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DCI Logan Crime Thrillers #10
Ahead of the Game
"A belter of a crime series" - Thrilling Fiction When a body is discovered at a popular Highland landmark, it seems like just another day on the job for DCI Jack Logan and his team.Except this body is missing a very vital component, and given its location - The Well of Seven Heads - it seems like someone is trying to send a message. But why? And to whom?With pressure mounting from his superiors, six hundred teenagers baying for blood, and the press sniffing around for a scandal, the only chance Jack has of cracking his latest case is if he finds a way to keep the heid, while all around are losing theirs. Ahead of the Game is the tenth book from bestselling Scottish crime author, JD Kirk, and is perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Stuart Macbride, and Val McDermid.
374 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2021
2727 people are currently reading
935 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Kirk
59 books1,744 followersJD Kirk is the pen name of multi-award-winning author, screenwriter, and writer of comics, Barry Hutchison.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews
February 11, 2021
The best ever
Great story. Great patter. Twists that you don't expect. A must read. The extra at the end. Fanbloodytastic. A hoonism
Great story. Great patter. Twists that you don't expect. A must read. The extra at the end. Fanbloodytastic. A hoonism
May 10, 2024
Another fast paced crime thriller with a really good plot and bags of Scottish humour the only way Kirk can do it.
I really liked the pace of the investigation and also the supporting cast they really contributed to the story and were just as entertaining. As for the main characters they continue to develop their own stories and personalities which I love. I never get bored of their stories as it’s not in the forefront of each book but definitely adds to the experience.
To sum up a fast paced crime thriller that will keep you guessing until the end with believable characters and perfectly executed one liners. A real joy to read.
I really liked the pace of the investigation and also the supporting cast they really contributed to the story and were just as entertaining. As for the main characters they continue to develop their own stories and personalities which I love. I never get bored of their stories as it’s not in the forefront of each book but definitely adds to the experience.
To sum up a fast paced crime thriller that will keep you guessing until the end with believable characters and perfectly executed one liners. A real joy to read.
February 18, 2021
Another brilliantly written thriller from Kirk.
This is one of the best too!
He writes page turner edge of seat thrillers with laugh out loud police team rapport and it’s wonderful.
Can’t wait for book 11
This is one of the best too!
He writes page turner edge of seat thrillers with laugh out loud police team rapport and it’s wonderful.
Can’t wait for book 11
February 22, 2021
Another entertaining book. Love the banter between the characters, just enough and usually very comical. I did quess who dunnit quite early but enjoyed the book and the twists.
September 21, 2021
I happened to be in DCI Jack Logan / J.D. Kirk territory (Fort William, Inverness etc) when I was reading this book. It helped with my imagination of places, and especially the winding roads.
Once again, J.D. Kirk has produced a book with twists and turns leading up to a final climax and resolution. And there are more than several laugh-out-loud moments again.
His characters Sinead and Tyler are getting married, and Jack (as stand-in father of the bride) has to write a speech. You'll find it on JDKirk.com/thespeech in print and audio form. Make sure to get both, as the print version has hilarious corrections. This isn't in the book, so it's not a spoiler in any way - just a fun extra.
I cannot recommend this series highly enough. That's if you like a crime story with truly unforgettable characters having serious and light moments.
Once again, J.D. Kirk has produced a book with twists and turns leading up to a final climax and resolution. And there are more than several laugh-out-loud moments again.
His characters Sinead and Tyler are getting married, and Jack (as stand-in father of the bride) has to write a speech. You'll find it on JDKirk.com/thespeech in print and audio form. Make sure to get both, as the print version has hilarious corrections. This isn't in the book, so it's not a spoiler in any way - just a fun extra.
I cannot recommend this series highly enough. That's if you like a crime story with truly unforgettable characters having serious and light moments.
April 18, 2023
Um bom thriller, com muito humor à mistura.
A good thriller with a lot of humor in the mix.
A good thriller with a lot of humor in the mix.
February 26, 2025
Enjoyed the dry humour, good storyline
July 17, 2024
Cute ending <3
August 20, 2022
Oops! I skipped book 9. I should have realized when there were a few references to things I did not recall. So now I need to go back and read book 9 A Snowball's Chance in Hell, before continuing on. This was a great story! Even if I have ended up reading them out of line. It is an excellent read in a great series! This is the thirteenth volume from J.D. Kirk that I have read in the last few months. I have enjoyed all that I have now read, the first 8 and the 10th in the DCI Logan series and the first 3 in the Robert Hoon series, and a stand alone VIP exclusive short story. I picked the first for a few reasons, but mainly because authors Alex Smith and JE Mayhew have both recommended the author and series. I am a big fan of Smith’s DCI Kett novels and Mayhew’s DCI Will Blake Series. I had no idea how addictive Kirk’s books would be. Like Mayhew and Smith, Kirk publishes under various names. Kirk publishes children books as Barry Hutchison, and other adult fiction as Barry J. Hutchison. He is coming up on 175 books across the three pen names. Seriously! If I had known that or I might not have picked up this first one. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published. For now I will try and read the remaining books published as Kirk.
