Some Sort of Justice

D.C. Smith #17

by Peter Grainger

Get ready to be hooked by the thrilling and atmospheric murder mystery from the million-copy-selling crime writer, where an aristocratic fatality leaves behind no body, no forensics, and enemies in the highest places...

'Had me gripped from the very start to the extremely satisfying ending.' ***** Reader Review
'Where has Peter Grainger been my whole life?' ***** Reader Review
'An excellent, intelligent and believable crime series which just gets better.' ***** Reader Review
'Engaging characters, intriguing plots and occasional humour make for a page-turning read.' ***** Reader Review
'I read a LOT of murder mysteries and this series is one of the best!' ***** Reader Review

When Caroline Thorpe succeeded in casting doubt on the verdict of the inquest into her brother’s death, she could not have anticipated what would follow.

Freddie was Earl Thorpe of Burnham, and as the Kings Lake detectives, headed by DCI Cara Freeman, soon begin to realise, influential people have gone to considerable lengths to cover up a potential scandal surrounding the young man’s death.

Their investigation will take them from Norfolk into the capital, and from idealistic young campaigners to people at the heart of government. The stakes have never been higher for the detectives from Kings Lake Central.

'Once I was ensconced in Kings Lake, in the company of Smith and his team, I didn't want to leave' FINANCIAL TIMES
'The books are comforting, the writing is subtle and the plots are gripping.' THE TIMES

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Procedural, Fiction, Crime, British Literature, Detective

448 pages, Hardcover

Published June 2, 2026

About the author

A British author, the writer Peter Grainger is a well known novelist of mystery fiction, largely focused on detective lead investigations. This his been the prime focus for much of his career, as he takes much of his inspiration from that of other infamous British detectives, such as Inspector Morse. The influence is clearly evident here, as he brings his own detective, DC Smith, to life, along with other books as well. Setting his mysteries firmly within the world of British detective fiction it is clear where his tastes lie as an author of his increasingly popular stories, stories that only increase in popularity as time goes on.

Reviews

[Cindy Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is getting 5 stars for making me feel like my old reading self again. These books are consistently great.
I do miss DC Smith and am always happy to have him around. And while this book could have been gritty with the subject matter it managed to tell the depth of the story without being provocative!! Bravo!!

I put this books ahead of Cadfael now for helping one overcome a reading slump!

[♥ Sandi ❣]

No rating ~~ Thank you to Union Square for sending me this ARC and NetGalley for the download. Publishes June 2, 2026

Sadly I will not be finishing this book. I can't seen to connect with the story or any of the many characters. I regret accepting any ARC then not completing it, but I have to give up on this one.

[Gail Radka · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can i say, brilliant writing a great detective story, characters so real i feel like i know them all personally, all down to the writing. The humour is subtle throughout. I just never want these books to end. I wish the author wrote 2 books at least a year.

[Danielle McClellan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to stumble upon Peter Grainger’s novels back when he was self-publishing. I remember being absolutely astonished at how good they were, and I quickly read through the series one after the next.

I have now been away from the Grainger-sphere for several years, so it has been a delight to jump back into Grainger’s world with "Some Sort of Justice." Although there is a long history of multiple DC Smith novels, and, later, King’s Lake novels set in the same station but taking place after Smith has retired (Grainger also has another unrelated series called Willow and Lane), this novel might be a good entry point, even if you have not read the previous novels. All you really need to know is that DC Smith was a gifted police officer who now works as a private detective, and his young mentee, Chris Waters, is moving up in the King’s Lake station under the command of the wonderfully drawn DCI Cara Freeman.

Peter Grainger’s novels are police procedurals to the letter. There are numerous strategic and logical steps to be taken in solving a murder, and one small mistake or misjudgment can throw an investigation off temporarily or for good. These are stories of old-fashioned, thoughtful police work and the characters are well-rounded , smart, and hard working. This particular murder presents complicating factors as the local police must tread carefully as they have been given only partial information and soon discover potentially explosive details that may well impact their ability to solve the case. It is a satisfying story and there are no wrong turns in the telling.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review an ARC of this book.

[Ruth Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is less of DC Smith than in previous books which is a bit of a loss as far as I am concerned, but the rest of the team do carry the story well.

[Susan Bourke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Grainger books are terrific, they zip along full of humour and mystery and his interest in people and their personalities comes across really well. He builds out each person's character and develops it more in each book. I 've read all 17 of his books back to back and feel I know everyone in the book personally! However with this book I wonder if you had not read the previous ones would you be able to keep track of all the DCI's, DI's and all the other titles. Plus the references to the characters in the previous books would be meaningless.
That been said you could always start at book 1 and keep going that way you would have enough summer reading sorted and you would be royally entertained.
Looking forward to the next one already ......

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

DCI Cara Freeman and her team are tasked with an almost impossible case. Freddie Thorpe, the Earl of Burnham, drowned in a swimming pool during a country party. His death is presumed to be accidental, as two previous inquests have decided. However, Freddie’s sister has her doubts and DCI Freeman is to reopen the case. This is difficult. The body has been cremated, DNA samples have been mixed up, phones have been erased and witnesses are no longer available. The information they uncover will lead them to the highest levels of government and threaten their careers.
Some Sort of Justice is the 17th in the DC Smith/Kings Lake series. Although it can be read as a standalone, it would probably have helped to have read others in the series. For example, the previous Kings Lake mystery was The Late Lord Thorpe. However, the characterization, the dialogue and the complex, multilayered plot are excellent. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Union Square & Co. and Peter Grainger for this ARC.

[Shirley Porterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Grainger’s writing seems to improve with each of his books. This one, a follow up of the case examined in the book preceding, includes literary allusions, a few laugh out loud quips, and is a tight and interesting read.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart

4.5 hearts

I am always thrilled to have more in the DC Smith series.  I don't suppose one would have to read them in order but there is a lot of history, personal growth, and world building one would miss. Some Sort of Justice, in particular, it would be important to read The Late Lord Thorpe  first, as it is the case where his sister hires Diver & Diver to investigate his death.  Smith carries out that investigation along with others at the firm.

Smith and the team find that yes, things were off at the inquest and a second one finds things are not quite right and further investigation is needed.   Now eighteen months after the death,  Cara Freeman's team is tasked with looking into things.  There seem to be huge political aspects to it, beyond just that a Lord is dead.

Waters has a lot happening in his role on the team and personally.  Freeman also has changes in her home life.  The team has trouble gathering evidence because so much of it has been erased or tampered with.  They can prove tampering but it takes a lot of work to get to who has done that.

I really love these characters and the plot and pace are always excellent.  It was odd because Smith was barely involved and he is usually our point of view.  This felt like third person omniscient but we do get some of Waters, Freeman and one of the witnesses views.

Every book is fantastic and I highly recommend all of this author's work with Smith and Waters being main characters in different parts of the series.

Narration:
Gildart Jackson is a favorite narrator of mine and I am enjoying his performance. Hearing his voices just makes me happy as with this author I know I am in for a treat. I can recognize characters because he has distinct voices for them.    I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.

Listen to a clip: HERE

[Maine Colonial · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series started with the somewhat long-in-the-tooth Detective Sergeant “DC” Smith as the protagonist. After some years, Smith moved on to a private detective agency. Now, at book #17 in the series, the focus is on another member of the force at Kings Lake, DCI Cara Freeman, as the police detectives have been assigned to re-examine a death that was previously classified as death by misadventure at the inquest. In the previous book in this series, Smith was asked to look into the case by the dead man’s sister, and his findings led to the reassignment of an investigation by the Kings Lake police detectives. Smith’s former mentee, Chris Waters, is now about to become a DI, and plays a leadership role in this investigation.

The deceased is young Freddie, Earl Thorpe of Burnham. You’d think the death of a peer would be investigated to the hilt, especially with his sister pressing for real answers, but in this case you’d be wrong. The police in Norfolk, where the death occurred, were quick to rule the death an accidental drowning by a young man who’d been drinking and taking drugs. Now that the case has been reopened and assigned to Kings Lake, DCI Freeman assumes a full investigation is in order, but she soon learns that powerful people would prefer a good-looking coverup.

In this era of crooked and immoral politicians, and their willing toadies, this is a shocking but not surprising tale. The Kings Lake team’s investigation is all the more impressive considering the circumstances. This is an engaging modern police procedural, with a group of well-drawn characters, both within the investigation and, in Waters’s and Freeman’s cases, in their personal lives.

I do have a concern, though. A police procedural should not be 448 pages long. The book starts off very slowly. Descriptions of one detective’s pen and pencil, and the colors of highlighters put on a table for a meeting, are just a couple of instances of way-too-detailed descriptions of mundane and immaterial matters. Grainger knows how to write a procedural when the investigation gets into gear, so I wish his editors would work with him to get there are lot faster.

3.5 stars rounded to 4.

[Anne - Books of My Heart]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from the Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

4.5 hearts

I am always thrilled to have more in the DC Smith series.  I don't suppose one would have to read them in order but there is a lot of history, personal growth, and world building one would miss. Some Sort of Justice, in particular, it would be important to read The Late Lord Thorpe  first, as it is the case where his sister hires Diver & Diver to investigate his death.  Smith carries out that investigation along with others at the firm.

Smith and the team find that yes, things were off at the inquest and a second one finds things are not quite right and further investigation is needed.   Now eighteen months after the death,  Cara Freeman's team is tasked with looking into things.  There seem to be huge political aspects to it, beyond just that a Lord is dead.

Waters has a lot happening in his role on the team and personally.  Freeman also has changes in her home life.  The team has trouble gathering evidence because so much of it has been erased or tampered with.  They can prove tampering but it takes a lot of work to get to who has done that.

I really love these characters and the plot and pace are always excellent.  It was odd because Smith was barely involved and he is usually our point of view.  This felt like third person omniscient but we do get some of Waters, Freeman and one of the witnesses views.

Every book is fantastic and I highly recommend all of this author's work with Smith and Waters being main characters in different parts of the series.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thee was a time not so long ago, when Grainger had to self publish his books. Once audio versions appeared, his fan base increased. Now his books are in print by major publishers. This title is # 17 in the DC Smith/Kings Lake series and it's terrific. Some Sort Of Justice is the sequel to the 2024 book - The Late Lord Thorpe in which Kings Lake team investigated what appeared to have been an accidental drowning. Thorpe's sister wasn't satisfied and hired a private detective agency to delve into the case. And, who should be working for that agency but recently retired DC Smith. His investigation cast enough doubt on the police investigation that Kings Lake murder squad is charged with reopening the case. Working with DCI Cara Freeman is Christopher Waters, Smiths former protegee and mentor. Freeman quickly recognizes the higher ups aren't looking for the truth but are trying to coverup a political scandal. Freeman skillfully plots her course to discover what really happened to Lord Thorpe. Grainger is the master of the police procedural and this title is no exception. The reader is privy to every detail, including the stationary items, technology and specific protocols used in this complex investigation. The page-turning plot is perfectly paced to keep readers turning the pages. The characters are well drawn and have interesting personalities. DC Smith maybe retired but Freeman exhibits many of his traits. This is one of the best in the series - a real tour de force!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some Sort of Justice is perfect for readers who like thoughtful, well written crime fiction. The novel begins with a single, troubling uncertainty and then, slowly turns into something far more complex.
Caroline Thorpe’s decision to challenge the inquest into her brother Freddie’s death is the spark that sets everything in motion. What initially appears to be a personal quest for the truth soon reveals deeper issues. There’s influence, reputation, and hidden secrets. As DCI Cara Freeman and her Kings Lake team begin their work, the investigation becomes a really absorbing read.
The author’s strength lies in his great storytelling. There is no rush to tell the tale, instead, each development is given space and explanation. The movement from the rural calm of Norfolk to the more imposing atmosphere of London is skilfully done, and highlights the contrasts between worlds that are, perhaps, not as separate as they first appear.
The characters, particularly Cara Freeman and her colleagues, are drawn with warmth and authenticity. Their approach and determination give the story a sense of realism that really works for the reader. It’s a story that moves at a steady pace, allowing the details to unfold naturally. It is a deeply satisfying read for anyone who enjoys crime fiction with real substance and a strong sense of authenticity.

[Steven Lowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars

This was a gripping, intricately layered crime novel that kept me fully invested from start to finish.

Some Sort of Justice delivers a compelling investigation that feels both timely and thought-provoking, blending procedural detail with bigger questions about power, influence, and truth. The case unfolds at a steady pace, revealing just enough at each turn to keep the tension building without ever feeling rushed.

What stood out most was the depth of the investigation and how the story expands beyond a single incident into something much more complex. The characters—especially the investigative team—feel authentic and grounded, with just enough personal insight to make you care without overshadowing the central mystery.

The writing is sharp and controlled, and while the plot can get intricate at times, it ultimately adds to the realism and stakes of the story. It’s the kind of book that rewards paying attention and keeps you thinking even after you’ve put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A solid, intelligent read for fans of character-driven crime fiction with a strong procedural edge.

[Marty Doskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a sequel to The Late Lord Thorpe by Peter Grainger. It almost sounded like the story was told as far as it was going to go in that first book. However, in this book the case of the death of Freddy Thorpe has been reopened and a task force has been assembled to take a look at the case and its investigation with a fresh set of eyes.

I was impressed by how well these two books and the case, investigation, and re-investigation were well plotted out. Grainger did an amazing job and he kept me engaged throughout. If you have read any of the DC Smith/Kings Lake Investigation series, you'll know Grainger has done this throughout. And I think he actually tops himself in these two books.

I was lucky enough to have two versions of this book to read and listen to. I won a hardback version from Hachette Book Group on Goodreads and I had already pre-ordered the audiobook on Audible. If you enjoy audiobooks, you'll want to listen to the audio version narrated by the wonderful Gildart Jackson. He has been the voice of the entire series and does a masterful job here as well.

Thank you to Hachette Book Group and Goodreads for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tuesdayschild · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for the audio book narrated by Gildart Jackson.

Strongly recommending that The Late Lord Thorpe be read before beginning Some Sort of Justice

Grainger's latest book touches on social issues of our time - corrupt PMs, a ‘talent’ agency trafficking minors for the same, and a two tier policing system working hard at covering up those in positions of power - while my favourite team of investigating detectives try to untangle all the threads that lead to the death of a peer of the realm, Lord Thorpe

I always enjoy revisiting with D.C Smith’s old team and am growing to appreciate Cara Freeman more with each consecutive story.
In hindsight I should have concentrated on the, seemingly unrelated, inclusion of the young woman whose father dies. It would have helped as the story went along, I initially wondered why she was being mentioned.

Lovely news for one the detectives creates a feel good ending to the book.

[Joan Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

DCI Cara Freeman, and her team of murder investigators, has been given the dubious task of taking a second look into a death that was originally deemed to be accidental. Caroline Thorpe believes that her brother, Earl Thorpe, was actually murdered. DCI Freeman soon realizes that there are powers in government, and in the police department, that do not want the investigation to dig too deeply, putting Cara and her team at risk of crossing the wrong people.

This book started off very slowly and seemed to drag in places. The plot was pretty good, so I kept reading, even though I wished the book had been about 25% shorter. Perhaps I would have enjoyed the team aspect of the investigation if I had read other titles in the series, but I wouldn't recommend starting here if you haven't read the earlier books.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[DeeW · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book follows #16 in the Kings Lake series about the death of Lord Thorpe. It doesn’t match the quality of previous DC Smith/Kings Lake books, though.
1. Poor editing as the writing is awkward and doesn’t flow or make sense:
‘But his words showed he was intending to play every delivery with the same defensive stroke and trust to hope he would not be given out before the end of the over.’
2.There are too many characters and little focus on a main one . The book jumps around from one investigator to another.

Previous books in this series really delivered on the special qualities of the investigators. I could visualize them and felt I was on the inside of the murder squad.
And the series would pivot back to DC Smith who carries the stories with his wit and insight.

Some Kind of Justice falls flat…

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Sort of Justice started slow for me, mostly because I was trying to remember details from the previous books. This is not one to pick up unless you have read the series thus far. Perhaps I should have reread the prior book, but I also think all the moving parts needed that time to properly set the stage, and the payoff was well worth it.

The title of the book is very apt, as we often must settle for something less than true justice, but that settling isn’t necessarily a compromise. Sometimes it’s an acknowledgment that true justice is not ours to mete out, yet we are fully capable of extending grace and mercy to someone who regrets their choices.

This police procedural is another winner by Peter Grainger.

[Sharon Sample · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a sequel to "The Late Lord Thorpe." While not necessarily "Some Sort of Justice" will make more sense to the reader if "Justice" is read first. The investigation done by Diver and Diver In "Justice" has now been turned over to the Kings Lake Police. While our favorite D C Smith only appears infrequently there are several other interesting characters who work to discover why Lord Thorpe died. Grainger's books are written in third person omniscient which gives the reader to the thoughts of the characters. The location is vivid. Because of the multiple characters this book moves a little slower than others in the series. The audiobook is narrated by Gildart Jackson. If you enjoy classic British Crime novels then I highly recommend this series.

[Bruce Raterink · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 17th book in DC Smith/Kings Lake Investigation series is every bit as good as the rest of the series. This is one of my favorite series because of the engaging characters and the brisk pace of the plots. This particular book is an absolute continuation of the last book "The Late Lord Thorpe" and I encourage you to read that one first. In fact, because of the ever evolving lives of the characters, I strongly recommend starting with "An Accidental Death," and reading the entire series from the beginning. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for an advanced reader copy.

[Alan Zabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another triumph from Peter Grainger! This is the 17th book in the DC Smith/Kings Lake series and I have read them all. And I hope that more are coming!
"Some Sort of Justice" has all the elements that make the books in this series so appealing. Well developed characters. Even better now that I have been part of their lives for 17 books and many years. Also first rate insight into the details of police procedure and all the things that most of us would never think of, yet they are key to and drive the story. Like all the other books, I felt like I was in the middle of the case the entire time.
Another great read. Looking forward to more.

[Jim Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Sort of Justice is exactly why I love Peter Grainger’s world — fast‑paced, sharply written, and layered with the kind of quiet emotional depth that sneaks up on you. I was genuinely excited to read this one in print, especially knowing it was the first new release published simultaneously in print and audio. And yes, I fully plan to go back and listen to the audiobook, because Grainger’s narrators always elevate the experience.

The pace is electric, the stakes feel real, and the Kings Lake team is pushed into territory that’s as political as it is personal. It’s smart, thrilling, and deeply satisfying — an easy five stars and a standout in the series

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grainger's British police procedurals have always been top notch with seriously great prose. This book tops them all with a terrific story, wonderful characters, transcendent writing and the best master class in psychology I've encountered. I am not normally able to stay involved in action that is mostly inside people's heads and especially not when it involves intra-team conflict and relationship but Grainger made this riveting... and I could absolutely hear DC Smith drily commenting on it throughout. Just a stunner of a book, SO good.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is quite slow in places as DCI Cara Freeman investigates an accidental death and, although it is slow paced, it just didn't seem to flow. I felt there were far too many characters and there was a lot of jumping between the characters. I found it to be quite a frustrating read overall and it was too long and drawn out. I would have liked to have seen more of DC Smith but perhaps in the next book. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Ron Matsu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great ending to an intriguing investigation!

We follow DS Waters and the Lake Road team uncovering inconsistencies in the death of Lord Thorpe until finally
individual hunches, gut feelings, and possibilities come together as real evidence shows that the death was not suicide or self inflicted but manslaughter and a huge complex cover up organized. It appears DS Waters is ready to take on the role of DI!

[ReadinIt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fairly lengthy gap between The Late Lord Thorpe and this one, as well as it being more focussed around Kings Lake rather than DC Smith, made this a bit confusing of a read for me at times. There are references to incidents that I'm not sure I've actually read about and wonder if they are in the Kings Lake series instead. All-in-all, it was an interesting read; very much a police procedural that bordered on a bit dry at times.

[Wanda Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great King's Lake procedural

I have read all the DCSmith/King's Lake books and enjoyed them all. This, however, is my favorite. Loved the political /intelligence focus. The characters are always a group I look forward to reading about what in goes on at King's Lake. Even if DC was only a small part of it. Peter Grainger is an excellent, thought-provoking author of police procedurals. More please!

[Greville Waterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another winner by an author I wish I’d discovered long ago.

A slow, well thought through, calm and rational police procedural which is perfectly paced and allows the reader to absorb and relish each new development.

The characters are credible and well drawn and there is a strong moral tone that runs through the book as justice will - eventually- be served.

An excellent read.

[Don Bruckner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Yet

I have read all the DC Smith/Kingston Lake books, and Peter Grainger has outdone himself here. This book goes well beyond the police procedural into the murky waters of politics and justice. I have recommended Peter Grainger's books to my friends before, but this is definitely a must read!