In Service of Death

DCI Logan Crime Thrillers #17

by J.D. Kirk

It all started harmlessly enough. An egged window. A deflated car tyre. A few garden gnomes knocked over. But then, the silent calls began - late nights and early mornings, to landlines, and mobiles, and to numbers that no one should have access to.

At their wits' end, three former British Army soldiers, now living in the Highlands of Scotland, have no choice but to turn to the police for help.

And that is when the killing starts.

Brought in to lead the case, Detective Chief Inspector Jack Logan finds himself locked in a battle of wits with a meticulously organised murderer.

A murderer who has been planning all this for a very long time...

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Audiobook, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Scotland

382 pages, Paperback

First published July 25, 2023

About the author

JD Kirk is the pen name of multi-award-winning author, screenwriter, and writer of comics, Barry Hutchison.

JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.

Reviews

[Natalie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Logan’s words - I feel I need to roar FFF&$!@&$CK this one is good!

Why is this not a Netflix/Stan/someone/anyone series? And what am I going to do now that I’ve caught up on the series (and read all his other work)? October seems so far away for #18’s release…

The 17th instalment is heart stoppingly brilliant! All the characters are at their best. Tyler and Sinead, Hoon and an appearance of a sister, Logan and Shona (and a side story beginning with Olivia), Ben and Moira, Taggart…just bloody brilliant.

True reading pleasure.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

When is the next one out?

Well didn't expect to see Hoon, but what a great addition.
Another fantastic story please write quicker love the all.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to congratulate Mr. Kirk on this sometimes grim, realistic story that continues the mix of dark crime, sharp dialogue, Scottish humour and personal tension that the series is known for. The plot moves pretty quickly, with enough twists to keep you guessing without feeling overdone.

The supporting characters continue to grow and there’s always a sense of team even when they disagree. Their banter lightens the dark tone without undermining the seriousness of the crimes. The violence and themes in this one are more brutal than in some of the earlier books, but it suits the nature of the case. Kirk doesn't hold back which I like, but he also doesn't add gore just for shock which I like even more. Everything serves the story.

”What sort of world would it be if we all went around taking it out on someone else?” - DCI Jack Logan

Overall, it’s a fast, gripping crime/thriller with a believable cast, smart pacing, and a grim, nail biting ending. It builds on earlier books but can still be followed by someone jumping in fresh, though you’ll get more out of it if you’ve read the series in order. I enjoyed this one most I think, it kept me on edge all the way through. And of course Bob made a most welcome appearance..

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another volume from Kirk that I eagerly anticipated. From its announcement until the day it dropped. I picked it up the day after it released. Last year I discovered the writings of J.D. Kirk. I read about a book a week after reading my first DCI Logan novel. And this marks the 23rd under the Kirk name and almost 20 under the names Barry Hutchison and Barry J, Hutchison. So this is the 40th volume from this author in the last year that I have read. I have now read the first 17 in the DCI Logan series and all 4 in the Robert Hoon series, The first in the DI Heather Filson series as well as stand alone VIP exclusive short story. I picked the first for a few reasons, but mainly because authors Alex Smith and JE Mayhew have both recommended the author and series. I am a big fan of Smith’s DCI Kett novels and Mayhew’s DCI Will Blake Series. I have been hooked since that first read. I had no idea how addictive Kirk’s books would be or that like Mayhew and Smith, Kirk publishes under three different names. Kirk publishes children books as Barry Hutchison, and other adult fiction as Barry J. Hutchison. He has published over 200 books across the three pen names. If I had known that or I might not have picked up this first one. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published. Being caught up now on his works as J.D. Kirk I will have to wait for each new one to come out, and this volume was well worth the weight. But back to this volume.

The description of this novel is:

“It all started harmlessly enough. An egged window. A deflated car tyre. A few garden gnomes knocked over. But then, the silent calls began - late nights and early mornings, to landlines, and mobiles, and to numbers that no one should have access to.

At their wits' end, three former British Army soldiers, now living in the Highlands of Scotland, have no choice but to turn to the police for help.

And that is when the killing starts.

