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DCI Harry Grimm #18
Ashes of Betrayal
The next thrilling instalment in the DCI Harry Grimm crime thrillers series.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2024
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196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
July 4, 2024
My Thoughts:
This book is the one with the most intriguing plot yet in the series. It is also nice to see that Harry is not the "be all and end all" in police investigation and that he is human after all. It made him a bit more relatable. Only supports the fact that the character development is a 5 out of 5.
I do not know how feasible it is to fight with flour but I'll take it as it is. More fun that way. So, I am happy to see Harry's soldier self come out to play. Nice!
Dang book made me cry there at the end!
I wasn't expecting to see Logan here but it is another nice surprise! I stopped reading Logan's series at A Whisper Of Sorrows. I find myself stalling there somehow. Maybe I'll pick it up again.
Always lovely to hear Aubrey Parsons's narration! But he might have been tired when he was reading this book because I didn't hear much Scotland in Logan's voice.
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 5
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 5
World building = 5
Cover art = 4
Pace = (7 hrs and 58 mins listening time)
Plot = 5
Narration = 4.5
Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 5
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 5
World building = 5
Cover art = 4
Pace = (7 hrs and 58 mins listening time)
Plot = 5
Narration = 4.5
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
July 3, 2024
Big changes have DCI Harry Grimm on edge. Thrilled to be buying a house with his girlfriend, he’s worried about his team coping with the recent death of a close friend, and the loss of another who has moved away. But when a suspected arson attack at a coffee warehouse reveals a charred corpse, it’s back to business.
As Grimm and his team race to identify the victim, uncover the motive behind their murder, and locate the missing owner and his employees, another body linked to the case turns up in Scotland, stretching his resources thin.
Another great read in the DCI Grimm series. It did start a little slow for me but it soon moved up a gear as bodies start to pile up. Loved the explosive ending with Grimm bringing his inner soldier to the fore. This series is always a pleasure to read.
As Grimm and his team race to identify the victim, uncover the motive behind their murder, and locate the missing owner and his employees, another body linked to the case turns up in Scotland, stretching his resources thin.
Another great read in the DCI Grimm series. It did start a little slow for me but it soon moved up a gear as bodies start to pile up. Loved the explosive ending with Grimm bringing his inner soldier to the fore. This series is always a pleasure to read.
July 1, 2024
Another Great Read
Harry and the team are back again, and in fine form. A fire in a coffee warehouse leads to a number of mysteries and worse. Harry is juggling moving house, serious crime, and some staffing woes. Gordy is being sorely missed, and another member of the team might be leaving. And to top it off Jen's lizard, Steve, has gone missing. The last few chapters lead to a fast paced finale, as Harry gets to let his inner soldier off the leash.
As ever looking forward to the next book in the series.
Harry and the team are back again, and in fine form. A fire in a coffee warehouse leads to a number of mysteries and worse. Harry is juggling moving house, serious crime, and some staffing woes. Gordy is being sorely missed, and another member of the team might be leaving. And to top it off Jen's lizard, Steve, has gone missing. The last few chapters lead to a fast paced finale, as Harry gets to let his inner soldier off the leash.
As ever looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 14, 2024
After the last book, I, along with all the fans were left stunned and this time, we were all left with a rabid desire for book 19.
I found myself having to rewind a lot in the middle of the book, it was failing to hold my attention. I cannot say if it a story line issue or the fact, just like Harry, I was about to move houses and had a lot going on...probably mostly the latter with only a bit of the former. The ending however was fantastic. Very creative and has me curious about the actual possibility of using flour in that way. Ha, hopefully I never ever have to experiment that way.
There were so great nuggets in here as well, particularly with Jayden, Steve the Lizard, and Jim. We had Gordy for a bit as well in this book when we all thought we had to say goodbye to her in the Grimm novels while waiting for her own series to begin.
