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DI Fenchurch #10
Hope to Die
New knee, new danger.
Fresh from his recovery from knee surgery and an ordeal that took him to the brink, DCI Simon Fenchurch is back on the job with renewed vigour... and a new boss.
On the gritty streets of East London, DCI Simon Fenchurch is on the hunt for a sadistic predator. Seventies rock legend Rusty Rivers—Britain’s answer to Neil Young—is found mutilated in his opulent Greenwich mansion, and Fenchurch’s Major Investigation Team races against time to catch the perpetrator.
Their pursuit leads them to Kanyif Iqbal, a dangerous Scottish rapper with a shocking motive: he claims Rivers was hiding a dark secret involving a missing 13-year-old girl. As Fenchurch’s own painful past resurfaces, his resolve to uncover the truth becomes an obsession. Rivers denies the accusation, but Fenchurch won’t stop until he’s scoured the British Isles to bring justice to those who deserve it most—and discover her location.
In this heart-pounding police procedural, will DCI Fenchurch find the truth before it’s too late?
Fresh from his recovery from knee surgery and an ordeal that took him to the brink, DCI Simon Fenchurch is back on the job with renewed vigour... and a new boss.
On the gritty streets of East London, DCI Simon Fenchurch is on the hunt for a sadistic predator. Seventies rock legend Rusty Rivers—Britain’s answer to Neil Young—is found mutilated in his opulent Greenwich mansion, and Fenchurch’s Major Investigation Team races against time to catch the perpetrator.
Their pursuit leads them to Kanyif Iqbal, a dangerous Scottish rapper with a shocking motive: he claims Rivers was hiding a dark secret involving a missing 13-year-old girl. As Fenchurch’s own painful past resurfaces, his resolve to uncover the truth becomes an obsession. Rivers denies the accusation, but Fenchurch won’t stop until he’s scoured the British Isles to bring justice to those who deserve it most—and discover her location.
In this heart-pounding police procedural, will DCI Fenchurch find the truth before it’s too late?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2023
125 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 31, 2023
Published as Hope to Die
DCI Simon Fenchurch has returned to the office after a lengthy absence for knee surgery and rehab, but things have changed while he's been away. There have been promotions, and, unfortunately, the appointment of a hard-nosed boss who doesn't seem to like him! He also has a new case, which he plans to use as an excuse to get back out into the field
Faced with a bloody crime scene at odds with its luxurious location, Fenchurch knows he needs to provide a resolution as quickly as possible before anyone else dies. As details emerge about those involved, Simon finds his past experiences mean he is more determined than ever to get to the bottom of things no matter the cost. He is up against a desperate foe, however, and needs to succeed while those he's hunting are equally determined to stop him by fair means or foul?
Any final book in a crime fiction series presents a problem. Do you want a book that needs to be read from behind your fingers or one that ties everything up neatly and satisfactorily? Ed James achieves both whilst also providing the exciting, tautly written, police procedural storyline his readers have come to expect. The twists, turns, and cameos, from some familiar characters, ensured this was, for the last time, a great read for Fenchurch fans.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to the author and publishers, Grey Dog Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a fitting end to a very successful series of ten books, all of which I recommend. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
DCI Simon Fenchurch has returned to the office after a lengthy absence for knee surgery and rehab, but things have changed while he's been away. There have been promotions, and, unfortunately, the appointment of a hard-nosed boss who doesn't seem to like him! He also has a new case, which he plans to use as an excuse to get back out into the field
Faced with a bloody crime scene at odds with its luxurious location, Fenchurch knows he needs to provide a resolution as quickly as possible before anyone else dies. As details emerge about those involved, Simon finds his past experiences mean he is more determined than ever to get to the bottom of things no matter the cost. He is up against a desperate foe, however, and needs to succeed while those he's hunting are equally determined to stop him by fair means or foul?
Any final book in a crime fiction series presents a problem. Do you want a book that needs to be read from behind your fingers or one that ties everything up neatly and satisfactorily? Ed James achieves both whilst also providing the exciting, tautly written, police procedural storyline his readers have come to expect. The twists, turns, and cameos, from some familiar characters, ensured this was, for the last time, a great read for Fenchurch fans.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to the author and publishers, Grey Dog Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a fitting end to a very successful series of ten books, all of which I recommend. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
February 25, 2024
Excellent series
I've read all of Ed James books and have enjoyed them all, but Fenchurch has to be my favourite. So sad that it's ended, but I'm hoping Ed decides to write some more in the future, as it's still got legs! One thing confused me, how come Cargill got away with her conduct towards Fenchurch? I always wanted the Vicky Dodds series to continue, so it was great that she played a big part in this book. Her and Fenchurch always made a good team. Well I'm waiting patiently for the next DI Marshall book, which is turning out to be another excellent series, which again I find hard to put down. Thoroughly enjoyed and would absolutely recommend, but you really need to start at book one to appreciate, due to the series of events that leads to this finale.
I've read all of Ed James books and have enjoyed them all, but Fenchurch has to be my favourite. So sad that it's ended, but I'm hoping Ed decides to write some more in the future, as it's still got legs! One thing confused me, how come Cargill got away with her conduct towards Fenchurch? I always wanted the Vicky Dodds series to continue, so it was great that she played a big part in this book. Her and Fenchurch always made a good team. Well I'm waiting patiently for the next DI Marshall book, which is turning out to be another excellent series, which again I find hard to put down. Thoroughly enjoyed and would absolutely recommend, but you really need to start at book one to appreciate, due to the series of events that leads to this finale.
January 2, 2024
Super read for Fenchurch fans
I was very sad to see this was the final Fenchurch, I’ve loved this series since it started so expectations were high and I’m happy to say, I wasn’t disappointed.
Some great twists and turns and Fenchurch at his best (especially with his new knee), old friends and adversaries and a couple of cameos.
Was definitely an exciting, tense, well written read that I read straight through and also wrapped everything up quite nicely I’m glad to say!
Let’s hope we might catch up with Simon a few years down the road.
I was very sad to see this was the final Fenchurch, I’ve loved this series since it started so expectations were high and I’m happy to say, I wasn’t disappointed.
Some great twists and turns and Fenchurch at his best (especially with his new knee), old friends and adversaries and a couple of cameos.
Was definitely an exciting, tense, well written read that I read straight through and also wrapped everything up quite nicely I’m glad to say!
Let’s hope we might catch up with Simon a few years down the road.
October 28, 2025
DCI Simon Fenchurch returns to the Met following a long absence to recover from his knee replacement just as the body of a former musician is found. The search for the murderer will take Fenchurch from the depths of London to the Scottish Highlands with little support from his new boss. Highly recommend this series, fast-paced and I came to care about the characters, rooting for a positive outcome for Fenchurch after all that he has been through.
January 17, 2024
A fine finish to this DI Fenchurch series after 10 years. The newer DI Rob Marshall books are probably Ed James's best work as he has learned on the job. While this DI Fenchurch series is very popular too.
January 6, 2024
Absolutely brilliant couldn’t put it down
January 13, 2024
Well, I was very disappointed with this book. I have loved this series- but this seemed rushed and sadly was not a patch on previous books in this series. Not his best work.
January 16, 2026
This is the tenth and possibly the last book in the DI Fenchurch series by Ed James. This author has many series on the go, but this was has always been my favourite. A very good police procedural crime series with well crafted plots and interesting characters. In ‘Hope to Die’, Ed James brings back DCI Simon Fenchurch with more grit and baggage than ever. Returning to the East London beat after knee surgery and a brush with death, Fenchurch isn’t exactly easing back into things. Instead, he’s thrown straight into a case that felt, to me, like a high-stakes collision between rock-and-roll glamour and the darkest corners of the human psyche.
The novel opens with the death of Rusty Rivers, a 70s rock icon often called Britain’s answer to Neil Young. His body is found mutilated in his Greenwich mansion. Simon Fenchurch starts the investigations which lead to a dangerous Scottish rapper named Kanyif Iqbal, who claims Rivers was a predator who played a role in the disappearance of a 13-year-old girl.
Fenchurch is not only struggling to get to grips with this case but also faces pressure from his seniors. Desperate for answers, Fenchurch is prepared to travel the length and breadth of Britain to solve the case. He is not going to leave any page unturned as he goes from the depths of London to the Scottish Highlands, all the time receiving little or no support from his boss. This is a gritty pacy novel that is ideal for readers who enjoy police procedurals.
The novel opens with the death of Rusty Rivers, a 70s rock icon often called Britain’s answer to Neil Young. His body is found mutilated in his Greenwich mansion. Simon Fenchurch starts the investigations which lead to a dangerous Scottish rapper named Kanyif Iqbal, who claims Rivers was a predator who played a role in the disappearance of a 13-year-old girl.
Fenchurch is not only struggling to get to grips with this case but also faces pressure from his seniors. Desperate for answers, Fenchurch is prepared to travel the length and breadth of Britain to solve the case. He is not going to leave any page unturned as he goes from the depths of London to the Scottish Highlands, all the time receiving little or no support from his boss. This is a gritty pacy novel that is ideal for readers who enjoy police procedurals.
December 17, 2024
Omg, I put off reading this as I knew it would be the last one. I have enjoyed so so much watching him through the years and although it sounds nuts, I really will miss him and all his work and family.
Aware nothing lasts forever but thank you Ed James for putting pen to paper and bringing us Simon Fenchurch in the first place.
I don’t think there is much work of Ed James that I haven’t read but boy did ii enjoy everyone of them yep, especially Simon Fenchurch
Thanks Ed
Aware nothing lasts forever but thank you Ed James for putting pen to paper and bringing us Simon Fenchurch in the first place.
I don’t think there is much work of Ed James that I haven’t read but boy did ii enjoy everyone of them yep, especially Simon Fenchurch
Thanks Ed
January 8, 2024
Last in the series
Knowing this was the last Fenchurch book was so sad. The story was as good as the others in the series. I’m not happy about the series ending. And the ending was sad. At some point, I will reread the series.
Knowing this was the last Fenchurch book was so sad. The story was as good as the others in the series. I’m not happy about the series ending. And the ending was sad. At some point, I will reread the series.
January 23, 2024
Loved this series.
Just finished the last fenchurch book, and a little bit gutted that theres no more!! Loved reading about him and "the machine" over the last few years. Highly recommend to anybody who enjoys police novels
Just finished the last fenchurch book, and a little bit gutted that theres no more!! Loved reading about him and "the machine" over the last few years. Highly recommend to anybody who enjoys police novels
June 7, 2024
Fenchie, it’s been a great ride!
A superb finish (or is it?) to a great series of the London based cop! Including great little (and not so little) walk on parts by characters from earlier in the Fenchurch story.
A superb finish (or is it?) to a great series of the London based cop! Including great little (and not so little) walk on parts by characters from earlier in the Fenchurch story.
June 12, 2024
Well, I was so disappointed with this book and was so irritated by all the errors and inconsistencies that I couldn't wait to finish it. I have loved this series with DI Fenchurch but this was just not the authors best work.
July 26, 2024
Another one I couldn't put down
Is this Fenchurch's swansong, or is a new series blooming. The machine is finally decommissioned but not before several murders and upsets. What happened to Cargill?
Is this Fenchurch's swansong, or is a new series blooming. The machine is finally decommissioned but not before several murders and upsets. What happened to Cargill?
March 20, 2024
The final Fenchurch story, back to the original theme of child abduction and abuse
April 3, 2024
Very rambling and confusing again I’m rather glad the series is complete
April 3, 2024
Farewell Frenshy
Just finished the last one in the series, another excellent read. Will miss him. Hope that one day he will be back.
Just finished the last one in the series, another excellent read. Will miss him. Hope that one day he will be back.
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March 22, 2025The conclusion of Simon Fenchurch's story. Some ends are tied up. Some things work well for him and some don't. The door is left open for future adventures.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2025
The final book for Fenchurch, I will miss him
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews