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DCI Harry Grimm #22

Left for Dead

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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!

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2026

1064 people are currently reading
85 people want to read

About the author

David J. Gatward

38 books555 followers

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5 stars
1,213 (66%)
4 stars
465 (25%)
3 stars
122 (6%)
2 stars
11 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
68 reviews
March 2, 2026
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...
Profile Image for Nikki .
930 reviews44 followers
March 1, 2026
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].
293 reviews12 followers
March 4, 2026
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.
Profile Image for SkyGrey.
241 reviews
March 12, 2026
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!
510 reviews2 followers
March 17, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Christine Rennie.
3,025 reviews43 followers
March 1, 2026

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
1,331 reviews
March 3, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Beth.
196 reviews6 followers
March 1, 2026
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.
1,260 reviews8 followers
March 2, 2026
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.
22 reviews
March 6, 2026
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.
95 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2026
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.
5 reviews
March 7, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Beth.
364 reviews32 followers
March 22, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Maryann (Mae).
536 reviews11 followers
March 3, 2026
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.
30 reviews
Read
March 3, 2026
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.
51 reviews
March 3, 2026
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
97 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2026
Outstanding!

This series just keeps getting better and better. Well written. Wonderful characters. Its like meeting old friends again.Don't miss these books!!!
59 reviews
March 7, 2026
destruction and death

Not necessarily in that order. There are old wounds that lead to death. And some decisions for Grace and Harry. I like the solution.
Profile Image for David Stimpson.
1,012 reviews18 followers
March 7, 2026
So Great

Book 23 and The High Standard does not Drop. Harry Grimm is such a Great Character. In fact There are so many people who really make these Stories So Good
Profile Image for Cathy Medd.
1 review
March 9, 2026
loved it

Loved it managed to read it in one day!!! Couldn’t put it down!! Can’t wait for the next one!!! Thank you
7 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2026
Found this one confusing and not his best but I will look for the next one
1 review
March 11, 2026
Cracking good read

These books just get better and better. You get a real feel for life in the Dales and the characters are so good.
161 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2026
Great series

I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. I look forward to the next one.
Profile Image for MRS KIM V BARCLAY.
92 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2026
amazing

Another great instalment into Harry Grim’s life. Engaging and great description of the Yorkshire Dales. The author is brilliant can’t wait for the next book
127 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2026
Brilliant crime thriller

Enjoyed the story from the beginning to the end. I love all the characters as usual, and I can't wait to read next in the series
Profile Image for Teresa.
2,412 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2026
Another excellent book in this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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