she be able to solve the case in time, where will her investigation take her, and what will become of the fear of ravens?