Contemporary · Bexford and Addervale, fictional English county

The Brock & Poole Mysteries

Modern police procedural with heart

Cover of An Occupied Grave Start here →

The Premise

An unlikely partnership between a giant, gruff detective chief inspector with a philosophical streak and his anxious, young sergeant who's running from his past. Together they solve murders across the fictional English county of Addervale while navigating their own personal struggles — Brock's journey toward fatherhood, and Poole's complicated family history involving his criminal father.

Meet the Detectives

DCI Sam Brock

Detective Chief Inspector

Enormous physical presence — 'like an international rugby player.' Gruff exterior hiding a warm heart. Philosophical by nature. Perpetually offers boiled sweets to himself but never to Poole. Kept a fertility secret from his wife Laura. His size intimidates suspects; his mind surprises them.

DS Guy Poole

Detective Sergeant, youngest DS in the force

Thin, anxious, perpetually apologising. Arrived at Bexford at 25, running from a criminal family past. His estranged father Jack is a criminal boss. Over five books, grows from nervous newcomer to confident detective. His automatic apologies slowly fade as he finds his feet.

The Books

Perfect For

Fans of modern British police procedurals like Peter James or Mark Billingham, but with warmth, humour, and a partnership you genuinely root for.

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