Brought in to lead the case, Detective Chief Inspector Jack Logan finds himself locked in a battle of wits with a meticulously organised murderer.

A murderer who has been planning all this for a very long time...”

This story starts with a single murder on Detective Constable Tyler Neish first day back with the team after paternity leave. But like many of the team’s cases something about this one seems off. Three men have all been harassed for over a year now. Prank phone calls, property damage, and more. But now one of their wives have been murdered. At first the team has some suspicions, but though the men have something to hide it is not what they expected. As the investigation proceeds Logan takes a beating, a team member is captured. And soon Sinead and Hoon have joined the team to put extra boots on the ground.

This is a police procedural that gets in the dirt and grime. Both of the case, and while on this case, history of the war in Bosnia. Sometimes crimes long though forgotten come back to haunt you even twenty years later.

I am beginning to feel like Tyler is the red shirt in the Kirk novels. If something can so sideways and it often does, it seem to happen to him more often than not. And this time might be the worst.

I stayed up way to late finishing this story. I just could not put it down. And when I had to it was constantly on my mind. This is another excellent read in a great series. I love the three series written under the pen name J.D. Kirk are definitely Scottish Mysteries, and I can see the comparisons with Smith’s and Mayhew’s works, as well as several other more mainstream names. Each time I finish a book by Kirk it takes willpower not to just pick up the next one and keep going, no matter what name they were published under. I have now read all the books published buy this author under this name, and I am looking forward to that new series that has been teased. I love that the stories are set in Scotland! This book and series would be great reads for fans of Jack Reacher, Jack Ryan, or Temperance Brennan. I state it again this is a great read in an excellent series! One of the best in the series!

[Natalie Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant.

[Jake Donnelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very solid entry into the jd Kirk series and unfortunately the last one in this direct series available to me rn :( the wait begins for the next one

[Karly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ this series never lets me down - LOVE IT!!!

DCI Jack Logan is back investigating another gruesome death with the team.

I am not going to do a full synopsis, by now if you are reading this series you are fully immersed, and like I will say every time… if you are not starting at book one - you are missing all the fun AND a lot of the stories I would say… these follow on directly from each other so highly recommend reading in order.

I love these books - J.D. Kirk has a few series but this one is the absolute best. The characters are fully developed but keep getting better… the added addition of Tammy Joe is fun and also supremely annoying (just like it is meant to be).

Hoon, as others have mentioned is back in this one and might I say I am enjoying his friendship with Sinead. I did think we got a bit more of the dark deviousness back in this story that some of the earlier books had and I was super worried for a time there… thats all I will say though… no spoilers from me.

I am not going to go deep into this one… mostly if you are a fan you will love it. If you haven’t tried it I highly recommend it… however it won’t be for everyone… it has A LOT of swearing in it. This is Scottish fiction and written like it… I love it but if you are easily offended this won’t be for you… if you are going to start… please do yourself a favour and start at number one. It is well worth it.

Get into it!!! And bring on book 18!!!

[Fiona Verner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Logan series and, for the most part, enjoyed this one. Fast-paced plot and Kirk’s trademark humour kept me reading. But, oh man, I hate Tammi-Jo! I find her intensely irritating; she’s a female Tyler and another Tyler is not needed! The constant convoluted explanations of every utterance got my goat, so much so that I skipped over her bits and didn’t lose the thread. I’m really hoping she doesn’t become a fixture in future novels!

[Yuli Atta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I finish one of these I wonder how is it that they get better and better
I also wonder what I'm gonna do after I've caught up...

[David Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning! You won't want to put this book down. So reserve a day and meet all of J.D.Kirk's brilliant characters. They all get to play a part here, but Tyler Neish fans get an extra large helping of their favourite DC.

The action level is high and there are plenty of surprises. I won't spoil your fun and say too much, but i feel sure you will be holding your breath often. J.D.Kirk's cliff-hangers at the end of chapters ensure you'll be turning the pages.

The only sad thing is we need to wait a while for Kirk's next book now. But there's more from Alex Smith and David J. Gatward to look forward to.

Buy "In Service of Death." I very much doubt if you'll be disappointed.

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Words

Standing Ovation

That’s it.

Loved it

Best book

Of the

Series yet

Go buy

The book

But start

At book 1

If you want comments etc my kindle notes is where they go to hide on Goodreads. If you just want to read a bloody good book, & have not read this author, you MUST start at book one, this series, these characters, they’re not just fiction, they’re family, & like all family matters you need to know the good, the bad, & the downright ugly.

I WAS going to make a quirky Big Board review of sorts with 2 words per line, & now look! I’m writing a bloody review! & I very very rarely write one of these.

If you like Stuart MacBride, MW Craven, Angela Marsons,Peter James (it is NOT unisex!) ((have to read the book to get that!)) etc etc think of ALL the great UK crime detective procedural novels, then your having the best day of your life, as your about to get 22 freaking fantastic books to sit down & read! (That’s including the offshoot books) ((& I literally just now noticed there’s a NEW Hoon book!))

Now as Hoon would say “fu.. off & go get your stinking wee hand out of your trouser pockets long enough to hit ‘buy now’ like your ….

P.S The F R O G is a keeper!

[Jilrene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic mystery! I guessed correctly at the halfway point, but that didn't affect my enjoyment. It was still suspenseful and well done. I really enjoy this series and am jumping into the next book right away.

[BLD · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book didn't hang together quite as well as most others in the series.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Service of Death is Book Seventeen in the DCI Logan Crime Thrillers by J. D. Kirk. Three former British Army Soldiers living in the Highlands of Scotland started having strange things happening to them, but when they began to receive phone calls, they asked for help from law enforcement officers. However, they did not realise this would end up with the murder of the wife of one of them, which caused DCI Jack Logan and his team to become involved. The readers of In Service of Death will continue to follow DCI Jack Logan's team's investigation to discover what happens.

I can become bored with the characters and plots in a series that has developed over a long time. However, this has not happened with this series and In Service of Death is another fantastic addition to this excellent series. I engaged with the story and continued my love affair with the main characters of this series. I love J D Kirk's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. In Service of Death is well-written and researched by J. D. Kirk. I like J. D. Kirk's description of the settings of In Service of Death, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

The readers of In Service of Death will realise the consequences for civilians during conflicts. Also, the readers of In Service of Death will learn about a unique security future on Tesla cars called Sentry mode.

I recommend this book.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, Angus King is the best narrator in the business. I love the variety of voices and accents he can pull off. The Jack Logan series just keeps getting better and more outrageous. Yes, there is humor and some of the characters like Bob Hoon and Tyler and Moira are a hoot, but these are not cozy mysteries. There are also some gritty crimes to solve and real danger and serious police work. The humor and quirky way Mr. Kirk writes sometimes just helps lighten the darkness. And JD Kirk is a very good writer and I love how he puts things. In this book, the plot has many interesting elements and I did not guess the bad guy(s) until the end. And the end has a really big, unexpected development that I certainly did not see coming, As usual, the police team gets bruised and bloody and they use some colorful language, especially when Hoon is on board. It is so much fun to catch up on the lives of the recurring characters and you feel like they are old friends now

[Kenzie Leckie ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILER
TRIGGER WARNING: Violence against animals and SA

Okay I think I’ve read wayyy too many Logan books now because I’m pretty much guessing the twist before we find out. But what makes it better is the characters and team that really makes reading these books so interesting.

I find I enjoy reading their interactions together more than working out the case. I love getting glimpses into everyone’s life and how they’ve grown over the last few months and I’m always excited to start the next one.

[Millie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely loved every book in this series, they always get 5 stars. This book however, I want to give 6 or even 7 stars!!

The emotion shown by Jack towards Tyler and Taggart had me tearing up! And Tyler's love for Sinead is just amazing, Moira and Ben, aww just lush!!

Never mind the crime, which again I didn't work out, but I just love the characters ans I need more, like very soon! 🤣

[KAY BOSHIER · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly good

It's good to read a police procedural in which the main characters are generally cheerful and supportive of their team. Tammi-Jo, or whatever her name is, is hard to take and her endless banal chatter goes on too much, but it is easy enough to just skim over that. I like happy endings.

