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Detective Chief Inspector Jack Harris #1-9
Detective Jack Harris Books 1-9
Over 1800 pages of gripping mysteries. Atmospheric, compelling, and full of twists. Discover why readers are hooked on Detective Jack Harris.
The North Pennines — remote, brooding, and steeped in secrets. When violence shatters the peace of these windswept hills and valleys, it’s up to Detective Chief Inspector Jack Harris to uncover the truth.
From the chilling discovery of a body in an abandoned quarry to a killer who strikes under the cover of fog, Harris faces down those who think the wild landscape will hide their crimes. With his loyal black Labrador, Scoot, and a team of dedicated – if occasionally difficult – officers, Harris takes on nine unforgettable cases, where danger runs deep and justice is personal.
Haunted by his past, driven by justice, and fiercely protective of the natural world, Jack Harris is a detective like no other. But even in a place as isolated as this, someone is always watching. And not everyone wants the truth to come out.
Can you solve the cases before DCI Harris does?
Included in this box set:
1. Dead Hill
2. To Die Alone
3. The Vixen's Scream
4. To Honour the Dead
5. Thou Shalt Kill
6. Error of Judgement
7. The Killing Line
8. Kill Shot
9. Last Man Alive
The North Pennines — remote, brooding, and steeped in secrets. When violence shatters the peace of these windswept hills and valleys, it’s up to Detective Chief Inspector Jack Harris to uncover the truth.
From the chilling discovery of a body in an abandoned quarry to a killer who strikes under the cover of fog, Harris faces down those who think the wild landscape will hide their crimes. With his loyal black Labrador, Scoot, and a team of dedicated – if occasionally difficult – officers, Harris takes on nine unforgettable cases, where danger runs deep and justice is personal.
Haunted by his past, driven by justice, and fiercely protective of the natural world, Jack Harris is a detective like no other. But even in a place as isolated as this, someone is always watching. And not everyone wants the truth to come out.
Can you solve the cases before DCI Harris does?
Included in this box set:
1. Dead Hill
2. To Die Alone
3. The Vixen's Scream
4. To Honour the Dead
5. Thou Shalt Kill
6. Error of Judgement
7. The Killing Line
8. Kill Shot
9. Last Man Alive
1824 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
1418 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
John Dean
133 books82 followersJohn 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 27, 2025
Excellent
I purchased this box set at the lowly price of 99p thinking that it would pass the time of day if I had nothing better to read and boy how wrong could I be, I devoured the nine books in a week. I will certainly be looking for more from John Dean in the future and never discount something when it’s on offer just in case.
I purchased this box set at the lowly price of 99p thinking that it would pass the time of day if I had nothing better to read and boy how wrong could I be, I devoured the nine books in a week. I will certainly be looking for more from John Dean in the future and never discount something when it’s on offer just in case.
August 30, 2025
Series Set in Northern England
Many years ago I spent time in the Lancashire and Manchester area. The northern Pennines and rugged landscape are the setting for this series. Detective Jack Harris is a part of the country setting — his affinity for the hills and valleys and the creatures who inhabit this region add depth and interest to the murder mysteries he solves. I especially love the detailed descriptions of SAR involvements and the birds Harris loves. Each story is complex and compelling — with twists and surprises that make them difficult to put down. A good read for anyone who is a fan of powerful characters in intriguing locales.
Many years ago I spent time in the Lancashire and Manchester area. The northern Pennines and rugged landscape are the setting for this series. Detective Jack Harris is a part of the country setting — his affinity for the hills and valleys and the creatures who inhabit this region add depth and interest to the murder mysteries he solves. I especially love the detailed descriptions of SAR involvements and the birds Harris loves. Each story is complex and compelling — with twists and surprises that make them difficult to put down. A good read for anyone who is a fan of powerful characters in intriguing locales.
July 21, 2025
A very good collection.
A series that really grows in you the more you read. I have individually reviewed each book on Goodreads. A couple of the books I had read 2 or 3 years ago and they are as good now as they were then. But made more sense being within the series.
Highly recommend and am now off to find 10 and 11 to continued the journey with DCI Jack Harris.
A series that really grows in you the more you read. I have individually reviewed each book on Goodreads. A couple of the books I had read 2 or 3 years ago and they are as good now as they were then. But made more sense being within the series.
Highly recommend and am now off to find 10 and 11 to continued the journey with DCI Jack Harris.
May 19, 2025
Very readable 9 fairly short stories around a much larger than life character in DCI Jack Harris or HAWK to his closest friends due to his love and interest in the Raptor birds in his beloved North Pennines. A former GMP senior detective who brought down many of Manchester's worst villains he moves back as a DCI to his home town and birthplace of Leven Bridge nestled in the North Pennines. He is supported by DS Matt Gallagher, a former Met officer, who has moved to his wife's, Julie, a nurse, home town. Matt does not like the quietness of the hill country and misses London but is a great foil for Jack Harris, a very much old style copper who is not shy about giving a "clip around the ear". Jack has a great team of young officers and enjoys success in the stories in this series.
The books have varied stories and are easy to read. Easily read over 2 days but if you get a few hours to spare on a cold and wet English day, in one read. Over the past few years I have probably read hundreds of UK crime stories but I'm amazed how many start in cold and wet November days and go through winter. As a West Australian it makes me feel the cold even on a 40o day here. I did survive 6 years working in the City in my 20s so I have some empathy.
Worth a read.
The books have varied stories and are easy to read. Easily read over 2 days but if you get a few hours to spare on a cold and wet English day, in one read. Over the past few years I have probably read hundreds of UK crime stories but I'm amazed how many start in cold and wet November days and go through winter. As a West Australian it makes me feel the cold even on a 40o day here. I did survive 6 years working in the City in my 20s so I have some empathy.
Worth a read.
May 24, 2025
Really enjoyed this series of books
When I first started reading book one wasn't sure I was going to like it, how wrong was I!! Really enjoyed the books the storylines kept you thinking, with twist and turns, I couldn't put them down, although I did try to delay book 9 as I didn't want them to end! So just going to search to see if there is a book 10 with my fingers crossed that there is!
When I first started reading book one wasn't sure I was going to like it, how wrong was I!! Really enjoyed the books the storylines kept you thinking, with twist and turns, I couldn't put them down, although I did try to delay book 9 as I didn't want them to end! So just going to search to see if there is a book 10 with my fingers crossed that there is!
June 11, 2025
totally brilliant
I simply could not put any one of this set down, I was hooked right from the very first page . Fantastic characters, and the intrigue in each book was addictive. The main character was written in perfectly,
I even thinking I’ll re read the whole series
As they were so enjoyable.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND .
I simply could not put any one of this set down, I was hooked right from the very first page . Fantastic characters, and the intrigue in each book was addictive. The main character was written in perfectly,
I even thinking I’ll re read the whole series
As they were so enjoyable.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND .
June 18, 2025
Hawk that shows no medcy.
Coliumbo meets Rambo. Harris sticks to the rule book. His rule book. The village has more crime than Chicago and Harris's no holds barred approach is rather engaging. A few thousand more like him and crime would be at a minimum. Fine flowing stories. I bought the 9 pack. Enjoy.Engaging
Coliumbo meets Rambo. Harris sticks to the rule book. His rule book. The village has more crime than Chicago and Harris's no holds barred approach is rather engaging. A few thousand more like him and crime would be at a minimum. Fine flowing stories. I bought the 9 pack. Enjoy.Engaging
June 19, 2025
Absolutely brilliant
What a wonderful series of books, just could not wait to get to the next one. Great main characters, stunning location and intriguing mysteries. Can't ask for more
What a wonderful series of books, just could not wait to get to the next one. Great main characters, stunning location and intriguing mysteries. Can't ask for more
July 6, 2025
Reasonable Read but needs editing
This author needs to develop a re-reading habit to check on basic grammar and construction errors. A reasonable story with irritating repeats of previously used text to describe fixed characters through the series.
This author needs to develop a re-reading habit to check on basic grammar and construction errors. A reasonable story with irritating repeats of previously used text to describe fixed characters through the series.
September 14, 2025
I read through the set, 1-9, over this last week, so I was very aware of the development of the characters and their attitudes. The last book didn't give much hint of the future of the relationship Jack Harris had begun with his Manchester colleague.
The stories are well thought out and certainly reinforce the thought that countryside police have as much crime & evil to contend with as the city police. The crime detection is interposed with Harris' love of the countryside and it's wildlife with detailed descriptions.
Worth reading
The stories are well thought out and certainly reinforce the thought that countryside police have as much crime & evil to contend with as the city police. The crime detection is interposed with Harris' love of the countryside and it's wildlife with detailed descriptions.
Worth reading
August 28, 2025
Jack “Hawk” Harris DCI - simple and harmless reading. Believable characters if a little repetitively described as nauseam from book to book. I enjoyed them in session during a weeks holiday. Didn’t like the John Blizzard DCI series after reading which is basically a rework of same characters?!
I would recommend as nice easy distraction.
I would recommend as nice easy distraction.
November 30, 2025
9 in a row
Just read these books one after the other, I became quite invested in the characters. I enjoyed all the stories And I was particularly pleased to see a list of all characters at
the back of each story, I believe other authors should be encouraged to do the same. Thankyou.
Just read these books one after the other, I became quite invested in the characters. I enjoyed all the stories And I was particularly pleased to see a list of all characters at
the back of each story, I believe other authors should be encouraged to do the same. Thankyou.
January 12, 2026
I enjoyed all these British crime dramas set in the North Pennines where Detective Chief Inspector Jack Harris and his team investigate murders, each one twisty and entertaining.
The characters were well-developed and suited the plot. There was a great sense of place and I appreciated the value of animals.
Well-written, some satisfying humour and engaging.
Recommended.
The characters were well-developed and suited the plot. There was a great sense of place and I appreciated the value of animals.
Well-written, some satisfying humour and engaging.
Recommended.
June 19, 2025
The last book in the box set was Last Man Standing which turned out to be a good story. Journalist gets murdered over a book he is writing and every one is thinking who is the person mentioned in the book. Not who you think and not the reason either .
June 22, 2025
Good ready guaranteed
Fans of Jack Reacher and others too numerous to mention will love these books. Good plots. Realistic characters. Nice North country background. Couldn't put the books down. Highly recommended.
Fans of Jack Reacher and others too numerous to mention will love these books. Good plots. Realistic characters. Nice North country background. Couldn't put the books down. Highly recommended.
July 16, 2025
Crime doesn't pay, some of the time.
Loved every thing about the series. Characters were very believable and real. You don't come across plots that seem as honest as these. Quite enjoyable.
Loved every thing about the series. Characters were very believable and real. You don't come across plots that seem as honest as these. Quite enjoyable.
July 22, 2025
Great read. I’d already read John Deans DCI Blizzard books so I was curious how these would pan out.
I think it’s the relationships between the DCI & the Sergeant in both sets of book's that add to the stories.
I’d love to read a book where John Dean brings both Detectives together!
I think it’s the relationships between the DCI & the Sergeant in both sets of book's that add to the stories.
I’d love to read a book where John Dean brings both Detectives together!
August 17, 2025
Highly recommended & good value for 9 books
Each book got better and better, the premise of each story was believable, and the banter of the two main characters often gave some relief from the horrors of the crimes.
Each book got better and better, the premise of each story was believable, and the banter of the two main characters often gave some relief from the horrors of the crimes.
August 24, 2025
Detective Harris's Books 1-9
Took me a while to get into this character, but once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed the stories of Jack and his team. Looking forward to more from John Dean and DCI Jack Harris.
Took me a while to get into this character, but once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed the stories of Jack and his team. Looking forward to more from John Dean and DCI Jack Harris.
September 3, 2025
Jack Harris
Excellent reading, fast moving good reads. Jack Harris is a formidable police officer with a love of wild life.. He always gets his man in the end.
Will recommend to my friends.
Excellent reading, fast moving good reads. Jack Harris is a formidable police officer with a love of wild life.. He always gets his man in the end.
Will recommend to my friends.
September 9, 2025
So good I didn't want to finish book nine
However I have been told that books 10 and 11 are waiting for me! I love the two characters - DCI Jack Harris and CD Matthew Gallagher - so well written and the plots are excellent. Off now to download book 10!
However I have been told that books 10 and 11 are waiting for me! I love the two characters - DCI Jack Harris and CD Matthew Gallagher - so well written and the plots are excellent. Off now to download book 10!
September 15, 2025
Jack Harris' power through the books
Wow John Dean author has certainly kept me entertained for days. It was very hard to get clues to the mysterious background of each story. I appreciated the difficulties as I like to work out the who and why "done it's".
Wow John Dean author has certainly kept me entertained for days. It was very hard to get clues to the mysterious background of each story. I appreciated the difficulties as I like to work out the who and why "done it's".
October 2, 2025
No nonsense Jack
The more I read of this set of books, the more I enjoyed them. No nonsense Jack Harris, old-fashioned, plain speaking, doesn't suffer fools gladly, loves nature, all makes for good reading.
The more I read of this set of books, the more I enjoyed them. No nonsense Jack Harris, old-fashioned, plain speaking, doesn't suffer fools gladly, loves nature, all makes for good reading.
October 16, 2025
Jack Harris
I have read all nine books in this series and I am pleased to find out that are two more to locate and read great series lots of twists and turns but you cannot pull the wool over Jack Harris
I have read all nine books in this series and I am pleased to find out that are two more to locate and read great series lots of twists and turns but you cannot pull the wool over Jack Harris
November 11, 2025
Enjoyed Every book in the Series
Well written & the stories all had a good twist at the end, Jack is a tough cookie, a DCI with a reputation that plays well with his actual character.
Well written & the stories all had a good twist at the end, Jack is a tough cookie, a DCI with a reputation that plays well with his actual character.
May 14, 2025
Great read
Really interesting stories, well written keeps you interested all the way through and no lagging in the story. Will read more of Jack Harris.
Really interesting stories, well written keeps you interested all the way through and no lagging in the story. Will read more of Jack Harris.
May 31, 2025
Detective Jack Harris
I thoroughly enjoyed all nine books in this series. The plots drew you in and the human interactions between all the characters were just as interesting.
I thoroughly enjoyed all nine books in this series. The plots drew you in and the human interactions between all the characters were just as interesting.
July 8, 2025
Detective Jack Harris
I enjoyed all nine books, I read them one after the other, couldn't put them down, I liked the relationship between Hawlk and Gallager.
I enjoyed all nine books, I read them one after the other, couldn't put them down, I liked the relationship between Hawlk and Gallager.
July 15, 2025
Good series with a variety of characters
Nice to get to know all the characters as they develop. Looking forward to reading more soon. Interesting to read about up North
Nice to get to know all the characters as they develop. Looking forward to reading more soon. Interesting to read about up North
August 23, 2025
Good storylines
Enjoyable series of stories set in very descriptive scenarios and settings good characters. Easy reads and good to follow.Recommended book.
Enjoyable series of stories set in very descriptive scenarios and settings good characters. Easy reads and good to follow.Recommended book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews