Complete List of Death in Paradise Books

Books in Publication Order

The Death in Paradise book series by Robert Thorogood includes four novels, all centered on DI Richard Poole and the original Saint Marie team. Below is the complete list in publication order, with summaries to give you a taste of each mystery. These books, published between 2015 and 2018, are standalone but best read in order for character development and subtle nods to earlier cases.

1. A Meditation on Murder (2015)
   Aslan Kennedy, a guru running a spiritual retreat on Saint Marie, is found dead in a locked room with five other people—one of whom confesses. Richard Poole, stuck in the Caribbean heat and craving a proper cup of tea, smells something off. The confession doesn’t add up, and he’s determined to uncover the real killer. This book sets the tone with a classic locked-room mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie-style puzzles. It’s a great introduction to Richard’s fussy personality and the team’s dynamic.

2. The Killing of Polly Carter (2015)
   Supermodel Polly Carter is found dead at the base of a cliff, and it looks like suicide. Her friends insist she’d never take her own life, and Richard agrees after spotting inconsistencies. Battling the island’s heat and his meddling mother’s visit, he sifts through alibis and motives to catch a killer still on Saint Marie. This one’s packed with red herrings and a vibrant cast, mirroring the show’s knack for colorful suspects.

3. Death Knocks Twice (2017)
   A mysterious vagrant is found dead on the Beaumont plantation, initially ruled a suicide. Richard’s not convinced and digs into the case, uncovering a second body and a web of family secrets. The tropical setting clashes with his longing for rainy England, adding humor to a darker, more layered mystery. This book leans into the historical elements of Saint Marie, making it a standout.

4. Murder in the Caribbean (2018)
   A boat explosion in Saint Marie’s harbor signals a new murderer on the loose. Richard and his team find a ruby at the crime scene, hinting at deeper secrets tied to decades-old crimes. The stakes rise as they realize this is just the beginning of a killing spree. This final novel ramps up the action and ties up Richard’s arc, though it leaves you wanting more.

Actionable Takeaway: Grab a notebook or use a reading app to create a checklist for these four books. Check them off as you go to stay on track and feel that satisfying sense of completion.

Pairing Books with TV Episodes

The Death in Paradise books don’t directly adapt TV episodes, but their plots echo the show’s style. Pairing each novel with a thematically similar episode can deepen your experience, blending the books’ depth with the show’s visuals. Here are suggestions for episode pairings, available on platforms like BBC iPlayer or BritBox.

• A Meditation on Murder: Pair with Season 1, Episode 1 (“Arriving in Paradise”). Both feature Richard Poole adjusting to Saint Marie while solving a locked-room-style murder. The episode’s murder of a British cop sets up Richard’s fish-out-of-water vibe, much like the book’s retreat setting. Watch it for the team’s early chemistry.

• The Killing of Polly Carter: Try Season 2, Episode 5 (“Murder on the Plantation”). The book’s cliffside death and complex motives align with this episode’s plantation-based mystery, where family secrets unravel. It’s a great match for the book’s focus on high-profile victims and hidden truths.

• Death Knocks Twice: Go with Season 3, Episode 3 (“The Wrong Man”). The book’s plantation setting and historical ties vibe with this episode’s exploration of Saint Marie’s past. Both stories involve seemingly straightforward deaths that hide darker motives, perfect for fans of intricate plots.

• Murder in the Caribbean: Watch Season 4, Episode 7 (“She Was Murdered Twice”). The book’s harbor explosion and escalating stakes mirror this episode’s high-energy case with multiple murders. It’s a fitting capstone to Richard’s journey in both formats.

Actionable Takeaway: After finishing each book, stream the suggested episode on BBC iPlayer or BritBox to compare how Richard and the team tackle similar mysteries. Jot down notes on how the book’s details enhance the show’s vibe.

Tips for New Readers

Where to Start

Start with A Meditation on Murder to get the full context of Richard Poole’s character and the Saint Marie setting. It introduces the core team—Richard, Camille, Dwayne, and Fidel—and sets up the series’ cozy mystery tone. Jumping into later books like Murder in the Caribbean might feel disjointed without the earlier character arcs. You can find these books on Amazon, ThriftBooks (for used copies), or local bookstores like Waterstones. Prices typically range from $5-$15 for paperbacks, with eBooks often cheaper. Check availability, as some formats can be tricky to find due to publishing rights.

Actionable Takeaway: Order A Meditation on Murder from Amazon or your local bookstore to kick things off. If you’re on a budget, try ThriftBooks for deals on used copies, but verify the condition to avoid missing pages.

Enhancing the Reading Experience

Make reading the Death in Paradise books a sensory escape. Picture Saint Marie’s beaches by playing reggae or calypso music in the background—try the show’s soundtrack, featuring artists like The Lions, available on Spotify. Pair your reading with tropical snacks like mango slices or a rum punch (non-alcoholic if you prefer) to channel the Caribbean vibe. Join online fan communities, like the Death in Paradise subreddit, to discuss theories and favorite moments. Some fans on Reddit rave about the audiobooks on Spotify Premium, noting the voice acting nails Richard’s grumpy tone. Avoid common mistakes like skimming the clues—Thorogood buries key details in dialogue, and missing them can make the ending feel abrupt.

Actionable Takeaway: Create a reading nook with a playlist of Caribbean music and a tropical drink. Join the Death in Paradise subreddit to share your thoughts and connect with fans for book club vibes.

Why the Books Matter

The Death in Paradise books aren’t just spin-offs—they’re a love letter to fans of the show’s early seasons. Unlike the TV series, which rotates detectives (Richard, Humphrey, Jack, Neville), the novels keep Richard Poole front and center, giving you more of his sarcastic wit and meticulous sleuthing. They flesh out Saint Marie’s world, from its lush plantations to bustling harbors, with details the show can’t always fit. For example, Death Knocks Twice dives into the island’s colonial history, adding depth to the setting. Reading in order lets you track Richard’s slow warming to the island, a arc that feels rushed in the show. Skipping the order might confuse you on character dynamics, and rushing through risks missing Thorogood’s clever plotting. No new books are announced as of 2025, so savor these four.

Actionable Takeaway: Read slowly to catch the clues and enjoy Richard’s growth. Follow Robert Thorogood on X for updates on potential future novels, though none are confirmed yet.

Common Mistakes and Consequences

New readers sometimes make mistakes that dim the Death in Paradise experience. One is reading out of order, which muddles Richard’s development and team dynamics—Murder in the Caribbean references earlier cases that hit harder if you’ve read sequentially. Another is ignoring the books’ humor, like Richard’s rants about tea or Camille’s teasing; skimming these moments misses the cozy charm. Some fans, per Reddit, gripe about grammatical errors (e.g., “who” vs. “whom”) or typos in character names, which can jolt you out of the story. If you don’t engage with the clues, the resolutions might feel unsatisfying, as Thorogood’s mysteries rely on you piecing things together. Worst case, you’ll lose the immersive vibe and feel like you’re reading generic crime novels instead of Saint Marie’s unique world.

Actionable Takeaway: Stick to publication order and highlight funny or clever passages to stay engaged. Report typos to publishers like HarperCollins to help future editions.

FAQs

How many Death in Paradise books are there?

There are four Death in Paradise books by Robert Thorogood: A Meditation on Murder (2015), The Killing of Polly Carter (2015), Death Knocks Twice (2017), and Murder in the Caribbean (2018). No new books are planned as of 2025, but Thorogood’s focus on The Marlow Murder Club series keeps fans hopeful. Check Amazon or ThriftBooks for box sets, often priced at $15-$30.

In what order should I read the Death in Paradise novels?

Read them in publication order: A Meditation on Murder, The Killing of Polly Carter, Death Knocks Twice, Murder in the Caribbean. This follows Richard Poole’s arc and builds on subtle references to prior cases. Starting with later books can confuse character dynamics, as the team’s rapport evolves. Use a checklist to track your progress.

Where can I buy the Death in Paradise book series?

Find the books on Amazon, ThriftBooks, or Books2Door for paperbacks, eBooks, or audiobooks. Prices range from $5 (used) to $15 (new). Local bookstores like Waterstones may stock them, but availability varies due to publishing rights. Audiobooks are on Spotify Premium, with fans praising the voice acting. Always check for deals to save cash.

Do the books follow the same plots as the TV show?

No, the books have original stories, not direct adaptations of Death in Paradise episodes. They feature the same characters (Richard, Camille, Dwayne, Fidel) and Saint Marie setting but offer new mysteries. For example, A Meditation on Murder’s locked-room case doesn’t appear in the show. Pairing books with similar episodes enhances the experience, but plots stay distinct.

Are the Death in Paradise books suitable for new fans?

Yes, the books stand alone and don’t require watching the show. They introduce the characters and setting clearly, though fans of the TV series will enjoy familiar humor and dynamics. Start with A Meditation on Murder for the best entry point. The cozy mystery vibe appeals to readers who like light, clever whodunits.

Why are there only four Death in Paradise books?

Robert Thorogood wrote four novels under a deal with MIRA/Harlequin, focusing on Richard Poole. After Murder in the Caribbean (2018), he shifted to The Marlow Murder Club series, which also became a TV show. No new Death in Paradise books are announced as of 2025, possibly due to his TV commitments. Follow him on X for updates.

Conclusion

The Death in Paradise books in order—A Meditation on Murder, The Killing of Polly Carter, Death Knocks Twice, and Murder in the Caribbean—are a must for fans craving more of Richard Poole’s grumpy genius and Saint Marie’s sunny mysteries. These novels deepen the show’s world, offering standalone cases that feel like bonus episodes. Pair them with matching TV episodes, grab a tropical snack, and join fan discussions to make the most of it. No new books are confirmed for 2025, so cherish these four. Which is your favorite? Share in the comments or subscribe for more Death in Paradise guides!