L

Leslie Ford

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 32 Books

4
Series
32
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books
Start with: The Strangled Witness (1934)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Lt. Joseph Kelly Mystery Books
Start with: Murder in Maryland (1932)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Footsteps On the Stairs aka The Sound of Footsteps (1931)

About Leslie Ford

It was in the year 1927 that author Ford decided to try her hand at writing stories. She started by working as a freelancer and used to work only in her spare times. At that time, Ford was employed permanently at the US Air Force as a correspondent in England and the Pacific area during the World War II. Author Ford is credited to have created the popular characters of Colonel John Primrose, Lieutenant Joseph Kelly, and Grace Latham. She is also known to have developed the characters of Inspector Bull and Evan Pinkerton, who are depicted as investigators trying to unravel the mysteries in and around London. All of her characters are shown getting involved in the attempts of solving mysteries. Most of her books are set at the time of the Second World War. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books series, Leslie Ford has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Leslie Ford

Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books
15 books 1934–1953
1

The Strangled Witness

The Strangled Witness continues the Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books story arc with Leslie Ford's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1934
2

Ill Met by Moonlight

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books with Ill Met by Moonlight, another outstanding contribution from Leslie Ford.

Buy on Amazon
1937
3

The Simple Way of Poison

The Simple Way of Poison continues the Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books story arc with Leslie Ford's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1937
4

Mr. Cromwell Is Dead aka Reno Rendezvous

A gripping mystery unfolds in Mr. Cromwell Is Dead aka Reno Rendezvous as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books series showcases Leslie Ford's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1939
5

False to Any Man aka Snow-white Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in False to Any Man aka Snow-white Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books series showcases Leslie Ford's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1939
6

Old Lover's Ghost

Old Lover's Ghost explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books series by Leslie Ford.

Buy on Amazon
1940
7

The Murder of the Fifth Colimnist aka A Capitol Crime

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Murder of the Fifth Colimnist aka A Capitol Crime as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books series showcases Leslie Ford's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1941
8

Murder in the O. P. M aka Priority Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder in the O. P. M aka Priority Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books series showcases Leslie Ford's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1942
9

Siren in the Night

Siren in the Night is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Leslie Ford have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1943
10

All for the Love of a Lady aka Crack of Dawn

All for the Love of a Lady aka Crack of Dawn explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books series by Leslie Ford.

Buy on Amazon
1943
11

The Philadelphia Murder Story

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Philadelphia Murder Story as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books series showcases Leslie Ford's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1945
12

Honolulu Murder Story aka Honolulu Story

A gripping mystery unfolds in Honolulu Murder Story aka Honolulu Story as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books series showcases Leslie Ford's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1947
13

The Woman In Black

The Woman In Black is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Leslie Ford have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1947
14

The Devil's Stronghold

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books with The Devil's Stronghold, another outstanding contribution from Leslie Ford.

Buy on Amazon
1948
15

Washington Whispers Murder aka The Lying Jade

A gripping mystery unfolds in Washington Whispers Murder aka The Lying Jade as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books series showcases Leslie Ford's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1953
Publication Order of Lt. Joseph Kelly Mystery Books
2 books 1932–1933
1

Murder in Maryland

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder in Maryland as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Lt. Joseph Kelly Mystery Books series showcases Leslie Ford's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1932
2

The Clue of the Judas Tree

The Clue of the Judas Tree is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Lt. Joseph Kelly Mystery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Leslie Ford have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1933
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
14 books 1931–1963
1

Footsteps On the Stairs aka The Sound of Footsteps

Footsteps On the Stairs aka The Sound of Footsteps is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Leslie Ford have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1931
2

By the Watchman's Clock

By the Watchman's Clock is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Leslie Ford have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1932
3

Burn Forever aka Mountain Madness

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Burn Forever aka Mountain Madness, another outstanding contribution from Leslie Ford.

Buy on Amazon
1935
4

The Town Cried Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Town Cried Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Leslie Ford's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1939
5

Road to Folly

Road to Folly continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Leslie Ford's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1940
6

A Capital Crime aka The Murder of the Fifth Columnist

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Capital Crime aka The Murder of the Fifth Columnist as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Leslie Ford's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1941
7

Murder Down South aka Muder with Southern Hospitality

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder Down South aka Muder with Southern Hospitality as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Leslie Ford's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1942
8

Date with Death aka Shot in the Dark

A gripping mystery unfolds in Date with Death aka Shot in the Dark as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Leslie Ford's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1949
9

Murder Is the Pay-off

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder Is the Pay-off as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Leslie Ford's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1951
10

The Bahamas Murder Case

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Bahamas Murder Case as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Leslie Ford's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1952
11

Invitation to Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in Invitation to Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Leslie Ford's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1954
12

Murder Comes to Eden

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder Comes to Eden as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Leslie Ford's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1955
13

The Girl from the Mimosa Club

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Girl from the Mimosa Club, another outstanding contribution from Leslie Ford.

Buy on Amazon
1957
14

Trial by Ambush

Trial by Ambush is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Leslie Ford have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1963
Publication Order of Anthologies
1 books 1992–1992
1

Murder Plus

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder Plus as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Leslie Ford's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1992

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Leslie Ford?

Leslie Ford is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 32 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books, Publication Order of Lt. Joseph Kelly Mystery Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Leslie Ford series to start with?

For readers new to Leslie Ford's work, the Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 15 books. Begin with The Strangled Witness to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Leslie Ford written?

Leslie Ford has written over 32 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Leslie Ford books in order?

Yes, reading Leslie Ford's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Leslie Ford write in?

Leslie Ford writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 32 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Leslie Ford's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Leslie Ford's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Leslie Ford's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Leslie Ford's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Colonel Primrose Mystery Books series. The first book, The Strangled Witness, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.