Left for Dead

DCI Harry Grimm #22

by David J. Gatward

A cold winter morning. A body hanging from an arch. Can Grimm crack the case before more victims are Left for Dead?
After his recent engagement, DCI Harry Grimm should be enjoying his new role as a fiancé, but dark shadows threaten the Yorkshire Dales. In the quiet village of Appersett, a body is found dangling from the viaduct.

The victim? An experienced climber, once on the mountain rescue team, now living as a recluse on a lonely hill farm. So how did he end up dead on Appersett Viaduct? Grimm’s instincts tell him this isn’t an accident. The victim isn’t dressed for the weather, and curiously, his bootlaces are missing ...

As the investigation unfolds, a second body is discovered in the icy depths of the Buttertubs, followed by a third in a long-forgotten mine shaft. With chilling connections forming between the victims, Grimm and his team rush to piece together the puzzle before more lives are lost.

Left for Dead is the tense twenty-third book in the DCI Harry Grimm Crime Thrillers series. If you like characters who refuse to back down, twisty plots that leave you dangling, and tranquil countryside settings, then you’ll love David J. Gatward’s gruesome adventure.

Read Left for Dead to seek justice today!

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Audiobook, Ebooks, Procedural

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2026

Reviews

[Jessie (thatchickwithabook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the case, but my eyes did glaze over at times and I found myself rereading paragraphs.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this one

[Karen Oakley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another 'cosy' murder mystery with DCI Harry Grimm. Not much police procedural in this. Lately, these stories take a while to get going as they seem to be more about the splendour of the Dales than the actual investigation. I was 40% into the book on my kindle and they hadn't got any further than the first murder. There is a lot of filler which I start to skip over which then makes the story a bit boring. I had also guessed the killer which isn't a good sign. I'm not sure if I will continue with these books, which is a shame as the first half a dozen I loved.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good addition to the series

The familiar team is back in this enjoyable book. The mystery is intriguing and the insight into the characters is fun as always. The ending was a bit disappointing, seemed like an afterthought.

[Mr David Bevan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Struggled with storyline. Not my favourite Grimm story.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Series! DCI Harry Grimm and his team in Hawes, Wendsleydale in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales are faced with two murders,made to look like accidents. On the face of it, all the victims have in common is the mountain rescue team, of which DS Matt Dinsdale is a leading member. Who would want to harm them and why? Harry loses sleep, unlike his and Grace's dogs and the bizarrely named puppy, Cheese. Newly appeared and unwelcome family member pays an unexpected visit, but the best part of Harry's life, the protest of marrying Grace may not take too long. Hopefully. If nothing unexpected happens.

These books are best read in order, and to understand Harry the prequel is offered free at the end of book 1, Grimm up north. So worth reading - great stories, wonderful characters and beautifully descriptive writing that draws the reader in from page 1. I'm only disappointed to have to wait nearly 3 months for Book 24!

[Mrs Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Grimm tale to devour

In the aftermath of a brilliant end to December, with Harry finally getting the courage to put an engagement ring on Grace's finger, he and thd team are called out to a puzzling death, which stuns the local mountain rescue as the person had been a member, whilst trying to unravel the complexities of the life of Bill and another ex member of the mountain rescue, another body is found, also a current member of the mountain crew! Its only when a 3rd person goes missing that Harry finally adds all the dots together and confronts the killer, who' in his mind has done nothing wrong... but made sure the victims got what they deserved!
Another fulfilling episode in Harry and his team's work
Great 5🌟 book that I couldn't put down until I had finished it...

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay, Harry and team are back. A death in the area confounds everyone. A friend and well-known man is found harnessed up hanging from a bridge. He was a former member of the mountain rescue team, so his former co rescuers are confused as he wouldn't "do that" all his gear is wrong, no safety measures, and he was alone. Since he was unable to climb or shimmy down the rope/set up because the rope was too short, he succumbed yo exposure.
That's the mystery, how, why, who?

And Harry and Grace are happily engaged! They have so many dogs around them since the puppies were born. Harry find he is [spoiler] quite satisfied living in the Dale's [/spoiler].

[John Hinchliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic entry in the DCI Harry Grimm series. David J. Gatward’s eloquent descriptions of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales make you feel as though you’re right there alongside Harry and his team as they investigate not just one unusual deaths. The story is gripping, atmospheric, and thoroughly engaging from start to finish. As always, Aubrey Parsons delivers an outstanding narration, bringing the characters and setting vividly to life. Highly recommended.

[SkyGrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite author!

I love any trip in the Dales with Harry and his crew. So many things going on but the team just work together so wonderful. I loved how the addition of the Novellas between an entire Novel to see the softer side of everyone. I watch a lot of Narrow Boaters on YouTube so it has made me love the series even more. It definitely makes me wish I could pick up and move there!

[Lilly Hi Way · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and Different

In this mystery we have a series of murders of residents who love outdoor adventures like exploring caves or abandoned mines or cliffs etc. They also are unpaid volunteers who rescue visitors and others who get in trouble engaging in these activities. It's really interesting and complicated but fun to read. I highly recommend it. Note this is the 23th Harry Grimm mystery and they are still fresh and not the least bit repetitive.

[Christine Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left for Dead by David Gatward is book 23 in the DCI Harry Grimm crime series and yet again it is a really good read.
There is talk of Harry and Grace’s wedding and the mountain rescue team are involved in a series of murders which will need investigating.
A good solid police thriller series, which gets better as it meanders along. Thoroughly enjoyable..
Highly recommended

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to be back with Harry and his team and of course the dogs. It is winter in the Dales and a suspicious death leads the team on a merry chase as they are left with very little to work on till the end. The story of Grace and Harry is looking good too but no more said on that. Love the characters in this series too. They are like friends.

[K Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

You would think, after so many books in a series, that the author would run out of steam, but this series is so good and never gets boring. I am always saddened when I've finished reading, as I just want it to continue, and now I have to wait patiently for the next instalment. Loved it, thankyou.

[Elaine Mayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 not rounded. While I'm still enjoying this series, I think it's about to peter out. Lots of long descriptions of the dales (they sound wonderful -- perhaps my next life will be there) but pretty short on the actual mystery (which could make a good short story). I'll be looking forward to the next book though.

[Sandra Leivesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve followed this series all the way to book 23, and I hate to admit it, but this one left me a bit disappointed. I still love Harry and the gang, and I can see from the reviews that many others enjoyed it, but the story felt thin and wrapped up far too quickly. Still, I’m sure I’ll be listening to any future books in the series.

As always Aubrey Parsons made this book a delight to listen to.

[Debra Cela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twist in this one

As always enjoyed visiting the Dale’s. The cheese and cake are still a mystery to me. I was thinking more pound cake not fruitcake. Watching Harry and Grace’s relationship develop has been a joy. I am thoroughly intrigued about the “cousin” introduction and what are having to wait on.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

It's always fun catching up with Harry and Grace and the rest of the team. This one was a bit twisty, which made it interesting. We also got to see Harry and Grace muddle ever closer to the alter.

[Bridget Goldsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

back to regular murders!

No more gore, thank goodness. Great book, I just love the characters, a great mystery although I had it figured out at the end. I am just wondering how I can get the rest of the books.

[Delyth Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I don't know how David does it, but he did it again. Excellent story. In amongst the crime he manages to paint such a wonderful picture of the Dales. Very good read indeed.

[Lesley Darlington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-Put “downable”

Another excellent “Read”. The plots are intriguing & just as I think I know what will happen, a new avenue opens!
I now have the countdown for the next book - can’t wait….. I highly recommend all David’s books - thank you.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

I always try to read these books slowly. I just can’t! David J. Gatward keeps you guessing. Harry and his team are so good. It’s nice to have a happy team that work so well together. I can’t wait for the next book! Beth P.

[Frances Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant story as always

If you havent discovered harry grimm and the dales series then don’t hesitate get stuck in! Great story telling great characters and people you can care about. As well as a good murder mystery! Eagerly and impatiently await the next book.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting crime novel

Weird deaths of people with connections to the rescue team. Hard on the current team members and hard to figure out what is happening. I enjoyed trying to find the answers and recommend this book, especially if you like puzzles.

[Mary Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good old Harry

I thoroughly enjoy these books. My only complaint is that, at times, the author is too descriptive of the scenery. If you enjoy a "who dunnit" this author and series fills the bill.

[Maryann (Mae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only gets better. I, for one, am curious to find out just what Harry's uncle left him, and also what his cousin is about.

[lesley leggett]

another great read

Looking forward to the next book in the series. Read in a day but I usually do. I get so engrossed in a good book that I am reluctant to put it down.

[Corinne Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series Quick pretty light read set on our doorstep

[margaret biggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Another great story. Kept me guessing to the end.Harry and all the team are like a family. Can't wait for the next hook to see what happens next

[Kaye Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

This series just keeps getting better and better. Well written. Wonderful characters. Its like meeting old friends again.Don't miss these books!!!