The description of this novel is:
“When a body is discovered at a popular Highland landmark, it seems like just another day on the job for DCI Jack Logan and his team.
Except this body is missing a very vital component, and given its location - The Well of Seven Heads - it seems like someone is trying to send a message. But why? And to whom?
With pressure mounting from his superiors, six hundred teenagers baying for blood, and the press sniffing around for a scandal, the only chance Jack has of cracking his latest case is if he finds a way to keep the heid, while all around are losing theirs.
Ahead of the Game is the tenth book from bestselling Scottish crime author, JD Kirk, and is perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Stuart Macbride, and Val McDermid.”
In these stories often the murders are gruesome. The humour is dark. And the Scottish temperament comes out from several different characters. But that being said the characters are written wonderfully. You can’t but enjoy Logan and his interactions with his team and even the new Chief Superintendent. After a body is found without its head at the Well of the Seven Heads the team is on the road again. How far can a head be thrown, we are informed it all depends on hair. But to find out why you will need to read and find out. The crime in this story is pretty twisted. I had a good idea who had committed the crime, but I was completely surprised by why. And with a wedding in the recent past and one looming Logan has to deal with some feelings. We get a deeper look into Logan’s mind and a bit into his heart in this one!
I will warn you I definitely laughed at the ending. And Hoon’s appearance in this story was a surprise. This is another great read in an excellent series. The two series written under the pen name J.D. Kirk are definitely Scottish Mysteries, and I can see the comparisons with both Smith and Mayhew’s works. Every time I finish a book by Kirk it takes willpower not to just pick up the next one and keep going. I can state that I will be reading all the DCI Logan books and the Robert Hoon Series as well. I know I will be reading all the books published buy this author under this name. And once caught up branching out into his other works. I love that the stories are set in Scotland! This book and series would be great reads for fans of Jack Reacher, DCI Kett or DCI Will Blake. A great read in an excellent series!
The description of this novel is:
“When a body is discovered at a popular Highland landmark, it seems like just another day on the job for DCI Jack Logan and his team.
Except this body is missing a very vital component, and given its location - The Well of Seven Heads - it seems like someone is trying to send a message. But why? And to whom?
With pressure mounting from his superiors, six hundred teenagers baying for blood, and the press sniffing around for a scandal, the only chance Jack has of cracking his latest case is if he finds a way to keep the heid, while all around are losing theirs.
Ahead of the Game is the tenth book from bestselling Scottish crime author, JD Kirk, and is perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Stuart Macbride, and Val McDermid.”
In these stories often the murders are gruesome. The humour is dark. And the Scottish temperament comes out from several different characters. But that being said the characters are written wonderfully. You can’t but enjoy Logan and his interactions with his team and even the new Chief Superintendent. After a body is found without its head at the Well of the Seven Heads the team is on the road again. How far can a head be thrown, we are informed it all depends on hair. But to find out why you will need to read and find out. The crime in this story is pretty twisted. I had a good idea who had committed the crime, but I was completely surprised by why. And with a wedding in the recent past and one looming Logan has to deal with some feelings. We get a deeper look into Logan’s mind and a bit into his heart in this one!
I will warn you I definitely laughed at the ending. And Hoon’s appearance in this story was a surprise. This is another great read in an excellent series. The two series written under the pen name J.D. Kirk are definitely Scottish Mysteries, and I can see the comparisons with both Smith and Mayhew’s works. Every time I finish a book by Kirk it takes willpower not to just pick up the next one and keep going. I can state that I will be reading all the DCI Logan books and the Robert Hoon Series as well. I know I will be reading all the books published buy this author under this name. And once caught up branching out into his other works. I love that the stories are set in Scotland! This book and series would be great reads for fans of Jack Reacher, DCI Kett or DCI Will Blake. A great read in an excellent series!
February 14, 2021
Best so far...?
I am a huge fan so may be considered biased but the Logan books just get better and better and ‘Ahead of the Game’ was definitely up there with the best of the series. Certainly I haven’t laughed as much before (which is saying something, all things considered) when reading a crime novel, but I’ve also held my breath in horrified anticipation The story moves along a pace as always. You never get padding, whereby they all sit around contemplating their navels, it’s always fast paced and enjoyable, and the character development is doing the same. JD certainly knows how to write a great book.
Definitely read it but only if you’ve read the other nine books. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it won’t matter if you jump straight in at this one. It absolutely will and you’ll miss so much of the humour as it’ll mean nothing without the back story. Even for those characters that would seem to be minor in this book, and aren’t, the whit is in knowing them. Bravo JD Kirk. Nicely done.
I am a huge fan so may be considered biased but the Logan books just get better and better and ‘Ahead of the Game’ was definitely up there with the best of the series. Certainly I haven’t laughed as much before (which is saying something, all things considered) when reading a crime novel, but I’ve also held my breath in horrified anticipation The story moves along a pace as always. You never get padding, whereby they all sit around contemplating their navels, it’s always fast paced and enjoyable, and the character development is doing the same. JD certainly knows how to write a great book.
Definitely read it but only if you’ve read the other nine books. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it won’t matter if you jump straight in at this one. It absolutely will and you’ll miss so much of the humour as it’ll mean nothing without the back story. Even for those characters that would seem to be minor in this book, and aren’t, the whit is in knowing them. Bravo JD Kirk. Nicely done.
October 9, 2025
When a headless body is found at the Well of Seven Heads, DCI Logan is certain someone is trying to send a message, but what? And to who? The body belongs to that of a popular teacher, and with all of his students desperate for answers, Logan has to work quickly. However, is there more than meets the eye when it comes to this teacher, or has jealousy caused someone to lose their head?
This was another great continuation of the series. Similar to a lot of Kirk’s books, this novel had a lot of great twists and focused on the heart of the characters. I also love the fact that we are now seeing more continuing stories throughout the series, such as the return of Olivia and mention of the Iceman killer.
As sad as it made me feel, I was glad the author focused on sadder themes like Tyler’s cancer diagnosis. It was nice to see a more open moment between Tyler and Sinead when his diagnosis was revealed, and the fact the two still decided to get married and keep his diagnosis a secret made the wedding all the more emotional. While Tyler is probably my least favourite of the main characters, this moment made him more relatable and I hope we see more vulnerable moments from him in the future instead of him simply being there as a way of adding comic relief.
As much as I loved the book, the main reason I didn’t give it five stars was because I saw some of the twists coming. For example, I knew Bennet and the teacher had a sexual relationship before it was revealed, and I also knew there was much more to Lachlan than met the eye. These were two of the biggest twists in the book, so it felt a bit anticlimactic when I already saw them coming.
Overall, a great novel, but some of the twists were a bit too obvious.
This was another great continuation of the series. Similar to a lot of Kirk’s books, this novel had a lot of great twists and focused on the heart of the characters. I also love the fact that we are now seeing more continuing stories throughout the series, such as the return of Olivia and mention of the Iceman killer.
As sad as it made me feel, I was glad the author focused on sadder themes like Tyler’s cancer diagnosis. It was nice to see a more open moment between Tyler and Sinead when his diagnosis was revealed, and the fact the two still decided to get married and keep his diagnosis a secret made the wedding all the more emotional. While Tyler is probably my least favourite of the main characters, this moment made him more relatable and I hope we see more vulnerable moments from him in the future instead of him simply being there as a way of adding comic relief.
As much as I loved the book, the main reason I didn’t give it five stars was because I saw some of the twists coming. For example, I knew Bennet and the teacher had a sexual relationship before it was revealed, and I also knew there was much more to Lachlan than met the eye. These were two of the biggest twists in the book, so it felt a bit anticlimactic when I already saw them coming.
Overall, a great novel, but some of the twists were a bit too obvious.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2021
Loved it , it’s got everything and more in 1
DCI Jack Logan is absolutely hilarious so is Ben Tyler is an idiot but he’s a funny one I absolutely love this series
You know when u say to yourself just one more chapter lol up next chapter forty
Seriously it’s a really good laugh out loud funny banter between all the characters even tho a murder case is going on JD Kirk has a way of writing that totally grips you on the nitty gritty of the story like you can’t read any faster to see what happens next , then in the next paragraph/chapter has you laughing out loud it fantastic.
“ shitting blood my ars “🤣
I shouldn’t have laughed when I did but I couldn’t help it Hoon it a right character
Shitenugget funny
The extra wedding speech on audio was great I am a fan of it but I can read quicker, now tho I have jacks voice in my head maybe I’ll audio book 11
DCI Jack Logan is absolutely hilarious so is Ben Tyler is an idiot but he’s a funny one I absolutely love this series
You know when u say to yourself just one more chapter lol up next chapter forty
Seriously it’s a really good laugh out loud funny banter between all the characters even tho a murder case is going on JD Kirk has a way of writing that totally grips you on the nitty gritty of the story like you can’t read any faster to see what happens next , then in the next paragraph/chapter has you laughing out loud it fantastic.
“ shitting blood my ars “🤣
I shouldn’t have laughed when I did but I couldn’t help it Hoon it a right character
Shitenugget funny
The extra wedding speech on audio was great I am a fan of it but I can read quicker, now tho I have jacks voice in my head maybe I’ll audio book 11
January 23, 2022
Ahead of the Game is book 10 in the DCI Logan Crime Thrillers by J. D. Kirk. DCI Logan became involved with a case of a body found by a group of tourists at a local Highland landmark. At first, DCI Logan and his team did not understand the motive for the murder or why removing the victim's head.
I never have any problems engaging with books in the DCI Logan Series, and Ahead of the Game is an excellent addition to this series. I enjoy the way J. D. Kirk ensures that I have to laugh at times reading this book with the way characters interact. I love J. D. Kirk's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Ahead of the Game is well written and researched by J. D. Kirk. I like J. D. Kirk description of the settings of Ahead of the Game that allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Ahead of the Game will learn about problems for families when domestic violence is involved. Also, the readers of Ahead of the Game will understand the issues for law enforcement officers when they have an illness that stops them do work they love.
I recommend this book.
I never have any problems engaging with books in the DCI Logan Series, and Ahead of the Game is an excellent addition to this series. I enjoy the way J. D. Kirk ensures that I have to laugh at times reading this book with the way characters interact. I love J. D. Kirk's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Ahead of the Game is well written and researched by J. D. Kirk. I like J. D. Kirk description of the settings of Ahead of the Game that allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Ahead of the Game will learn about problems for families when domestic violence is involved. Also, the readers of Ahead of the Game will understand the issues for law enforcement officers when they have an illness that stops them do work they love.
I recommend this book.
May 29, 2021
I love the DCI Jack Logan series! The mysteries are meaty, intelligent and twisty and the comradery and humor within the police squad makes me laugh out loud. You really get to love the characters and their lives mean something to you. JD Kirk also loves to set the murders in unique and real Scottish settings, such as the Wells of Seven Heads statue in this book, with its clever tie to the mystery.
February 12, 2021
Another page turner
Just loved this latest book,full of twists and turns and funny bits, I wait so long for the next book and read it in one sitting so now eagerly awaiting the next, and I loved the Audio father of the bride speech,thank you Mr Kirk, I have really enjoyed all these books.
Just loved this latest book,full of twists and turns and funny bits, I wait so long for the next book and read it in one sitting so now eagerly awaiting the next, and I loved the Audio father of the bride speech,thank you Mr Kirk, I have really enjoyed all these books.
September 24, 2023
The solution to the main mystery at the book's core wasn't particularly satisfying - the ending seemed to come out of left field - but the main characters continue to be good company and the series arc is as compelling as ever. And 'Ahead of the Game' did deliver some genuine moments of anxiety when you wonder if J. D. Kirk is about to kill off a main character. Good stuff!
February 17, 2021
Another cracking read in the DCI Logan series. Beautifully descriptive prose, great banter between the characters, laugh out loud humour and, of course, a storyline to tug at your heart strings. Dropped to 4 stars as I thought the remarks about dwarfism were unnecessary and didn't add anything to the story, detracted from it if anything.
June 8, 2021
Loved this one.
January 17, 2023
Bookish Books Reading Challenge
September 3, 2023
Just another solid entry. Predictable twist :( not sure if it’s bad writing tho or my own overexposure to the genre. Enjoyable nonetheless
March 24, 2024
Another quick and enjoyable read. Recommended for mystery novel lovers but Kirk books really need to be read in order to get maximum enjoyment ( Olivia's story arc particularly).
July 17, 2024
First DNF at 24%. I was so bored 🥱 Sounded exciting from the beginning… but I really didn’t have any urge to continue reading.
February 5, 2025
Absolutely love this! Such an interesting case for DCI Logan and his team once again and another funny misfortune for DC Tyler, it made me laugh out loud! Such a great series, I highly recommend it!
March 29, 2025
That was a good book!! I wouldn't have guessed the ending if you paid me!!
4.4 🌟
4.4 🌟
May 4, 2025
Absolutely Brilliant. This series just gets better and better 😁
March 4, 2021
Another brilliant read.
April 7, 2021
I’m sure that after the first few books in this series, many of us follow it to read more about Jack, so confident and brash in his job, yet so insecure in his private life. That, and the relationships between the other members of his team. Lots of black humour which is no doubt essential on the job. There’s always a cracking murder mystery too, and I didn’t see this one coming. A brilliant marriage of character and plot is my favourite kind of crime book. Highly recommended – the whole series.
February 24, 2024
Another excellent read . One day I will work it all out but what a great plot and fantastic humour . Next book in series ready and waiting to be enjoyed .
August 23, 2025
DCI Logan and team find themselves confronted by the murder of a teacher and a bunch of teenagers demanding justice. Fast-paced and we continue to see each team member developing in their own way. Really love this series.
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February 14, 2021When you get to the end. Go download Jack's wedding speech...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews