Sal Delaney is the central character of David Mark’s crime fiction series that launched in 2024 with When the Bough Breaks. Delaney is Mark’s newest protagonist, distinct from the DS Aector McAvoy character that established his reputation in crime fiction.
The series follows Delaney through dangerous investigations in northern England. With three books published or scheduled through 2026, readers are still getting to know this character. Mark has a track record of writing protagonists who are complex and driven, and Delaney fits that pattern.
Reading Order#
See the complete Sal Delaney reading order for all books in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sal Delaney?
Sal Delaney is the main character of David Mark’s newest crime fiction series. The books follow Delaney through criminal investigations in northern England, beginning with When the Bough Breaks.
How many Sal Delaney books are there?
There are three Sal Delaney books published or announced so far: When the Bough Breaks (2024), Don’t Say a Word (2025), and Vale of Tears (2026).
Do I need to read the DS Aector McAvoy series before the Sal Delaney books?
No. The Sal Delaney series is a separate sequence with its own characters and storylines. You can read it without any background in Mark’s other work.