Detective Lew Kirby is the central character in S.W. Kane’s crime fiction series set in the English countryside. Kirby investigates crimes in rural communities where quiet surfaces hide disturbing secrets, and where the landscape itself adds to the sense of menace surrounding each case.
Across three novels beginning with The Bone Jar, Kirby has become a compelling figure in British crime fiction. He is a methodical investigator who works through cases that are as much about the places where they happen as the people involved.
Reading Order#
See the complete Detective Lew Kirby reading order for all books in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lew Kirby?
Lew Kirby is a detective in S.W. Kane’s crime fiction series who investigates violent crimes in the English countryside, uncovering dark secrets that rural communities would rather keep hidden.
What order should I read the Lew Kirby books?
Read in publication order starting with The Bone Jar (2020), followed by The Drowning Place (2023) and The Whistler (2025).
What kind of detective is Lew Kirby?
Kirby is a police detective who works dark, atmospheric cases in rural England. The books are procedurals with a strong sense of place, where isolated landscapes and tight-knit communities create tension around every investigation.