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Stone Cold Dead
A journalist’s brutal murder stuns a small community…But unravelling his life unearths surprises not even DI Drake could expect.
When a journalist is found pinned to a bowling green with croquet hoops, his head caved in, DI Drake and his team must unravel the man’s life.
The reporter was working on exposing the dark and sinister side of a cult led by a charismatic individual who Drake identifies as being their prime suspect. But the dead man’s private life isn’t what it appears to be and soon the detectives identify other persons of interest.
But who would want to murder the respected journalist? There are plenty of persons of interest with motive to kill the man and while Drake focuses on the cult and it’s leader another death forces a new approach.
When facing the startling truth Drake and his team are forced to protect the innocent no matter what the cost and the face a race against time to prevent more deaths.
Stone Cold Dead is the eleventh novel in the Inspector Drake crime series. Perfect for fans of JM Dalgiesh, JD Kirk, Damien Boyd, LJ Ross, Rachel McLean and Simon McCleave.
Click Buy Now for your copy of Stone Cold Dead today!
When a journalist is found pinned to a bowling green with croquet hoops, his head caved in, DI Drake and his team must unravel the man’s life.
The reporter was working on exposing the dark and sinister side of a cult led by a charismatic individual who Drake identifies as being their prime suspect. But the dead man’s private life isn’t what it appears to be and soon the detectives identify other persons of interest.
But who would want to murder the respected journalist? There are plenty of persons of interest with motive to kill the man and while Drake focuses on the cult and it’s leader another death forces a new approach.
When facing the startling truth Drake and his team are forced to protect the innocent no matter what the cost and the face a race against time to prevent more deaths.
Stone Cold Dead is the eleventh novel in the Inspector Drake crime series. Perfect for fans of JM Dalgiesh, JD Kirk, Damien Boyd, LJ Ross, Rachel McLean and Simon McCleave.
Click Buy Now for your copy of Stone Cold Dead today!
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2023
123 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Puleston
53 books300 followersI write mysteries and thrillers.
I have published the first novel in a series featuring Inspector Drake based in North Wales and also the first in a series with Inspector John Marco based in Cardiff. The first Drake mystery is called BRASS IN POCKET and the second WORSE THAN DEAD. The third, AGAINST THE TIDE.
My second detective is Inspector Marco who comes from an Italian/Welsh background and he lives in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The first Inspector Marco novel SPEECHLESS has been published on Amazon and the second and third in the series will be published in 2015.
Before turning to crime fiction I had written three other unpublished novels and you can read about my writing and about Wales, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, on my website http://www.stephenpuleston.co.uk/
I was brought up on the Isle of Anglesey, off the North Wales coast and went to school in Holyhead. After a degree in Theology from London University I decided to train as a lawyer and returned to work in the practice run by my father on Anglesey. For many years I worked as a lawyer in a small practice representing clients in the criminal courts and doing divorce work all of which has given me valuable raw material for my novels.
I still live and work in North Wales where the Inspector Drake novels are set.
You can contact me on twitter @stephenpuleston or @inspector_marco
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/17G6iIA
I have published the first novel in a series featuring Inspector Drake based in North Wales and also the first in a series with Inspector John Marco based in Cardiff. The first Drake mystery is called BRASS IN POCKET and the second WORSE THAN DEAD. The third, AGAINST THE TIDE.
My second detective is Inspector Marco who comes from an Italian/Welsh background and he lives in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The first Inspector Marco novel SPEECHLESS has been published on Amazon and the second and third in the series will be published in 2015.
Before turning to crime fiction I had written three other unpublished novels and you can read about my writing and about Wales, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, on my website http://www.stephenpuleston.co.uk/
I was brought up on the Isle of Anglesey, off the North Wales coast and went to school in Holyhead. After a degree in Theology from London University I decided to train as a lawyer and returned to work in the practice run by my father on Anglesey. For many years I worked as a lawyer in a small practice representing clients in the criminal courts and doing divorce work all of which has given me valuable raw material for my novels.
I still live and work in North Wales where the Inspector Drake novels are set.
