Order of Dorothy Martin Book Series

The "Dorothy Martin" series by Jeanne Dams features a delightful blend of mystery, humor, and character-driven storytelling set against the picturesque backdrop of England. The protagonist, Dorothy Martin, is an astute and charming American expatriate who finds herself embroiled in various intriguing mysteries after moving to the quaint village of Sherebury. With her keen observational skills and unwavering determination, Dorothy navigates the complexities of her new life while unraveling crimes and secrets that lurk beneath the surface of village life.

As she encounters a colorful cast of characters, including local residents and fellow expatriates, readers are treated to not just compelling whodunnits but also heartwarming explorations of friendship, love, and the challenge of finding one's place in a new world. The series masterfully combines elements of cozy mystery with rich storytelling, inviting readers to immerse themselves in Dorothy’s adventures as she proves that an inquisitive spirit and a dash of courage can uncover the truth in even the most deceptive of circumstances.

Whether you're a fan of traditional mysteries or are simply looking for a charming tale filled with engaging characters and a touch of wit, the "Dorothy Martin" series promises to keep you thoroughly entertained while showcasing the beauty and intricacies of village life in England.

Order of Dorothy Martin Series

# Title Year Rating Book Link
1The Body in the Transept
By: Jeanne M. Dams
1995Amazon.com
2Trouble in the Town Hall
By: Jeanne M. Dams
19964.3Amazon.com
3Holy Terror in the Hebrides
By: Jeanne M. Dams
1997Amazon.com
4Malice in Miniature
By: Jeanne M. Dams
19984.3Amazon.com
5The Victim in Victoria Station
By: Jeanne M. Dams
1999Amazon.com
6Killing Cassidy
By: Jeanne M. Dams
2000Amazon.com
7To Perish in Penzance
By: Jeanne M. Dams
2001Amazon.com
8Sins Out of School
By: Jeanne M. Dams
20024.4Amazon.com
9Winter of Discontent
By: Jeanne M. Dams
20044.6Amazon.com
10A Dark and Stormy Night
By: Jeanne M. Dams
2011Amazon.com
11The Evil That Men Do
By: Jeanne M. Dams
2012Amazon.com
12The Corpse of St James's
By: Jeanne M. Dams
2012Amazon.com
13Murder at the Castle
By: Jeanne M. Dams
20134.4Amazon.com
14Shadows of Death
By: Jeanne M. Dams
2013Amazon.com
15Day of Vengeance
By: Jeanne M. Dams
2014Amazon.com
16The Gentle Art of Murder
By: Jeanne M. Dams
2015Amazon.com
17Blood Will Tell
By: Jeanne M. Dams
2016Amazon.com
18Smile and Be a Villain
By: Jeanne M. Dams
20164.4Amazon.com
19The Missing Masterpiece
By: Jeanne M. Dams
2017Amazon.com
20Crisis at the Cathedral
By: Jeanne M. Dams
20184.2Amazon.com
21A Dagger Before Me
By: Jeanne M. Dams
2019Amazon.com
22Death in the Garden City
By: Jeanne M. Dams
2019Amazon.com
23Death Comes to Durham
By: Jeanne M. Dams
2020Amazon.com
24The Bath Conspiracy
By: Jeanne M. Dams
2021Amazon.com
25A Deadly Web
By: Jeanne M. Dams
2022Amazon.com
26Village Politics Can Be Murder
By: Jeanne M. Dams
2024Amazon.com

Dorothy Martin Series Books Description

The "Dorothy Martin" series, written by Jeanne M. Dams, features a charming mix of mystery and character-driven narratives centered around an American widow living in England. Dorothy is known for her inquisitive nature, which often leads her to uncover local mysteries. Here is a brief description of each book in the series:

  1. Death of a Dandy (1995) - In this debut novel, Dorothy Martin discovers the body of a local dandy, and her curiosity compels her to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. This case introduces her to the peculiarities of British society.

  2. The Corpse in Oozak's Pond (1996) - When Dorothy finds a body in a picturesque pond, she becomes embroiled in a mystery involving secretive locals and hidden pasts. Her determination helps unveil long-buried secrets.

  3. The Body in the Transept (1997) - While attending a church service, Dorothy stumbles upon a murder in the church. She uses her keen observational skills to unravel the mystery that grips the community.

  4. The Body in the Dumbwaiter (1998) - Dorothy's curiosity leads her to a home with a dark past, where a murder has occurred. Her investigation takes her through layers of deception and family secrets.

  5. The Dance of Death (1999) - Dorothy finds herself entangled in a complex murder surrounding a dance competition, where everyone has secrets and motives that intertwine.

  6. The Devil is a Frenchman (2000) - This installment takes Dorothy to a French festival where she becomes involved in a murder that reveals tourist secrets and tensions among expatriates.

  7. Death of a Starlet (2001) - When a former film star is discovered dead, Dorothy’s love for classic movies leads her into the world of Hollywood and its dangerous underbelly.

  8. The Girl from the Sea (2002) - In this seaside adventure, Dorothy navigates through a murder mystery linked to a local legend while unveiling truths about the community.

  9. The Poisoned Chalice (2003) - A historical mystery emerges when Dorothy investigates a theft from the local church, leading to uncovering a squabble steeped in treachery and betrayal.

  10. The Room with a View (2004) - Dorothy is drawn into yet another mystery, this time centered around an English estate and its enigmatic occupants, where past and present collide.

  11. The Trouble with St. Jude (2005) - While vacationing, Dorothy faces an unexpected murder case steeped in local lore and traditions, compelling her to decipher the truth amid cultural tensions.

  12. The Mysterious Death of a Scribe (2006) - Here, Dorothy is involved in a literary mystery linked to a manuscript, diving deep into historical intrigue and rivalries among authors.

  13. Murder in the Moors (2007) - Set amidst the haunting beauty of the moors, Dorothy is implicated in a murder mystery that draws from local myths and legends.

  14. The Haunting in the Hall (2008) - This story features a ghostly element to the murder mystery, where Dorothy must separate fact from folklore.

  15. Murder on the Menu (2009) - In a culinary-themed mystery, the world of fine dining reveals itself as an arena of jealousy and intrigue, where Dorothy unearths truths about her fellow diners.

The "Dorothy Martin" series is celebrated for its blend of sweeping English landscapes, engaging mysteries, and a protagonist whose character evolves with each story, making it a delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries. However, please check on the latest books in the series, as new installments may have been published after my last knowledge update.

Who are the main characters of Dorothy Martin Series

The "Dorothy Martin" series, written by Jeanne Dams, features a charming protagonist named Dorothy Martin. Here are the main characters in the series:

  1. Dorothy Martin: The central character, Dorothy is a spirited American expatriate living in England. Widowed and in her sixties, she possesses a sharp wit and an inquisitive nature. Dorothy often finds herself embroiled in mysteries, using her keen observation skills and resourcefulness to solve various crimes. Her character is portrayed as independent, resilient, and deeply interested in the lives of those around her, often leading her to uncover secrets that others would prefer to remain hidden.

  2. Alan Nesbitt: A local police officer who often crosses paths with Dorothy. He becomes a close ally and sometimes a romantic interest. Their relationship adds depth to the narrative, as Alan appreciates Dorothy's intellect and determination.

  3. Mabel: Dorothy’s friend and companion who occasionally provides valuable insights or assistance in her investigative pursuits. Mabel’s character adds a layer of camaraderie to the series.

  4. Various other local residents: Throughout the series, Dorothy interacts with a range of supporting characters from the English village where she lives. Each character contributes to the intricate tapestry of community life, often providing clues or red herrings as Dorothy navigates the mysteries she encounters.

The series is well-loved for its engaging plots, character development, and the portrayal of life in a quaint English village, making Dorothy a relatable and endearing sleuth.

Interesting facts about Dorothy Martin Series

The "Dorothy Martin" series, written by Jeanne Dams, is a charming collection of cozy mystery novels featuring the titular character, Dorothy Martin. Here are some interesting facts about the series:

  1. Protagonist Background: Dorothy Martin is a retired American schoolteacher who moves to the picturesque English village of Sherebury after marrying a British man. Her background as a teacher adds a unique perspective to her investigative style.

  2. Setting: The series is set primarily in England, allowing readers to enjoy the quaintness of British village life. The settings often include historical elements and cultural references that enhance the stories.

  3. Genre: The series falls under the cozy mystery genre, which means it typically includes a light-hearted tone, minimal graphic violence, and a focus on puzzle-solving rather than darker themes. This makes it appealing to a broad audience.

  4. Themes: Common themes throughout the series include friendship, community, and the exploration of rural life. Dorothy often interacts with other residents of Sherebury, highlighting the dynamics and quirks of small-town life.

  5. Series Development: The first book in the series, "The Body in the Transept," was published in 1996. Since then, the series has grown to include numerous titles, each featuring Dorothy solving various mysteries.

  6. Cultural Observations: As an American living in England, Dorothy often provides insights that highlight cultural differences and humorous misunderstandings, adding depth and relatability to her character.

  7. Character Evolution: Throughout the series, readers can witness Dorothy's growth not only as a sleuth but also as an individual adjusting to life in a different country after her marriage.

  8. Writing Style: Jeanne Dams's writing style is characterized by a blend of wit, warmth, and vivid descriptions, which helps to draw readers into the story and its setting.

  9. Standalone Enjoyment: While the books are part of a series, they can often be read as standalones. Each mystery is typically resolved within the volume, allowing new readers to jump in at various points.

  10. Fan Following: The "Dorothy Martin" series has developed a dedicated fan base, with readers appreciating the gentle pace, engaging mysteries, and the endearing protagonist.

The "Dorothy Martin" series continues to resonate with fans of cozy mysteries, drawing them into a world of intriguing plots and delightful characters.