The critically acclaimed, internationally bestselling Declan Walsh series continues...
"Stand and deliver, your money or your life..."
Two years ago, a series of daring highway robberies terrorised London's financial elite. Now, When Treasury Minister Adrian Carmody is held up by a masked highwayman on a black motorcycle—the start of several such robberies, torn from the story books—history is repeating itself; but this time, there's a body count.
As city traders tremble and political secrets emerge, DCI Declan Walsh and his team realise this is more than simple theft; the briefcase stolen that night holds secrets that could shake the London Stock Exchange to its core, and, as more figures emerge from the shadows—each wearing the mask and tricorn of Dick Turpin—Walsh must unravel a web of deception spanning city traders, stunt riders, and political insiders, as a killer stalks London's streets in eighteenth-century disguise.
In the City of London's shadowy world of financial secrets and political intrigue, Walsh must separate truth from performance before the next victim falls. But in a case where everyone is playing a role, the most dangerous lies are hidden behind the most theatrical disguises.
Sometimes legends don't just come back to life. Sometimes they come back to kill.
Jack Gatland is the pen name of #1 New York Times Bestselling Writer Tony Lee, who has been writing in all medias for over thirty years including comics, graphic novels, middle grade books, audio drama, TV and film for DC, Marvel, BBC, ITV, Random House, Penguin USA, Hachette and a ton of other publishers and broadcasters on licenses such as Doctor Who, Spider Man, X-Men, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Doctors, Wallace and Gromit and Shrek. As Tony, he’s toured the country talking to reluctant readers with his ‘Change The Channel’ school tours.
He’s currently a member of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain, the Society of Authors, The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers and the Crime Writer’s Association.
As Jack, he’s writing a new series of Crime Thrillers starring Detective Inspector Declan Walsh, recently seconded to the City of London Police department known as the Last Chance Saloon.
The first twelve of these, LETTER FROM THE DEAD, MURDER OF ANGELS, HUNTER HUNTED, WHISPER FOR THE REAPER, TO HUNT A MAGPIE, A RITUAL FOR THE DYING, KILLING THE MUSIC, A DINNER TO DIE FOR, BEHIND THE WIRE, HEAVY IS THE CROWN, STALKING THE RIPPER and A QUIVER OF SORROWS are available now, with book thirteen, MURDER BY MISTLETOE released in December 2022 – with further adventures continuing throughout 2023.
In addition to that, the first book in a new series of Adventure Mysteries starring Robin-Hood style con-man forger-turned treasure hunter Damian Lucas, THE LIONHEART CURSE was released in January 2022, and he has both a new series of crime procedurals, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring ‘Cop for Criminals’ Ellie Reckless including PAINT THE DEAD and STEAL THE GOLD, and a new spy series, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring burned MI5 agent Tom Marlowe including SLEEPING SOLDIERS and TARGET LOCKED.
Stand and Deliver by Jack Gatland 10/20/2025 Kindle
Treasury Minister Adrian Carmody on a back road is accosted by a robber who escapes on a motorcycle. He is dressed as an historical highwayman, reminiscent of similar cases years ago. enter DCI Declan Walsh and his team who quickly learn there is a political slant to the case. The stollen briefcase seems to be at the heart of the matter as well the expertise of the getaway driving.
When more sightings of a highwayman occur, the similar tri-corner hat, cape and ancient gun are again seen, reminiscent of Dick Turpin of old-time fame. Welch and his team must separate fact from fable to get to the bottom of the bizarre events.
This is fun read with an interesting plot. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others.
It was nice to not have to wait too long to have this installment. I love all the characters of the last chance saloon and their friends on the periphery like Chivalry.
The Bullman storyline would have been better if we had more of her personal life.
The case was fun in its own way, but I am tiring of everything being about Parliament. But it looks like new players might be on the horizon in that respect...well not new, but coming into more power, if you will.
Would love to know how much historical accuracy, or if not accuracy, based on real events, is the story of the Highwaymen, but that's a rabbit hole for another day.
The latest Declan Walsh mystery is a whole lot of fun and much more of an ensemble affair rather than focusing on just one POV. Declan and the team are again made to come to PM Charles Baker’s rescue and figure out both an old series of highwayman attacks against the corrupt rich and a new attack that resulted in a murder. Very enjoyable. I can’t wait for the next one!!
Thank goodness the series is back on track after the last disastrous outing . Really enjoyed this one with a good story and a few laughs along the way.
Stand and Deliver by Jack Gatland is book 22 in the DCI Declan Walsh series. Lord Adrian Carmody is on his way home from a function when he is held up at gunpoint by someone dressed from the pages of a history book. It bears striking similarities to a series of crimes in the recent past. Declan is called in by the Prime Minister. His unit, the Last Chance Saloon, has a reputation for handling unusual cases with discretion. Discretion is definitely needed here, as sensitive documents are involved. This series is still exciting after 22 books. The characters are fascinating. Monroe’s sarcasm adds humour. Billy’s uncle, Chivalry Fitzwilliam, is back and he is certainly quirky with a big presence. He is also an expert in historic weapons. There is so much attention to detail, and you can tell a lot of research has been done. The story has murder, skulduggery, misdirection and we learn a little history in the process. A fabulous bit of storytelling.