[Harriet Shearsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one, I didn’t quite get the twist although I had an inclining that I dismissed earlier! Cleverly done. Side note: JD, I will write a stern email that will make Moira seem like a Miss World contestant if you ever write a Taggart storyline like that again! NO SIR!

[margaret chalmers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant service.

Another stunningly good story. What a team with Logan at the head. Plot? Oh if you must. Neish is back from maternity leave. First day back and a window cleaner sees a corpse. Over to the team. We have a lovely mix of ancient guilt, vengeance, kidnapping of a cop. Who? Oh, go on guess!. Who else? Torture, jokes, Sinead and Hoon, that unlikely pairing off to the rescue, Ben courting, the new female pc endlessly rabbitting on, a murderer on the run, and Logan battered in body and heart....The villain has the nerve to hurt Taggart. Oh, no, not the dog! Then at the end a touch of romance for Ben and storm clouds on the horizon for Logan. The dread child Olivia, daughter of the Russian crime boss, in distress, is snug in his home and, I predict, destined to remain there. Great stories to come. Please hurry. I need another Logan fix.

[Elinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very tense one.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh this one is a brilliant read.
There’s a bit more violence in store in this book and I admit to being worried at times,….
Loved it!

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another brilliant outing by JD Kirk with the Logan team with a little help from Consultants. The menace in this book is considerable with a sadistic killer about, but the humour is expertly woven between the darkness. Great book.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better. My favourite one yet!

[Thần số học số 11 và ý nghĩa chi tiết của nó]

Thần số học số 11 và ý nghĩa chi tiết của nó

Bạn băn khoăn và muốn biết ý nghĩa của Thần số học số 11 là gì? Nó thể hiện điều gì về tính cách, cuộc sống và các mối quan hệ của những người mang con số vua này? Mời bạn theo dõi bài viết dưới đây để có lời giải đáp thỏa đáng nhé.

=============>>>Tìm hiểu về Thần Số Học Biểu Đồ Ngày Sinh chính xác nhất tại đây.

Đặc điểm chung của Thần số học số 11

Người mang Thần số học số 11 là người có trực giác tốt và năng lực về tâm linh. Họ là người khá nhạy cảm, giàu lòng trắc ẩn, rất đáng tin cậy và trung thực, công tâm.

Về tính cách, người số 11 là con người của tình yêu, có lòng khoan dung và đồng cảm. Họ không phải là người tham vọng, đồng thời cũng không thích dẫn đầu.

Đặc điểm chi tiết của Thần số học số 11

Nếu bạn đang tò mò về năng lực cũng như tính cách của Thần số học số 11 thì hãy tham khảo những phân tích dưới đây.

Năng lực

Người có Thần số học số 11 thường có một trực giác vô cùng nhạy cảm. Họ luôn khao khát muốn phát huy toàn bộ khả năng trong công việc và cuộc sống. Bên cạnh đó, những người này còn có khả năng về tâm linh, nếu sử dụng đúng thì họ sẽ nhận được nhiều sự tốt đẹp.

Người có Thần số học số 11 thường có một trực giác vô cùng nhạy cảm

Ngoài ra, người số 11 thường có sự nhạy cảm rất cao trong công việc và cuộc sống, vì vậy họ luôn dồn hết sức mình cho công việc được giao, nên họ nhận được nhiều sự tin tưởng từ các lãnh đạo.

===============>>>>Tham khảo ngay về Con Số Chủ Đạo Là Gì và những điều cần biết.

Tính cách

Người có Thần số học số 11 thường có tính cách khoan dung, sẵn sàng hi sinh vì người khác, đặc biệt là trong chuyện tình cảm. Họ luôn biết yêu thương, đồng cảm và làm cho cuộc sống gia đình luôn êm ấm, thuận hòa. 

Trong cuộc sống, những người này không có nhiều tham vọng nên họ không thích bon chen và cạnh tranh với người khác. Bởi vậy, số 11 dễ dàng nhận được sự thấu hiểu từ người khác.

Những điều mà người mang Thần số học số 11 cần khắc phục?

Người mang Thần số học số 11 tiềm ẩn khả năng tâm linh, song họ chưa biết cách tận dụng để tạo nên khả năng đặc biệt cho bản thân. Số 11 dễ bị đời sống vật chất thu hút mà quên mất sứ mệnh đặc biệt của mình.

Những người này thường hay bị cám dỗ bởi vật chất và một khi đã bị cuốn vào thì sẽ rất khó để dứt ra. Do đó, số 11 cần phải tỉnh táo, có định hướng tốt và phải chắc chắn với lựa chọn của mình. Hãy giữ ý thức và sự nhận thức ở mức cao nhất để có thể bước đi vững chắc trên con đường chân chính của bản thân.

Ý nghĩa chỉ số linh hồn của Thần số học số 11

Người mang chỉ số linh hồn 11/2 sẽ có cảm xúc thăng trầm rất mãnh liệt

Những người mang chỉ số linh hồn 11/2 sẽ có cảm xúc thăng trầm rất mãnh liệt, đôi khi họ có thể rất ích kỷ. Hãy đảm bảo rằng bạn đang sử dụng khả năng thuyết phục của mình cho 1 mục đích xứng đáng, thay vì để thao túng hay trục lợi cá nhân. Bạn mang lại phẩm chất tinh thần sâu sắc cho bất kỳ mối quan hệ nào.

Hướng phát triển tốt nhất cho Thần số học số 11

Người mang Thần số học số 11 có tố chất của một người lãnh đạo tài ba, song họ thường quên đi năng lực bản thân mà lao vào những thứ vô bổ. Chính vì vậy, số 11 cần phải sống và suy nghĩ tích cực mỗi ngày để có thể phát huy tốt nhất sứ mệnh tâm linh của mình. Nếu đi theo những điều tiêu cực, cuộc sống của số 11 sẽ khó khăn nên hãy tránh xa nó nhé.

Do người mang Thần số học 11 sẽ theo tâm linh nhiều hơn nên tính chất công việc của họ cũng thường nghiêng về phong thủy và tâm linh. Điều này vừa giúp họ phát triển bản thân, vừa có công việc nghiêm túc và có thể phát huy được mọi khả năng của mình, mang đến nhiều may mắn và thành công hơn trong cuộc sống.

Qua những phân tích về ý nghĩa của Thần số học 11 mà chúng tôi vừa chia sẻ trên đây, chắc hẳn bạn đã hiểu rõ hơn về tính cách, công việc của những người mang con số may mắn này. Để khám phá thêm nhiều kiến thức thú vị về Tra Cứu Nhân Số Học và các con số còn lại trong Thần số học, bạn đừng quên ghé thăm website nhansovietnam,com nhé. 

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can I be honest here? I felt like I had already read this book. The plot was similar to others in the Logan series with Tyler always getting into a mess. I love the characters - Logan and Shona’s relationship in particular, but I getting really worn down by every word out of Hoon’s mouth beginning with FXXX. I won’t read the series where he is the main character because of that. I really wish there was a way to edit out the profanity. It’s way over used and makes the book less enjoyable for me.

[Pamela Paterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to say 3.5 stars mainly because I thought it was too long and while there is a certain amount of the ridiculous to the DCI Logan books it went too far this time. The only thing that was surprising was that Shona's new pathology assistant wasn't the killer. I also think that it's time to cut Tyler some slack, between being hit by cars, testicular cancer and kidnappings he deserves a bit of a break.

The bacon rolls were lacking as well in this story but then again it was set within a day.

[Wayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enough!

I can barely get through the books in this series anymore. Way too much smarm. I think it’s time for Tyler to go. He’s NOT lovable, cute, heart warming or necessary. Kill him off. Don’t make him a plot element. Start the next book about 6 months after his passing. Maybe an auto accident where he’s on the tracks with another woman. Whatever. Just make him go away!

[Lee Michael piner · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant

Another brilliant & thoroughly enjoyable edition to the series, looking forward to the next one already…. Wish I didn’t have to wait so long