To Catch a Lie

Detective Chief Inspector Jack Harris #11

by John Dean

A murder investigation leads DCI Jack Harris to Scotland, but is it just a fishing expedition?

When a man’s body is found on the Langdon Estate in the North Pennines, DCI Jack Harris suspects the death is connected to recent attacks on anglers by a violent group of animal rights activists.

However, the victim turns out to be an investigator hired to look into the illegal snaring of otters, and it becomes clear that something else is going on in Harris’s quiet rural patch.

With rumours and intrigue bubbling up, swept along by strange currents, Harris and his sergeant, Matt Gallagher, head north of the border where they find themselves knee-deep in some very murky waters.

With Harris out on a limb and at odds with his team, it will take excellent police work to catch a murderer in their midst.

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2024

About the author

John Dean is a freelance journalist who has runs his own business and draws heavily on his years as a crime reporter for newspapers and magazines to create his novels.

He is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association and cites Sherlock Holmes as his all-time favorite detective. He lives in the South West of Scotland.

(Also writes under the pseudonym John Stanley)

Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember the halcyon days of my youth when authors as skilled as Colin Dexter, W.J. Burley and Alan Hunter provided a steady flow of excellent new detective novels. With their passing the genre never seemed to have quite the same appeal. I've just discovered John Dean and his DCI Jack Harris series. I don't know why it has taken me so long but if you like detective novels you mustn't miss them.
Right from the very start I was gripped. There's some great characters I want to meet again - Jack Harris, Matty, Scoot and Archie - and I can't wait to get started on all the earlier novels in the series.
The writing is skilful and entirely satisfying. An intriguing, suspenseful plot, peopled with some memorable baddies.
Perfection.

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember the halcyon days of my youth when authors as skilled as Colin Dexter, W.J. Burley and Alan Hunter provided a steady flow of excellent new detective novels. With their passing the genre never seemed to have quite the same appeal. I've just discovered John Dean and his DCI Jack Harris series. I don't know why it has taken me so long but if you like detective novels you mustn't miss them.
Right from the very start I was gripped. There's some great characters I want to meet again - Jack Harris, Matty, Scoot and Archie - and I can't wait to get started on all the earlier novels in the series.
The writing is skilful and entirely satisfying. An intriguing, suspenseful plot, peopled with some memorable baddies.
Perfection.

[Karen Oakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This kept me up late last night as I wanted to finish it! A fishy tale it is true as Jack and his team try to find the murderer of a body found on the Langdon Estate. As the estate has been targeted by activists trying to stop fishing, Jack has his work cut out as the suspects mount up. Manchester and Police Scotland feature in this book. I especially enjoyed DCI Smothers from Scotland as she aids Jack and his team catch the baddies! Plenty of suspects as usual to keep you guessing.
I've come to the end of my Harris binge but I hope there will be more from this author.

[Sebastian Barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phew! The driving back and forth between Levton Bridge and Scotland to solve this case. The death of a man on an Estate near Levton, along with animal activists, illegal chemical dumping and illicit affairs certainly makes life very difficult for Jack, Matt and all of the team. How does it all link together?
Again, a blinding story from John Dean and I hope there will be more in this brilliant series.

[margaret chalmers · Rating 1 out of 5]

A fishy tale.

Jack Harris, a senior policeman in the North Pennines, dog lover, hill lover, who combines policework with wildlife protection is involved in a case of murder on an estate where the bailiff is suspected of trapping otters. Various dodgy anti fishing groups are also involved. The action moves from the Pennines up to Scotland. Well written, exciting, good story. Not outstanding but a decent read. Recommended to while away some hours pleasurably.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harris and his team investigate a body found alongside a river...

Again, this was a twisty murder mystery where there are numerous suspects. I like Jack Harris and his team, the banter, the relationships and the humour.

This story travels to Scotland, following evidence or is everything a red herring?

I enjoyed the writing style, while the characters suited the plot.

Engaging and entertaining.

[The Book Folks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The eleventh standalone title in the DCI Jack Harris series, this is a great instalment. No need to read the other books, just dive into the story which touches themes of river pollution and eco-crime. But at heart this is a well-crafted murder mystery with a traditional likeable detective with typically safe hands. But is Harris not out on a limb somewhat with his theories this time around?

[Martha Brindley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good addition to the series featuring Detective Jack Harris and can easily be read as a stand alone. It's an easy but satisfying read with good plotting and interesting characters. The pacing is steady throughout with a couple of unexpected twists and a well wrapped up ending. I would recommend it to lovers of crime thrillers. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A body is discovered on the Langdon Estate of Sebastian de la Roche. A mixture of angling rights, wildlife protection and pollution of rivers involves several activists groups. DCI Jack Harris and his team investigate with the help of other police forces.
An enjoyable modern mystery. Another good addition to this entertaining series.

[Randal White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

A quick read. Kept my attention. It was enjoyable, however the “criminals” all rolling over and confessing seemed too convenient. I’m going to try another of the author’s books, hopefully it will not have the same problem.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen]

Another Excellent Story

Another excellent story by John Dean in the DCI Jack Harris series. All the usual characters and a very good storyline that moved along at a fast pace and was very easy to follow.Looking forward to reading more in the series

[K Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Another of my favourite series. I love the stories which are always that bit different and a real puzzle, keeps you guessing till the end. Great character's and I love the subtle humour.

[Sue Owadally, . · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Previously read the 9 book collection and thoroughly enjoyed them so was really glad to find book 10and11 which I also really enjoyed. I am hoping there is a book 12 as I am not sure how I will cope without my dose of Jack Harris and co !

[Kathy Piehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually like the Jack Harris books a lot, but this one seemed unnecessarily complicated with too many suspects and too many venues. Several investigations occurred at once led by different people. I wasn't convinced by the ultimate solution to the crime.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #11

I have enjoyed all of these books. I had worried that there wouldn’t be anymore. DCI Jack Harris is a favorite of mine. I hope there are more coming.

[Jill Stirling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good.

[alex jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

To catch a lie

What a great adventure this book was Harris is a great read and with his way of dealing with things it's a really exciting and easy read.Next please

[Faize Rumble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopefully this is not the last one

Yet again, the web of events and the characters made me finish the book in a day. Waiting for the 12th book in the series

[Lesley Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

another success

I’m in love with DIC Harris
Another gripping tale that keeps one guessing right up to the last page
Heartily recommend.

[Susan Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series! I really enjoy following DCI Harris. There is an unusual twist at the end.

[David Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Series

I really do like this Series . Such Great Characters and a Great edge of your seat Story . With neat little twists .