Celebrated for her captivating mystery series, Sara Woods is a powerhouse in the annals of British literature. Operating several pseudonyms such as Anne Burton, Mary Challis, and Margaret Leek, Woods left an indelible mark in the world of fiction. However, her beloved work centers on the Anthony Maitland series, penned under her most recognized pseudonym. This post highlights Sara Woods’ fascinating life, inventive writing style, and, most importantly, her books in order.
Life and Times of Sara Woods
Born amidst the scenic beauty of Bradford, Yorkshire, Woods opted to pursue her early education at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Filey, Yorkshire. This decision led her to embark on a journey of teaching. In 1946, she got married, and over a decade later, the couple migrated to the welcoming shores of Nova Scotia, Canada. A new chapter began for Woods in 1961, one that placed her firmly on the literary map.
The Maitland Series: A Timeline of Books in Order
The literary world first got a taste of her unique storytelling with her inaugural novel in the Maitland series – Bloody Instructions.
Sara Woods’ Unique Writing Style
Woods enthralls her readers with a harmonious blend of tight plotlines, unforgettable characters, and authentic legal nuances. Her writing style is refreshingly unique, breathing life into her gripping, court-based dramas. Each plot twist and turn is meticulously ordered, revealing layers of narrative like peeling an onion. When exploring her books in order, one gets immersed in a world that showcases the stark realities of the judicial system, intertwined with narratives that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to Sara Woods, reading her books in order gives you an enriched perspective into the depth of her talent. With every novel, Woods fearlessly delves deeper into the human psyche, creating an endless maze of suspense, mystery, and drama. Her unique writing style, coupled with her ability to portray sharp, engaging narratives, has made her a respected and revered name in the mystery genre.
Publication Order of Antony Maitland Books
| Bloody Instructions | (1961) |    |
| Malice Domestic | (1962) | |
| Error of the Moon | (1963) | |
| The Taste of Fears / The Third Encounter | (1963) | |
| This Little Measure | (1964) | |
| Trusted Like the Fox | (1964) | |
| Though I Know She Lies | (1965) | |
| Let’s Choose Executors | (1966) | |
| And Shame the Devil | (1967) | |
| Past Praying For | (1968) | |
| Knives Have Edges | (1970) | |
| An Improbable Fiction | (1970) | |
| Tarry and Be Hanged | (1971) | |
| The Knavish Crows | (1971) | |
| Serpent’s Tooth | (1971) | |
| They Love Not Poison | (1972) | |
| Enter the Corpse | (1973) | |
| Yet She Must Die | (1973) | |
| Done to Death | (1974) | |
| A Show of Violence | (1975) | |
| My Life Is Done | (1976) | |
| The Law’s Delay | (1977) | |
| A Thief or Two | (1977) | |
| Exit Murderer | (1978) | |
| This Fatal Writ | (1979) | |
| They Stay for Death | (1980) | |
| Weep for Her | (1980) | |
| Proceed to Judgement | (1980) | |
| Cry Guilty | (1981) | |
| Dearest Enemy | (1981) | |
| Enter a Gentlewoman | (1982) | |
| Most Grievous Murder | (1982) | |
| Villains by Necessity | (1982) | |
| Call Back Yesterday | (1983) | |
| The Lie Direct | (1983) | |
| Where Should He Die? | (1983) | |
| The Bloody Book of Law | (1984) | |
| Murder’s Out of Tune | (1984) | |
| Defy the Devil | (1984) | |
| Away with Them to Prison | (1985) | |
| Put Out the Light | (1985) | |
| An Obscure Grave | (1985) | |
| Most Deadly Hate | (1986) | |
| Nor Live So Long | (1986) | |
| Naked Villainy | (1987) | |