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DI Gardener #10
Impunity
A young woman passes out on the streets of a quiet village… unfortunate, but surely not a serious incident. That’s until Yorkshire police discover the terrible truth.
The victim has had her kidneys removed. Inevitably, she doesn’t survive the ordeal.
Who could even think of doing such a thing, let alone carry it out?
That’s what Detective Stewart Gardener and his team will have to determine.
Yet even if the cops find the perpetrator, they’ll be faced with someone who has a trick up their sleeve to escape being held accountable for their actions.
Will a cruel killer once again escape justice?
The victim has had her kidneys removed. Inevitably, she doesn’t survive the ordeal.
Who could even think of doing such a thing, let alone carry it out?
That’s what Detective Stewart Gardener and his team will have to determine.
Yet even if the cops find the perpetrator, they’ll be faced with someone who has a trick up their sleeve to escape being held accountable for their actions.
Will a cruel killer once again escape justice?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2023
46 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Ray Clark
38 books35 followersThe British Fantasy Society published Ray Clark's first work in 1995 - Manitou Man: The World of Graham Masterton, was nominated for both the World and British Fantasy Awards. In 2009, Ray's short story, Promises To Keep, made the final shortlist for the best short story award from The Tom Howard Foundation. Ray is based in Goole, and has set his Gardener and Reilly crime series in nearby Leeds.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 17, 2023
The story:
When Chloe Harrington, daughter of eminent transplant surgeon Sir Michael Harrington, dies outside Bramfield police station, her cause of death is unknown. But her post mortem reveals that something truly horrifying has occurred — both her kidneys have been removed. DI Stewart Gardner and DS Sean Reilly from the Leeds Central Major Investigation Team are brought in, and their investigation leads them into the murky world of organ trafficking.
But when another victim is discovered, it seems that something more personal is at play. Will Gardner and Reilly be able to unearth the killer, and more bafflingly, the motive?
My thoughts:
“Impunity” by Ray Clark is the tenth book in the DI Gardner series, and the story really starts with a bang, with the discovery of a young woman outside small-town police station Bramfield. She dies before an ambulance can arrive, and it soon becomes clear that something very nasty has happened to her — both her kidneys have been removed. The (unlikely!) coincidence soon emerges that she is none other than the daughter of a transplant surgeon, and the team work hard to investigate all angles, including the possibility of organised crime and organ trafficking.
Unusually for a crime novel, a month goes by after the killing with no strong leads; to the point where Gardner and Reilly’s DCI declares it a cold case and pulls the duo away to work on other cases. But three months later they’re back in the thick of it when another murder occurs, in the same macabre manner, and with a victim they know only too well…
I enjoyed getting to know the detective duo of Gardner and Reilly, and this book was easily read as a standalone despite the series being so well established. The plot kept me hooked until the end, with the most intriguing thing being the motive for the killings and why they occurred in such a terrible way. Despite the potential for organised crime, the path leads us closer to home, and the final resolution was both exciting and satisfying. Overall, this is an enjoyable read for crime thriller fans, and another series I’ll plan to read more from!
When Chloe Harrington, daughter of eminent transplant surgeon Sir Michael Harrington, dies outside Bramfield police station, her cause of death is unknown. But her post mortem reveals that something truly horrifying has occurred — both her kidneys have been removed. DI Stewart Gardner and DS Sean Reilly from the Leeds Central Major Investigation Team are brought in, and their investigation leads them into the murky world of organ trafficking.
But when another victim is discovered, it seems that something more personal is at play. Will Gardner and Reilly be able to unearth the killer, and more bafflingly, the motive?
My thoughts:
“Impunity” by Ray Clark is the tenth book in the DI Gardner series, and the story really starts with a bang, with the discovery of a young woman outside small-town police station Bramfield. She dies before an ambulance can arrive, and it soon becomes clear that something very nasty has happened to her — both her kidneys have been removed. The (unlikely!) coincidence soon emerges that she is none other than the daughter of a transplant surgeon, and the team work hard to investigate all angles, including the possibility of organised crime and organ trafficking.
Unusually for a crime novel, a month goes by after the killing with no strong leads; to the point where Gardner and Reilly’s DCI declares it a cold case and pulls the duo away to work on other cases. But three months later they’re back in the thick of it when another murder occurs, in the same macabre manner, and with a victim they know only too well…
I enjoyed getting to know the detective duo of Gardner and Reilly, and this book was easily read as a standalone despite the series being so well established. The plot kept me hooked until the end, with the most intriguing thing being the motive for the killings and why they occurred in such a terrible way. Despite the potential for organised crime, the path leads us closer to home, and the final resolution was both exciting and satisfying. Overall, this is an enjoyable read for crime thriller fans, and another series I’ll plan to read more from!
June 20, 2023
Clark has a really enjoyable writing style, it flowed so well and pulled me in to the story immediately – I flew through the pages! The engaging storyline is filled with intrigue and mystery from the outset which increases at a great rate as we move through the pages.
I loved the eerie atmosphere created and the crisp chapters further hooked me in to the story. This is an unusual case to say the least and as the unanswered questions stack up it seems it may be impossible to solve!
DI Gardener comes across as clever, observant and the perfect person to take on this case. He’s a hugely likeable character and a great leader – he listens and runs the team well welcoming everyone’s input. The interactions amongst the team were entertaining and I liked their realistic dynamic as they work the case.
We follow the team as they investigate and it’s interesting finding out about Chloe – her interests, her family, social life and her health struggles. You feel a part of the search as they interview witnesses and try to piece together her last movements.
As the trail runs cold a second murder victim is found with a similar MO – what’s the connection? What’s the killer’s motive? As we learn the chilling facts and the hunt for the disturbing killer intensifies, it’s a race against time before another life is taken!
Impunity has a brilliant plot, strong characters and emotional scenes. This read well as a stand-alone but has made me want to begin at the start of the DI Gardener crime series. It’s unpredictable with revelations that will leave you reeling!
If you like fiction by Rhys Dylan, Jack Cartwright, or Damien Boyd then this is the series for you!
With thanks to @thebookfolks and @T1LOM for my gifted copy and place on the Tour.
I loved the eerie atmosphere created and the crisp chapters further hooked me in to the story. This is an unusual case to say the least and as the unanswered questions stack up it seems it may be impossible to solve!
DI Gardener comes across as clever, observant and the perfect person to take on this case. He’s a hugely likeable character and a great leader – he listens and runs the team well welcoming everyone’s input. The interactions amongst the team were entertaining and I liked their realistic dynamic as they work the case.
We follow the team as they investigate and it’s interesting finding out about Chloe – her interests, her family, social life and her health struggles. You feel a part of the search as they interview witnesses and try to piece together her last movements.
As the trail runs cold a second murder victim is found with a similar MO – what’s the connection? What’s the killer’s motive? As we learn the chilling facts and the hunt for the disturbing killer intensifies, it’s a race against time before another life is taken!
Impunity has a brilliant plot, strong characters and emotional scenes. This read well as a stand-alone but has made me want to begin at the start of the DI Gardener crime series. It’s unpredictable with revelations that will leave you reeling!
If you like fiction by Rhys Dylan, Jack Cartwright, or Damien Boyd then this is the series for you!
With thanks to @thebookfolks and @T1LOM for my gifted copy and place on the Tour.
June 20, 2023
Impunity is a fast-paced, addictive detective crime thriller. If you’re in search of a book that you’ll race through effortlessly, then this is the perfect book for you.
Impunity is the tenth book in the DI Gardener series but do not worry if you’re like me and are only just discovering Clark as this book can be read as a standalone. That being said, I cannot believe this is the tenth book and I am only just discovering the series, I desperately need to go back and read books one - nine. And if that doesn’t tell you how much I enjoyed this book, nothing will!
If you are anything like me and have a very strong dislike for detective / crime novels that leave you with a thousand unanswered questions then your brain will love this book as Clark ensures nothing is left unresolved. By the end everything is tied up, even if its just a quick sentence to explain why a suspect has been cleared, and my lil brain was so thankful!
Impunity is the tenth book in the DI Gardener series but do not worry if you’re like me and are only just discovering Clark as this book can be read as a standalone. That being said, I cannot believe this is the tenth book and I am only just discovering the series, I desperately need to go back and read books one - nine. And if that doesn’t tell you how much I enjoyed this book, nothing will!
If you are anything like me and have a very strong dislike for detective / crime novels that leave you with a thousand unanswered questions then your brain will love this book as Clark ensures nothing is left unresolved. By the end everything is tied up, even if its just a quick sentence to explain why a suspect has been cleared, and my lil brain was so thankful!
June 16, 2023
This was a new author and a new series for me. Right from the first sentence I was glued to my reader. The story starts with a cup of tea and someone listening to a BBC mystery radio play, as if old times are reviving. Outside, however, tragedy plays out,when first a young woman and later a young man are found dead,their organs having been removed. I loved the story, with nice references to sleuths from earlier times, indeed some very famous names do pass by in this setting.... is that really Mr. Chesterton suddenly appearing on the scene!? Oh, and there are more.... The plot develops slowly without getting boring. At the end however, it gets t remendously exciting, and what a twist at the end! The epigraph is a bit of a clue;I enjoyed it very much, it ticked all the boxes for me, I definitely want to read more from the author!
June 15, 2023
I received a free copy to review, as part of a book tour for The Book Folks.
I haven't heard of this series before, but I liked this book a lot, and would be interested in reading more from this series.
Initially, I was surprised by how pleasantly cosy this felt to read. After reading only the first few pages, I began to feel at home in the setting. I quickly warmed to the characters, and I was very invested in the story, turning the pages quite quickly. The story was entertaining, and I found it a very light, easy read.
Thank you to The Book Folks for the opportunity to read and review.
I haven't heard of this series before, but I liked this book a lot, and would be interested in reading more from this series.
Initially, I was surprised by how pleasantly cosy this felt to read. After reading only the first few pages, I began to feel at home in the setting. I quickly warmed to the characters, and I was very invested in the story, turning the pages quite quickly. The story was entertaining, and I found it a very light, easy read.
Thank you to The Book Folks for the opportunity to read and review.
June 16, 2023
Although this is the 10th book in this series, I didn't feel like any information was left out or that I had to read the other books to understand what was happening. It can definitely be read as a standalone.
The plot was interesting and I liked the gradual progression of events. The plot twists were well done and I was kept curious right until the end.
The characters were well developed, some of them were more likeable than others.
This is the first book I've read by this author but I'd definitely read more.
*Thank you to The Book Folks and Ray Clark for providing this ARC. This is my own opinion and an honest review, which I am leaving voluntarily*
The plot was interesting and I liked the gradual progression of events. The plot twists were well done and I was kept curious right until the end.
The characters were well developed, some of them were more likeable than others.
This is the first book I've read by this author but I'd definitely read more.
*Thank you to The Book Folks and Ray Clark for providing this ARC. This is my own opinion and an honest review, which I am leaving voluntarily*
Read
July 16, 2023Impunity is a crime/thriller with a pace and story, so engrossing and suspense inducing that you won't even want to take time to blink.
Despite being the 10th book in the bestselling Northern Crime series. Impunity also holds its own as a standalone story. However, I liked it so much. I will be adding the previous 9 to my tbr.
The plotline and inclusions of police procedure and medical content have clearly been thoroughly researched and excellently constructed and executed.
With danger, revenge, familial dysfunction, lies, secrets, intrigue, n=murder, red herrings and believable and relatable characters. Impunity is a must read for bookworms across the board.
Despite being the 10th book in the bestselling Northern Crime series. Impunity also holds its own as a standalone story. However, I liked it so much. I will be adding the previous 9 to my tbr.
The plotline and inclusions of police procedure and medical content have clearly been thoroughly researched and excellently constructed and executed.
With danger, revenge, familial dysfunction, lies, secrets, intrigue, n=murder, red herrings and believable and relatable characters. Impunity is a must read for bookworms across the board.
June 20, 2023
This was an enjoyable crime thriller with a good story and a good set of characters.
After a young woman meets her untimely demise outside of the police station, DI Gardiner and his team are thrown into a gruesome investigation with some surprises in store.
Even though this is the 10th book in the series, I didn't feel like I was missing anything or couldn't connect with the characters. The story was gritty and started perfectly with the first chapter. There were references to previous books, and as they are available on KU I can start the series from the beginning.
After a young woman meets her untimely demise outside of the police station, DI Gardiner and his team are thrown into a gruesome investigation with some surprises in store.
Even though this is the 10th book in the series, I didn't feel like I was missing anything or couldn't connect with the characters. The story was gritty and started perfectly with the first chapter. There were references to previous books, and as they are available on KU I can start the series from the beginning.
July 29, 2025
Luckily found book 10!!
Had recently completed books 1 to 9 and thought that was it! But luckily found book 10 . I do really recommend this series. There are twists in the tails the characters are very likable and I could not put them down. It was a case of " on just one more chapter"
Had recently completed books 1 to 9 and thought that was it! But luckily found book 10 . I do really recommend this series. There are twists in the tails the characters are very likable and I could not put them down. It was a case of " on just one more chapter"
June 16, 2023
This was my first book by this author and it definitely will not be my last, I really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down.
The book is well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters. I thought the plot was fresh and original and had me turning pages at the speed of light.
It was twisty and unpredictable and kept me guessing, I didn't want it to end. I can't wait to read more
The book is well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters. I thought the plot was fresh and original and had me turning pages at the speed of light.
It was twisty and unpredictable and kept me guessing, I didn't want it to end. I can't wait to read more
June 19, 2023
Another great story
Another great story the DI Gardener series. Great characters and an excellent story line that kept me gripped and wondering right to the end. Hoping that there will be many more to come in the series.
Another great story the DI Gardener series. Great characters and an excellent story line that kept me gripped and wondering right to the end. Hoping that there will be many more to come in the series.
December 5, 2024
How Did the Victim Live Without Her Kidneys?
A brilliant surgeon's daughter lays dead and there is no trace of the circumstances that took her life. Was the cause organ stealing or something closer to home
A brilliant surgeon's daughter lays dead and there is no trace of the circumstances that took her life. Was the cause organ stealing or something closer to home
July 22, 2025
This is a great story, adding to the previous ones in the series. Great to see Gardener getting the best out of his team under very trying circumstances. Looking forward to no. 11.
Julian Tremayne, Cromer, Norfolk
Julian Tremayne, Cromer, Norfolk
November 24, 2025
This is an all night read!
Please keep writing the DI Gardener series! Every one a fascinating read and totally great twisted plots. best series I've read in ages!
Please keep writing the DI Gardener series! Every one a fascinating read and totally great twisted plots. best series I've read in ages!
June 30, 2024
A young female is found dying behind the Bramfield police station, her previously transplanted kidneys removed. But why, by whom and how. DI Gardener and his team investigate. Then some months later another body, this time with their liver removed.
An enjoyable modern mystery
An enjoyable modern mystery
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews