The Collins-Burke Series in Order

About the Collins-Burke series

Series Premise

The series centers on the partnership between Monty Collins, a Halifax defense lawyer and blues enthusiast, and Father Brennan Burke, a brilliant, sharp-tongued Irish Catholic priest with a complex past. When murders or suspicious deaths occur—often tied to the church, legal world, historical secrets, or personal vendettas—the duo teams up to uncover the truth. Monty handles the legal angles and courtroom drama, while Brennan provides theological insight, historical knowledge, and sometimes unconventional investigative help. Cases frequently involve religious symbolism, family legacies, Irish connections, or community scandals, forcing the pair to navigate ethical dilemmas, hidden motives, and the clash between justice and mercy. Their friendship—marked by banter, shared music sessions, and mutual respect despite differing worldviews—anchors every story, turning each mystery into a thoughtful exploration of faith, law, and human nature.

Main Characters

Monty Collins is the grounded, relatable protagonist—a skilled defense lawyer, devoted family man, and passionate blues musician whose empathy and sharp mind make him an effective sleuth. Often conflicted between his work defending the accused and his sense of justice, he brings humor and humanity to investigations. Father Brennan Burke is his charismatic foil—a erudite, multilingual priest with a quick wit, musical talent (he plays multiple instruments), and a paradoxical blend of piety and worldliness. His Irish heritage and deep knowledge enrich cases, while his own past adds layers of complexity.

Setting

The primary setting is Halifax, Nova Scotia—a historic, harbor city with cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, and a vibrant maritime culture that provides a moody, evocative backdrop. Many stories unfold in or around the city's Catholic churches, courthouses, pubs, and neighborhoods, where fog-shrouded waterfronts and seasonal weather add atmosphere. Investigations often extend to Ireland (Dublin, Belfast), New York, London, or other locales tied to characters' roots, contrasting Halifax's intimate community feel with broader historical or international intrigue. The settings feel lived-in and authentic, with music venues, legal offices, and sacred spaces serving as stages for both crime and revelation.

Tone & Themes

The tone is intelligent, atmospheric, and wryly humorous—suspenseful without excessive gore, blending clever deductions, witty dialogue, and poignant moments. Emery balances tension with warmth, using music (especially blues and classical) and cultural references to lighten darker themes. The series explores profound questions: the tension between law and morality, faith versus doubt, forgiveness amid tragedy, the weight of secrets, and the redemptive power of friendship. Themes include justice in imperfect systems, the lingering impact of history (Irish troubles, religious scandals), personal redemption, the intersection of sacred and profane, and how ordinary people confront extraordinary evil while preserving their humanity.

The Collins-Burke Mystery series weaves intricate crimes with profound humanity, creating stories where justice emerges not just from evidence but from understanding hearts and histories. Anne Emery crafts a world where a lawyer and a priest bridge divides through friendship, music, and moral courage, reminding readers that truth often hides in the spaces between law and faith. These novels linger like a haunting blues riff—intelligent, moving, and deeply satisfying—inviting everyone to ponder life's mysteries while savoring the quiet triumph of loyalty and redemption. A masterful series that elevates the genre with wit, warmth, and wisdom.