To read the Harry Grimm books in order, start with the first title, Grimm Up North, and follow the sequence as each book builds upon previous cases and character development. Set in the Yorkshire Dales, this gripping detective series by David J. Gatward blends rural charm with dark crime investigations.
Harry Grimm is a former close protection officer turned DCI, sent to the countryside for what was meant to be a low-stress assignment. What unfolds is a captivating series filled with gritty crimes, local secrets, and a uniquely human detective at the center.
Harry Grimm Series in Order of Publication
Reading this crime series in order is the best way to experience Harry’s evolution, his relationship with the locals, and the recurring characters that make the Yorkshire setting come alive.
Books in the series:
- Grimm Up North (2020)
- Best Served Cold (2020)
- A Death in the Family (2020)
- The Dales Detective (2020)
- Blood and Treachery (2021)
- The Dark Side of the Dales (2021)
- Grimm and Bear It (2021)
- Dead and Buried (2021)
- The Corpse in the Coppice (2022)
- Grimm End (2023)
Each title not only introduces new mysteries but also continues Harry Grimm’s personal and professional journey. The series is known for its character depth, evolving relationships, and vivid portrayal of Yorkshire’s landscapes.
Why You Should Read the Series in Order
Reading the Harry Grimm books in order enhances your understanding of the character’s background and the nuanced local dynamics.
Key reasons to follow the order:
- Character relationships build progressively.
- Ongoing subplots and character arcs span multiple books.
- Plot twists and references often tie back to earlier cases.
If you jump in midway, you might miss the emotional and narrative depth that makes this series rewarding.
What Makes the Harry Grimm Series Stand Out
This isn’t your typical urban detective series. David J. Gatward sets Grimm in the tranquil yet secretly treacherous world of the Yorkshire Dales.
Notable features of the series:
- Strong sense of place – Yorkshire’s rugged beauty becomes a character of its own.
- Grimm’s background – Former bodyguard with trauma and toughness, now navigating small-town cases.
- Balanced tone – While the crimes are serious, there’s subtle humor and warmth from local characters.
The series strikes a compelling balance between crime drama and personal storytelling.
Harry Grimm’s Character Development Across the Books
One of the series’ strengths is how it traces Harry’s adjustment from high-tension city life to complex rural crime.
How Harry evolves:
- Begins as an outsider with a chip on his shoulder.
- Grows into a trusted figure in the community.
- Battles inner demons while solving increasingly complicated cases.
This character growth adds emotional weight to the procedural format.
The Role of Supporting Characters and Setting
The Yorkshire Dales aren’t just backdrops; they influence everything from crime scenes to character dynamics.
Supporting elements that enrich the series:
- Local police officers and townsfolk – provide continuity, depth, and moments of levity.
- Seasonal changes – impact investigations and tone, from snow-covered hills to summer fairs.
- Rural crimes – grounded in farming, tradition, and hidden histories.
These layers make the Harry Grimm series as much about community as it is about crime.
Where to Find and Follow the Series
David J. Gatward publishes regularly, and the books are available in both Kindle and paperback formats. New entries tend to arrive every few months, making it a fast-growing series.
Tips to stay updated:
- Follow the author’s website or Amazon author page.
- Join reader groups or mailing lists for early release info.
With its steady release pace and devoted fanbase, Harry Grimm is quickly becoming a must-read for modern crime fiction fans.
FAQs About Harry Grimm Books in Order
Here are some questions and answers about the Harry Grimm reading order and series details:
What is the first book in the Harry Grimm series?
The series begins with Grimm Up North (2020), which introduces Harry’s move to the Yorkshire Dales and his first rural case.
Are the Harry Grimm books standalones?
Each book has a self-contained mystery, but the characters and their development progress from one book to the next. It’s best to read in order.
How many Harry Grimm books are there?
As of 2023, there are 10 books in the series, with more expected in the future.
Who is the author of the Harry Grimm series?
David J. Gatward, a British author known for crime and supernatural fiction, writes the Harry Grimm series.
Are the books available in audio format?
Yes, many titles in the Harry Grimm series are available as audiobooks, making them accessible for commuters and audiobook enthusiasts.
Reading the Harry Grimm books in order offers a satisfying journey through moody landscapes, well-crafted plots, and the personal evolution of a detective you’ll root for.