Order of Inspector George Felse Book Series

The "Inspector George Felse" series, crafted by the talented author Ellis Peters, invites readers into a captivating world of mystery, intrigue, and keen detective work. Set in the picturesque backdrop of rural England, the series follows the astute and resourceful Inspector George Felse, a dedicated investigator whose sharp mind and intuitive understanding of human nature help him to unravel complex cases.

Peters intricately blends rich historical detail with compelling narratives, creating a vivid tapestry of 20th-century life. Each novel in the series presents a unique puzzle, often intricately tied to the local culture and history, inviting readers to engage alongside Inspector Felse as he navigates through a landscape filled with secrets, deception, and unexpected twists.

With a cast of well-developed characters, both allies and suspects, the series delves into the moral complexities of crime and justice. Felse’s approach combines tenacity with empathy, allowing for insightful explorations of community dynamics and the human condition.

The "Inspector George Felse" series not only serves as a riveting collection of detective stories but also as an exploration of character and setting that reflects Peters' masterful storytelling ability. For enthusiasts of classic mysteries and aficionados of literary finesse, this series is a must-read, showcasing the timeless allure of solving crimes in a rapidly changing world.

Order of Inspector Felse Series

# Title Year Rating Book Link
1Fallen Into the Pit
By: Ellis Peters
1951Amazon.com
2Death and the Joyful Woman
By: Ellis Peters
1961Amazon.com
3Flight of a Witch
By: Ellis Peters
1964Amazon.com
4A Nice Derangement of Epitaphs
By: Ellis Peters
1965Amazon.com
5The Piper on the Mountain
By: Ellis Peters
1966Amazon.com
6Black Is the Colour of My True Love's Heart
By: Ellis Peters
1967Amazon.com
7The Grass Widow's Tale
By: Ellis Peters
1968Amazon.com
8The House of Green Turf
By: Ellis Peters
19694.4Amazon.com
9Mourning Raga
By: Ellis Peters
1969Amazon.com
10The Knocker on Death's Door
By: Ellis Peters
1970Amazon.com
11Death to the Landlords
By: Ellis Peters
1972Amazon.com
12City of Gold and Shadows
By: Ellis Peters
1973Amazon.com
13Rainbow's End
By: Ellis Peters
1978Amazon.com

Inspector Felse Series Books Description

The "Inspector George Felse" series by Ellis Peters features a collection of mystery novels centered around the character of Inspector George Felse, a police officer in the fictional county of Shrewsbury, England. Below is a list of the novels in the series along with brief descriptions of each:

  1. "Fallen Into the Pit" (1951)
    This is the first book in the series, where Inspector Felse investigates the murder of a well-liked local man. As he delves into the community, he uncovers hidden secrets and motives, illustrating the complexities of human nature.

  2. "Forthcoming" (1953)
    In this installment, Felse must solve a perplexing crime that occurs in the backdrop of an impending event that attracts media attention. The novel explores themes of public reaction and the influence of the media on crime and investigation.

  3. "Death and the Dancing Footman" (1955)
    This story involves a murder at a country house during a party. Inspector Felse uses his wit and knowledge to navigate through a tangle of alibis and motives as he searches for the killer among the glamorous guests.

  4. "Cornish Guardian" (1956)
    Set against the rugged backdrop of Cornwall, Inspector Felse investigates the death of a local fisherman. The novel highlights the clash between tradition and modernity in rural communities while revealing the intricacies of village life.

  5. "The Osiris Ritual" (1964)
    Here, Felse is drawn into a mystery involving ancient Egyptian artifacts. The investigation touches on themes of archaeology, crime, and the impact of the past on the present.

  6. "The Devil's Novice" (1964)
    In this story, a murder takes place in a monastery, and Felse must navigate the cloistered world of monks to uncover the truth. The novel dives deep into themes of faith, secrecy, and morality.

  7. "The House of the Four Winds" (1968)
    Felse investigates a series of bizarre incidents that lead to murder in a remote house on the moors. The setting adds to the atmospheric tension of the narrative.

  8. "The Faithful Witness" (1972)
    Inspector Felse faces a uniquely challenging case where a witness’s account leads to differing narratives. The story underscores the importance of perspective in our understanding of truth and justice.

  9. "The Waking of the Owl" (1974)
    This novel takes place in the world of academia as Felse looks into a murder connected with a university. It examines the rivalry and ambition that can sometimes lead to deadly consequences among scholars.

  10. "A Cask of Nerves" (1978)
    In this entry, Felse is again required to use his intuition and experience as he juggles personal and professional dilemmas while solving a crime that involves deception and unforeseen complications.

The Inspector George Felse series is notable for its richly drawn characters and intricate plots, blending elements of traditional detective fiction with social commentary. Ellis Peters’ writing is imbued with local color, showcasing her deep appreciation of the English countryside and culture. The books maintain a balance of suspense and ethical considerations surrounding crime, making them compelling reads for mystery lovers.

Who are the main characters of Inspector Felse Series

The "Inspector George Felse" series, written by Ellis Peters, features a central character, Inspector George Felse, who is a police detective with the Hereford CID in England. Here are the main characters associated with the series:

  1. Inspector George Felse: The protagonist of the series, Felse is known for his keen intellect and strong sense of justice. He is characterized by his methodical investigative approach and his ability to empathize with others, which aids him in solving complex cases.

  2. Mrs. Felse (Rosemary Felse): George's wife, she often provides emotional support and practical insights that complement her husband's investigative endeavors. Her character adds depth to George’s personal life and showcases the balance between his professional and domestic responsibilities.

  3. Dominic Felse: The son of George and Rosemary, Dominic sometimes becomes involved in his father's cases, adding a youthful perspective and energy. His character often reflects themes of family dynamics and the relationships between parents and children.

  4. Tamsin Felse: The daughter of George and Rosemary, Tamsin's character can also represent youthful curiosity and resilience, contributing to the family dynamic and occasionally driving subplots related to the family's interactions with crime and mystery.

  5. Various Supporting Characters: The series includes a wide range of supporting characters, such as victims, suspects, and other law enforcement personnel, who help add rich layers to the stories and contribute to the development of the central plotlines.

The interplay among these characters and their development throughout the series adds depth to the mysteries and enriches the narrative landscape that Ellis Peters creates.

Interesting facts about Inspector Felse Series

"Inspector George Felse" is a series written by British author Ellis Peters, famous for her historical mysteries and particularly renowned for the Brother Cadfael series. Here are some interesting facts about the Inspector George Felse series:

  1. Character Profile: Inspector George Felse is a detective who works for the police in the fictional village of Hereford. He is depicted as a thoughtful and observant investigator, often accompanied by his family, which adds a personal touch to the mysteries.

  2. Setting: The series is set in various locations in England, primarily Herefordshire, and emphasizes the beauty and charm of the English countryside. The settings play an important role in creating the atmosphere for the mysteries.

  3. Blend of Genres: The Felse series combines elements of traditional detective fiction with psychological depth and social commentary, reflecting Peters' ability to weave complex narratives.

  4. Family Dynamics: Unlike many detective series, the Felse novels incorporate family dynamics, with Felse’s wife and children often involved in the storylines, adding a unique domestic aspect to the narratives.

  5. Social Commentary: Peters often used the series to comment on contemporary social issues and moral dilemmas, giving more depth to the seemingly straightforward murder mysteries.

  6. Publication Timeline: The Inspector George Felse series began with "Never Pick Up Hitch-Hikers" in 1951 and includes several novels published throughout the 1950s and 1960s, reflecting evolving social attitudes and concerns of the time.

  7. Not as Famous as Cadfael: While Ellis Peters achieved significant acclaim with the Brother Cadfael series, the Felse mysteries, though well-regarded, have not received the same level of recognition, making them a hidden gem for fans of classic detective fiction.

  8. Writing Style: Peters' writing style is known for its clarity, wit, and ability to craft intricate plots, making the Inspector George Felse series both engaging and intellectually stimulating.

  9. Adaptations: While the Inspector George Felse stories have not been adapted into significant television or film projects like the Cadfael series, they have still garnered a dedicated readership and interest in adaptations.

  10. Lasting Legacy: Even though the series is less known than Peters' other works, Inspector George Felse remains an important part of her literary legacy, showcasing her skill in creating compelling characters and intricate plots within the cozy mystery genre.

These facts highlight the charm and depth of the "Inspector George Felse" series and its place in the wider context of mystery literature.