1. An Unsuitable Job for a Woman (1972): This is the first book in the Adam Dalgliesh series and introduces the titular detective as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of a young Cambridge student. The novel follows Dalgliesh as he navigates the various suspects and motives in an effort to uncover the truth.
2. Death of an Expert Witness (1977): This novel follows the investigation of Detective Chief Inspector Dalgliesh as he investigates the death of a forensic scientist at a prestigious hospital. Dalgliesh must unravel the complex web of intrigue surrounding the victim and his colleagues in order to uncover the truth.
3. Cover Her Face (1962): This is the first book in the Cordelia Gray series and introduces the young private detective as she investigates the death of a young woman at a country estate. Gray must untangle the web of secrets and lies surrounding the victim in order to discover the truth.
4. A Taste for Death (1986): This novel follows the investigation of Detective Chief Inspector Dalgliesh as he investigates the deaths of two seemingly unrelated people in London. As Dalgliesh unravels the secrets of the victims, he discovers a sinister plot and must race against time to prevent further deaths.
5. The Black Tower (1975): This novel follows the investigation of Detective Chief Inspector Dalgliesh as he investigates the suspicious death of a priest in a remote seaside village. Dalgliesh must uncover the truth behind the priest’s death and the dark secrets of the village’s past.