The Challenge

The brief was to create a distinctive visual identity for a contemporary crime trilogy centred around Billie Levine, a young private investigator, while avoiding the photographic and character-led conventions common to the genre.

The Solution

Drawing on recurring motifs from each mystery, I developed a bold graphic language using unexpected imagery, strong typography and evolving colour palettes. Each cover takes a visual cue from its story — from gilded frames and blood-like marks to abstract fingerprint and powder imagery — creating intrigue without relying on conventional crime photography.

The Result

Each cover has its own distinctive personality while contributing to a cohesive series identity. The recurring design language creates instant recognition across the trilogy, giving the Billie Levine mysteries a fresh, contemporary presence within the crime genre.