I discovered Mr. Gatward's books after having consumed all the then available DCI Logan books by JD Kirk last spring. So when Logan and Tyler from that series had cameos in this Grimm, I was delighted and thrilled. The only thing that could have remotely made those scenes any better would be if Angus King, the voice of Kirk's series popped in...I know it's not really feasible but my goodness that would have been amazing. Aubrey Parson did a fantastic job as usual.
I found myself having to rewind a lot in the middle of the book, it was failing to hold my attention. I cannot say if it a story line issue or the fact, just like Harry, I was about to move houses and had a lot going on...probably mostly the latter with only a bit of the former. The ending however was fantastic. Very creative and has me curious about the actual possibility of using flour in that way. Ha, hopefully I never ever have to experiment that way.
There were so great nuggets in here as well, particularly with Jayden, Steve the Lizard, and Jim. We had Gordy for a bit as well in this book when we all thought we had to say goodbye to her in the Grimm novels while waiting for her own series to begin.
I discovered Mr. Gatward's books after having consumed all the then available DCI Logan books by JD Kirk last spring. So when Logan and Tyler from that series had cameos in this Grimm, I was delighted and thrilled. The only thing that could have remotely made those scenes any better would be if Angus King, the voice of Kirk's series popped in...I know it's not really feasible but my goodness that would have been amazing. Aubrey Parson did a fantastic job as usual.
November 22, 2024
Wow getting real exciting at the end there, very glad Harry is on the sight of right, hate for him to be against me!
March 18, 2025
Another delightful book in this great series.
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April 18, 2025Ashes of Betrayal is book 18 in the DCI Harry Grimm Crime Thrillers series by David J. Gatward. DCI Harry Grimm was on holiday, packing to move in with his girlfriend, and his team was still reeling from the death of a friend and another transfer when he caught a new case of a corpse found in a suspected arson attack on a local business. At first, it was hard for the team to determine the cause or the reason for the fire. However, they must work quietly to find the answers before more bodies turn up. Readers of Ashes of Betrayal will continue to follow DCI Harry Crimm and his team as they uncover the truth.
I love reading this series and am always excited when another book comes out. Ashes of Betrayal did not disappoint, and I engaged with the story and characters from the first page. This book made me think about the different ways that criminals try to distribute drugs into a community. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Ashes of Betrayal was well-written and researched by David J. Gatward. I appreciate David J. Gatward's description of the settings in Ashes of Betrayal, which enabled me to envision myself as part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
I love reading this series and am always excited when another book comes out. Ashes of Betrayal did not disappoint, and I engaged with the story and characters from the first page. This book made me think about the different ways that criminals try to distribute drugs into a community. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Ashes of Betrayal was well-written and researched by David J. Gatward. I appreciate David J. Gatward's description of the settings in Ashes of Betrayal, which enabled me to envision myself as part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
September 1, 2024
The DCI Harry Grimm series is a favorite. The characters have become friends in this long series set in the Yorkshire Dales, an area the author obviously loves. In the last book, one of the important secondary characters died, one of his team has moved away, another team member needs to be more helpful with his family farm, and Harry has bought a house with his partner Grace. Upheaval all around and changes will result.
A warehouse fire in which one person died and the owner can't be located catches the team short-handed and with little to go on. A couple of twists that I didn't see coming turns the climax into a confrontation that has Harry returning to his soldier personality in order to save three people and himself.
DCI Jack Logan from JD Kirks series set in Scotland (another favorite author and series) makes a cameo and Steve the Lizard escapes.
If you haven't read David J. Gatward's Harry Grimm series, start at the beginning because I've thoroughly enjoyed all of them.
A warehouse fire in which one person died and the owner can't be located catches the team short-handed and with little to go on. A couple of twists that I didn't see coming turns the climax into a confrontation that has Harry returning to his soldier personality in order to save three people and himself.
DCI Jack Logan from JD Kirks series set in Scotland (another favorite author and series) makes a cameo and Steve the Lizard escapes.
If you haven't read David J. Gatward's Harry Grimm series, start at the beginning because I've thoroughly enjoyed all of them.
