Laura Lippman’s Tess Monaghan series is a gripping blend of classic detective fiction set against the richly detailed backdrop of Baltimore. Tess is a sharp-witted, independent, and tenacious reporter-turned-private investigator.

Lippman’s stories are often inspired by true crimes, and readers love the intricately woven mysteries that Tess is drawn into. As she investigates various crimes, Tess uncovers secrets and solves murders while navigating Baltimore’s complex political and social landscape.

While each book in the Tess Monaghan series features a standalone mystery, reading them in order is recommended to fully appreciate Tess’s evolution from an amateur detective to a seasoned sleuth, as well as to follow the development of her friendships and personal life.