Introduction
If you love atmospheric thrillers, chilling mysteries, and complex characters, then Kate Rhodes books deserve a place on your reading list. Known for her gripping crime fiction, Rhodes is the author of two popular series — the Alice Quentin series set in London and the Ben Kitto / Isles of Scilly series. This guide provides the complete list of Kate Rhodes books in order, so you can dive into her stories without missing a beat.
Who is Kate Rhodes?
Kate Rhodes is a British crime writer and poet, celebrated for her dark, psychological thrillers. Before turning to fiction, she published several poetry collections and won recognition for her sharp, evocative writing style. Her novels blend psychological tension with gripping police procedurals, creating stories that keep readers hooked from the first page to the last.
Her most famous works include the Alice Quentin series, featuring a London psychologist who becomes entangled in murder investigations, and the Ben Kitto series, set on the hauntingly beautiful Isles of Scilly, where a detective faces crime in a close-knit island community.
Kate Rhodes Books in Order
A. Alice Quentin Series in Order
The Alice Quentin series follows a psychologist in London who often assists the police with particularly disturbing cases. These books mix psychological insight with tense crime narratives.
- Crossbones Yard (2012) – A chilling debut where Alice Quentin is drawn into a case involving a serial killer.
- A Killing of Angels (2013) – A string of murders in London’s financial world pulls Alice into a deadly investigation.
- The Winter Foundlings (2014) – Alice works at a psychiatric hospital while a terrifying child killer is on the loose.
- River of Souls (2015) – A brutal murder on the banks of the Thames forces Alice into dangerous territory.
- Blood Symmetry (2016) – When a health scandal leads to murder, Alice finds herself racing against time.
B. Ben Kitto / Isles of Scilly Mysteries in Order
The Ben Kitto series is set on the atmospheric Isles of Scilly. Detective Inspector Ben Kitto leaves London to return to his childhood home, only to find murder and secrets waiting.
- Hell Bay (2018) – Returning to the Isles of Scilly, Ben Kitto investigates a teenage girl’s shocking murder.
- Burnt Island (2019) – A fisherman’s body washes up on the shore, and Kitto must uncover hidden rivalries.
- Ruin Beach (2019) – When a diver is found dead, Kitto is forced into dangerous waters.
- Purgatory Bay (2020) – A young man is murdered, and Kitto must unravel a dark web of secrets.
- Devil’s Table (2021) – A gruesome killing during a festival threatens the fragile peace of the island.
- Fatal Isles (2022) – A family feud escalates into bloodshed, putting Kitto to the ultimate test.
C. Standalone Works
- While most of Kate Rhodes’ novels are part of her two main series, her background in poetry is worth noting. She has published poetry collections such as Reversal and The Alice Trap, which showcase her mastery of language and atmosphere.
Best Reading Order for Kate Rhodes Books
The best way to enjoy Kate Rhodes books is by reading each series in publication order. This allows you to follow the progression of characters and unfolding mysteries without missing key details.
- For psychological thrillers: Start with the Alice Quentin series.
- For atmospheric island crime fiction: Begin with the Ben Kitto series.
List Of Kate Rhodes Books In Order
| Series | Book Title | Year of Publication | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alice Quentin | Crossbones Yard | 2012 | Debut crime novel |
| Alice Quentin | A Killing of Angels | 2013 | Banking murders |
| Alice Quentin | The Winter Foundlings | 2014 | Child killer plot |
| Alice Quentin | River of Souls | 2015 | Thames murder mystery |
| Alice Quentin | Blood Symmetry | 2016 | Health scandal murder |
| Ben Kitto | Hell Bay | 2018 | Isles of Scilly debut |
| Ben Kitto | Burnt Island | 2019 | Fisherman’s death |
| Ben Kitto | Ruin Beach | 2019 | Diver found dead |
| Ben Kitto | Purgatory Bay | 2020 | Family secrets unravel |
| Ben Kitto | Devil’s Table | 2021 | Festival killing |
| Ben Kitto | Fatal Isles | 2022 | Feuding families |
Why Readers Love Kate Rhodes Books
- Atmospheric settings: From gritty London streets to the remote Isles of Scilly.
- Complex characters: Flawed but compelling protagonists like Alice Quentin and Ben Kitto.
- Psychological depth: Blends emotional intensity with crime and mystery.
- Unputdownable plots: Perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Ruth Rendell, and Tana French.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you need to read Kate Rhodes books in order?
Yes, especially for the Alice Quentin and Ben Kitto series, where character development and story arcs build across books.
2. Which series should I start with?
If you enjoy psychological thrillers, start with Alice Quentin. If you prefer atmospheric island crime fiction, start with Ben Kitto.
3. Are there new Kate Rhodes books coming soon?
Kate Rhodes continues to write, and her fans eagerly await updates about future Ben Kitto mysteries.
Conclusion
Kate Rhodes is a master of blending psychological tension with gripping crime plots. Whether you choose to follow Alice Quentin’s London investigations or Ben Kitto’s island mysteries, reading Kate Rhodes books in order ensures you experience her characters’ journeys in full depth.
👉 Which Kate Rhodes series is your favorite — the dark London thrillers or the haunting Isles of Scilly mysteries? Share your thoughts in the comments!
