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DCI Harry Grimm #15
Dead Man's Hands
A hated outsider. A shocking death. And everyone has a reason for murder… DCI Harry Grimm is settling into the rhythms of Yorkshire. Though he knows the idyllic rural landscape can hide dark deeds, the methodical investigator trusts his colleagues to guard his back. And it’s easy to keep dodging discussions about the future when he’s called to a crime scene with a body that’s missing both hands. Identifying the victim as a city property developer who moved to the countryside, Grimm links him to a recent meeting about the affordable housing crisis. And learning the deceased man had angered too many locals to count, the determined detective and his team labor to eliminate an endless list of suspects. Can Grimm bring the case home, or will the clever killer slip through his fingers? Dead Man's Hands is the enthralling fifteenth book in the DCI Harry Grimm Crime Thrillers series. If you like imposing heroes, fast-paced mysteries, and gruesome theatrics, then you’ll adore David J. Gatward’s grisly clues. Buy Dead Man's Hands to grasp at the truth today!
Perfect for fans of L. J. Ross, J. D. Kirk, Adam Croft, Simon McCleave, Alex Smith, J. M. Dalgliesh, J. E. Mayhew, and J. R. Ellis.
Perfect for fans of L. J. Ross, J. D. Kirk, Adam Croft, Simon McCleave, Alex Smith, J. M. Dalgliesh, J. E. Mayhew, and J. R. Ellis.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2023
1738 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
October 23, 2023
I had tried two of these DCI Grimm books previously and didn't like them but was attracted to the description of this one. Did manage to read through overnight to avoid getting out of bed and visiting my laptop to get something I might like better. I guess each of the books I have read in this series I have enjoyed the character Harry Grimm to some extent. The events of this book are beyond the realm of believability. It is rustic and stilted and I advise myself to not read any others.
due to-
Kindle Unlimited
due to-
Kindle Unlimited
September 26, 2023
Sorry- this book was dreadful. I have read and enjoyed every book in this series but gave up on this one. I have cancelled my pre-order of next in the series if this is where the Grimm series is going. Maybe the author didn't actually write this one? Sorry David; may be time to retire Harry. Alwyn Percy
September 1, 2023
Dead Man’s Hands by David Gatward is book 15 in the DCI Harry Grimm police crime thriller series and each book in the series gets better and better.
This was a very clever mystery about who killed Lance and why, there were many suspects that could have but only one who did.
Highly recommended
September 3, 2023
Excellent
Another terrific installment in the series. I always look forward to the next book not just for the murder mystery but to find out more about the characters who feel like extended family at this point.
Another terrific installment in the series. I always look forward to the next book not just for the murder mystery but to find out more about the characters who feel like extended family at this point.
May 5, 2024
Dead Man's Hands is book fifteen in the DCI Harry Grimm series by David J. Gatward. DCI Harry Grimm was having a lovely day with Grace, his girlfriend, and her father when Constable Jadyn Okri interrupted the day with a murder case. At first, DCI Harry Grimm and his team could not work out why until threatening letters turned up, which helped Harry focus on the right avenue to investigate. The readers of Dead Man's Hands will continue to follow DCI Harry Grimm to discover what happens.
I love this series, and Dead Man's Hands continues my love affair with the characters and stories that make up this series. Dead Man's Hands is another book I had trouble putting down until I finished. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Dead Man's Hands is well-written and researched by David J. Gatward. I like David Gatward's description of the settings of Dead Man's Hands, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Dead Man's Hands will learn about the dangers of overdosing on sleeping tablets and the beautiful Aysgill Force near Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales.
I recommend this book.
I love this series, and Dead Man's Hands continues my love affair with the characters and stories that make up this series. Dead Man's Hands is another book I had trouble putting down until I finished. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Dead Man's Hands is well-written and researched by David J. Gatward. I like David Gatward's description of the settings of Dead Man's Hands, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Dead Man's Hands will learn about the dangers of overdosing on sleeping tablets and the beautiful Aysgill Force near Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales.
I recommend this book.
September 3, 2023
There’s Only One Problem…
There’s Only One Problem with this authors books, he doesn’t write fast enough!
Once you start reading the books featuring Grimm & his team, you just do not want to stop.
They’re full of nasty, & some stupid, baddies, red herrings that seem to swim rings around you, storylines that just don’t know when to stop (that’s not such a bad thing though!) & of course one of your favorite crime busting teams in print!
If you love Alex Smith, J.D Kirk, M.W Craven etc then you’ll LOVE this series, & make sure if your a first time reader, start at book one, you really do need to know, & love, the backstories, & the characters themselves.
So, Mr Gatward, where’s book 16?…….
There’s Only One Problem with this authors books, he doesn’t write fast enough!
Once you start reading the books featuring Grimm & his team, you just do not want to stop.
They’re full of nasty, & some stupid, baddies, red herrings that seem to swim rings around you, storylines that just don’t know when to stop (that’s not such a bad thing though!) & of course one of your favorite crime busting teams in print!
If you love Alex Smith, J.D Kirk, M.W Craven etc then you’ll LOVE this series, & make sure if your a first time reader, start at book one, you really do need to know, & love, the backstories, & the characters themselves.
So, Mr Gatward, where’s book 16?…….
January 28, 2025
Another great one in this series.
September 2, 2023
Excellent!
Literally couldn't put this one down. Ended up finishing it in the dark, with my husband sleeping beside me. Gatward is a stellar author whose books never fail to entertain. Highly recommend!
Literally couldn't put this one down. Ended up finishing it in the dark, with my husband sleeping beside me. Gatward is a stellar author whose books never fail to entertain. Highly recommend!
September 2, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I have with all previous 14 Grimm novels. Great reading and place descriptions make me want to move there. Highly recommend David J Gatward to all crime fans. You won’t be disappointed.
September 2, 2023
Fantastic crime thriller
For fans of Ann Cleeves and murder mysteries set in stunning locations. The characters and locations are wonderfully described as always. Couldn't put this down I lost a whole day.
For fans of Ann Cleeves and murder mysteries set in stunning locations. The characters and locations are wonderfully described as always. Couldn't put this down I lost a whole day.
September 2, 2023
Top notch
DCI Harry Grimm Book No.15 and a very good read .I'm really getting to love the characters and the Settings.. its a good murder story and kept Me guessing until the end
DCI Harry Grimm Book No.15 and a very good read .I'm really getting to love the characters and the Settings.. its a good murder story and kept Me guessing until the end
September 2, 2023
Harry and the crew are back
Excellent work as usual. Enjoyed the latest mystery with Harry and his colleagues. Looking forward to the next adventure with the crew.
Excellent work as usual. Enjoyed the latest mystery with Harry and his colleagues. Looking forward to the next adventure with the crew.
September 2, 2023
Excellent
I read it in one go it was so good! And laughed out loud a lot too. Thoroughly recommend this series. It helps that I'm familiar with the area
I read it in one go it was so good! And laughed out loud a lot too. Thoroughly recommend this series. It helps that I'm familiar with the area
October 5, 2023
Such a great book. Wonderful fully developed characters a strong story and a few twists!
I love this series.
I love this series.
March 31, 2024
My Thoughts:
By the time you get to this book, you must have read the last 14 books in this series. In which case, you are undoubtedly a fan of Harry! Well, so am I!
Wonderful story telling quality! Beautiful world building and loveable characters!
I'm trying to make this book last because waiting for it from the last time I've heard Aubrey Parsons was a very long wait indeed! I missed the gruff voice! I missed Harry!
Aubrey Parsons is undoubtedly a talented voice-over artist and would buy audiobooks by him again.
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4.5
World building = 5
Cover art = 4.5
Pace = (8 hrs and 13 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
By the time you get to this book, you must have read the last 14 books in this series. In which case, you are undoubtedly a fan of Harry! Well, so am I!
Wonderful story telling quality! Beautiful world building and loveable characters!
I'm trying to make this book last because waiting for it from the last time I've heard Aubrey Parsons was a very long wait indeed! I missed the gruff voice! I missed Harry!
Aubrey Parsons is undoubtedly a talented voice-over artist and would buy audiobooks by him again.
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4.5
World building = 5
Cover art = 4.5
Pace = (8 hrs and 13 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
September 19, 2023
I have loved all of the Harry Grimm thrillers until now. Just cannot read any more of them. I do not choose to read about gay and lesbian themes and wish that writers did not feel they have to add these details to their stories. This is supposed to be about solving crimes, not the too personal lives of all of the detectives in the story.
October 31, 2023
Dead man's hnds
Sorry David but you seem to be running out of steam or new ideas. Your putting more of your own views into the stories than those of Harry. I still love the characters in your bike and would recommend them to anyone but feel as though you are moving forward to rapidly. Maybe a break from Harry would help. Maybe develop some the rest of the team a little further.
Sorry David but you seem to be running out of steam or new ideas. Your putting more of your own views into the stories than those of Harry. I still love the characters in your bike and would recommend them to anyone but feel as though you are moving forward to rapidly. Maybe a break from Harry would help. Maybe develop some the rest of the team a little further.
October 23, 2023
Maybe 2.5 stars, but this really was one of the weaker installments in the series. As much as I like my dose of Harry Grimm every other month, Dead Man's Hands felt rushed. There's a lot of room for David J. Gatward's typical praise of the Northern Yorkshire region and the peculiarities of its inhabitants, which always gives those books a homely, cozy atmosphere.
But the case itself, despite a seemingly gruesome murder, felt lackluster and the investigation somewhat uneventful. Then, there are several minor subplots regarding some of Harry's colleagues and one about his personal love life crammed in there and either forgotten about or dealt with within a couple of pages.
Additionally, while David J. Gatward generally seems to be an open minded guy, every once in a while, he targets a specific type of people that seems to annoy him and writes some cartoonishly overdrawn, wildly stereotypical version of said type of people into his stories, seemingly only to vent his personal annoyance. Previously, his animosity fell on journalists and this time around, tourists seem to have earned his wrath. I get it, sometimes tourists misbehave in the regions they are visiting, sometimes out of inconsideration, sometimes because they don't know any better. The tourists we meet in Dead Man's Hands though are written as such pompous, self-important blowhards that you can't help but feel that this is more like a personal vendetta to Gatward.
Anyway, the main problem here really is the lackluster and rushed style in which almost every part of the novel apart from the usual Dales worship is handled. Thus, Dead Man's Hands feels more like a filler episode in a long running sunday evening procedural rather than an engaging crime thriller.
But the case itself, despite a seemingly gruesome murder, felt lackluster and the investigation somewhat uneventful. Then, there are several minor subplots regarding some of Harry's colleagues and one about his personal love life crammed in there and either forgotten about or dealt with within a couple of pages.
Additionally, while David J. Gatward generally seems to be an open minded guy, every once in a while, he targets a specific type of people that seems to annoy him and writes some cartoonishly overdrawn, wildly stereotypical version of said type of people into his stories, seemingly only to vent his personal annoyance. Previously, his animosity fell on journalists and this time around, tourists seem to have earned his wrath. I get it, sometimes tourists misbehave in the regions they are visiting, sometimes out of inconsideration, sometimes because they don't know any better. The tourists we meet in Dead Man's Hands though are written as such pompous, self-important blowhards that you can't help but feel that this is more like a personal vendetta to Gatward.
Anyway, the main problem here really is the lackluster and rushed style in which almost every part of the novel apart from the usual Dales worship is handled. Thus, Dead Man's Hands feels more like a filler episode in a long running sunday evening procedural rather than an engaging crime thriller.
December 31, 2024
This series is one of my favourite finds of the year. To say that I am invested is a severe understatement. Harry Grimm is one of those characters that you cannot help but fall in love with. Despite his spiky, ornery demeanour, he is just misunderstood. He believes that he is Grimm by name and grim by nature, but that could not be further from the truth. An army veteran (medical discharge) he joins the force in Bristol, however, his maverick attitude and lack of rule abiding soon has him sent to "coventry" out of sight, out of mind. He is seconded to the Dales, as far from his comfort zone as possible. However, the Dales are magical, and Harry soon becomes to love it there, including the Wensleydale on fruit cake. Each book is fabulously written, the characters are amazing and you cannot help but fall in love with them and the Dales. One of my favourite series.
September 12, 2023
Another excellent book in what is an excellent series from David J Gatward.
The team is back again, and we find out about some feelings that may have been left hidden in previous books. There's also more humour here, so enjoy that too.
And a new PCSO? Yes, and someone we already know from previous stories.
All in all, a most enjoyable book. And please, if you haven't read any of these DCI Harry Grimm books before, do consider starting at the first and working up to Dead Man's Hands. You could start at the fifteenth book, but why not enjoy them all?
The team is back again, and we find out about some feelings that may have been left hidden in previous books. There's also more humour here, so enjoy that too.
And a new PCSO? Yes, and someone we already know from previous stories.
All in all, a most enjoyable book. And please, if you haven't read any of these DCI Harry Grimm books before, do consider starting at the first and working up to Dead Man's Hands. You could start at the fifteenth book, but why not enjoy them all?
September 25, 2023
To say this is my favorite cozy mystery series is an understatement. Yeah, these can be dark, but the characters are SOOOO good that it's more like hanging out in a pub with a good friend and a pint than it is a murder mystery. I am grateful that Mr. Gatward has been so successfully prolific in his writing. It is so satisfying to reach the end of the story and have a pre-order option ready for the next publication only a month or two away. I enjoy spending time in The Dales with the characters. It's literary escapism at its finest.
September 17, 2023
This is a superb addition to the series with Harry Grimm. A tough storyline with fascinating insights for all the members of the team. By the end of the book, a number of the team have issues to confront which may impact on their future careers so with book 16 in the wings we may soon find out. It also helps that the places are real and I must make the effort to explore the Dales.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
July 28, 2024
Introspection
The murder story compelling, however the introspection on relationships was, IMO, well done. As a person who don't have jobs 'serving' the public, it's easy to be unaware of the toll it takes on public servants. This story sensitively talks about the people who help us. I appreciate the way the author has represented the MCs and their challenges both in the workplace and their private lives.
The murder story compelling, however the introspection on relationships was, IMO, well done. As a person who don't have jobs 'serving' the public, it's easy to be unaware of the toll it takes on public servants. This story sensitively talks about the people who help us. I appreciate the way the author has represented the MCs and their challenges both in the workplace and their private lives.
July 28, 2024
I’ve read 15 of these books now and have not written a review before. I have just read some of the other reviews because I thought it might have been just me. Didn’t enjoy this book as much as all the others. It was a bit flat. Hoping the next one will pick up the energy we’re used to with Harry and his team. Oh and please don’t spoil the relationship between him and Grace. Love her wry sense of humour.
September 6, 2023
Great story
This mystery gives Harry and the gang quite a challenge. They're spoiled for choice when it comes to motive when a man no one liked is found dead, but the means is a bit of a puzzle and everyone seems to be leaving big gaps in their stories. Harry is genre to sort it all out but he's a bit short handed, which may spell trouble in paradise for Grace and Harry.
This mystery gives Harry and the gang quite a challenge. They're spoiled for choice when it comes to motive when a man no one liked is found dead, but the means is a bit of a puzzle and everyone seems to be leaving big gaps in their stories. Harry is genre to sort it all out but he's a bit short handed, which may spell trouble in paradise for Grace and Harry.
September 11, 2023
I just love Harry and his team
I have read every one so far. David certainly knows his Yorkshire folk. I love the plots and the banter. David brings the characters to life, and cake and Wensleydale takes me right back to my childhood. Thank you David for these very entertaining books.
I have read every one so far. David certainly knows his Yorkshire folk. I love the plots and the banter. David brings the characters to life, and cake and Wensleydale takes me right back to my childhood. Thank you David for these very entertaining books.
September 18, 2023
5 stars again
I would give it 10 if I could. I love the way the characters continue to be fresh and yet familiar. The way Harry has his personal problems and they get tangled with his professional life which just happens to be murder. And all the while introducing us, the reader, to the people of the area he lives in. A mixed bag if ever there was.
I would give it 10 if I could. I love the way the characters continue to be fresh and yet familiar. The way Harry has his personal problems and they get tangled with his professional life which just happens to be murder. And all the while introducing us, the reader, to the people of the area he lives in. A mixed bag if ever there was.
September 20, 2023
an excellent series continues
Not only a good crime thriller but a cast of characters that you care about and then the Yorkshire countryside too.
If a crime thriller book can be described as a joy to read, then each book in this series is just that. I recommend the DCI Harry Grimm books to everyone.
Not only a good crime thriller but a cast of characters that you care about and then the Yorkshire countryside too.
If a crime thriller book can be described as a joy to read, then each book in this series is just that. I recommend the DCI Harry Grimm books to everyone.
October 6, 2023
Hope it's not the end!
I enjoy this series - Harry, the dogs and the people you start to feel you actually know, or would like to know! There is such a camaraderie between all the characters that even if the plot was a bit thin - it isn't - the reader would be willing to overlook it. On to the next!
I enjoy this series - Harry, the dogs and the people you start to feel you actually know, or would like to know! There is such a camaraderie between all the characters that even if the plot was a bit thin - it isn't - the reader would be willing to overlook it. On to the next!
July 29, 2024
dead man’s hands
Another great book but still can’t understand the ending from the previous book in this series thought this one was going to carry on having a break from the dci harry Grimm series next as there’s a new book out in the James Craig series by John Carson which I will be reading next then I will come straight back to the next book in the harry grimm series
Another great book but still can’t understand the ending from the previous book in this series thought this one was going to carry on having a break from the dci harry Grimm series next as there’s a new book out in the James Craig series by John Carson which I will be reading next then I will come straight back to the next book in the harry grimm series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews