Kate O’Donnell by Patricia Hall
The Kate O’Donnell series by Patricia Hall is a gripping historical mystery series set in 1960s London. It follows Kate O’Donnell, an aspiring photographer, as she navigates the vibrant yet dangerous streets of London. Alongside Detective Sergeant Harry Barnard, Kate finds herself entangled in mysteries that reveal the darker side of the Swinging Sixties.
Publication Order of Kate O’Donnell Books
- Dead Beat (2011)
- Death Trap (2012)
- Dressed to Kill (2013)
- Blood Brothers (2014)
- Deep Waters (2017)
- Playing with Fire (2018)
- Cover Up (2019)
Dead Beat (2011)
Kate O’Donnell moves to London from Liverpool, hoping to make a name for herself as a photographer and to find her missing brother, Tom. Her search leads her to a dead roommate, suspicious police officers, and Detective Sergeant Harry Barnard. As Kate digs deeper, she uncovers a horrifying truth that puts her life in danger. This debut novel sets the tone for a thrilling series filled with suspense and rich period details.
Death Trap (2012)
Kate is settling into her new life in London, but the murder of a prostitute near Portobello Road shakes the community. When a West Indian immigrant is arrested, racial tensions flare. Convinced of his innocence, Kate investigates, drawing the attention of a dangerous gangster. With Harry Barnard’s help, she must uncover the truth before it’s too late. This book explores the social issues of the 1960s while delivering a compelling mystery.
Dressed to Kill (2013)
The fashion world turns deadly when a young model is found murdered behind a jazz club in Soho. Kate, working at a fashion studio, discovers that the victim was connected to her workplace. When another model goes missing, Kate teams up with Harry to unravel the mystery. This novel captures the glamour and grit of 1960s London, blending fashion and crime in an unforgettable story.
Blood Brothers (2014)
A mutilated body is discovered at a construction site in London’s West End. The murder has all the hallmarks of a gangland killing, but Harry Barnard isn’t convinced. Meanwhile, Kate’s new job with a crime reporter puts her in the middle of the action. As tensions rise, Kate and Harry must navigate a web of gangsters, secrets, and danger. This book is a gripping tale of loyalty and betrayal.
Deep Waters (2017)
When a notorious club owner goes missing and a body is found at his gym, Harry is tasked with solving the case. Meanwhile, Kate is working on a story about the regeneration of Canvey Island, which was devastated by floods in 1953. As their investigations converge, Kate and Harry uncover a shocking connection between past and present crimes. This atmospheric novel is filled with twists and turns.
Playing with Fire (2018)
Kate and Harry face their most personal case yet when a fire at a Soho club reveals a sinister underworld. As they dig deeper, they uncover a network of corruption and deceit that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear. This book is a fast-paced and emotionally charged mystery.
Cover Up (2019)
In the final installment of the series, Kate and Harry investigate a high-profile murder that exposes the dark side of London’s elite. As they get closer to the truth, they must confront their own fears and make difficult choices. This thrilling conclusion ties up loose ends while delivering a satisfying and suspenseful story.
Why You’ll Love Kate O’Donnell
The Kate O’Donnell series is perfect for fans of historical mysteries with strong female protagonists. Kate is a determined and resourceful character, and her partnership with Harry adds depth to the stories. Patricia Hall’s vivid descriptions bring 1960s London to life, capturing both its glamour and its grit. The series combines compelling mysteries with social commentary, making it a must-read for mystery lovers.
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