When the Law Needs Help

Dwight & Conrad Casefiles #1

by Jackie Keswick

Can love, loyalty, and family step in when the law needs help?

Join Jack Horwood and Gareth Flynn as they tackle murder, secrets, and moral dilemmas in a world where the law isn't always enough - while finding comfort in each other and their home-made family.

The first volume of Dwight & Conrad Casefiles stories

Mouse Hunt When a friend's death and old secrets collide, Jack has no choice but to step up and help.

A Very Bagpuss Christmas Can adopting a cat really cause so much heartache that Jack considers escaping to Tokyo? Can Gareth fix what's going wrong?

Grand Union Hunt Gareth lives to help people. But should he obey the law or follow his conscience?

When the Law Needs Helpis a collection of three stories set in and featuring the characters from the Power of Zero world.

Genres: M M Romance, Mystery, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT, Suspense

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2023

About the author

Jackie Keswick writes a mix of suspense, action adventure, fantasy and magical realism. She loves stories with layers, plots with twists and characters with hidden depths. She adores friends to lovers stories, tales of unexpected reunions and second chances, and men who write their own rules. She blogs about English history and food, has a thing for green eyes, and is a great believer in making up soundtracks for everything, including her characters and the cat.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH JACKIE:
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LIST OF BOOKS

Reviews

[Cadiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Horwood and Gareth Flynn are two of my all-time favourite book characters and Zero Rising and The Power of Zero, which tell their story, are two of my all time favourite romantic suspense series.

I've read each of the individual stories included in this new collection previously but I don't think I've actually reviewed them on Goodreads.

Mouse Hunt - This story introduces the volume and it's a difficult one for Jack, because it concerns the sudden death of someone he's known since he started working for the service as a 14-year-old when Rio took him off the streets and gave him a home.

It's possible Jon Briggs, a former top class M16 operative, has been murdered, but does it involve his work as a spy, or is there something closer to home to blame?

This is only vaguely close to a cosy mystery imho, so don't expect that type of vibe! Instead we get to see Jack coming to terms with this very personal loss while rooting out secrets in the small village that Jon had made his home.

A Very Bagpuss Christmas - This follows directly on from Mouse Hunt and we see Jack still struggling to come to terms with Jon's death. The presence of a new member of the family isn't helping, so Jack ponders whether escaping to Tokyo for the festive season might help.

Of course, Gareth and the boys, Daniel and Nico, have other ideas, as does the titular character Bagpuss, a beautiful ball of fluffy cat which Jon had adopted and who's now decided Jack's his new human.

This story provides a nice break and a bit of a breather as Jack comes to realise his family will be there for the bad, as well as the good, and Christmas is a time to reinforce those bonds of love.

And finally, a story only the beautifully magpie mind of Jackie Keswick could have authored imho.

Grand Union Hunt - We finish this instalment with an absolute belter of an investigation which sees Gareth taking the lead and we're in his head for this story which flips between hilarious and deadly serious.

It begins with Daniel coming home upset that a lady he knows who runs a small market stall selling cakes and other baked goods has been arrested for selling drugs. He's indignant and Gareth thinks it'll be a quick case of asking his former Army commander, and friend, Aiden Conrad to help her.

When he point blank refuses, Gareth's faced with a dilemma, take things into his own hands, or leave it up to the authorities. This story is my favourite as we get to see what makes Gareth Flynn tick.

What's kept him adhering to his own personal standards and ethics might be a sticking point in finding out just what's going on and how psychedelic honey came to be involved in the cupcake frosting!

A trip away on a narrowboat up and down the Grand Union Canal gives Gareth time to spend alone with Jack, and makes him face up to a few home truths too, while they track down a mysterious beekeeper who might just be running a serious sideline in drug smuggling.

I always love spending time in Jack and Gareth's world, they're such a gorgeous couple. The steam's always on the lower end of the scale but the emotional connection and trust between them is off the charts.

This is a great addition to The Power of Zero world.

#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours. I am voluntarily reviewing this book

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mouse Hunt: That small village proves that nowhere is safe enough. Jack has let so few people into his life and having to lose one in this manner is infuriating af. I'm glad Gareth and the boys visited, at least a little something of Jon was saved.

A Very Bagpuss Christmas: I loved that even though Bagpuss came into the family under sad circumstances he helped Jack chip away a little more of the wall he has up. Jack is learning that family is for the bad as well as the good, Happy Christmas indeed.

Gran Union Hunt: Never would have thought that a case involving some funny honey would be the impetus for Gareth to step out of his comfort zone. As always, Jack and Gareth we a dynamic team. I love seeing them work together.

These three stories were wonderful snapshots of change for these wonderful characters.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars for these three short stories about Jack, Gareth, and their family.
I absolutely adore Jack. He is such a great character, and his character development over all these years was very well done.

I loved him in these stories as well, and it is nice to see that in some cases, he did more of the growing than Gareth
Don't get me wrong: Gareth is dream worthy, but sometimes he was a bit too perfect for me, and I love my MCs a bit flawed.

These three stories are very interesting and lovely to read.
I am really looking forward to more stories .... and I would love to have one about Raf and Nico (and I know he is too young for that now, but maybe in the future ...)

This book is a great addition for all who love the Zero series

[PaperMoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a pleasant foray back into the Jack and Gareth world - it's been a couple of years actually. The ongoing care these guys are putting into helping Nico and Daniel heal (emotionally and physically) from the terrible traumas inflicted on them is amazing. I love the new addition to their found family unit and anticipating what the author will be bringing to the table in the upcoming books for the series involving other significant characters/friends from their professional and private worlds. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackie is a fascinating writer; like her character Jack, she’s got a mind like a magpie, and while I never know what’s coming next, I inevitably appreciate the results. When the Law Needs Help is a trio of stories featuring my favorite Jackie Keswick characters, Jack and Gareth. Each of the three comprises a vignette or small adventure in their lives together, and each lends a strong sense of character growth and development to at least one of the men.

Mouse Hunt, while on the face of it a murder mystery, doubles as Jack’s first chance to say goodbye to someone from the stability of his new life as a family man. A Very Bagpuss Christmas continues Jack’s struggles, while Grand Union Hunt has Gareth doing some soul searching about his role in activities both sanctioned and un-. All three are entertaining and can be read as standalones, but also fit seamlessly into the canon.

Jackie takes nothing for granted, and even a little short about a Christmas gone not quite according to plan tells us, and her, more about Jack and Gareth’s backgrounds, philosophies, motivations, or character. Jack’s arc, from abused boy to family man, has been in some sense predictable. Gareth’s, as witnessed in stories like Grand Union Hunt, is in some ways more surprising. He, and we, often assume he’s got everything under control as Jack tries to figure out ‘normal’, but in truth those days are past. Jack is an equal partner in the relationship, but occasionally Gareth forgets. Those are moments – and stories – of utter humanity, as far as I’m concerned, a character stripped bare. That Jackie can do that, not once, but many times, all in settings of rather thrilling mystery and adventure, is a strong measure of her insane talent. As long as Jackie writes these two compelling characters, I will be lining up to read their stories.

[S.K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting set of short stories, set in the Power of Zero universe. It was really excellent to be back with Jack and Gareth, to fall back into their world and be swallowed up by the fascinating life they lead.

Jack has always been such a vulnerable character to me, and I worried about him being away from Gareth, Daniel and Nico whilst dealing with his grief from the death of one of the few people in his life that he has been able to rely on. I loved all of the small details that help immerse you in the world – you could almost feel like you were the home they had built for themselves, watching as they used their skills to help people who might otherwise not have a voice.

Before reading, I wondered if I should try to do a quick recap on the previous books, but the details came flooding back as soon as I began reading. Not that re-reading the previous books would have been onerous – I had almost forgotten Jackie Keswick’s ability to throw you in at the deep end whilst ensuring that you could keep up with what was going on – a deft hand is used to keep you interested in the spy/drug dealing/murderous goings on whilst concentrating on the things that matter – the relationships being revealed on page.

This is not a traditional MM romance – Gareth and Jack are an established couple with a rich history – but it was enjoyable to see them working and growing together, with the compromises and promises that they have made to make their relationship work, and the way that they are still learning about each other. I’m quite looking forward to reading more of the Dwight and Conrad Case-files – if you are looking for an immersing, absorbing read with great characters and interesting stories, you can’t go wrong with this series.

I received an ARC from GRR.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still need to catch up on all of Jack and Gareth’s stories, but had no problem following this collection of novellas. The characters are wonderful and real, and I love Jack and Gareth’s relationship and the life they’ve built together with Nico and Daniel. The mysteries are cozy, but with a few twists that kept me guessing.

I liked how the stories explore both Jack and Gareth, and show how well they mesh together, each providing what the other doesn’t. They both need to look at themselves and how they handle situations and learn how to move forward and change some of their mindset.

I loved the small-town mystery in Mouse Hunt, which is very aptly named. It has everything I like about small-town stories, with an interesting mystery which didn’t go in the direction I’d thought.

I love Bagpuss. What a brilliant name for a cat! I love how quickly he’s settled into his new home. Gareth’s cooking is wonderfully descriptive and makes me wish I could sample it! I love Gareth for so many reasons. He’s supportive, and caring, and knows when not to push things too. I enjoyed the family, and friends as family, feel to A Very Bagpuss Christmas.

Grand Union rounds out the collection with another mystery with several twists. I loved the change of pace, the canal/long boat setting, and Gareth’s realisation that he needs to make some changes.

I’m looking forward to seeing more of Aidan in future stories.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mouse Hunt" is a captivating series of stories that may seem like murder mysteries on the surface, but they also offer a deeper exploration of Jack's personal journey into becoming a family man and leaving his past behind. The stories "A Very Bagpuss Christmas" and "Grand Union Hunt" further delve into Jack's struggles and Gareth's reflections, respectively, on both sanctioned and unsanctioned activities. Each story in the series is intriguing in its own right, yet also seamlessly fits into the larger narrative.

Jack is an interesting character who values each moment, and even a short story about a Christmas that doesn't go as planned provides valuable insights into the backgrounds, philosophies, motivations, and characters of Jack and Gareth. Although Jack's character arc from an abused boy to a family man may be somewhat predictable, Gareth's journey is full of surprises, especially in stories such as "Grand Union Hunt." While Gareth may appear to have everything under control while Jack adapts to a "normal" life, the reality is that those days are long gone. Jack is an equal partner in their relationship, though sometimes Gareth forgets this fact. These moments and stories reveal the humanity and vulnerability of the characters, particularly Gareth, who is occasionally laid bare.

[Edga · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been an age since I read the original "Zero' books about how Jack and Gareth got together, however, I'd not forgotten the couple, so this volume was a welcome surprise, and allowed me a bit of a catch up.

All three stories were good reads. I loved how they showed Jack and Gareth's bond, and how deep their love had grown. In one of the stories Jack experienced a devastating loss, his grief was palpable, Gareth, the boys, and Bagpuss the cat, were there to help and support him throughout. It's clear that they know Jack better than himself, and came together to comfort him and lend a hand in his healing.

On the whole, the volume shows the importance of a supportive and loving family, which Jack did not have. I loved how even though the group had been through many emotional trials and tribulations, it was all about jack and Gareth making the world a safer place to love for their boys.

[Alexis Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and loved the Power of Zero series and following Ms.Keswick's daily tales of Jack, Gareth, and the boys during the Covid lockdown of 2020, I jumped at the chance to ARC this new book. Now I admit I'm a little out-of-date (and missed reading Dating Games), but this was a wonderful way to reconnect with the family I'd so missed.

Three short-story mysteries encompass this book, each so different it was an absolute pleasure. I loved seeing some of the side characters and learning new bits of the main characters' backstories (Mouse Hunt), how a cat becomes the newest family member (Bagpuss), and recalling the canals of London that I'd seen on a visit many years ago (Grand Union). Each story wove vivid descriptions and OMG the food!! I'm pretty sure my tummy rumbled several times.

This collection is best read after meeting everyone in the Power of Zero.
Enjoy... and thank you, Ms. Keswick, for bringing these men back into our lives.

[Alias11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved these shorter vignettes from Jack and Gareth's life. Any stories Jackie writes about these two, I will happily gobble up. They seem like opposites in many ways on the surface, but deep down they share most of the same convictions about right and wrong, love and justice. How they go about achieving those convictions sometimes vary, but doesn't the end justify the means? The more I read about these two, the more I love them. Jack especially has grown and opened up (to those he trusts) so much since we first met him, buy Gareth has too, although in often subtler ways. I loved their stories, and I hope Jackie keeps writing more.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of Jack and Gareth! It's been an age since I read the original "Zero' books about how Jack and Gareth got together, however, I'd not forgotten the couple, so this volume was a welcome surprise, and allowed me a bit of a catch up.
I love the short stories in When the Law Needs Help that give us more peaks into their lives.
The rich history between these two men adds such depth to their love story.
Ever evolving and growing deeper as time moves on.
This was a treat to read.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first foray into ‘The Power of Zero Casefiles’ which is perfect for what so many people feel. The stories are tightly written with tension threaded throughout. All of the characters are compelling in their own right and it becomes addictive as the stories flow together.

I cannot thank GRR enough for the ARC. So much good reading ahead of me!

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the world created in the Power of Zero books and this chance to read three stories about Gareth and Jack and how their lives are changing was wonderful. As expected, everything isn't smooth sailing for these two but growth comes from unexpected sources and we get some mystery, some law dilemmas and a cat story which definitely ticked my box as a cat owner.

[Leonie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack and Gareth become super sloops for reasons other than their usual. There are some growing pains, some sadness, but for the boys they now love as their own they go looking for what landed a sweet little old lady in trouble. Surprise after surprise comes their way. Such a good read! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Vintage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

This is one of these series that you can walk back into after a few months or even years and remember everything after a few pages. I read a ton of books and sometimes it’s hard to remember the characters in a story, but not these two. Jack and Garett are total relationship goals. Hope there are more to come.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are the first books I've read by this author and I was so excited to read them. I absolutely loved these characters and the stories throughout this volume. These three stories were so fun to read and I can't wait to read more by Jackie Keswick.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The law is in need of help so see if love, loyalty and family can step in to help it all go well. This is a great tale following them when trouble comes and they need to help them find the truth. What is going to happen? How will they all get on? See how it will all go

[Marsha L Respess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read these stories before on her website and was so happy to get the e-book with all the stories collected together. I love Jack and Gareth so much and Daniel and Nico and of course Bagpuss(you know Jackie has been around cats)and spending time with them is so enjoyable and makes me happy.

[Sandy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read. I stayed up way to late reading it. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is about Jack and Gareth. This was my first read by this author. I thought it was well written and the characters were good together. I received an arc of this book for my honest review.

[Loulou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jack, Gareth and their family