Books in Order: A Deep Dive into Ellis Peters’ Extraordinary Portfolio
Edith Mary Pargeter, born on the 28th of September in 1913, and departed on 14th October in 1995, wore many literary hats in her remarkable career. This accomplished British author dabbled in historical fiction, and even translated Czech classics into English. She penned numerous gripping novels under various pseudonyms like John Redfern, Joylon Carr, and Peter Benedict. However, her most celebrated work rippled across the literary landscape under the better known pen name, Ellis Peters.
A Brief Biography of Edith Pargeter aka Ellis Peters
Early in her life, this maven of mystery developed an intense preference for writing about the unexpected hiding in plain sight. In 1936, leading with the pen, she breathed life into her first two novels- ‘Hortensius, Friend of Nero’ and ‘Iron-Bound’. She fashioned a niche for herself in the elusive world of suspense and created a vast universe of enigmatic characters and enthralling plots. Seeking a fresh narrative voice, she adopted the pseudonym Ellis Peters in 1951. This was the birth of her acclaimed ‘Inspector George Felse’ series with the opening installation titled ‘Fallen into the Pit’.
Understanding Peters’ Unique Writing Style
Stimulating and rich with challenging clues, Peters’ writing style seamlessly married the suspense of mystery with the veracity of historical contexts. Her characters sprung into existence with such vivid personalities, they compelled readers to look beyond the obvious. Through her art, Peters deftly intertwined settings, culture, and individual traits to weave tales that often read like intricate tapestries. The historical background in her works wasn’t just an accessory but a silent character that added layers of depth to her stories.
The Majestic Array of Books in Order
Edith Pargeter, or Ellis Peters as the world fondly knows her, owned an immense body of work showcasing her literary prowess. Her assortment of fascinating stories are recorded in their order of original publishing (and chronologically) here:
Publication Order of Inspector Felse Books
| Fallen Into the Pit | (1951) |    |
| Death and the Joyful Woman | (1961) | |
| Flight of a Witch | (1964) | |
| A Nice Derangement of Epitaphs | (1965) | |
| The Piper on the Mountain | (1966) | |
| Black Is the Colour of My True Love’s Heart | (1967) | |
| The Grass Widow’s Tale | (1968) | |
| The House of Green Turf | (1969) | |
| Mourning Raga | (1969) | |
| The Knocker on Death’s Door | (1970) | |
| Death to the Landlords | (1972) | |
| City of Gold and Shadows | (1973) | |
| Rainbow’s End | (1978) | |