Father Mark Townsend Mystery books in order

Q: "How many books are in the Father Mark Townsend Mystery series?"

"There are four books in the Father Mark Townsend Mystery series, published between 1996 and 1999."

Q: "What is the first book in the Father Mark Townsend Mystery series?"

"The first book in the Father Mark Townsend Mystery series is The Story Knife, published in 1996."

Q: "What kind of settings appear in the Father Mark Townsend mysteries?"

"The series is set across the Pacific Northwest, with stories that take place in Native American communities, rural towns, and Jesuit institutions. Brad Reynolds draws on his own experience as a Jesuit priest to create authentic and detailed settings for each mystery."

Reading order

#	Title	Published	Author	Buy on Amazon
1	The Story Knife	1996	Brad Reynolds	Buy
2	Ritual Death	1997	Brad Reynolds	Buy
3	Cruel Sanctuary	1999	Brad Reynolds	Buy
4	Deadly Harvest	1999	Brad Reynolds	Buy

The Father Mark Townsend Mystery series follows a Jesuit priest who finds himself drawn into criminal investigations across the Pacific Northwest. Written by Brad Reynolds, himself a Jesuit, the series has an insider’s perspective on religious life that most clerical mysteries lack. Father Townsend is not a typical amateur sleuth playing detective on the side. His investigations grow organically from his work within communities that trust him.

Each book explores a different corner of the region. The Story Knife opens the series in 1996 with a case tied to Native Alaskan culture, while later entries like Cruel Sanctuary and Deadly Harvest move through rural communities and agricultural settings. Reynolds published all four novels within a three-year span, and together they form a focused, well-crafted mystery series that rewards readers who appreciate strong sense of place.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Father Mark Townsend Mystery series?

There are four books in the Father Mark Townsend Mystery series, published between 1996 and 1999.

What is the first book in the Father Mark Townsend Mystery series?

The first book in the Father Mark Townsend Mystery series is The Story Knife, published in 1996.

What kind of settings appear in the Father Mark Townsend mysteries?

The series is set across the Pacific Northwest, with stories that take place in Native American communities, rural towns, and Jesuit institutions. Brad Reynolds draws on his own experience as a Jesuit priest to create authentic and detailed settings for each mystery.

Reading order#

Frequently Asked Questions

Reading order