You can contact me on twitter @stephenpuleston or @inspector_marco
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/17G6iIA
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 14, 2026
Good twisty story
First time I have read this author and I don't think it will be the last. Story is full of twists and turns although I did suspect the perp from early on in the story. And then something would happen and I would change my mind.
First time I have read this author and I don't think it will be the last. Story is full of twists and turns although I did suspect the perp from early on in the story. And then something would happen and I would change my mind.
October 23, 2023
Good to see Drake is doing well and his relationship with Annie is strong. He has done a lot of work to change his life to have more balance and Annie is an understanding and supportive partner.
The mystery is also good. Lots of plot twists and red herrings. Drake and his team are pushing hard to get to the bottom of the murder of the journalist. And then another murder is added to their challenges. When he thinks he has the murderer in his sights a suspicious suicide makes him back up and take another look.
And there’s Danny the homeless guy who is glad to come into the station and tell what he’s seen for a nice warm meal. The team has their doubts but is Drake right in relying on Danny’s story?
I thoroughly enjoy this series, trying to guess who dunnit while spending time with some great characters.
The mystery is also good. Lots of plot twists and red herrings. Drake and his team are pushing hard to get to the bottom of the murder of the journalist. And then another murder is added to their challenges. When he thinks he has the murderer in his sights a suspicious suicide makes him back up and take another look.
And there’s Danny the homeless guy who is glad to come into the station and tell what he’s seen for a nice warm meal. The team has their doubts but is Drake right in relying on Danny’s story?
I thoroughly enjoy this series, trying to guess who dunnit while spending time with some great characters.
October 3, 2023
I have read and enjoyed all DI Drake series. Stephen put his heart and soul into his work and tries to put a face to people, and to see the other side of the police a more personal side.
Ian Drake is divorced but is about to get married again to Anne his fiance he has 2 daughters but they live with their mother and he suffers from OCD.
Every morning when he gets to his office he straightens the photo of his girls makes sure all his Post-it notes are in order and does one square sudoku, he has all these foibles but Anne has managed him very well and not as bad as he once was.
He has a good team working for him all loyal each knows what they have to do and all get on as a team. This morning Ian Drake is called to a murder and the poor culprit has been bashed on the head which could be a hammer as such, but his body has been pinned down with croquet hoops on a bowling green.
Jack Holt an independent journalist working on a story about the Peel Foundation, some say it's a cult or is it just a company, but they don't like being investigated by a journalist.
Winder has a cousin very clever by all accounts got sucked in by these people and has given them all her inheritance that she was left. Mervyn Peel and his wife nasty pair think they are above the rest of us mere mortals, and this does not go down well with Drake. While digging into their finances another murder but this time one of Peel's own and laid out the same way as Holt.
Stephen Puleston certainly knows how to weave a story and the scenery in Wales is superb, which makes you want to check it out. It's good solid policing and the ending was not quite what I thought I do like to pit my wits with the ongoing story, just to see if I'm right.
I was given an ARC copy to read and this is an honest review no broken arms or legs, I promise.
Ian Drake is divorced but is about to get married again to Anne his fiance he has 2 daughters but they live with their mother and he suffers from OCD.
Every morning when he gets to his office he straightens the photo of his girls makes sure all his Post-it notes are in order and does one square sudoku, he has all these foibles but Anne has managed him very well and not as bad as he once was.
He has a good team working for him all loyal each knows what they have to do and all get on as a team. This morning Ian Drake is called to a murder and the poor culprit has been bashed on the head which could be a hammer as such, but his body has been pinned down with croquet hoops on a bowling green.
Jack Holt an independent journalist working on a story about the Peel Foundation, some say it's a cult or is it just a company, but they don't like being investigated by a journalist.
Winder has a cousin very clever by all accounts got sucked in by these people and has given them all her inheritance that she was left. Mervyn Peel and his wife nasty pair think they are above the rest of us mere mortals, and this does not go down well with Drake. While digging into their finances another murder but this time one of Peel's own and laid out the same way as Holt.
