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DCI James Craig #3
Dead On Arrival
The Burntisland carnival pulses with life as people of all ages revel in the festivities, unaware of the predator lurking among them. In the crowd are two teenage girls, innocently enjoying the fairgrounds, oblivious to the danger stalking them.
The next day, a grim discovery shatters the town's peace. One of the girls is found brutally murdered in a cemetery, a sinister symbol carved into her forehead.
DCI James Craig and his team are called to the scene, where Craig is confronted with a chilling realisation. The symbol is hauntingly familiar—it's a chilling echo from his past, reminiscent of a case he worked on two decades ago, chasing a killer known as Starman, who was never caught.
As the investigation unfolds, another victim is found, bearing the hallmark of a different notorious killer from Craig's past. Someone is meticulously recreating unsolved murders, dredging up ghosts from Craig's career.
The elusive killer remains shrouded in mystery, leaving Craig chasing ghosts from his past, ghosts who were always out of his reach.
Determined to put an end to the macabre mimicry, Craig vows to apprehend the killer, drawing on unlikely alliances and confronting his own demons along the way.
DEAD ON ARRIVAL is the third in the new bestselling DCI James Craig series.
For fans of Andrew Raymond, David J Gatward and JD Kirk.
The next day, a grim discovery shatters the town's peace. One of the girls is found brutally murdered in a cemetery, a sinister symbol carved into her forehead.
DCI James Craig and his team are called to the scene, where Craig is confronted with a chilling realisation. The symbol is hauntingly familiar—it's a chilling echo from his past, reminiscent of a case he worked on two decades ago, chasing a killer known as Starman, who was never caught.
As the investigation unfolds, another victim is found, bearing the hallmark of a different notorious killer from Craig's past. Someone is meticulously recreating unsolved murders, dredging up ghosts from Craig's career.
The elusive killer remains shrouded in mystery, leaving Craig chasing ghosts from his past, ghosts who were always out of his reach.
Determined to put an end to the macabre mimicry, Craig vows to apprehend the killer, drawing on unlikely alliances and confronting his own demons along the way.
DEAD ON ARRIVAL is the third in the new bestselling DCI James Craig series.
For fans of Andrew Raymond, David J Gatward and JD Kirk.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2024
580 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
John Carson
105 books164 followersJohn Carson is the author of the DI Frank Miller detective series. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and lived there most of his life. In 2006, he emigrated to New York State with his American wife and two daughters. They now live in a small town in the Hudson Valley where his wife was brought up, with a German Shepherd, a Beagle mix and four cats.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 22, 2024
review
This book was not as enjoyable as previous ones with DCI Craig. Seemed more rushed, less time given to develop characters and somewhat fast deterioration of Jimmy and Eve’s marriage.
This book was not as enjoyable as previous ones with DCI Craig. Seemed more rushed, less time given to develop characters and somewhat fast deterioration of Jimmy and Eve’s marriage.
August 17, 2024
Visit Halifax
This is the forth book by this author I have read. The stories have become very repetitive and predictable. However it was the appalling rendition of a Yorkshire accent that set my teeth on edge. I can only liken it to Dick Van Dykes cockney accent in Mary Poppins. I was expecting the police officers from Halifax to be described as wearing flat caps with whippets as police dogs. In 67 years I have never heard anyone say fook or coont!
This is the forth book by this author I have read. The stories have become very repetitive and predictable. However it was the appalling rendition of a Yorkshire accent that set my teeth on edge. I can only liken it to Dick Van Dykes cockney accent in Mary Poppins. I was expecting the police officers from Halifax to be described as wearing flat caps with whippets as police dogs. In 67 years I have never heard anyone say fook or coont!
September 23, 2024
Another glamprised hero who could not keep it in his pants while married
Of all the detective series I read, the first book was refreshing as someone is finally normal with a solid wife in a long and loving relationship. Here you know the book is written by a man. It's finding an excuse to cheat on his wife who are in the throes of her grief over their only child! He did say, been separated only for a couple of months and she prioritised their son. Uhm, maybe you could have waited things
were final? I will not be reading the rest of the series. Disgusted. And wrote its woman's fault as well. Woe to a man left to his own devices for a couple of months, use the wife's inherited house as their love nest. Euw. Euw. Euw.
Of all the detective series I read, the first book was refreshing as someone is finally normal with a solid wife in a long and loving relationship. Here you know the book is written by a man. It's finding an excuse to cheat on his wife who are in the throes of her grief over their only child! He did say, been separated only for a couple of months and she prioritised their son. Uhm, maybe you could have waited things
were final? I will not be reading the rest of the series. Disgusted. And wrote its woman's fault as well. Woe to a man left to his own devices for a couple of months, use the wife's inherited house as their love nest. Euw. Euw. Euw.
September 20, 2024
SMASHING READ!
This is proving to be a fabulous series having read these first 3 books in two days. A huge fan of John's previous books it's great to give a little introduction with his other DCI 's being included with the now newest DCI James Craig. Exciting story following murders or previously linked to two old cases twenty years ago. Not for the faint hearted, pretty graphic in places. Great humour, strong characters and story. Never saw the end coming, great surprise for the reader. Thank you John keep 'em co. BP Sheffield.
This is proving to be a fabulous series having read these first 3 books in two days. A huge fan of John's previous books it's great to give a little introduction with his other DCI 's being included with the now newest DCI James Craig. Exciting story following murders or previously linked to two old cases twenty years ago. Not for the faint hearted, pretty graphic in places. Great humour, strong characters and story. Never saw the end coming, great surprise for the reader. Thank you John keep 'em co. BP Sheffield.
July 4, 2024
Great Addition to the Series
It was a pleasure catching up with the familiar characters, as well as meeting a few memorable new ones (Biggie Smalls LOL)
This book, in fact, did make me laugh out loud in a few places.
The banter is entertaining. The mystery is very good too. I did not figure it out completely until the end, which is a treat. Highly recommend.
It was a pleasure catching up with the familiar characters, as well as meeting a few memorable new ones (Biggie Smalls LOL)
This book, in fact, did make me laugh out loud in a few places.
The banter is entertaining. The mystery is very good too. I did not figure it out completely until the end, which is a treat. Highly recommend.
September 27, 2024
Brilliant series
I'm really enjoying this new series, and to top it off, we still have input from Harry McNeil, D.sup Stewart and Finnn. Gripping read, with great stories, plenty of laugh out loud moments, heartbreak and suspense. I find it almost impossible to put down once started. Looking forward to the next instalment.
I'm really enjoying this new series, and to top it off, we still have input from Harry McNeil, D.sup Stewart and Finnn. Gripping read, with great stories, plenty of laugh out loud moments, heartbreak and suspense. I find it almost impossible to put down once started. Looking forward to the next instalment.
May 10, 2025
Not a bad storyline but it gets very confusing with so many different characters cropping up from so many different forces and swinging backwards and forwards. The terrible attempt at a Yorkshire accent was cringeworthy. Once again the ending was rushed.... and I'd guessed the perp quite a way back.
October 10, 2025
This series gets better and better. Jimmie now on his own while Eve spirals into being close to their psychotic serial killer son in the asylum...he's getting close to the Pathologist and trying to solve another serial killer cold case from 20 yrs ago. The Starman and the Atlas Killer. These nutters keep following Jimmie up north!
July 10, 2024
DCI Craig
This book was a rollercoaster of a book! The team didn’t know if they were chasing a serial killer or a copycat. There were a few old friends mentioned, too. I look forward to the next book. Beth P.
This book was a rollercoaster of a book! The team didn’t know if they were chasing a serial killer or a copycat. There were a few old friends mentioned, too. I look forward to the next book. Beth P.
July 31, 2024
A fine read.
I came across this author by chance and have thoroughly enjoyed all three books I’ve read so far. I’ve now got the new release on reserve.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys a good story with twists and turns, plus the unexpected!
I came across this author by chance and have thoroughly enjoyed all three books I’ve read so far. I’ve now got the new release on reserve.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys a good story with twists and turns, plus the unexpected!
November 11, 2024
This was a good third book in the series. It starts off slower than his others.
It starts off slower than most of Carson's work but its worth the first 45 pages to get into the meat of things.
As far as james craig goes? He becomes a happier man and evolves as a character.
It starts off slower than most of Carson's work but its worth the first 45 pages to get into the meat of things.
As far as james craig goes? He becomes a happier man and evolves as a character.
July 14, 2024
DOA
Another cracking tale from John Carson. Keeps you guessing right to the end as to who the Miller is and even then has an extra sting in the tail. Recommended.
Another cracking tale from John Carson. Keeps you guessing right to the end as to who the Miller is and even then has an extra sting in the tail. Recommended.
July 18, 2024
Good writer
I Like his characters a lot, however the storyline tends to be stuck in the serial killer who is also an insider trope. No longer following.
I Like his characters a lot, however the storyline tends to be stuck in the serial killer who is also an insider trope. No longer following.
July 31, 2024
dead on arrival
Can’t wait for the next one on this series to be released will read it straight away when it comes out
Can’t wait for the next one on this series to be released will read it straight away when it comes out
September 6, 2024
Not my cup of tea, content wise, but excellent work overall.
September 25, 2024
Another Excellent Story
Another excellent story by John Carson in the James Craig seies. Lots of the usual characters and a very good storyline.Looking forward to reading more.
Another excellent story by John Carson in the James Craig seies. Lots of the usual characters and a very good storyline.Looking forward to reading more.
October 25, 2024
well written
Well written but too much gratuitous vulgarity. It's f'ing here and f'ing there and f'ing, f'ing everywhere, without reason. This detracts from the story.
Well written but too much gratuitous vulgarity. It's f'ing here and f'ing there and f'ing, f'ing everywhere, without reason. This detracts from the story.
March 12, 2025
Gripping read.
Great storyline and excellent characters make for an absorbing read, looking forward to the next book in the DCI Craig series
Great storyline and excellent characters make for an absorbing read, looking forward to the next book in the DCI Craig series
October 23, 2025
Love this series!
December 24, 2025
Thrill ride reads!
Smart, creative killers, smarter, never give up cops!
DCI Craig is a favorite character, John Carson is a damn good writer!
Smart, creative killers, smarter, never give up cops!
DCI Craig is a favorite character, John Carson is a damn good writer!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews