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DCI Harry Grimm #8
Cold Sanctuary
You can't always shelter from the storm...
With good friends, a new romance, and now even his own dog, DCI Harry Grimm’s new life in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales seems too good to be true.
So, when the mangled body of a local farmer is found in a hay baler, and one of his own team is beaten half to death, he realises that perhaps it is.
In a place that prides itself on the warmth of its welcome, Harry and his team are about to discover just how cold things can get. Because some people are more welcome than others. And the hills can hide the darkest of sins.
With good friends, a new romance, and now even his own dog, DCI Harry Grimm’s new life in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales seems too good to be true.
So, when the mangled body of a local farmer is found in a hay baler, and one of his own team is beaten half to death, he realises that perhaps it is.
In a place that prides itself on the warmth of its welcome, Harry and his team are about to discover just how cold things can get. Because some people are more welcome than others. And the hills can hide the darkest of sins.
344 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
December 29, 2022
Cold Sanctuary is book eight in the DCI Harry Grimm series by David J. Gatward. On his day off, his team called DCI Harry Grimm to a crime scene that looked at first as a simple accident until further investigation decided otherwise. During the investigation, two of DCI Hary Grimm's teams became involved in incidents that made DCI Harry Grimm think about this case differently. The readers of Cold Sanctuary will continue to follow DCI Harry Grimm to find out what happens.
I am so pleased I found this fantastic series by David J. Gatward. I have yet to read one book from the series that I have not engaged with the book's characters or plot. Cold Sanctuary kept up the tradition. I enjoy the way David J. Gatward incorporate dogs as part of the main characters. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of his characters and how they interact with each other throughout this book. Cold Sanctuary is well-written and researched by David J. Gatward. I like David J. Gatward's description of the settings of Cold sanctuary, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Cold Sanctuary will learn about bigotry, racism and corruption in a small rural community. Also, the readers of Cold Sanctuary will know about the lovely Yorkshire Dales.
I recommend this book.
I am so pleased I found this fantastic series by David J. Gatward. I have yet to read one book from the series that I have not engaged with the book's characters or plot. Cold Sanctuary kept up the tradition. I enjoy the way David J. Gatward incorporate dogs as part of the main characters. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of his characters and how they interact with each other throughout this book. Cold Sanctuary is well-written and researched by David J. Gatward. I like David J. Gatward's description of the settings of Cold sanctuary, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Cold Sanctuary will learn about bigotry, racism and corruption in a small rural community. Also, the readers of Cold Sanctuary will know about the lovely Yorkshire Dales.
I recommend this book.
February 23, 2022
Such a great series!
Another well written addition to the Grimm series, he has turned out to be one of my all time favourite characters. The policing story was nicely done, some good puzzles with twists and turns and the characters intertwined stories are developing well too. I’m really liking where Harry and the team are going and that book is getting better and better, it is a police procedural but it’s also about character, strength and needing others around you which I think Harry is learning.
Can’t wait for the next one.
Another well written addition to the Grimm series, he has turned out to be one of my all time favourite characters. The policing story was nicely done, some good puzzles with twists and turns and the characters intertwined stories are developing well too. I’m really liking where Harry and the team are going and that book is getting better and better, it is a police procedural but it’s also about character, strength and needing others around you which I think Harry is learning.
Can’t wait for the next one.
January 7, 2022
A little more Grimm than usual
Well crafted and gripping 8th instalment featuring DCI Harry Grimm. Now with a girlfriend and a dog, life in Wenslydale is progressing peacefully for Grimm until his team are called out to 2 separate "accidents" almost simultaneously. When one of their own is injured, Grimm's team pull out all the stops to connect the incidents and locate a key witness. The case takes a very dark and sinister turn for another officer and, barely pausing for cake and cheese, Grimm is more determined than ever to catch those involved.
Excellently written as always, with fabulous scenic descriptions and definitely worth 5*.
Well crafted and gripping 8th instalment featuring DCI Harry Grimm. Now with a girlfriend and a dog, life in Wenslydale is progressing peacefully for Grimm until his team are called out to 2 separate "accidents" almost simultaneously. When one of their own is injured, Grimm's team pull out all the stops to connect the incidents and locate a key witness. The case takes a very dark and sinister turn for another officer and, barely pausing for cake and cheese, Grimm is more determined than ever to catch those involved.
Excellently written as always, with fabulous scenic descriptions and definitely worth 5*.
September 29, 2025
Just finished reading Cold Sanctuary. This series is fantastic, love all the characters in them.Found them incredibly inviting I just can't stop reading . This one Cold Sanctuary has to be my favourite so far a fantastic read I felt like I was there with Harry and his team it was something else.on to book 9 now can't wait,but I don't want it to end either.
July 15, 2026
A farmer is found dead at his farm and it looks like an unfortunate accident has occurred. A police officer is attacked days later. They’re linked, but how? Serious themes make for some tense and gritty reading. Really enjoying this series.
April 2, 2026
As strange as it is that these novels always hold pretty gruesome murder, they have a powerful draw of home and comfort. We know the people, we picture the beauty of the Dales, the smells of the hay and the cold of the night winds seem both real and inviting. Gatward has created a world and a community where even amid tragic horrors I find rest and familiarity that invite me again and again to come and visit.
February 23, 2022
Another enjoyable DCI Harry Grimm crime novel that deals with a particularly gruesome murder involving a hey balor. Apart from the chilling case, the novel feels as homely as ever and if Northern Yorkshire and Wensleydale in particular has a tourism department, they really can't thank David J. Gatward enough because each and every one of the novels in this series is a loveletter to the region. I have half a mind to travel there myself when time allows it.
It's also nice to see that while Harry Grimm is still the focal point of the series, every novel gives another of his colleagues some time in the spotlight. In this way, we get to know and care about all of the characters a bit better and as a result, some of the events are all the more harrowing.
Unfortunately, Gatward also repeats some of the mistakes I thought he had left behind for good. There are some plot developments and connections so glaringly obvious that most readers will notice them immediately, yet Gatward tries to sell them as some complicated mystery with a twist at the end, which they simply aren't.
Mind you, Gatward doesn't give away the game early like he sometimes did in previous novels, but he also still sometimes makes his protagonists seem oddly oblivious to certain things that are very much out in plain sight. Anyway, still a very enjoyable series and always a quick read, keep 'em coming.
It's also nice to see that while Harry Grimm is still the focal point of the series, every novel gives another of his colleagues some time in the spotlight. In this way, we get to know and care about all of the characters a bit better and as a result, some of the events are all the more harrowing.
Unfortunately, Gatward also repeats some of the mistakes I thought he had left behind for good. There are some plot developments and connections so glaringly obvious that most readers will notice them immediately, yet Gatward tries to sell them as some complicated mystery with a twist at the end, which they simply aren't.
Mind you, Gatward doesn't give away the game early like he sometimes did in previous novels, but he also still sometimes makes his protagonists seem oddly oblivious to certain things that are very much out in plain sight. Anyway, still a very enjoyable series and always a quick read, keep 'em coming.
December 28, 2021
DCI Grimm does it again! So does David Gatward!
I love this series! And somehow it just keeps getting better! The writing is amazing, David Hayward has created characters that we care about, and we get to know them well, personally and professionally! And we even.know some secrets too! This book dealt with a horrible subject that still has a grip in the world when it should be gone and buried! But it's not, and I know these kind of behaviors happen in real life! So bravo for writing this book! Its was thoughtful, compelling, emotional. And there was a touch of gore. It was a brilliant Police Procedural and thriller that I read in one sitting! I don't give any spoiler when I write reviews, because I truly think you should read it for yourself! And this one you won't be sorry for doing!
I love this series! And somehow it just keeps getting better! The writing is amazing, David Hayward has created characters that we care about, and we get to know them well, personally and professionally! And we even.know some secrets too! This book dealt with a horrible subject that still has a grip in the world when it should be gone and buried! But it's not, and I know these kind of behaviors happen in real life! So bravo for writing this book! Its was thoughtful, compelling, emotional. And there was a touch of gore. It was a brilliant Police Procedural and thriller that I read in one sitting! I don't give any spoiler when I write reviews, because I truly think you should read it for yourself! And this one you won't be sorry for doing!
March 8, 2022
Grimm..nothing else needed
I can only say I hope you keep writing these novels they give me great pleasure and I enjoy the photos on your website reminds me of our holidays in the UK and Scotland! I will never get enough time in your beautiful country! Unless I am lucky enough to.move there and live there! Your books are gifts to the world and should be read in the order written! Your characters are realistic and I feel I know them!
Just read these books they are worth the time!
I can only say I hope you keep writing these novels they give me great pleasure and I enjoy the photos on your website reminds me of our holidays in the UK and Scotland! I will never get enough time in your beautiful country! Unless I am lucky enough to.move there and live there! Your books are gifts to the world and should be read in the order written! Your characters are realistic and I feel I know them!
Just read these books they are worth the time!
February 21, 2022
Next ...
Not normally a fan of fish out of water copper novels , this series has made me fall in love with this kind of book again ... absolutely love the characters , storylines & everything about it ...visit to the dales maybe ? I can do the cake & cheese ...not the Tea ... loving Grimm .
Not normally a fan of fish out of water copper novels , this series has made me fall in love with this kind of book again ... absolutely love the characters , storylines & everything about it ...visit to the dales maybe ? I can do the cake & cheese ...not the Tea ... loving Grimm .
September 27, 2023
Smudge
My Thoughts:
Smudge is now old enough to go for walks!
It is difficult not to be spoilery in this review...
This is where two members of our team of her0es got hospitalised! Our team is taking a beating! And why is it always Jen that gets battered?! Poor Jen!
In this book is also where the predictability factor that has been plaguing this series for the last couple of books has not been very obvious! Kudos to the plot!
Aubrey Parsons is being his usual wonderful self! Bringing the story to colorful life!
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 5
Cover art = 4
Pace = (8 hrs and 43 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 5
Character development = 4
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 5
Cover art = 4
Pace = (8 hrs and 43 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
December 9, 2022
DCI Harry Grimm is called out to a local farm in what at first glance appears to be a farming accident gone horribly wrong. But the evidence quickly points to something far more sinister. The situation grows more complicated as tragedy strikes one of DCI Grimm’s own team members and all too soon, they realise the tensions boiling under the surface of their idyllic home are about to burst.
I’ve been really enjoying the DCI Harry Grimm series and found this to be one of the strongest additions yet. I feel Harry himself has really settled into both the countryside and his role leading the local police team. I love how tight knit the small team is and how the characters work so well together but each with their own distinct personalities. I also really enjoy how even though this is set well into the dales and countryside the problems and crime are both realistic but also utterly relatable. This is an exceptional blend I feel and really helps sell me on the series as a whole.
I also really enjoyed how while the plot was fairly straightforward from the start there were still a number of twists I didn’t foresee but the pace kept along at a good clip so at no stage did I feel the story was dragging. While the two main plots/cases did take up the lion’s share of the story I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the team work together and continue to grow. After the last few books – where there has been a lot of character growth in particular – it was nice for this to take somewhat of a back seat and the police procedure to once again come more to the forefront.
Readers should easily be able to pick this book up as a standalone story. The plots are well contained in this story and while the characters are a solid team and clearly have history together, I feel this doesn’t mean readers can’t pick this book up by itself and enjoy it on its own merits.
A strong mystery with interesting characters and a well woven plot. Recommended.
I’ve been really enjoying the DCI Harry Grimm series and found this to be one of the strongest additions yet. I feel Harry himself has really settled into both the countryside and his role leading the local police team. I love how tight knit the small team is and how the characters work so well together but each with their own distinct personalities. I also really enjoy how even though this is set well into the dales and countryside the problems and crime are both realistic but also utterly relatable. This is an exceptional blend I feel and really helps sell me on the series as a whole.
I also really enjoyed how while the plot was fairly straightforward from the start there were still a number of twists I didn’t foresee but the pace kept along at a good clip so at no stage did I feel the story was dragging. While the two main plots/cases did take up the lion’s share of the story I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the team work together and continue to grow. After the last few books – where there has been a lot of character growth in particular – it was nice for this to take somewhat of a back seat and the police procedure to once again come more to the forefront.
Readers should easily be able to pick this book up as a standalone story. The plots are well contained in this story and while the characters are a solid team and clearly have history together, I feel this doesn’t mean readers can’t pick this book up by itself and enjoy it on its own merits.
A strong mystery with interesting characters and a well woven plot. Recommended.
April 15, 2026
🎆🎇🎆🎆🎇 Absolutely Fantastic Book
Cold Sanctuary by David J. Gatward is everything a crime thriller should be—dark, atmospheric, gripping, and impossible to put down. This is a flawless five-star read that delivers tension from the opening pages and never lets go.
Gatward has a rare gift for creating a setting that feels alive, and in Cold Sanctuary the bleak landscape becomes just as haunting as the mystery itself. Every chapter drips with suspense, dread, and that creeping feeling that danger is always close. The pacing is pitch-perfect: fast enough to keep the story racing forward, yet layered enough to build genuine emotional depth.
The investigation itself is superbly crafted, full of twists that feel earned rather than forced. Just when you think you understand where things are heading, Gatward shifts the ground beneath you. The clues are smartly placed, the reveals hit hard, and the final payoff is immensely satisfying.
What elevates this novel even higher is the character work. The detectives feel real—flawed, driven, and compelling—and their personal struggles add weight to the central mystery. You care about what happens to them just as much as solving the case.
The writing is sharp, immersive, and cinematic. Gatward knows exactly when to slow the tension and when to strike with something shocking. Few authors balance atmosphere and momentum this well.
Cold Sanctuary is simply perfection: tense, intelligent, emotional, and utterly addictive. If you love crime fiction with heart, menace, and masterful storytelling, this is a must-read. David J. Gatward delivers another outstanding triumph.
Cold Sanctuary by David J. Gatward is everything a crime thriller should be—dark, atmospheric, gripping, and impossible to put down. This is a flawless five-star read that delivers tension from the opening pages and never lets go.
Gatward has a rare gift for creating a setting that feels alive, and in Cold Sanctuary the bleak landscape becomes just as haunting as the mystery itself. Every chapter drips with suspense, dread, and that creeping feeling that danger is always close. The pacing is pitch-perfect: fast enough to keep the story racing forward, yet layered enough to build genuine emotional depth.
The investigation itself is superbly crafted, full of twists that feel earned rather than forced. Just when you think you understand where things are heading, Gatward shifts the ground beneath you. The clues are smartly placed, the reveals hit hard, and the final payoff is immensely satisfying.
What elevates this novel even higher is the character work. The detectives feel real—flawed, driven, and compelling—and their personal struggles add weight to the central mystery. You care about what happens to them just as much as solving the case.
The writing is sharp, immersive, and cinematic. Gatward knows exactly when to slow the tension and when to strike with something shocking. Few authors balance atmosphere and momentum this well.
Cold Sanctuary is simply perfection: tense, intelligent, emotional, and utterly addictive. If you love crime fiction with heart, menace, and masterful storytelling, this is a must-read. David J. Gatward delivers another outstanding triumph.
August 16, 2026
Farming gone wrong...
Characters:
I think the author has found the sweet spot within this series when it comes to the perfect balance of chapters from the perspective of Harry and the supporting cast. We got to see a lot more of Harry's personality show through with Grace and Smudge being by his side. We got to learn a lot more about Jadyn too which was great as he had remained a side character for some time now. The victim and his family were a great addition this time, as well as The Rotary Club and all its members.
Storyline:
I must say I wasn't enthralled straight away but when it hit the midway point this one took off and I found myself on the edge of my seat. The twists for both officers in this one was something else, and I feel it's going to change the trajectory of the team moving on. The reasoning behind the killing and the assaults didn't seem to exist right until the very last minute of the book. Superbly done.
Pacing/writing:
As always, the writing style is grand. I do feel the only issue with pacing this time for me was how long it took to get into the case itself, but it wasn't as long as previous books.
Ending:
A very good ending with some melancholic parts to it as well. The next book will be interesting to see as the team will definitely be affected. The little twists at the end were nice too, added some danger to it.
Emotional impact:
I was very concerned throughout most of the second half of the book due to what happened to the team, then it became worse and I was so worried. I felt closer to the victim too with this one.
My favourite of the series so far, it's getting better and better.
9/10.
Characters:
I think the author has found the sweet spot within this series when it comes to the perfect balance of chapters from the perspective of Harry and the supporting cast. We got to see a lot more of Harry's personality show through with Grace and Smudge being by his side. We got to learn a lot more about Jadyn too which was great as he had remained a side character for some time now. The victim and his family were a great addition this time, as well as The Rotary Club and all its members.
Storyline:
I must say I wasn't enthralled straight away but when it hit the midway point this one took off and I found myself on the edge of my seat. The twists for both officers in this one was something else, and I feel it's going to change the trajectory of the team moving on. The reasoning behind the killing and the assaults didn't seem to exist right until the very last minute of the book. Superbly done.
Pacing/writing:
As always, the writing style is grand. I do feel the only issue with pacing this time for me was how long it took to get into the case itself, but it wasn't as long as previous books.
Ending:
A very good ending with some melancholic parts to it as well. The next book will be interesting to see as the team will definitely be affected. The little twists at the end were nice too, added some danger to it.
Emotional impact:
I was very concerned throughout most of the second half of the book due to what happened to the team, then it became worse and I was so worried. I felt closer to the victim too with this one.
My favourite of the series so far, it's getting better and better.
9/10.
August 9, 2026
This one is darker and tougher to read
The book starts out with family friction and then a brutal murder. That then escalates into a hit and run and then an absolutely heinous crime that I got physically ill reading. This turned into a much darker story than it started it out and then even though you could see it coming, and there’s a good attempt at a red herring, it becomes pretty clear what’s behind the original crime. But the final escalation comes as a shock even though the attack is foreshadowed but not the heinous nature of it really. I think I held my breath the whole time.
Harry is a bit slow on the uptake here and it surprises me he doesn’t connect some dots earlier. There are several loose ends that need explaining but never get explained. It’s a common criticism I’ve had of these books…need a more thorough denouement. I’m sure there will be follow-up on that last attack but I want to know more about consequences for the villains and the town reaction to what was going on in their midst. Did the pub owner know what was coming for example? Who exactly committed the first murder? Who knew what and when? Clearly Turner knew something. What did he know and how deep was his involvement? Strikes me as likely pretty deep. I just don’t feel like I got a real ending.
The book starts out with family friction and then a brutal murder. That then escalates into a hit and run and then an absolutely heinous crime that I got physically ill reading. This turned into a much darker story than it started it out and then even though you could see it coming, and there’s a good attempt at a red herring, it becomes pretty clear what’s behind the original crime. But the final escalation comes as a shock even though the attack is foreshadowed but not the heinous nature of it really. I think I held my breath the whole time.
Harry is a bit slow on the uptake here and it surprises me he doesn’t connect some dots earlier. There are several loose ends that need explaining but never get explained. It’s a common criticism I’ve had of these books…need a more thorough denouement. I’m sure there will be follow-up on that last attack but I want to know more about consequences for the villains and the town reaction to what was going on in their midst. Did the pub owner know what was coming for example? Who exactly committed the first murder? Who knew what and when? Clearly Turner knew something. What did he know and how deep was his involvement? Strikes me as likely pretty deep. I just don’t feel like I got a real ending.
September 2, 2023
Fabulous! Very Thrilling
***Spoilers****
I don’t know where to start. I could tell at the beginning that this was going to be a wild ride on this book.
First off I knew I didn’t like Mr Adams for a reason. I haven’t liked him since the first two books. He was an ass in the very beginning. And it was something about him that rubbed not only Harry wrong but me too. However, I didn’t think he was a racist. To me he was just an arrogant person. (And that’s not what I really wanted to say)
I hate the fact that two officers was hurt. Jen hit by a car and the Jaydn being kidnapped and strung up in a lynching. That made my blood run hotter than fish grease!!! But I knew Harry was going to figure out that the car that had hit Jen was the same car used by the butt heads as a getaway from killing. Mr Dinsdale. It took him long enough. But I’m glad he figured it out! Good book all around
***Spoilers****
I don’t know where to start. I could tell at the beginning that this was going to be a wild ride on this book.
First off I knew I didn’t like Mr Adams for a reason. I haven’t liked him since the first two books. He was an ass in the very beginning. And it was something about him that rubbed not only Harry wrong but me too. However, I didn’t think he was a racist. To me he was just an arrogant person. (And that’s not what I really wanted to say)
I hate the fact that two officers was hurt. Jen hit by a car and the Jaydn being kidnapped and strung up in a lynching. That made my blood run hotter than fish grease!!! But I knew Harry was going to figure out that the car that had hit Jen was the same car used by the butt heads as a getaway from killing. Mr Dinsdale. It took him long enough. But I’m glad he figured it out! Good book all around
April 14, 2025
Not too grim
I’ve just discovered this series of books and have read the first eight in less than a week. Overall, I’m enjoying getting to know the diverse set of characters in this part of Wensleydale and the many, sometimes too many, descriptions of the countryside around Hawes.
The stories are full of incident and we are quickly drawn into a seemingly random range of crimes which Harry and his team investigate and before you know it, they know who the guilty party is, it’s solved and they’re off to the pub.
Occasionally, I find the conversations a bit wearing, when Harry is updating colleagues, he is regularly interrupted, by trivial anecdotes or opinions which can have little bearing on the issue at hand. I’m not sure why he allows it but it’s distracting.
I was surprised at the reason for this spate of murders, but intolerance and bigotry is still thriving in the most unexpected places and I suppose it’s just as likely to exist in the dales as in cities.
I’ve just discovered this series of books and have read the first eight in less than a week. Overall, I’m enjoying getting to know the diverse set of characters in this part of Wensleydale and the many, sometimes too many, descriptions of the countryside around Hawes.
The stories are full of incident and we are quickly drawn into a seemingly random range of crimes which Harry and his team investigate and before you know it, they know who the guilty party is, it’s solved and they’re off to the pub.
Occasionally, I find the conversations a bit wearing, when Harry is updating colleagues, he is regularly interrupted, by trivial anecdotes or opinions which can have little bearing on the issue at hand. I’m not sure why he allows it but it’s distracting.
I was surprised at the reason for this spate of murders, but intolerance and bigotry is still thriving in the most unexpected places and I suppose it’s just as likely to exist in the dales as in cities.
November 30, 2022
I was thinking of leaving the DCI Harry Grimm series for a while, maybe to return in a couple of weeks, but there's no way I can. I challenge any reader of Cold Sanctuary not to reach for the next in the series.
This book starts in a simple but bloody way. Once the author had built up a really lovable and etically based man, he has him murdered in a most brutal way. A member if Grimm's team is injured, and later another one is ..... well, I'm not saying because that would give far too much away.
The action comes at a fairly brisk pace, and aat the end is breath-taking. It's the sort of book that could easily lead to late nights.
I'd like to especially mention one character, Jadyn. He has given so much extra life to this series since his introduction. Watch out for his role in Cold Sanctuary.
Definitely a five-star book.
This book starts in a simple but bloody way. Once the author had built up a really lovable and etically based man, he has him murdered in a most brutal way. A member if Grimm's team is injured, and later another one is ..... well, I'm not saying because that would give far too much away.
The action comes at a fairly brisk pace, and aat the end is breath-taking. It's the sort of book that could easily lead to late nights.
I'd like to especially mention one character, Jadyn. He has given so much extra life to this series since his introduction. Watch out for his role in Cold Sanctuary.
Definitely a five-star book.
June 18, 2023
This Gets Better With Every Book.
Firstly let me start with an admission of guilt, I am a cover snob. For those that don’t know what that is, it’s readers who want book covers to look ‘just so’, otherwise they won’t buy them, although I’ve been pleasantly surprised of late with some books in series , these one’s definitely fit the bill.
The author’s teasing of us poor readers, know no bounds, & more often than that leaves us breathless when we realize we’ve been duped! In a good way no doubt.
The books have opened our eyes & our hearts for the dales & all the beautiful area around there, I’ll never get to see it, but wow I wish I could!
The main thing I get from these books, is to be feeling emotions, that’s a much harder thing to do, than you’d think. This book made me laugh as well as cry. All the tears so deservedly shed & the giggles too.
Firstly let me start with an admission of guilt, I am a cover snob. For those that don’t know what that is, it’s readers who want book covers to look ‘just so’, otherwise they won’t buy them, although I’ve been pleasantly surprised of late with some books in series , these one’s definitely fit the bill.
The author’s teasing of us poor readers, know no bounds, & more often than that leaves us breathless when we realize we’ve been duped! In a good way no doubt.
The books have opened our eyes & our hearts for the dales & all the beautiful area around there, I’ll never get to see it, but wow I wish I could!
The main thing I get from these books, is to be feeling emotions, that’s a much harder thing to do, than you’d think. This book made me laugh as well as cry. All the tears so deservedly shed & the giggles too.
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.
October 17, 2022
Just gets better and better.
This really is a great read lots of tension, twists and turns just couldn't put it down. Harry Grimm has seen many things from his past being in the paras but what he faces now shakes him and his team to the core.
Crimes well described and you really feel the cruelty and pain and the anguish left behind. How are they linked. Grimms anger, pain and dogged determination to find the villains drive him on. Helped by mugs of tea and cake with cheese.
In all of this is the wonderfully developed characters that have evolved over the series and you get a real sense of them as people. The support they offer, freely given friendship and have your back at all times. Mixed in with having a friendly joke or laugh at your expense but with no malice.
This really is a great read lots of tension, twists and turns just couldn't put it down. Harry Grimm has seen many things from his past being in the paras but what he faces now shakes him and his team to the core.
Crimes well described and you really feel the cruelty and pain and the anguish left behind. How are they linked. Grimms anger, pain and dogged determination to find the villains drive him on. Helped by mugs of tea and cake with cheese.
In all of this is the wonderfully developed characters that have evolved over the series and you get a real sense of them as people. The support they offer, freely given friendship and have your back at all times. Mixed in with having a friendly joke or laugh at your expense but with no malice.
December 21, 2023
Amazing
This was such an unputdownable read. Read it in one sitting. Gripped like a vice and wouldn’t let go. Grimm and his team are called into action when a local farmer is found dead in a hay baler on his farm. Was it an accident?
The coroner rules this a homicide and Harry and the team swing into action. The authors description of the Dales and surrounding areas are what makes these books so compelling. The teamwork and friendship between them makes you root for them, as they deal with the worst possible situations that happen when the going gets tough . You become emotionally invested in the characters and care about them. That’s Another great reason why this series is so amazing.
This was such an unputdownable read. Read it in one sitting. Gripped like a vice and wouldn’t let go. Grimm and his team are called into action when a local farmer is found dead in a hay baler on his farm. Was it an accident?
The coroner rules this a homicide and Harry and the team swing into action. The authors description of the Dales and surrounding areas are what makes these books so compelling. The teamwork and friendship between them makes you root for them, as they deal with the worst possible situations that happen when the going gets tough . You become emotionally invested in the characters and care about them. That’s Another great reason why this series is so amazing.
November 13, 2024
What looks like a horrible farming accident, where a man falls into a hay baler turns out to be something much worse. In this 8th book in the DCI Harry Grimm series some of the other characters come into the spotlight. One of his team is a victim of a hit and run driver and far worse, a young constable is the victim of a hate crime.
The descriptions are, as always, quite graphic, but the pay off is that the book shows the growing ties between Harry, his team and his love of the area. The Yorkshire Dales might seem warm and peaceful, but it carries an undercurrent of something nasty, something that unfortunately occurs whenever people gather.
Spoiler: The book contains scenes of racially motivated violence.
The descriptions are, as always, quite graphic, but the pay off is that the book shows the growing ties between Harry, his team and his love of the area. The Yorkshire Dales might seem warm and peaceful, but it carries an undercurrent of something nasty, something that unfortunately occurs whenever people gather.
Spoiler: The book contains scenes of racially motivated violence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2022
Excellent just gets better
This is one of my most favourite series at present and it would make a great tv series. The setting is wonderful and the way the writer describes it makes you feel and breath the Yorkshire Dales. As for the character's in the team I bloody love them all. This book has a few casualties for the team with one in particular is extremely upsetting and hard to read. I hope they pull through and put this tragedy behind them but it will be very hard even with such a supportive team. You really have left us hanging Mr Gatward so I hope it's not too long a wait for the next instalment. Thank you for your wonderful books.
This is one of my most favourite series at present and it would make a great tv series. The setting is wonderful and the way the writer describes it makes you feel and breath the Yorkshire Dales. As for the character's in the team I bloody love them all. This book has a few casualties for the team with one in particular is extremely upsetting and hard to read. I hope they pull through and put this tragedy behind them but it will be very hard even with such a supportive team. You really have left us hanging Mr Gatward so I hope it's not too long a wait for the next instalment. Thank you for your wonderful books.
June 28, 2022
another great Harry Grimm-- regaling the beauty of the Dales and life in Wensleydale- each of these books delivers the goods. Substantial character development as we get to know the team ever better. The trauma faced by their colleague rallies the team to support the youngest of the constables in their ranks. The soft side of Harry continues to show out through his terribly disfigured face-- also a character in the books (his face). Gruesome apparent farm accident sets the stage of this mystery-- graphic description of getting one's body run through a bailer. The bucolic countryside is always a character in these Grimm books as well.
December 27, 2022
I love the Grimm series and would normally rate any of them 4-5. This one no. The books until now have waxed platonic on the Yorkshire countryside, contrasts between farm and city, Harry's internal battles, and Harry's gradual acceptance of his new life. They are police procedurals so there are expected periods of darkness. Makes for a good mystery. The staging of this mystery was the stuff of nightmares with images that may be unbearable to some. People who react poorly to gruesome imagery might want to stay away. There are other Harry Grimm alternatives. I soldiered away and finished after many detours. Don't know if "the juice was worth the squeeze."
April 26, 2026
I liked the setting and the emphasis on procedural aspects of solving the crime. However, I sometimes had trouble keeping straight the various police officers, forensic investigators, and others involved in solving the crime. I also don't exactly understand DCI Grimm's physical deformities that causes people to be taken aback when they meet him. Then as I read online, I realized that this is book 8 in the series so I suppose if I start at the beginning, I'll be enlightened on both counts. Unfortunately for me, the summaries of the previous murders sound equally gory as this one so I think I'll pass and turn to some other series. Maybe I'll try the first one after I take a break.
January 14, 2022
Another brand new police procedural with Harry Grimm (Grimm by name, grimm by nature), and another great one! As I said, Grimm is the main character, but that wouldn't do justice to the wonderful Yorkshire Dales, whose part is almost as important as Harry's. And let's not forget his team, whose members keep developing as well. It's a great achievement to keep up this quality of storylines, this character development, all in five novels this year (2021) alone! Already looking out for number nine!
October 17, 2022
DCI Grimm
I started reading this series after I read some DCI Logan books and realized that the authors knew each other and discussed writing these police stories. I love the settings of each and they are both good reads. Well worth it. I did have to skip reading the last book in this series because I couldn't deal with the subject. Of course I support animal rescue and such. But the subject matter is too triggering for me. That's my stuff. I still bought it & may try again in the future.
I started reading this series after I read some DCI Logan books and realized that the authors knew each other and discussed writing these police stories. I love the settings of each and they are both good reads. Well worth it. I did have to skip reading the last book in this series because I couldn't deal with the subject. Of course I support animal rescue and such. But the subject matter is too triggering for me. That's my stuff. I still bought it & may try again in the future.
May 22, 2024
Really Enjoyable.
I really love this series. OK, I'm not sure how accurate a picture they paint of actual policing in the Dales, but the characters are brilliant, especially the dogs!Hayward has the ability to make me laugh out loud while still keeping up the tension. This is no an easy task.
His plots are not particularly original or complex. It's almost like watching Columbo; you know who did it but it's fun watching the action play out.
For me, any shortcomings are offset by the characters and wonderfully evocative descriptive passages.
Keep them coming, David.
I really love this series. OK, I'm not sure how accurate a picture they paint of actual policing in the Dales, but the characters are brilliant, especially the dogs!Hayward has the ability to make me laugh out loud while still keeping up the tension. This is no an easy task.
His plots are not particularly original or complex. It's almost like watching Columbo; you know who did it but it's fun watching the action play out.
For me, any shortcomings are offset by the characters and wonderfully evocative descriptive passages.
Keep them coming, David.
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