Dorothy Simpson

MysteryCrime FictionDetective FictionThriller

Biography

Dorothy Simpson is a British author best known for her acclaimed Inspector Thanet series. Born in South Wales, Simpson studied English Literature at the University of Nottingham before beginning her career as a teacher. After several years in education, she turned her focus to writing and published her first novel, "Dead on Arrival," in 1977. This marked the beginning of the popular Inspector Thanet series, which follows the investigations of the thoughtful and intuitive detective Luke Thanet in the fictional town of Kent. Simpson's meticulous attention to detail and expert plotting have garnered her a dedicated following among fans of classic British detective fiction. Her novels have been praised for their well-drawn characters, intricate mysteries, and authentic portrayal of police procedure. With over a dozen books in the series, including "Six Feet Under" and "Element of Doubt," Dorothy Simpson continues to captivate readers with her engaging storytelling and skillful storytelling.

Standalone Novels

Individual novels by Dorothy Simpson not part of a series

  • Close Her Eyes
  • Dead And Gone
  • Dead by Morning
  • Dead on Arrival
  • Doomed to Die
  • ELEMENT OF DOUBT
  • LAST SEEN ALIVE
  • Last Seen Alive
  • NIGHT SHE DIED, THE
  • Night She Died -Op/67
  • No Laughing Matter
  • PUPPET FOR A CORPSE
  • Puppet for a Corpse
  • SIX FEET UNDER
  • SUSPICICUS DEATH
  • Second Inspector Thanet
  • Six Feet Under
  • Suspicious Death
  • WAKE THE DEAD
  • Wake the Dead

Inspector Luke Thanet

Books in the Inspector Luke Thanet series by Dorothy Simpson

  • DAY FOR DYING : An Inspector Luke Thanet Novel
  • ONCE TOO OFTEN : AN INSPECTOR LUKE THANET NOVEL

Classic Series

The series that started it all

  • Murder in the Mill
  • A Death in the Family
  • The Darkness Within

Recent Series

Latest works by the author

  • The Silent Witness
  • Final Reckoning

Reading Order

Complete reading order for Dorothy Simpson's books

1Standalone Novels
2Inspector Luke Thanet
3Inspector Thanet

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dorothy Simpson best known for?

Dorothy Simpson is best known for her Inspector Thanet series of mystery novels.

How many books are in the Inspector Thanet series?

There are 15 books in the Inspector Thanet series written by Dorothy Simpson.

When was the first Inspector Thanet book published?

The first Inspector Thanet book, 'The Night She Died,' was published in 1981.

Are Dorothy Simpson's books standalone or should they be read in order?

While each book in the Inspector Thanet series features a standalone mystery, reading them in order can provide more insight into the characters and their development.

Has Dorothy Simpson won any awards for her mystery novels?

Dorothy Simpson has not won any major awards for her Inspector Thanet series, but her books have garnered a dedicated following among mystery readers.