Four of Hearts

DCI Harry Grimm #24

by David J. Gatward

A DCI Harry Grimm Special Novella

When Harry and Grace decide to marry in a quiet joint ceremony with Ben and Liz, they expect little more than to sign the register and share a bottle of champagne. But in Hawes, nothing important stays small for long.

A stag do is arranged. Bunting is strung. The Fountain insists on catering properly. A restored Series 1 Land Rover is brought out of hiding. And somehow, a shire horse named Harry becomes part of the plan.

For once, Grimm isn’t standing apart from the celebration; choosing family, community, and the life he’s built.
But even a day that promises joy carries its risks. A message arrives. Quiet. Deliberate. A reminder that someone from
Harry’s past hasn’t forgotten him — or what this day means.

Under the wide skies of the Yorkshire Dales, four hearts stand together.

Warm, heartfelt and quietly tense, Four of Hearts is a powerful DCI Harry Grimm novella about belonging, loyalty, and choosing joy when fear would be easier.

Perfect for fans of British crime fiction and character-driven rural mysteries.

Genres: Mystery, Novella, Audiobook

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2026

Reviews

[Jim E. · Rating 1 out of 5]

As the price was the same as a normal book, I did not realize that this was a novella. I over paid. Unfortunately, the author has diverted from writing about police procedures and shifted into romance. Not what I was looking for. This is a pattern followed by another author, LJ Ross. I stopped reading her books when this happened. The secondary plot involving Harry’s cousin is bordering on being ridiculous.

[Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is the same with the majority of authors of crime series - once you get beyond book 20, it is less police procedural and more domestic and love lives of the main characters.

I really didn’t want to know how the shower door fell off its hinges but I found out anyway. And who in their right mind calls a dog Cheese?

I loved the series up until this point, but given the ridiculous subplot in this latest instalment, I fear it will be my last adventure with Harry and Co.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the long wait but oh so short!

Well yes that was lovely, made me smile laugh and shed a wee tear.
More of a tad of a short story than a Novella. I really hope the wait til the next book isn’t as long. It’s a credit to David J. Gatward that Harry and his crew were so completely entwined in my brain that I didn’t even have to read the previous book to relearn the characters. In fact I really do wish I lived in a wonderful community like that! I’m extremely hopeful that these close knit people have doppelgängers in the real world, how extraordinary that would be!
I know this journey must end sometime, but I’m hoping that there’s plenty more coming.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think one really has to have followed the Harry Grimm books, starting with Grimm Up North, to appreciate this novella properly. I say that because the 2 or even 3 stars bemuse me. The lead up to this wedding story has been full of stress for Harry, and his nasty, criminal cousin doesn't leave him alone, even during this precious, romantic time. However, Harry has far more friends - who also have friends - than he realises. The day itself was so beautiful I had a tear or two. David Gatward has outdone himself. Wonderful - for readers in the loop.

[Grey853 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was a novella when I got it, so that was disappointing. I should've looked at the details more carefully.

There's no real case, just the wedding. I'm not much of a wedding person, so that didn't appeal to me.

And the whole harassment by the cousin? Pretty ridiculous.

It's a shame because I really like this series and the characters that Gatward has created. But this wasn't really an entry that moved it along. It could've easily been included in the last book.

[Donna Wing · Rating 4 out of 5]

The weddings

I enjoyed the story. Not the typical Gatward/Grimm style. Written entertainingly for the topic. I appreciated that none of the usual grim deaths or gruesome acts became, a part of this story. I certainly saw and enjoyed the playful teasing, loving gestures of friends, words of love shared, and the beauty of Scotland described in manner that put me there, enjoying the day with Grace& Harry, Ben &Liz. Thank you, David

[Christine Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four of Hearts by David J Gatward

Four of Hearts by David Gatward is book 24 in the DCI Grimm crime thriller series and this is a short but compelling and long awaited story, the double weddings.
Obviously not everything runs smoothly with the appearance of Harry and Ben’s cousin.
Once that is cleared out of the way, the celebrations and ceremony begin.
Highly recommended

[Margaret Ridings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a wedding

What a great story! Was really anticipating the tale, and was not disappointed. Harry is one of my favorite fictional heroes, and am glad he's found Grace to love and be loved by in such an idyllic setting. Heartily recommend this series if you enjoy drama, friendship and a love!y setting mixed with just the right amount of villainy..along with dogs a million.

[Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very special book!

As a huge Grimm fan, this feels like a great moment in time. With all the danger, and pain he’s faced, seeing him wedded and happy seems like the very least he deserves.
Thank you for writing this one!

[Steve Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg !!!

I actually cried !!!!!
Love these books this author had brought me so much joy in a shit world if you’ve not read these read them all from number one you will not be disappointed



L

[Roxanne Rampage · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very weak book, no real gritty storyline and implausible with the cousin's 'shenanigans'. The whole story is about the weddings of Harry/Grace and Ben/Liz, with lots of detail and a smattering of action. Very poor story.

[Miss S · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve loved Grimm until this book

Such a let down book. All the wedding stuff could easily have been incorporated into an actual plot. Think it was put together in a rush with little effort or thought. Lots of typos too.

[Brad Audiobibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of both the author and the narrator but while I enjoyed the romantic interlude I really didn't like the sub-plot with Harry's cousin. That just doesn't ring true and spoiled it for me.
Can't please everyone I guess.

[Becky Plankenhorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, lighthearted novella centered around the double wedding of Harry and Grace and Ben and Liz. It has entertaining moments along the way. If you’re looking for something sweet, uncomplicated, and quick to read, this novella is a great choice!

[Dawn of Sandwiches. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry’s Hitched!!

Love this series, and this story of Harry and Ben getting their Happy is welcome. Getting married at the river to include Anna, the arrival of the bridal party on horses, sounds so Dales. Love all the characters that make this series so special.

[Timothy Scherr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Wedding!

Definitely not what i expected but thoroughly enjoyed the wedding and adventures. You did a wonderful job showing how the people in our lives are what's really important.

[Joanne Woolrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best

Ok. Too short for me and would have liked more content around a certain scene - no spoilers. Good to have Gordy back.

[margaret m. sarafoglu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast read. All of a sudden I was at the end! Not his best book.

[margaret biggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story

What a.Great story I felt as if I was invited to the all the excitement before the wedding and the wedding itself was so emotional.Loved it nice one david

[Teri Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely perfect! I laughed, cried, felt anxious, felt relieved. These are not often my responses to a Harry Grimm story. I loved it.

[Linda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this

I laughed and cried. Another great romp. Thank you David for writing a beautiful wedding story for dear Harry and Grace. Loved every word.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one.

[Pamela Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

weddings

Finally Harry and Grace slow with Ben and Liz tied the knot.
I’m so glad no one was hurt or killed in this story. It made me happy.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the Wedding

Great read and Always enjoy visiting the gang. Can't wait for the next installment. I always have a small on my face when I finish a Gatward book.

[Patricia Leggett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Story

I love this series my only complaint is that they don't seem long enough I could carry on and on.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good.
Ben and Harry get married.
Sweet story, but I want more!!! Too short!
Great narration by Aubrey Parsons!
X1.75

[Amanda Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

novella

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite an emotional read at times but such a great story. It showed the great relationship Harry has with his team, his friends and those connected to him in different ways in the Dales. I loved it.

[Tresi Fair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brought a tear to my eye.

[Marktroth · Rating 5 out of 5]

FOUR OF HEARTS

Can’t wait for the next one in the series have read every one so far looking forward to it hopefully won’t have to wait too long