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Foxe and Kennard investigation #1
Deadly Truths
How do you solve a murder when you’re shut out of the investigation?
Young detectives, Robinson Ellington Foxe and Amy Kennard, don’t want to work at Coventry’s Moat Lane police station. Neither do their colleagues want them there. But it’s the last chance for two officers for whom doing the right thing has cost them their futures.
Despite a murder on their patch, they are lumbered with investigating a series of high-profile burglaries. But when a thief is killed in the house of an influential businessman, Foxe and Kennard are convinced it is linked to their cases and want in.
The official investigation is a whitewash, but Robbie and Amy keep investigating anyway. As they uncover a web of deceit and corruption, reaching to the very top of the force, their own difficult histories are weaponised against them, and they find themselves fighting for their careers and their lives.
Young detectives, Robinson Ellington Foxe and Amy Kennard, don’t want to work at Coventry’s Moat Lane police station. Neither do their colleagues want them there. But it’s the last chance for two officers for whom doing the right thing has cost them their futures.
Despite a murder on their patch, they are lumbered with investigating a series of high-profile burglaries. But when a thief is killed in the house of an influential businessman, Foxe and Kennard are convinced it is linked to their cases and want in.
The official investigation is a whitewash, but Robbie and Amy keep investigating anyway. As they uncover a web of deceit and corruption, reaching to the very top of the force, their own difficult histories are weaponised against them, and they find themselves fighting for their careers and their lives.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Paul Gitsham
20 books92 followersThe first book I ever wrote was a novelization of ET. I was five years old, had a yellow pencil, an exercise book with ET on the front and boundless enthusiasm.
After being told the devastating news that I couldn't write ET because it had already been done, I resolved to write my own stories. They were still somewhat derivative - a time-travelling detective who drives a sports car that can A) talk to him and B) needs to hit 120 mph to time-travel... I was a kid of the eighties, feel free to look for influences.
I dabbled with writing through school and university, but it wasn't until a spell of "under-employment" (the politically correct term for sitting on my arse as a receptionist whilst looking for a position more suited to my PhD) that I entered NaNoWriMo. I never hit that vaunted 50,000 words but I DID put down 30K of speculative fiction and started to take things a bit more seriously.
As always, life intervenes and that story slowly bloomed to a disorganised mess of about 70k over the next few years. It's still there, tucked away on the hard drive and I've promised myself that one day I will come back to it.
By now though, somebody else was starting to whisper in my ear. I'd always wanted to write a detective novel, but had struggled to come up with a protagonist that I really connected with - or one that didn't seem a rehash or bad pastiche of my favourite existing characters. And that was when DCI Warren Jones started to nag me. Loudly. And Insistently. I wrote that first draft in less than six months.
The series now numbers six full-length novels and four novellas. Book 7 is due out in summer 2021, with more in the pipeline.
And as for the future? Well Warren has lots more stories to tell and then there's that first, aborted attempt at speculative fiction. I reread it the other day and you know what? It isn't that bad...
After being told the devastating news that I couldn't write ET because it had already been done, I resolved to write my own stories. They were still somewhat derivative - a time-travelling detective who drives a sports car that can A) talk to him and B) needs to hit 120 mph to time-travel... I was a kid of the eighties, feel free to look for influences.
I dabbled with writing through school and university, but it wasn't until a spell of "under-employment" (the politically correct term for sitting on my arse as a receptionist whilst looking for a position more suited to my PhD) that I entered NaNoWriMo. I never hit that vaunted 50,000 words but I DID put down 30K of speculative fiction and started to take things a bit more seriously.
As always, life intervenes and that story slowly bloomed to a disorganised mess of about 70k over the next few years. It's still there, tucked away on the hard drive and I've promised myself that one day I will come back to it.
By now though, somebody else was starting to whisper in my ear. I'd always wanted to write a detective novel, but had struggled to come up with a protagonist that I really connected with - or one that didn't seem a rehash or bad pastiche of my favourite existing characters. And that was when DCI Warren Jones started to nag me. Loudly. And Insistently. I wrote that first draft in less than six months.
The series now numbers six full-length novels and four novellas. Book 7 is due out in summer 2021, with more in the pipeline.
And as for the future? Well Warren has lots more stories to tell and then there's that first, aborted attempt at speculative fiction. I reread it the other day and you know what? It isn't that bad...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 9, 2026
Deadly Truths is the first I've read from Gitsham, and on the basis of this one book it's absolutely not going to be the last!
It was a great introduction to young detectives Foxe and Kennard, both of whom were such easily investible characters.
The pace flowed fast, the momentum never wavering, and the plot sold itself.
Intense, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable.
It was a great introduction to young detectives Foxe and Kennard, both of whom were such easily investible characters.
The pace flowed fast, the momentum never wavering, and the plot sold itself.
Intense, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable.
