Peter Lovesey
Peter Lovesey is a British writer of historical and contemporary crime novels and short stories. He is best known for his series featuring Sergeant Cribb, a Victorian-era police detective, and the Peter Diamond series set in modern-day Bath.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The False Inspector Dew
A Novel of Suspense
Set in the 1920s, the novel is a clever blend of murder mystery and romance, revolving around a dentist who, in a bid to escape his dreary life and loveless marriage, plans to run away with his mistress on an ocean liner to America. However, his plan goes awry when he is mistaken for a famous detective, the titular Inspector Dew. As he plays along with the charade, a murder occurs on board the ship, and he is unwittingly thrust into the role of solving the crime. The story unfolds with a series of twists and turns, combining humor and suspense as the protagonist navigates through the unexpected complications of his new identity.
The 3133rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. Wobble To Death
A Victorian Mystery
Set in Victorian London, the book is a thrilling murder mystery centered around a grueling six-day endurance race known as a "wobble." As competitors push their limits in this test of stamina, the event takes a sinister turn when one of the contestants is found dead under suspicious circumstances. A determined and astute detective takes on the case, delving into the competitive world of pedestrianism—a popular sport of the era. Amidst the spectacle and drama of the race, the detective must unravel a web of deceit, rivalry, and ambition to uncover the truth behind the athlete's untimely demise, revealing the darker side of Victorian sportsmanship and obsession.
The 3399th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. Bertie And The Tin Man
A Victorian Mystery
Set in the Victorian era, the novel follows the adventures of Bertie, the Prince of Wales, who turns detective after the shocking suicide of a jockey during a high-society party. Doubting the official verdict, Bertie is drawn into the murky world of horse racing, where he uncovers a web of gambling, deceit, and hidden rivalries. With a keen eye for detail and a relentless pursuit of the truth, the royal sleuth navigates through the upper echelons of British society to unravel the mystery, revealing the unexpected and sordid underbelly of the sport of kings.
The 9982nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. The Last Detective
An Inspector Peter Diamond Investigation
Set in the picturesque city of Bath, this gripping mystery follows the seasoned and somewhat unconventional Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond as he investigates the murder of a woman whose body is discovered in a reservoir. As Diamond delves deeper into the case, he encounters a web of secrets and lies that challenge his investigative skills and intuition. With a blend of humor and suspense, the story explores themes of justice, redemption, and the complexities of human nature, all while keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns.
The 17010th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
5. On The Edge
A Novel of Suspense
The book is a gripping mystery novel that follows the story of a woman named Jo who becomes entangled in a web of deceit and danger after discovering her husband’s infidelity. As she navigates the complexities of her personal life, Jo inadvertently becomes involved in a murder investigation, leading her to question whom she can trust. The narrative unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, blending suspense and intrigue as Jo races against time to uncover the truth and protect herself from the lurking threats.
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6. Showstopper
The First Three Inspector Diamond Mysteries
In this gripping mystery, a series of unexplained accidents and deaths plague the production of a popular television show, leading Detective Peter Diamond to investigate the sinister happenings behind the scenes. As he delves deeper into the world of showbiz, Diamond uncovers a tangled web of secrets, rivalries, and hidden motives, all while racing against time to prevent further tragedies. With his keen intuition and relentless determination, Diamond navigates the glamorous yet treacherous landscape of television, ultimately revealing the truth behind the deadly occurrences.
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7. Diamond And The Eye
A Detective Peter Diamond Investigation
In this intriguing mystery, a private investigator is drawn into a complex web of deceit and danger when he is hired to track down a missing woman. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a series of enigmatic clues that lead him through a maze of secrets, lies, and unexpected twists. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for unraveling the truth, the detective must navigate a world where nothing is as it seems, ultimately confronting a shocking revelation that challenges his perceptions and tests his resolve.
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8. The Finisher
Set in the bustling city of Bath, this gripping mystery follows Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond as he delves into the perplexing disappearance of a marathon runner during a race. As Diamond navigates through a web of secrets, rivalries, and hidden motives, he uncovers a trail that leads him into the dark underbelly of competitive sports. With time running out and pressure mounting, Diamond must piece together the clues to solve the case, revealing unexpected twists and a shocking conclusion that challenges his investigative prowess.
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9. Killing With Confetti
A Peter Diamond Investigation
In this gripping mystery, a high-profile wedding between the son of a notorious crime boss and the daughter of a prominent police officer becomes the backdrop for a tense investigation. As tensions rise and old grudges resurface, seasoned detective Peter Diamond is tasked with ensuring the event proceeds without a hitch. However, when a murder occurs amidst the celebrations, Diamond must navigate a web of deceit, family loyalty, and hidden motives to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again. The story masterfully blends suspense, humor, and intricate plotting, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final reveal.
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10. Beau Death
A Peter Diamond Investigation
In this intriguing mystery set in the historic city of Bath, Detective Peter Diamond is drawn into a centuries-old enigma when a skeleton dressed in 18th-century attire is discovered during a demolition. The bones, believed to belong to the notorious local dandy Beau Nash, spark a media frenzy and a complex investigation that intertwines past and present. As Diamond delves deeper, he uncovers a web of secrets, rivalries, and hidden identities, challenging his detective skills and leading him on a captivating journey through history and human nature.
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11. Another One Goes Tonight
A Peter Diamond Investigation
In this gripping mystery, seasoned detective Peter Diamond finds himself embroiled in a complex investigation after a tragic accident involving two police officers. As he delves deeper into the case, Diamond uncovers a web of secrets and lies, revealing a connection to a series of unsolved crimes. With his keen intuition and relentless pursuit of justice, Diamond navigates through a maze of suspects and motives, ultimately confronting the dark truths that lie beneath the surface. The narrative is a masterful blend of suspense, wit, and intricate plotting, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
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12. Down Among The Dead Men
A Peter Diamond Investigation
In this gripping mystery, seasoned detective Peter Diamond is reluctantly drawn into a complex investigation when a fellow officer goes missing during a routine training exercise. As Diamond delves deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of secrets and lies that stretches from the police force to the local community. With his characteristic wit and tenacity, Diamond navigates through a series of unexpected twists and turns, revealing hidden motives and long-buried grudges. The case challenges his instincts and tests his resolve, leading to a thrilling conclusion that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
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13. The Stone Wife
A Peter Diamond Investigation
In this gripping mystery, Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond is drawn into a complex investigation after a university auction ends in murder. The prized item, a rare stone carving of Chaucer's Wife of Bath, becomes the focal point of the inquiry, leading Diamond through a labyrinth of academic rivalries, historical intrigue, and personal vendettas. As he delves deeper, the detective must unravel the secrets hidden within the stone's history to uncover the truth behind the crime, all while navigating the challenges of his own professional and personal life.
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14. The Tooth Tattoo
A Peter Diamond Investigation
In this intriguing mystery, Detective Peter Diamond is drawn into the world of classical music when a young woman's body is discovered in a canal in Bath, England. The investigation leads him to a quartet of musicians, each with secrets and motives that could unravel the case. As Diamond delves deeper, he uncovers a complex web of deception, passion, and betrayal, all centered around a mysterious tattoo of a tooth. With his characteristic wit and tenacity, Diamond must navigate the intricacies of the music world to uncover the truth behind the murder.
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15. Cop To Corpse
A Peter Diamond Investigation
In this gripping crime novel, a series of sniper attacks on police officers sends shockwaves through the city of Bath, leaving the community in fear and the police force on edge. The story follows the determined and methodical Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond as he leads the investigation, navigating through a web of clues, red herrings, and personal vendettas. As the pressure mounts, Diamond must unravel the mystery behind the seemingly random killings, confronting both the killer's cunning and his own inner demons, to restore peace and justice.
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16. Stagestruck
A Peter Diamond Investigation
In this gripping mystery, Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond is drawn into the world of theater when a leading actress suffers a mysterious and disfiguring accident on stage. As Diamond delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a tangled web of jealousy, ambition, and hidden secrets within the theater community. With his characteristic wit and tenacity, Diamond navigates through the complexities of the case, revealing unexpected connections and motives, all while racing against time to prevent further tragedy. The narrative is a masterful blend of suspense, humor, and intricate plotting, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final curtain falls.
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17. The Summons
In this gripping mystery, a seasoned detective finds himself drawn into a complex web of intrigue when he receives an unexpected call to investigate a high-profile case. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a series of puzzling clues and hidden motives that challenge his skills and intuition. With each twist and turn, the detective must navigate a world of deception and danger, relying on his experience and wit to unravel the truth and bring justice to light. The narrative is rich with suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds with unexpected revelations.
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18. Skeleton Hill
A Peter Diamond Investigation
In this gripping mystery, a group of amateur archaeologists stumble upon a human skeleton while reenacting a historic battle on Lansdown Hill. As Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond delves into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and deceit that stretches back decades. The investigation takes unexpected turns, revealing connections to a missing person case and a series of suspicious deaths. With his keen intuition and dogged determination, Diamond navigates the complexities of human nature and historical intrigue to uncover the truth behind the bones on the hill.
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19. The Secret Hangman
In this gripping mystery, seasoned detective Peter Diamond finds himself entangled in a perplexing case involving a series of hangings that bear an eerie resemblance to executions. As he delves deeper into the investigation, Diamond is haunted by the recent loss of his wife, which adds a personal layer of complexity to his pursuit of justice. The narrative weaves through a web of secrets and deception, challenging Diamond to confront his own demons while unraveling the truth behind the sinister hangman lurking in the shadows. With unexpected twists and a rich tapestry of characters, the story keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
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20. The House Sitter
A Peter Diamond Investigation
In this gripping mystery, a seemingly tranquil seaside town is rocked by the discovery of a woman's body on the beach, setting off a complex investigation led by the astute Detective Peter Diamond. As Diamond delves into the victim's past, he uncovers a web of secrets and deceit that stretches across continents and decades. The narrative intricately weaves together multiple perspectives, including that of a mysterious house sitter whose connection to the crime is as puzzling as it is pivotal. With a blend of suspense and wit, the story unfolds with unexpected twists, leading to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion.
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21. Diamond Dust
A Detective Peter Diamond Mystery
In this gripping mystery, a seasoned detective finds himself entangled in a deeply personal investigation when his beloved wife becomes the victim of a brutal murder. As he navigates the emotional turmoil of his loss, he is driven by a relentless pursuit of justice, determined to uncover the truth behind the crime. The detective's journey is fraught with unexpected twists and turns, challenging his professional integrity and forcing him to confront the darker aspects of his own life. With a blend of suspense and emotional depth, the story explores themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for redemption.
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22. The Vault
A Peter Diamond Investigation
Set in the historic city of Bath, this gripping mystery unfolds when a skeleton is discovered in the vaults beneath the city. As Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond delves into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and deceit that stretches back decades. With his characteristic wit and tenacity, Diamond navigates through a maze of suspects and motives, revealing hidden connections and long-buried truths. The story intricately weaves together past and present, leading to a thrilling climax that challenges Diamond's detective skills and tests his resolve.
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23. Upon A Dark Night
A Peter Diamond Investigation
In this gripping mystery, a young woman is found wandering the streets of Bath with no memory of who she is or how she got there. As Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond delves into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that stretch back years, involving a missing person, a suspicious death, and a family with much to hide. The investigation takes unexpected turns, leading Diamond through a maze of deception and danger, as he races against time to piece together the woman's identity and unravel the truth behind the dark events that have brought her to this point.
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24. Bloodhounds
A Peter Diamond Investigation
In this gripping mystery, a group of crime enthusiasts known as the Bloodhounds find themselves embroiled in a real-life murder investigation when a rare stamp is stolen and a man is found dead. As the eccentric members of the club, each with their own theories and quirks, delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of deceit and secrets that challenge their deductive skills. With a blend of wit and suspense, the story unfolds in a series of unexpected twists, leading to a thrilling climax that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
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25. Diamond Solitaire
In this gripping mystery, the once-disgraced detective Peter Diamond finds himself embroiled in a complex case that begins with the discovery of a mute Japanese girl in a London department store. As Diamond delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of international intrigue involving pharmaceutical companies, corporate espionage, and the Yakuza. With his characteristic wit and tenacity, Diamond navigates through a series of twists and turns, determined to protect the vulnerable child and unravel the truth behind her mysterious appearance, all while confronting his own personal demons.