N

Ngaio Marsh

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 44 Books

4
Series
44
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books
Start with: A Man Lay Dead (1934)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
Start with: Alleyn and Others / The Collected Short Fiction of Ngaio Marsh (1989)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: Black Beech and Honeydew (1965)

About Ngaio Marsh

Edith Ngaio Marsh was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 23 April 1895. Although this date was officially registered as her birth date, there were uncertainties because her father neglected to register her birth until 1900. Throughout her life, Marsh was primarily known as a writer, focusing on crime fiction. She also made significant contributions to the arts as a theatre director, actress, and artist. At the age of seven, Marsh’s parents moved to Valley Road, Cashmere, where her father had built a house, destined to be Marsh’s home for the remainder of her life. Her education began at a dame school run by Sibella E. Ross before enrolling in St Margaret’s College in 1910, a private Anglican girls’ school known for its Anglo-Catholic bias. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series, Ngaio Marsh 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 Ngaio Marsh

Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books
34 books 1934–1990
1

A Man Lay Dead

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Man Lay Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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1934
2

Enter a Murderer

A gripping mystery unfolds in Enter a Murderer as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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1935
3

The Nursing Home Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Nursing Home Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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1935
4

Death in Ecstasy

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death in Ecstasy as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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1936
5

Vintage Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in Vintage Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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1937
6

Artists in Crime

The investigation intensifies in Artists in Crime, as this installment of the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Ngaio Marsh's creation.

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1938
7

Death in a White Tie

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death in a White Tie as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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1938
8

Overture to Death

A gripping mystery unfolds in Overture to Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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1939
9

Death at the Bar

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death at the Bar as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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1940
10

Death of a Peer / Surfeit of Lampreys

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death of a Peer / Surfeit of Lampreys as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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1940
11

Death and the Dancing Footman

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death and the Dancing Footman as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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1941
12

Colour Scheme

Colour Scheme continues the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books story arc with Ngaio Marsh's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1943
13

Died in the Wool

Died in the Wool is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ngaio Marsh have come to expect.

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1945
14

Final Curtain

Final Curtain continues the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books story arc with Ngaio Marsh's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1947
15

A Wreath for Rivera / Swing, Brother, Swing

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books with A Wreath for Rivera / Swing, Brother, Swing, another outstanding contribution from Ngaio Marsh.

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1949
16

Night at the Vulcan / Opening Night

Night at the Vulcan / Opening Night is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ngaio Marsh have come to expect.

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1951
17

Spinsters In Jeopardy / The Bride of Death

A gripping mystery unfolds in Spinsters In Jeopardy / The Bride of Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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1953
18

Scales of Justice

Scales of Justice is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ngaio Marsh have come to expect.

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1955
19

Death of a Fool / Off With His Head

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death of a Fool / Off With His Head as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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1956
20

Singing in the Shrouds

Singing in the Shrouds is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ngaio Marsh have come to expect.

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1958
21

False Scent

False Scent is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ngaio Marsh have come to expect.

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1959
22

Hand in Glove

Hand in Glove explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series by Ngaio Marsh.

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1962
23

Dead Water

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Water as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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1963
24

Killer Dolphin / Death at the Dolphin

A gripping mystery unfolds in Killer Dolphin / Death at the Dolphin as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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1966
25

Clutch of Constables

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books with Clutch of Constables, another outstanding contribution from Ngaio Marsh.

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1968
26

When in Rome

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books with When in Rome, another outstanding contribution from Ngaio Marsh.

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1970
27

Tied Up in Tinsel

Tied Up in Tinsel continues the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books story arc with Ngaio Marsh's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1971
28

Black As He's Painted

Black As He's Painted is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ngaio Marsh have come to expect.

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1973
29

Last Ditch

Last Ditch continues the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books story arc with Ngaio Marsh's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1976
30

A Grave Mistake

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books with A Grave Mistake, another outstanding contribution from Ngaio Marsh.

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1978
31

Photo Finish

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books with Photo Finish, another outstanding contribution from Ngaio Marsh.

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1980
32

Light Thickens

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books with Light Thickens, another outstanding contribution from Ngaio Marsh.

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1982
33

Alleyn and Others / The Collected Short Fiction of Ngaio Marsh

Alleyn and Others / The Collected Short Fiction of Ngaio Marsh continues the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books story arc with Ngaio Marsh's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
34

Still Unsolved

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books with Still Unsolved, another outstanding contribution from Ngaio Marsh.

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1990
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
2 books 1989–1995
1

Alleyn and Others / The Collected Short Fiction of Ngaio Marsh

Alleyn and Others / The Collected Short Fiction of Ngaio Marsh continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Ngaio Marsh's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
2

Death on the Air and Other Stories

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death on the Air and Other Stories as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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1995
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
2 books 1965–1989
1

Black Beech and Honeydew

Black Beech and Honeydew continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Ngaio Marsh's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1965
2

New Zealand

New Zealand continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Ngaio Marsh's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
Publication Order of Anthologies
6 books 1979–2021
1

Verdict of Thirteen

Verdict of Thirteen continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ngaio Marsh's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1979
2

Chapter and Hearse

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Chapter and Hearse, another outstanding contribution from Ngaio Marsh.

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1985
3

Murder for Christmas

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder for Christmas as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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1987
4

English Country House Murders

A gripping mystery unfolds in English Country House Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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1988
5

Fifty Best Mysteries

Fifty Best Mysteries is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ngaio Marsh have come to expect.

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1993
6

Murder Takes a Holiday

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder Takes a Holiday as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Ngaio Marsh's mastery of suspense.

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2021

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ngaio Marsh?

Ngaio Marsh is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 44 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books, Publication Order of Short Story Collections, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Ngaio Marsh series to start with?

For readers new to Ngaio Marsh's work, the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 34 books. Begin with A Man Lay Dead to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Ngaio Marsh written?

Ngaio Marsh has written over 44 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Ngaio Marsh books in order?

Yes, reading Ngaio Marsh'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 Ngaio Marsh write in?

Ngaio Marsh writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 44 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Ngaio Marsh's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Ngaio Marsh'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 Ngaio Marsh's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Ngaio Marsh's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Roderick Alleyn Books series. The first book, A Man Lay Dead, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.