January 29, 2025
This is the 18th of the Harry Grimm novels. This hits the ground running. There's a fire in a coffee warehouse and a corpse. Who died? Why can't they find the owner of the property? Why did they find drugs in the ashes? People aren't who they say they are.
This is one of the better novels in the series for several reasons. There are a lot of changes in the regulars. Harry and Grace are making a commitment to one another by moving in together. Gordy has left town after the death of her partner. Jim is overstretched by taking care of both his family farm as well as his regular duties. The case has a lot of twists and turns. There's an intense action scene toward the end. The pacing is great and I love the atmosphere of the area they live in. It's like a character all on its own.
If you like a well written series with interesting characters, this might work for you. I've only got one more to go and then I have to wait for the next one.
This is one of the better novels in the series for several reasons. There are a lot of changes in the regulars. Harry and Grace are making a commitment to one another by moving in together. Gordy has left town after the death of her partner. Jim is overstretched by taking care of both his family farm as well as his regular duties. The case has a lot of twists and turns. There's an intense action scene toward the end. The pacing is great and I love the atmosphere of the area they live in. It's like a character all on its own.
If you like a well written series with interesting characters, this might work for you. I've only got one more to go and then I have to wait for the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2024
Lovers of the DCI Harry Grimm series will find plenty here.
The characters are expanded upon, and we even learn more about Steve the Lizard. Grimm and Jadyn visit Scotland, and Grimm has a tiny meeting with J. D. Kirk's Jack Logan too.
I found the middle of the book sagged a little, but I think that's in the nature of crime thrillers and cannot be helped. Here and there there are passages where the editor has missed repetitions of words and overlong sentences. However, the book makes up for that with a great deal of action at the end.
We also see Gordy, probably for the last time in this series before she features in her own based books based in Somerset, where author Dave Gatward himself resides. And there's more on its way in the Harry Grimm series too. So there's much to look forward to.
The characters are expanded upon, and we even learn more about Steve the Lizard. Grimm and Jadyn visit Scotland, and Grimm has a tiny meeting with J. D. Kirk's Jack Logan too.
I found the middle of the book sagged a little, but I think that's in the nature of crime thrillers and cannot be helped. Here and there there are passages where the editor has missed repetitions of words and overlong sentences. However, the book makes up for that with a great deal of action at the end.
We also see Gordy, probably for the last time in this series before she features in her own based books based in Somerset, where author Dave Gatward himself resides. And there's more on its way in the Harry Grimm series too. So there's much to look forward to.
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.
July 6, 2024
Brilliant addition to the series.
I so look forward to receiving the new Harry Grimm book. This one is probably one of my favourites. The plot was intriguing and I had to read it in one sitting. I just needed to get to the bottom of it! How you come up with these plots I really don't know. Reading about Gordy again was nice as I missed her character. I'm certainly looking forward to reading the spin off series. Book already on order! And getting to know a little more about Steve was inspired.
I liked how the author bought in DCI Logan from the equally wonderful series written by JD Kirk. This worked well and I would loved it if Jayden had been paired up with DS Tyler Neish (you really need to read JD's books to see why that pairing could have been, shall I say, interesting 😆).
Anyway, all I want to finish with is, please read this author's work. You are really in for a treat. Now there is an interminable wait for book 19 but it's always worth waiting for. Bravo David.
I so look forward to receiving the new Harry Grimm book. This one is probably one of my favourites. The plot was intriguing and I had to read it in one sitting. I just needed to get to the bottom of it! How you come up with these plots I really don't know. Reading about Gordy again was nice as I missed her character. I'm certainly looking forward to reading the spin off series. Book already on order! And getting to know a little more about Steve was inspired.
I liked how the author bought in DCI Logan from the equally wonderful series written by JD Kirk. This worked well and I would loved it if Jayden had been paired up with DS Tyler Neish (you really need to read JD's books to see why that pairing could have been, shall I say, interesting 😆).
Anyway, all I want to finish with is, please read this author's work. You are really in for a treat. Now there is an interminable wait for book 19 but it's always worth waiting for. Bravo David.