June 6, 2026
DS Robinson Foxe and DC Amy Kennard have both moved to Coventry’s Moat Lane CID under clouds and find themselves outsiders, shunned by the rest of the close-knit team. Unsurprisingly, whilst most of the officers are working the suspicious death murder of a fifteen-year-old Serbian girl found dumped in the Coventry Canal, they are sidelined to the burglaries of four wealthy homes. A fifth burglary is reported where the intruder was killed by the householder who strangely was not arrested, and despite the fact that the duo are told it is not connected, they are convinced it is part of their case. So what exactly was contained in the safes of all these people and what secrets are they so desperate to hide? The only thing to do is to conduct their own investigation but as they near the truth, they have no idea of what they could be unearthing.
At the start of this first book in the series, the reader doesn’t know the back stories of Foxe and Kennard and what drove them both to relocate. As the story progresses, we learn more about their family lives and pasts which helps to understand the characters and their behaviour. One from a wealthy financier family down south and the other a northern fighter, they start to form what is promising to be a great partnership going forward. The gritty plot itself is complex and cleverly written with plenty to keep the reader thoroughly engrossed right up to the shocking ending. Set only a few miles from where I am based, I loved this story and could relate to all the different locations. I am definitely looking forward to book 2, Home Truths.
At the start of this first book in the series, the reader doesn’t know the back stories of Foxe and Kennard and what drove them both to relocate. As the story progresses, we learn more about their family lives and pasts which helps to understand the characters and their behaviour. One from a wealthy financier family down south and the other a northern fighter, they start to form what is promising to be a great partnership going forward. The gritty plot itself is complex and cleverly written with plenty to keep the reader thoroughly engrossed right up to the shocking ending. Set only a few miles from where I am based, I loved this story and could relate to all the different locations. I am definitely looking forward to book 2, Home Truths.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A new series with a new cast of characters. This time Paul is in Coventry, with two pariahs in Police circles. Foxe and Kennard have left forces under a cloud and find themselves forced together tackling the cases no one else wants, high profile burglaries.
Amy Kennard and Robbie Foxe are fantastic characters. Chalk and cheese on the outside. However they quickly realise they have a lot in common. Their relationship grows throughout the book and I'm excited to read more from them. They are a great pair.
There are issues of tainted drugs, unexplained Murders, police that are seemingly brushing things under the carpet.
Its intense and fast paced and difficult to guess the truth. Some fantastic side characters, all fully fleshed. It feels like Paul crammed a lot into the pages and it creates a breathtaking read. I read this as quickly as I possibly could, I didnt want to put it down as I needed to know!
Im thrilled there will be more from these characters and will be one of the first in line to read book 2.
Amy Kennard and Robbie Foxe are fantastic characters. Chalk and cheese on the outside. However they quickly realise they have a lot in common. Their relationship grows throughout the book and I'm excited to read more from them. They are a great pair.
There are issues of tainted drugs, unexplained Murders, police that are seemingly brushing things under the carpet.
Its intense and fast paced and difficult to guess the truth. Some fantastic side characters, all fully fleshed. It feels like Paul crammed a lot into the pages and it creates a breathtaking read. I read this as quickly as I possibly could, I didnt want to put it down as I needed to know!
Im thrilled there will be more from these characters and will be one of the first in line to read book 2.
May 29, 2026
This is the first in a new series set in Coventry. It features a duo who have arrived in the unit from other police forces for various reasons and who are paired together to investigate some high-end burglaries. The rest of the team look into a homicide but Kennard and Foxe soon find a connection between their case and the others. They quietly conduct their own investigation.
I absolutely loved this. The two main characters are great and I enjoyed their discomfort within the team and initially with each other, while slowly getting to know them better as we gradually discover the real reason for their new posting. I loved the secrecy of their investigation and felt the tension of knowing how much trouble they could be in as the story progressed. There's several twists here and a reveal that I definitely did not foresee. This is a brilliant start to a series and I have already ordered the next one and can't wait to read it.
I absolutely loved this. The two main characters are great and I enjoyed their discomfort within the team and initially with each other, while slowly getting to know them better as we gradually discover the real reason for their new posting. I loved the secrecy of their investigation and felt the tension of knowing how much trouble they could be in as the story progressed. There's several twists here and a reveal that I definitely did not foresee. This is a brilliant start to a series and I have already ordered the next one and can't wait to read it.
June 4, 2026
Amy Kennard and Robinson Foxe are both recently transferred to West Midlands Police in Coventry and seem to be having trouble fitting in with the rest of the team. Instead of investigating homicide, they are given a caseload of high-profile burglaries to solve.
I couldn't put this book down! There is a lot going on. Firstly, the burglaries - who is behind them? and why have some of the householders lied about having a safe? Then there is a related murder case where the burglar has been stabbed by the householder. But it is all brushed under the carpet by the higher-ups. Kennard and Foxe think there is a conspiracy behind it and don't know who they can trust.
There's also a mystery around the two officer's pasts. They are both secretive about why they left their previous forces and are both outsiders at WMP. I liked getting to know them and I liked that they didn't always play by the book.
This all made for a very gripping book that kept me up late!
I couldn't put this book down! There is a lot going on. Firstly, the burglaries - who is behind them? and why have some of the householders lied about having a safe? Then there is a related murder case where the burglar has been stabbed by the householder. But it is all brushed under the carpet by the higher-ups. Kennard and Foxe think there is a conspiracy behind it and don't know who they can trust.
There's also a mystery around the two officer's pasts. They are both secretive about why they left their previous forces and are both outsiders at WMP. I liked getting to know them and I liked that they didn't always play by the book.
This all made for a very gripping book that kept me up late!
June 3, 2026
Best known for his DCI Warren Jones series, Paul Gitsham has moved on to two younger, less experienced detectives. After circumstances force them out of their previous positions, Foxe and Kennard are paired together in Coventry – a place neither of them wants to be.
Not fully trusting one another and both treated as underdogs in their new positions, they work together to prove their worth, not only to each other but to the whole department. Tasked with investigating a series of burglaries, Foxe and Kennard soon show exactly why they deserve their place and quickly become a force to be reckoned with.
The characters were likeable, the plot was fast-paced, and there were plenty of twists and drama throughout. I can’t wait to follow Foxe and Kennard as the series progresses.
Not fully trusting one another and both treated as underdogs in their new positions, they work together to prove their worth, not only to each other but to the whole department. Tasked with investigating a series of burglaries, Foxe and Kennard soon show exactly why they deserve their place and quickly become a force to be reckoned with.
The characters were likeable, the plot was fast-paced, and there were plenty of twists and drama throughout. I can’t wait to follow Foxe and Kennard as the series progresses.
June 4, 2026
DCI Warren is still one of my favourite police procedurals, as it mixes solid mysteries with intriguing and moving personal stories.
I was very excited to read this first instalment in this new series and I wasn’t disappointed.
Foxe and Kennard are a pair of well‑fleshed, solid characters who grew on me, and I appreciated both their integrity and their way of investigating.
There is a lot of potential here, and I am sure there will be plenty of character development and stories that become more and more intriguing.
So go, read this one, as it is gripping and entertaining.
Highly recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
I was very excited to read this first instalment in this new series and I wasn’t disappointed.
Foxe and Kennard are a pair of well‑fleshed, solid characters who grew on me, and I appreciated both their integrity and their way of investigating.
There is a lot of potential here, and I am sure there will be plenty of character development and stories that become more and more intriguing.
So go, read this one, as it is gripping and entertaining.
Highly recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Foxe and Kennard are an inspired and interesting pairing. Both in the doghouse career wise for very different reasons, neither are ready to trust the other, yet. I can't wait to see how they develop as partners in the next book.
This story seems to have several different strands, are the burglaries connected to the murder, to police corruption, to pornography? The writer keeps a firm hold on them all and steadily brings them together.
Pacy and always interesting, this book is highly recommended.
This story seems to have several different strands, are the burglaries connected to the murder, to police corruption, to pornography? The writer keeps a firm hold on them all and steadily brings them together.
Pacy and always interesting, this book is highly recommended.
May 26, 2026
What a tense read this was as Foxe and Kennard investigate a very complex case, and a lot of it on the quiet. They are both new to Coventry and escaping less than desirable conditions in their previous postings. They are both pariahs in Coventry and are a bit reluctant to give their trust to each other. A few red herrings and what a great read. I have already preordered book 2.
June 8, 2026
A great new series, foxe and Kennard are a fab duo and I loved the banter between them, combined with an unusual investigation involving theft this makes for a fab read I can’t wait to read book 2. 5* from me
May 27, 2026
Great mystery
A little slow in the beginning but then it picked up speed and couldn’t wait to read the next chapter. Would recommend this series.
A little slow in the beginning but then it picked up speed and couldn’t wait to read the next chapter. Would recommend this series.
June 7, 2026
Two police officers transfer to Moat House after incidents at their previous stations and have never felt more alone than they do there. Foxe and Kennard get assigned to check out some high profile burglaries - not their usual remit - that soon turn out to be fair more than anyone expected.
There is so much going on after this seemly calm start that it’s difficult to talk about any of it without giving away spoilers. The investigation soon turns into a murder enquiry but they’re shut out of it, so begin looking into it on the quiet. Neither could predict how it turned out.
I really enjoyed this one, the story flowed well and the unsteady start to their friendship was soon forgotten as they realise they had to work together and actually got on really well. I’m looking forward to the next instalment of this one already (out November).
There is so much going on after this seemly calm start that it’s difficult to talk about any of it without giving away spoilers. The investigation soon turns into a murder enquiry but they’re shut out of it, so begin looking into it on the quiet. Neither could predict how it turned out.
I really enjoyed this one, the story flowed well and the unsteady start to their friendship was soon forgotten as they realise they had to work together and actually got on really well. I’m looking forward to the next instalment of this one already (out November).
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews