N

Neil Lancaster

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 14 Books

4
Series
14
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of DS Max Craigie Books
Start with: Dead Man’s Grave (2021)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Tom Novak Books
Start with: Going Dark (2019)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Josie Chapman Books
Start with: No Mercy (2025)

About Neil Lancaster

Neil Lancaster is a mystery fiction author from the United Kingdom who is best known for the “DS Max Craigie” and the “Tom Novak” series of novels. The author was born in Liverpool in the 1960s and spent much of his childhood and early adulthood living in the UK. Before he became an author, he served for more than twenty-five years in the Metropolitan Police. He primarily served as a detective conducting and leading investigations into some of the most serious criminals in the United Kingdom and abroad. When he retired from the Metropolitan Police, he moved to the Scottish Highlands where he lives with his wife and son. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of DS Max Craigie Books series, Neil Lancaster 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 Neil Lancaster

Publication Order of DS Max Craigie Books
7 books 2021–2026
1

Dead Man’s Grave

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Man’s Grave as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of DS Max Craigie Books series showcases Neil Lancaster's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
2021
2

The Blood Tide

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Blood Tide as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of DS Max Craigie Books series showcases Neil Lancaster's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
2022
3

The Night Watch

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of DS Max Craigie Books with The Night Watch, another outstanding contribution from Neil Lancaster.

Buy on Amazon
2022
4

Blood Runs Cold

A gripping mystery unfolds in Blood Runs Cold as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of DS Max Craigie Books series showcases Neil Lancaster's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
2023
5

The Devil You Know

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of DS Max Craigie Books with The Devil You Know, another outstanding contribution from Neil Lancaster.

Buy on Amazon
2024
6

When Shadows Fall

When Shadows Fall continues the Publication Order of DS Max Craigie Books story arc with Neil Lancaster's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2025
7

The Dark Heart

The Dark Heart explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of DS Max Craigie Books series by Neil Lancaster.

Buy on Amazon
2026
Publication Order of Tom Novak Books
3 books 2019–2020
1

Going Dark

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Tom Novak Books with Going Dark, another outstanding contribution from Neil Lancaster.

Buy on Amazon
2019
2

Going Rogue

Going Rogue continues the Publication Order of Tom Novak Books story arc with Neil Lancaster's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2019
3

Going Back

Going Back continues the Publication Order of Tom Novak Books story arc with Neil Lancaster's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2020
Publication Order of Josie Chapman Books
3 books 2025–2027
1

No Mercy

No Mercy is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Josie Chapman Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Neil Lancaster have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2025
2

No Way Out

No Way Out continues the Publication Order of Josie Chapman Books story arc with Neil Lancaster's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2026
3

Max Connor Book 3

Max Connor Book 3 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Josie Chapman Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Neil Lancaster have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2027
Publication Order of Anthologies
1 books 2020–2020
1

Noir from the Bar

Noir from the Bar is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Neil Lancaster have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2020

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Neil Lancaster?

Neil Lancaster is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 14 books. Popular series include Publication Order of DS Max Craigie Books, Publication Order of Tom Novak Books, Publication Order of Josie Chapman Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Neil Lancaster series to start with?

For readers new to Neil Lancaster's work, the Publication Order of DS Max Craigie Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 7 books. Begin with Dead Man’s Grave to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Neil Lancaster written?

Neil Lancaster has written over 14 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Neil Lancaster books in order?

Yes, reading Neil Lancaster'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 Neil Lancaster write in?

Neil Lancaster writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 14 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Neil Lancaster's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Neil Lancaster'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 Neil Lancaster's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Neil Lancaster's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of DS Max Craigie Books series. The first book, Dead Man’s Grave, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.