July 7, 2024
Slow buildup (with usual friends) quick ending
This book is written for the fan of Harry and his team. A slow patient buildup around an investigation intoarson/murder in multiple locations that includes numerous sidetracks (a heavy dose of them to be honest) that focus on the needs and well-being of almost every member of the team. At eighteen books in, David Gatward, deserves some slack and frankly my comfort level is bigharound Harry, Matt, Grace, Margaret, Rebecca, Jim, Jen, Liz, and Jadyn (and Gordy) ...Steve, Smudge and Fly. Reading about normal lives among key characters grounds this series. The final scenes where the mystery is wrapped up is intense and over quickly.
This book is written for the fan of Harry and his team. A slow patient buildup around an investigation intoarson/murder in multiple locations that includes numerous sidetracks (a heavy dose of them to be honest) that focus on the needs and well-being of almost every member of the team. At eighteen books in, David Gatward, deserves some slack and frankly my comfort level is bigharound Harry, Matt, Grace, Margaret, Rebecca, Jim, Jen, Liz, and Jadyn (and Gordy) ...Steve, Smudge and Fly. Reading about normal lives among key characters grounds this series. The final scenes where the mystery is wrapped up is intense and over quickly.
July 12, 2024
Oh, how I absolutely adore this series, it is one of the best. I was so happy to be back with Grimm and his crew and once again it was a top notch read.
When you invest in a series it is great that you understand the characters in the book and to be honest once you are this far in, it is not just the story that draws you it is also the characters. They have to be believable and well rounded and David J Gatward has this totally bang on point.
I love the descriptive parts in the book and always try and imagine what the area is like. One day I am determined to visit.
Brilliant story line that had me turning the pages, plenty to keep you gripped and guessing throughout.
Highly, highly recommend.
When you invest in a series it is great that you understand the characters in the book and to be honest once you are this far in, it is not just the story that draws you it is also the characters. They have to be believable and well rounded and David J Gatward has this totally bang on point.
I love the descriptive parts in the book and always try and imagine what the area is like. One day I am determined to visit.
Brilliant story line that had me turning the pages, plenty to keep you gripped and guessing throughout.
Highly, highly recommend.
July 14, 2024
I love everything about this series and this author. When a new book comes out I stop reading whatever I have on my Kindle and read the latest Grimm mystery. I also pre-order as soon as possible. The release dates are celebrations. My dad and I read these at the same time and call each other to discuss them as we read. We are so excited that we will now have both a Grimm and a Gordy mystery to talk about. I love love love these books. The characters, setting, and mystery are always so good. We laugh, cry, and worry right along with the characters. If I could give more than five stars I would.
July 16, 2024
Another fantastic book in this gem of a series. I do usually read them quicker than this but thanks to Covid I wasn’t able to concentrate for too long at a time.
I love every single character in this series and the cameo appearances by DCI Logan and DC ‘Boy Band’ Tyler Neish were great, even down to the stupid comments by Neish.
I love that we’re seeing a softer more human side to Harry Grimm especially when it comes to his team and Grace.
I even had a wee tear in my eye at the ending.
Already waiting impatiently for the next one in the series and for the first in the DI Haig series to come out
I love every single character in this series and the cameo appearances by DCI Logan and DC ‘Boy Band’ Tyler Neish were great, even down to the stupid comments by Neish.
I love that we’re seeing a softer more human side to Harry Grimm especially when it comes to his team and Grace.
I even had a wee tear in my eye at the ending.
Already waiting impatiently for the next one in the series and for the first in the DI Haig series to come out
August 28, 2024
Ashes of Betrayal
As usual another cracking read from David J Gatwood. I can't believe it's book 18 and the series keeps getting better and better as the characters evolve and diversify. Harry tho has come along in leaps and bounds from a man who put up barriers to protect himself, to a man with friends, a girlfriend and best of all a dog. The team are now such a close knit family that dealing with petty crimes and murders are second to none. Loved Logan and Tyler Neish in a short appearance, another detective series,I follow closely. Maybe a collaboration in the future would be interesting. Can't wait for next in series
As usual another cracking read from David J Gatwood. I can't believe it's book 18 and the series keeps getting better and better as the characters evolve and diversify. Harry tho has come along in leaps and bounds from a man who put up barriers to protect himself, to a man with friends, a girlfriend and best of all a dog. The team are now such a close knit family that dealing with petty crimes and murders are second to none. Loved Logan and Tyler Neish in a short appearance, another detective series,I follow closely. Maybe a collaboration in the future would be interesting. Can't wait for next in series
September 9, 2025
I always love DCI Harry Grimm books and know that I will be up half the night reading or listening to the book. Sure enough, this story has not let me down. The plots and storylines are well thought out, ensuring that the reader's attention is captured from beginning to end. The characters have become like old friends, their lives intertwined with murders and with one another. I have to say that Aubrey Parsons is the best narrator to play Grimm; he adds his own blend of solemnness and lightness of tone where they are needed, thus keeping the reader hanging on to each word. Thank you, David J Gatward, for another first class book.
December 29, 2025
Just finished reading Ashes Of Betrayal, book 18 in the DCI Harry Grimm series by David J Gatward. Really enjoyed this book in the series, in fact it's been one of my favourites. The descriptions of the setting both in the Dales and Scotland are beautifully immersive and make me want to visit.
The plot was well thought out and like Harry I was surprised by an unexpected turn near the end.
I love how the descriptions of the main character's lives fits in so well with everything else going on. I think this book in particular with the one before, really made you feel the highs and lows of the team. Now about to start book 19, Blood Fountain 😊
The plot was well thought out and like Harry I was surprised by an unexpected turn near the end.
I love how the descriptions of the main character's lives fits in so well with everything else going on. I think this book in particular with the one before, really made you feel the highs and lows of the team. Now about to start book 19, Blood Fountain 😊
June 30, 2024
Great story
This latest investigation had a lot of moving parts, made more complicated by the recent changes in the team. I'll really miss Gordy in the mix, but I hope she will still pop in for cameos from time to time like she did in this book. I really enjoyed the cross over scenes that included a few of the characters from a series north of the border. It was fun to see Grimm and Logan exchange a few words. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and also to Gordy's new adventures in Somerset.
This latest investigation had a lot of moving parts, made more complicated by the recent changes in the team. I'll really miss Gordy in the mix, but I hope she will still pop in for cameos from time to time like she did in this book. I really enjoyed the cross over scenes that included a few of the characters from a series north of the border. It was fun to see Grimm and Logan exchange a few words. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and also to Gordy's new adventures in Somerset.
July 4, 2024
Another fantastic listen in a brilliant series! Harry has packed up his house ready to move, but that doesn't stop him being immersed in another murder investigation. Great writing and plot and the characters now feel like old friends. The finale was explosive but funny too (flour as a weapon!!!) and the ending was poignant but also had Gatward's trademark humour.
I always enjoy Aubrey Parson's terrific narration, but his voice for Logan felt flat because no one can do DCI Logan like Angus King!
I always enjoy Aubrey Parson's terrific narration, but his voice for Logan felt flat because no one can do DCI Logan like Angus King!
August 4, 2024
This went from "Daily life in Northern Yorkshire" to "What the hell is going on?" to "Harry Grimm as British John Rambo". Meaning, this was a somewhat uneven yet somehow highly entertaining entry into the Harry Grimm series.
The team members deal with a lot of personal affairs and the aftermath of a surprising death in the previous novel, while the case itself takes a backseat and is rather weird with not much to go on anyway, until the action dramatically ramps up towards the end. As I said, uneven, but fun.
The team members deal with a lot of personal affairs and the aftermath of a surprising death in the previous novel, while the case itself takes a backseat and is rather weird with not much to go on anyway, until the action dramatically ramps up towards the end. As I said, uneven, but fun.
July 3, 2024
Bloody brilliant! I think this is my favorite so far……I might say that at the end of each book but this is a great read. David Gatward just keeps getting better! I love the team, the plot, the writing and listening to the narration by Parsons. I’m definitely a Grimm! I don’t want to use the word fan….because being a Grimm is so much more! I think I’m going to start over with book 1 and read each book again in anticipation of the next Grimm installment.
July 7, 2024
Excellent story - has Harry really been through 18 adventures in Wensleydale already? What is really good is the linking of two characters from a fellow author so that we read about DCI Logan and DC Neish up in Fort William. Hope for more of that. The brief reappearance of Gordy at the end of the book is both poignant and funny. Cannot wait for no. 19.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
August 10, 2024
ASHES OF BETRAYAL
Really enjoyed this latest book in the dci harry Grimm series I’ve read all the dci Logan books by jd Kirk so I was pleased when dci Logan and detective Tyler neish made an appearance in this book it would be great for David gatward and jd Kirk to do a book together hopefully they will appear in the next book which I will read on my holiday in Tenerife which I am going to today
Thank you
Really enjoyed this latest book in the dci harry Grimm series I’ve read all the dci Logan books by jd Kirk so I was pleased when dci Logan and detective Tyler neish made an appearance in this book it would be great for David gatward and jd Kirk to do a book together hopefully they will appear in the next book which I will read on my holiday in Tenerife which I am going to today
Thank you
August 26, 2024
Another excellent Gatward/Grimm
Kept me up until 2am!! I just could not put it down especially after Steve went missing!!! This is one series that I totally recommend reading in order from book 1 so that you feel a part of this wonderful group of people and feel vested in who they are as individual characters.
Thank you for being true to who your characters are and not turning every book into a love story!
I can't wait for 19!
Kept me up until 2am!! I just could not put it down especially after Steve went missing!!! This is one series that I totally recommend reading in order from book 1 so that you feel a part of this wonderful group of people and feel vested in who they are as individual characters.
Thank you for being true to who your characters are and not turning every book into a love story!
I can't wait for 19!
September 1, 2024
Despite being a Gatward fan and having read all the series up to the last three, this was dreadful; I gave up after about 30%. I decided after the previous books not too buy any more but made a silly mistake and gave the author one more chance; my mistake. The early books in the series were enjoyable but if you want to read about the life of goats and family domestic problems you may enjoy but if you are looking for a detective/crime story, look elsewhere. AP Sydney.
September 24, 2024
The book was fab. The places described in the book make me wish I could travel to those places. Maybe one day I will.
This book has a lot of action as always. But there were some scenes that pulled at my heartstrings. Once scene in particular was when Harry gave Matt this speech. My heart was so overwhelmed I started to cry. Had to remove my glasses to finish reading!
Can’t wait to start the new series about Gordy.
This book has a lot of action as always. But there were some scenes that pulled at my heartstrings. Once scene in particular was when Harry gave Matt this speech. My heart was so overwhelmed I started to cry. Had to remove my glasses to finish reading!
Can’t wait to start the new series about Gordy.
June 20, 2024
I won't go into detail yet, and I will add a full review on the 30th. Apparently, this was released on Audible a tad early. Oops.
But, I will say; I loved it. David "Snipes Top Cheddar" with this latest edition of Grimm. (hockey term for a fast, sweet, beauty of a goal hitting the top of the net. It's a very good thing in hockey.)
But, I will say; I loved it. David "Snipes Top Cheddar" with this latest edition of Grimm. (hockey term for a fast, sweet, beauty of a goal hitting the top of the net. It's a very good thing in hockey.)
July 1, 2024
Ashes of Betrayal by David Gatward
Ashes of Betrayal by David J Gatward is book 18 in the DCI Harry Grimm crime thriller series. This time Harry and his team are involved in roasted coffee, murder and Steve’s disappearance.
Yet another great read in this police series.
Highly recommended
Ashes of Betrayal by David J Gatward is book 18 in the DCI Harry Grimm crime thriller series. This time Harry and his team are involved in roasted coffee, murder and Steve’s disappearance.
Yet another great read in this police series.
Highly recommended
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews