Books in Order: Unraveling the Mastery of Richard and Frances Lockridge
Let’s unfold the literary canvas of the dynamic novel writing duo of the twentieth century – Richard and Frances Lockridge. Predominantly known for their impressive series of books in order, namely ‘Mr. and Mrs. North’, this series was a delightful blend of mystery and democracy.
Deep Dive Into the Authors’ Biography
Richard Lockridge’s journey began in Missouri, where he spent his formative years before proceeding to the University for his higher education. Post this, he patriotically served the United States Navy after which he found a position at the Kansas City Star as a journalist, the place where he bumped into his future wife, Frances Louise Davis. After their marriage, the couple journeyed to New York, which marked the author’s pivotal point in his career where he got his first book published.
Interestingly, it was Frances’ idea that hatched Richard’s masterpiece, ‘Mr. and Mrs. North’. She conceptualized the intriguing plot around which Richard wove his characters, plucked from his earlier creations. This collaborative partnership generated a stimulating 26-books in order series, with numerous adaptations to follow.
Exploration of the Unique Writing Style
The Lockridges’ writing style stands distinctly apart from the contemporary authors. Their unique approach centers on the development of a series of books in order that takes readers on a consecutive journey, maintaining their intrigue throughout. Their emphasis on well-rounded character evolution and intricately woven, suspense-filled plots, sets their series apart and keeps readers hooked, eagerly awaiting the next installment. This successful format has led to the birth of several adaptations, further testament to the impact of their unique style.
In conclusion, Richard and Frances Lockridge have demonstrated a unique approach to writing, with their 26-strong books in order series, ‘Mr. and Mrs. North’ proving to be an intriguingly spectacular journey.
Publication Order of Mr. and Mrs. North Books
| Mr. and Mrs. North | (1936) |    |
| Mr. and Mrs. North | (1936) | |
| The Norths Meet Murder | (1940) | |
| Murder Out of Turn | (1941) | |
| A Pinch of Poison | (1941) | |
| Death on the Aisle | (1942) | |
| Hanged for a Sheep | (1942) | |
| Death Takes a Bow | (1943) | |
| Killing the Goose | (1944) | |
| Payoff for the Banker | (1945) | |
| Death of a Tall Man | (1946) | |
| Murder Within Murder | (1946) | |
| Untidy Murder | (1947) | |
| Murder Is Served | (1948) | |
| The Dishonest Murderer | (1949) | |
| Murder in a Hurry | (1950) | |
| Murder Comes First | (1951) | |
| Dead as a Dinosaur | (1952) | |
| Death Has a Small Voice | (1952) | |
| Curtain for a Jester | (1953) | |
| A Key to Death | (1954) | |
| Death of an Angel / Mr. & Mrs. North and the Poisoned Playboy | (1955) | |
| Murder, Murder, Murder: The Norths Meet Murder / Murder Out of Turn / A Pinch of Poison | (1956) | |
| Murder, Murder, Murder: The Norths Meet Murder / Murder Out of Turn / A Pinch of Poison | (1956) | |
| Murder, Murder, Murder: The Norths Meet Murder / Murder Out of Turn / A Pinch of Poison | (1956) | |
| Voyage Into Violence | (1956) | |
| The Long Skeleton | (1958) | |
| Murder Suggested / Murder is Suggested | (1959) | |
| The Judge is Reversed | (1960) | |
| Murder Has Its Points | (1961) | |
| A North Quartet: The Long Skeleton / Murder is Suggested / Murder has its Points / Murder by the Book | (1963) | |
| Murder by the Book | (1963) | |