Stephen Puleston certainly knows how to weave a story and the scenery in Wales is superb, which makes you want to check it out. It's good solid policing and the ending was not quite what I thought I do like to pit my wits with the ongoing story, just to see if I'm right.
I was given an ARC copy to read and this is an honest review no broken arms or legs, I promise.
October 18, 2023
The victim was a journalist, his body pinned down with croquet hoops in a park. Jack Holt had been investigating the Peel Foundation, which offers help with self-learning. Holt believed the foundation was a scam and was gathering information on their finances and its’ owners, Melvyn Peel and his wife. Inspector Ian Drake leads the investigation. Holt’s partner, David Ackland, paints a picture of a solid relationship, but after interviewing him Drake has a feeling that something is off. Conversations with the neighbors and a background check on Ackerman opens more questions. Interviewing Mervyn Peel provides another challenge. He is arrogant and uncooperative when Drake insists on talking to his staff. Garett Winder, a member of Drake’s team, has a cousin who is part of the foundation. She has donated all of her money and cut all ties to her family because of their influence. A second body is discovered, also pinned to the ground with croquet hoops. The victim is an accountant for the foundation, but Drake finds another connection between the victims. Ackland, Holt and the accountant had all attended school together and the croquet hoops are tied to their school experience. With pressure from the press and his own superior Drake and his team are prepared to make an arrest, but author Stephen Puleston throws in a major twist that turns things around. Despite the pressures to solve the murders, Drake has the support of Annie, his fiancée. His first marriage fell apart under the pressures of his job, but Annie has brought a change to his life and the family now plays a more important part in his life. Ian Drake has his quirks that make him human and Puleston has written a mystery that will keep you guessing to the end. I was provided with a copy of Stone Cold Dead by the author through BookFunnel for my review.
October 23, 2023
Investigative journalist Jack Holt arranges to meet a contact of his in order to facilitate a meeting with the head of the Peel Foundation, a cultish place which purports to invoke wellness and self-fulfilment but which basically takes a lot of money off people for very little in return. The story he plans to write will be explosive. The next day he is found in a park, his arms and legs pinned to the bowling green by croquet hoops and dead from a massive head wound. DI Ian Drake and his team of DS Sara Morgan, DC Gareth Winder and DC Luned Thomas based at Wales Police Service’s Northern Division HQ at Colwyn Bay have a new murder case to investigate. As they dig into the foundation run by Mervyn and Martha Peel, they discover some disturbing elements in their business and it’s very close to home for Winder as his own cousin is one of their victims. Then other good suspects start to show up in Jack Holt’s life but the detectives are still baffled as to why the man’s body was posed the way it was. However when another body is found in an identical manner and with strong links to the Peels, the investigation takes a different direction altogether and the question Drake must face is how many more lives are in danger?
Drake's personal life is great with his mother now married to Elfed and his own forthcoming marriage to Annie and even his OCD is under control these days, which is good news as he will need all his time and energy to solve this strange case. This is a very solid police procedural featuring a great loyal team of detectives and some good suspects all seeming to have secrets to hide, in a clever and complex plot which culminates in an exciting ending. This is another highly engrossing story in an excellent series with very likeable main characters, and I am already looking forward to book twelve, Looking Good Dead, out next year.
Drake's personal life is great with his mother now married to Elfed and his own forthcoming marriage to Annie and even his OCD is under control these days, which is good news as he will need all his time and energy to solve this strange case. This is a very solid police procedural featuring a great loyal team of detectives and some good suspects all seeming to have secrets to hide, in a clever and complex plot which culminates in an exciting ending. This is another highly engrossing story in an excellent series with very likeable main characters, and I am already looking forward to book twelve, Looking Good Dead, out next year.
November 13, 2023
A freelance journalist is murdered on a bowling green. He was investigating a supposed cult that promises to revolutionise your life and fulfil your potential. DI Ian Drake and his team start investigating but there is soon another body...
Stone Cold Dead is the 11th book in the DI Drake series. I have previously read and reviewed the 10th book Time To Die.
Jack Holt is found dead on a bowling green, held in place by croquet hoops. DI Drake is instantly drawn to Holt's journalistic background and his focus on the Peel Foundation as a potential motive. But it becomes clear that there may be a personal suspect and motive until a second body is found.
The book is written in the third person throughout to show the police investigation. I really liked Drake's character. He also has a stable family life that is very important to him and further endeared him to me. Other police characters also have a personal link to the case which threatens their impartiality and focus.
The plot develops at a reasonable pace and there are two main lines of enquiry for the police team to investigate. There are little details of normality that make the characters seem authentic and natural, such as the on-off use of satnav. I also have to mention the realistic use of Welsh locations as I visited many of them on holiday this year!
Stone Cold Dead is a solid and enjoyable police procedural.
Stone Cold Dead is the 11th book in the DI Drake series. I have previously read and reviewed the 10th book Time To Die.
Jack Holt is found dead on a bowling green, held in place by croquet hoops. DI Drake is instantly drawn to Holt's journalistic background and his focus on the Peel Foundation as a potential motive. But it becomes clear that there may be a personal suspect and motive until a second body is found.
The book is written in the third person throughout to show the police investigation. I really liked Drake's character. He also has a stable family life that is very important to him and further endeared him to me. Other police characters also have a personal link to the case which threatens their impartiality and focus.
The plot develops at a reasonable pace and there are two main lines of enquiry for the police team to investigate. There are little details of normality that make the characters seem authentic and natural, such as the on-off use of satnav. I also have to mention the realistic use of Welsh locations as I visited many of them on holiday this year!
Stone Cold Dead is a solid and enjoyable police procedural.
October 14, 2023
Croquet, anyone?😕
The plot of this police procedural murder mystery set in Northern Wales was good with plenty of suspects and a police team that really gets along. Laying out the journalist victim in a public park with croquet stakes is original and it keeps the police bewildered until more murder ensues and the mystery of motive and opportunity deepens even further.
I like the quirks of OCD sufferer DCI Ian Drake, though the details of his morning rituals are repetitive and do nothing to advance the plot. But I will say Drake's idiosyncratic behaviors are greatly tone down from what they were three or four novels earlier in the series. His journey to a happier home life and better work-life balance is an interesting part of his character.
The author's writing is clear, to the point and made the story flow quickly despite the number of pages. I also like that Puleston sticks in little details that get buried in the heat of the full-scale investigation and led me to the culprit much sooner than the police!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
The plot of this police procedural murder mystery set in Northern Wales was good with plenty of suspects and a police team that really gets along. Laying out the journalist victim in a public park with croquet stakes is original and it keeps the police bewildered until more murder ensues and the mystery of motive and opportunity deepens even further.
I like the quirks of OCD sufferer DCI Ian Drake, though the details of his morning rituals are repetitive and do nothing to advance the plot. But I will say Drake's idiosyncratic behaviors are greatly tone down from what they were three or four novels earlier in the series. His journey to a happier home life and better work-life balance is an interesting part of his character.
The author's writing is clear, to the point and made the story flow quickly despite the number of pages. I also like that Puleston sticks in little details that get buried in the heat of the full-scale investigation and led me to the culprit much sooner than the police!
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
October 18, 2023
I love these Inspector Drake mysteries. He is such a novel character. His mental health and OCD tendencies have dimished greatly in the year or two I've known him.
The murders he encounters in this book involve the victims being pinned to the ground with croquet hoops. The origin of using croquet hoops in that manner was a novelty to me but apparently not unheard of in the real world.
I learned a good bit about the educational system in Wales. As a retired educator in the States, I found the differences between our systems to be fascinating. The school described here sounded like a real hellhole and scary as can be.
The differences in police procedures in our two countries is also something I enjoy reading about. Sometimes, the way things are done in Wales sounded so cumbersome and slow. Just getting an owner's name and address for a vehicle tag was a nuisance.
I also like how Drake loves his coffee and gets so much pleasure from a cup brewed properly. I'd love to share a cup with him.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
The murders he encounters in this book involve the victims being pinned to the ground with croquet hoops. The origin of using croquet hoops in that manner was a novelty to me but apparently not unheard of in the real world.
I learned a good bit about the educational system in Wales. As a retired educator in the States, I found the differences between our systems to be fascinating. The school described here sounded like a real hellhole and scary as can be.
The differences in police procedures in our two countries is also something I enjoy reading about. Sometimes, the way things are done in Wales sounded so cumbersome and slow. Just getting an owner's name and address for a vehicle tag was a nuisance.
I also like how Drake loves his coffee and gets so much pleasure from a cup brewed properly. I'd love to share a cup with him.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
November 9, 2023
Stone Cold Dead is another intriguing mystery from Stephen Puleston. The characters are realistic and relatable. All of the investigative details ring true. (I've read so many of the DCI Drake books I feel I'm as familiar with Wales police procedure as those in the US.) One of my favorite things about this series is that there isn't any exaggeration or hyperbole, There is plenty of action, both investigative and physical to keep the reader engaged. I also enjoy the balance Mr. Puleston provides between the investigation and Drake's home life. It is clear that while his job can absorb his time and attention, he has learned from past experiences not to forget his family either. It provides an excellent balance.
If you haven't read any books in this series I highly recommend that you do. They can be read in any order, but to fully appreciate the developing characters they are best read in order if you can.
I received a review copy from, the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.
If you haven't read any books in this series I highly recommend that you do. They can be read in any order, but to fully appreciate the developing characters they are best read in order if you can.
I received a review copy from, the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.
November 6, 2023
Another brilliant addition to the Inspector Drake Series.
Ian Drake is called to a murder scene, a body has been pinned to the ground with Croquet Hoops. A very bizarre way to leave a body. Initial investigations into the victim seem to indicate he was a likeable man with a very complicated life. Obviously someone, somewhere disliked him enough to end his life. But who?
It turns out to be a very complex case that has Drake and his team scratching their heads in the search for clues and reasons for the murder. When another body is found it appears the murders are linked to either the Peel Foundation or a school. Either way getting information proves to be very difficult.
Intrigue and suspense fills every page and the red herrings are many. Certainly a book that keeps the reader gripped all the way through.
A brilliant read that is perfect for anyone who loves Crime Fiction.
Ian Drake is called to a murder scene, a body has been pinned to the ground with Croquet Hoops. A very bizarre way to leave a body. Initial investigations into the victim seem to indicate he was a likeable man with a very complicated life. Obviously someone, somewhere disliked him enough to end his life. But who?
It turns out to be a very complex case that has Drake and his team scratching their heads in the search for clues and reasons for the murder. When another body is found it appears the murders are linked to either the Peel Foundation or a school. Either way getting information proves to be very difficult.
Intrigue and suspense fills every page and the red herrings are many. Certainly a book that keeps the reader gripped all the way through.
A brilliant read that is perfect for anyone who loves Crime Fiction.
September 30, 2023
Drake and his team, Luned, Winder and Sara find themselves investigating the murder of investigative journalist, Jack Holt.
Peel was looking into the Peel foundation, a cult by any other name.
The foundation is led by a charismatic individual who quickly becomes their focus of attention as Holt had arranged a meeting with Peel the very evening before he turned up dead, pinned the local bowling green with croquet hoops and his head bashed in.
When another death occurs they are forced to delve deeper.
What begins is a race against time to prevent more deaths while protecting the innocent at all costs.
This may be the 11th book in the series but my enjoyment of it has not been diminished.
Inspector Drake has quickly become one of my favourite detectives.
I look forward to reading his next investigation, hopefully I wont have too long to wait for book 12.
5* from me!
Peel was looking into the Peel foundation, a cult by any other name.
The foundation is led by a charismatic individual who quickly becomes their focus of attention as Holt had arranged a meeting with Peel the very evening before he turned up dead, pinned the local bowling green with croquet hoops and his head bashed in.
When another death occurs they are forced to delve deeper.
What begins is a race against time to prevent more deaths while protecting the innocent at all costs.
This may be the 11th book in the series but my enjoyment of it has not been diminished.
Inspector Drake has quickly become one of my favourite detectives.
I look forward to reading his next investigation, hopefully I wont have too long to wait for book 12.
5* from me!
September 28, 2023
An enjoyable addition to the DI Ian Drake series. He and his team are investigating two murders in which the victims are bound by croquet hoops.
There are several red herrings. One suspect in the first murder had a relationship with the victim that was never really explained. There didn’t seem to be a reason for this relationship and I would have liked more details about it.
Ian Drake has undergone a lot of personal growth, and his relationship with Annie is a pleasant contrast to his work duties. Winder, one of his team members, has a bigger role in this book and seems more well-rounded than in earlier stories.
I received an advanced review copy of this book from the author via BookFunnel, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
There are several red herrings. One suspect in the first murder had a relationship with the victim that was never really explained. There didn’t seem to be a reason for this relationship and I would have liked more details about it.
Ian Drake has undergone a lot of personal growth, and his relationship with Annie is a pleasant contrast to his work duties. Winder, one of his team members, has a bigger role in this book and seems more well-rounded than in earlier stories.
I received an advanced review copy of this book from the author via BookFunnel, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
October 19, 2023
Stone Cold Dead
Steven Puleston
This may well be the best Drake novel in the series. The story has great pacing and we see some new aspects of Drakes character. The supporting characters in the story are well crafted and believable. The discovery of a corpse pinned to a lawn bowling pitch with croquet hoops sets Drake off into an adventure where he encounters a dead journalist, a charismatic cult leader, and assorted other cultists including the leaders iffy wife. Along the way Drake ponders how a huge inheritance and public school hazing rituals fit into the mysterious maze he must solve. The whirlwind conclusion will hold your interest right to the end. As a side note I think it's time for Drake to share his Cafetiere process with his many coffee drinking fans.
Steven Puleston
This may well be the best Drake novel in the series. The story has great pacing and we see some new aspects of Drakes character. The supporting characters in the story are well crafted and believable. The discovery of a corpse pinned to a lawn bowling pitch with croquet hoops sets Drake off into an adventure where he encounters a dead journalist, a charismatic cult leader, and assorted other cultists including the leaders iffy wife. Along the way Drake ponders how a huge inheritance and public school hazing rituals fit into the mysterious maze he must solve. The whirlwind conclusion will hold your interest right to the end. As a side note I think it's time for Drake to share his Cafetiere process with his many coffee drinking fans.
October 19, 2023
I always look forward to a new book in this series, and this one does not disappoint. I love the ongoing development of the regular characters and how Winder is more prominent in this one. Puleston does a great job of making his regular characters feel very real and isn't afraid to show their bad side. Drake seems to be becoming more irritable and less tolerant professionally, which I'm sure is how someone in his position would be, yet a much better family man.
The mystery being investigated is complex and involving and draws you right in. As usual the setting is unique and is a character unto itself.
I would recommend this book whether you've enjoyed other books in the series or not, but I would say that you should definitely read them all.
The mystery being investigated is complex and involving and draws you right in. As usual the setting is unique and is a character unto itself.
I would recommend this book whether you've enjoyed other books in the series or not, but I would say that you should definitely read them all.
September 21, 2023
Stone Cold Dead - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
A murder-mystery case begins with a supposed tie to past events in the victim's life.
But should Inspector Drake take the murder scene at face value?
As Drake, Luned, Winder and Sara start the search for evidence and witnesses, it's revealed Winder has a personal connection to a member of the Foundation, that seems to lurk forebodingly at centre of the investigation.
Who are the Peels? Who's the second victim?
To see if you can sort through Stephen Puleston's red herrings and many clever twists to discover the merciless killer ahead of Drake and the team, grab yourself a copy of Stone Cold Dead today!
A murder-mystery case begins with a supposed tie to past events in the victim's life.
But should Inspector Drake take the murder scene at face value?
As Drake, Luned, Winder and Sara start the search for evidence and witnesses, it's revealed Winder has a personal connection to a member of the Foundation, that seems to lurk forebodingly at centre of the investigation.
Who are the Peels? Who's the second victim?
To see if you can sort through Stephen Puleston's red herrings and many clever twists to discover the merciless killer ahead of Drake and the team, grab yourself a copy of Stone Cold Dead today!
October 22, 2023
No spoilers in this review, here's what you need to know: Well-written with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing as you frantically turn the pages to get to the well-wrapped-up conclusion. I've never read a book by this author that I haven't liked/enjoyed and I think you'll get exactly what you're looking for in this murder mystery.
A journalist is murdered, but who did it and why? Detective Ian Drake is on the job once again. This series is nothing less than enjoyable and although it's a series you can pick up anywhere and start b/c the characters are very well developed... you'll want to go back and read the others...don't miss this excellent read!
A journalist is murdered, but who did it and why? Detective Ian Drake is on the job once again. This series is nothing less than enjoyable and although it's a series you can pick up anywhere and start b/c the characters are very well developed... you'll want to go back and read the others...don't miss this excellent read!
November 3, 2023
Stephen Puleston Inspector Drake Book 11 of 12 - STONE COLD DEAD. Jack Holt is an investigative reporter hot on the trail of an organization that says it gives members the tools to improve their personal lives and become better for it. Of course, you must give money. When Holt is found dead on the grounds of the local self help organization, it starts an investigation and exposes the secretive activities. These books are so well written that you want to keep reading to find out more about this book but also more about Inspector Drake. There are a few twists along the way to solving the murder, another murder in the same way as Holt. Book 12 will be published in early 2024.
October 19, 2023
Another goody from Stephen Puleston! I enjoy the pace of these books (steady, but not frenetic) and the procedural way in which the detectives unravel the mysteries. This one has plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to keep readers like me changing my mind about who is the guilty party until almost the end.
Even better is that the author is no longer afflicting DI Drake with a serious case of OCD. For me, the stories read much better with just some eccentricities that don't dominate.
Now I'm looking forward to the next one.
Even better is that the author is no longer afflicting DI Drake with a serious case of OCD. For me, the stories read much better with just some eccentricities that don't dominate.
Now I'm looking forward to the next one.
October 19, 2023
Excellent - another twisty case for DI Drake
DI Drake's prime suspect in the murder of an investigative journalist is the leader of sinister cult. But Drake soon finds that the journalist's life was complicated, bringing more suspects to light. Another puzzle is why the victim was pinned to the ground with croquet hoops. When a second victim is found in the same way, Drake and his team must connect the two case quickly to prevent further deaths.
DI Drake's prime suspect in the murder of an investigative journalist is the leader of sinister cult. But Drake soon finds that the journalist's life was complicated, bringing more suspects to light. Another puzzle is why the victim was pinned to the ground with croquet hoops. When a second victim is found in the same way, Drake and his team must connect the two case quickly to prevent further deaths.
October 19, 2023
Croquet and bodies!
I'll never look at croquet the same way again. DI Drake is tasked with solving the murder of a journalist that was pinned to a bowling green. Was it because he was trying to expose a cult for what it really was? Can Drake and the team solve the case before there is another murder? Fast passed with so much happening. Love the characters and locations in this series.
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
I'll never look at croquet the same way again. DI Drake is tasked with solving the murder of a journalist that was pinned to a bowling green. Was it because he was trying to expose a cult for what it really was? Can Drake and the team solve the case before there is another murder? Fast passed with so much happening. Love the characters and locations in this series.
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
October 21, 2023
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review
Another great novel by Stephen Puleston. The body of a journalist is found on a bowling green placed into position with croquet hoops. Is it related to the sinister cult he was investigating or perhaps something to do with his private life.
DI Drake & his team must work quickly to try & prevent any further deaths. As always, another gripping read by Stephen Puleston.
Another great novel by Stephen Puleston. The body of a journalist is found on a bowling green placed into position with croquet hoops. Is it related to the sinister cult he was investigating or perhaps something to do with his private life.
DI Drake & his team must work quickly to try & prevent any further deaths. As always, another gripping read by Stephen Puleston.
October 26, 2023
Anotther tense, thrilling DI Drake story from Stephen Puleston.
This is now quite a long series but the author manages to instil a freshness that means there is no hint of the books getting stale or predictable. Yes, DI Drake has the same team, the same support staff and he still has his own OCD to deal with, but he still manages to solve two killings, uncover financial impropriety and still find time to help plan his upcoming wedding.
Well worth reading.
This is now quite a long series but the author manages to instil a freshness that means there is no hint of the books getting stale or predictable. Yes, DI Drake has the same team, the same support staff and he still has his own OCD to deal with, but he still manages to solve two killings, uncover financial impropriety and still find time to help plan his upcoming wedding.
Well worth reading.
November 12, 2023
Pedestrian and easy to guess.
Stiff characters and unimaginative style. Why does everyone 'punch ' numbers into equipment? Satnavs, entry codes , phones are are all punched with numbers - it's repetitive and really annoying. Can't imagine why an editor hasn't picked that one up! I will leave the cardboard characters and totally transparent storyline ,grateful I didn't pay directly for this as it was free on Kindle Unlimited, and I won't be reading any more in this series.
Stiff characters and unimaginative style. Why does everyone 'punch ' numbers into equipment? Satnavs, entry codes , phones are are all punched with numbers - it's repetitive and really annoying. Can't imagine why an editor hasn't picked that one up! I will leave the cardboard characters and totally transparent storyline ,grateful I didn't pay directly for this as it was free on Kindle Unlimited, and I won't be reading any more in this series.
June 23, 2024
This book didn't disappoint as engaging as the ones that proceeded it. Inspector Drake still OCD but his relationship with Annie is smoothing out his compulsions. The rest of the team have developed into a cohesive unit, each with their own strengths and contribute to the plot and solution. Like all the other books, this was a hard on to put down, had to keep turning the pages. Sorry that I have started on the last of the series and know when finished it will be like losing a dear friend.
September 24, 2023
Stone Cold Dead is the first I have read in this series, but it works very well as a stand-alone. The story caught my attention from the very beginning. I like the OCD detective and his team. The story had red herrings enough to make it hard to put the book down! Who was the killer and why?
I enjoyed this mystery very much.
I enjoyed this mystery very much.
October 13, 2023
A murdered journalist is found with croquet hoops tying him down. He was investigating the Peel Foundation. It is a cult that fools people into giving them money. DI Ian Drake is investigating the Peel Foundation. Another murder victim connected to the Peel organization. Drake and his team Drake and his team incessantly are driven to solve the case.
October 21, 2023
I always enjoy the Police procedural books from Stephen and this latest one does not disappoint. The plot is up to date and features the dark side of cults and their followers and unusually this investigation hits close to home for one of the team investigating the murders. An enjoyable well written book.
April 14, 2025
Classic murder mysteries!
Really well written, great characters, well thought out murders.
It’s easy to pick up an Inspector Drake book, and lose yourself in a well thought out murder. The supporting Officers carry their weight, and the family members give each story a sense of more than just a book.
Really well written, great characters, well thought out murders.
It’s easy to pick up an Inspector Drake book, and lose yourself in a well thought out murder. The supporting Officers carry their weight, and the family members give each story a sense of more than just a book.
September 25, 2023
Another great book in the Inspector Drake series from Stephen Puleston. It was very tense at the end! This was a very convoluted investigation with a surprise ending. I've read every one of the author's books and can't wait for the next one.
February 7, 2025
Great series
Really enjoying this series. The main characters are likable and the storylines unpredictable.
I'm a big fan of detective novels and read a lot of them. I don't often keep reading the entire series one after the other! But these are so well written I am.
Really enjoying this series. The main characters are likable and the storylines unpredictable.
I'm a big fan of detective novels and read a lot of them. I don't often keep reading the entire series one after the other! But these are so well written I am.
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