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The DCI Jones Casebook #2
Raymond Collins
Birmingham, England, a sunny day in the city park. Children play, adults stroll - and a man lies dead in a pool of blood. His terrified fiancé screams for help.
The assailant smiles, waves goodbye and strolls away to hide in the city.
DCI Jones, together with his protégé, Detective Sergeant Phil Cryer are called to investigate the most difficult of crimes - an apparently motiveless and random attack. Hampered by a lack of resources, Jones and Cryer have to act quickly to prevent a murder spree.
A significant rewrite with a brand new cover, this novella contains extra chapters and an extended ending.
The assailant smiles, waves goodbye and strolls away to hide in the city.
DCI Jones, together with his protégé, Detective Sergeant Phil Cryer are called to investigate the most difficult of crimes - an apparently motiveless and random attack. Hampered by a lack of resources, Jones and Cryer have to act quickly to prevent a murder spree.
A significant rewrite with a brand new cover, this novella contains extra chapters and an extended ending.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2013
About the author
Kerry J. Donovan
39 books286 followers#1 bestselling author with the US-based Lucky Shores romantic suspense series and the Ryan Kaine military action thrillers, and creator of the popular DCI Jones Casebook series of police procedurals, Kerry J Donovan was born in Dublin, before spending many formative years in West Wales.
Kerry earned a first-class honours degree in Human Biology and a PhD in Sport and Exercise Sciences. A former scientific advisor to The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, he helped UK emergency first-responders prepare for chemical and biological attacks in the wake of the 9/11 atrocities. This background adds a keen scientific edge to Kerry’s writing.
Kerry’s life experiences help him add an extra layer of realism to his stories and his characters. For example, readers will discover the water-borne adventures of his action hero, Ryan Kaine, a former member of the Royal Navy’s Special Boat Services, as authentic and exciting as a night-time dip in the Bay of Biscay.
As the owner of a “pristine” Honda NC750X, you’ll often find him touring the less well-known regions of Europe in search of interesting locations for his novels. A life-long sports enthusiast and open-water swimmer, the moment Kerry catches a glimpse of the ocean, it’s off with the bike leathers and on with his wetsuit.
A citizen of the world, Kerry recently returned from spending two decades living in the heart of rural Brittany and now lives with Margaret in a recently renovated bungalow in Nottinghamshire, UK.
When not writing, Kerry enjoys riding his motorbike, jogging, swimming, spending time with his four wonderful grandchildren, and travelling the world.
To find out more about Kerry’s books, read the first chapter of each book free, download his Press Kit, or get in touch via his contact page or social media.
Kerry earned a first-class honours degree in Human Biology and a PhD in Sport and Exercise Sciences. A former scientific advisor to The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, he helped UK emergency first-responders prepare for chemical and biological attacks in the wake of the 9/11 atrocities. This background adds a keen scientific edge to Kerry’s writing.
Kerry’s life experiences help him add an extra layer of realism to his stories and his characters. For example, readers will discover the water-borne adventures of his action hero, Ryan Kaine, a former member of the Royal Navy’s Special Boat Services, as authentic and exciting as a night-time dip in the Bay of Biscay.
As the owner of a “pristine” Honda NC750X, you’ll often find him touring the less well-known regions of Europe in search of interesting locations for his novels. A life-long sports enthusiast and open-water swimmer, the moment Kerry catches a glimpse of the ocean, it’s off with the bike leathers and on with his wetsuit.
A citizen of the world, Kerry recently returned from spending two decades living in the heart of rural Brittany and now lives with Margaret in a recently renovated bungalow in Nottinghamshire, UK.
When not writing, Kerry enjoys riding his motorbike, jogging, swimming, spending time with his four wonderful grandchildren, and travelling the world.
To find out more about Kerry’s books, read the first chapter of each book free, download his Press Kit, or get in touch via his contact page or social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 14, 2021
A disturbing murder. A dangerous chase. A deadly case for Jones and Cryer.
On a tranquil and sunny morning, a young couple are taking a stroll through Edgbaston City Park when an encounter with a stranger suddenly turns sinister. In a matter of seconds, the man’s throat has been slashed and the perpetrator has vanished.
DCI David Jones and DS Phil Cryer are called to the scene too late to track the killer, and the description of a slim white male with no discernible accent doesn’t help to narrow the field. But when Forensics find a fingerprint belonging to a known criminal, they know exactly where to go.
The suspect has been identified. Now he just has to be caught. Jones and Cryer aren’t your average detectives but even they aren’t prepared for what happens next...
DCI Jones: a series of page-turning crime novels with unexpected twists from bestseller Kerry J Donovan.
On a tranquil and sunny morning, a young couple are taking a stroll through Edgbaston City Park when an encounter with a stranger suddenly turns sinister. In a matter of seconds, the man’s throat has been slashed and the perpetrator has vanished.
DCI David Jones and DS Phil Cryer are called to the scene too late to track the killer, and the description of a slim white male with no discernible accent doesn’t help to narrow the field. But when Forensics find a fingerprint belonging to a known criminal, they know exactly where to go.
The suspect has been identified. Now he just has to be caught. Jones and Cryer aren’t your average detectives but even they aren’t prepared for what happens next...
DCI Jones: a series of page-turning crime novels with unexpected twists from bestseller Kerry J Donovan.
October 29, 2014
This is a well-written novella that introduces Detective Chief Inspector David Jones and his partner Detective Phil Cryer as they solve the murder of a young man in the park. The author has quite a different approach to the narrative because the identity of the killer is already known. In fact, the reader is privy to the details of the crime, so the mystery is in how DCI Jones will solve the case. It's like a crime solving mystery in reverse. The killer has got a bit of "Psycho Norman Bates" personality going on. This makes him more fascinating than DCI Jones.
This is right up my reading alley and will definitely follow the case.
This is right up my reading alley and will definitely follow the case.
March 24, 2017
I love reading a great mystery with suspense and interesting characters and this short book had both! Written from a British viewpoint, the terminology was spot on, the police and investigative details accurate and precise. A Great story by this new to me author Kerry Donovan.
"Mature oaks, chestnuts, and ash trees cast dark, rippling shadows as a stiffening breeze ruffled the canopy."
"The electric prickle of excitement that always accompanied the first break in a case was one of the best parts of his job."
"A murder case, open and shut within a matter of hours, would be as rare as a Birmingham heat wave. Jones shivered at a momentary premonition of disaster."
Will definitely be reading more written by this author!
"Mature oaks, chestnuts, and ash trees cast dark, rippling shadows as a stiffening breeze ruffled the canopy."
"The electric prickle of excitement that always accompanied the first break in a case was one of the best parts of his job."
"A murder case, open and shut within a matter of hours, would be as rare as a Birmingham heat wave. Jones shivered at a momentary premonition of disaster."
Will definitely be reading more written by this author!
May 2, 2024
Good story
Liked the action and solid police work.if Tough about the situation the lady was involved in. The young man too.
Liked the action and solid police work.if Tough about the situation the lady was involved in. The young man too.
November 9, 2016
The DCI Jones Casebook: Raymond Francis Collins by Kerry J. Donovan The DCI Jones Casebook: Raymond Francis Collins by Kerry J. Donovan is a mystery/crime book. It's about Detective Chief Inspector David Jones who is investigating a murder case. I gave it five stars.
He works with Detective Sergeant Phil Cryer who has total recall and seems to bring up facts just to annoy Jones. "He cast a glance at Jones, still by the Rover. The boss, as usual, took his time. He studied the area, took everything in, and missed nothing.
"Cryer had waited four years to be assigned to DCI David Jones, the most successful detective in the history of the Midlands Constabulary. He wanted to learn from the best, and Jones was just that; the very best."
They had an adventure on the rooftops chasing the criminal.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/DCI-Jones-Case...
He works with Detective Sergeant Phil Cryer who has total recall and seems to bring up facts just to annoy Jones. "He cast a glance at Jones, still by the Rover. The boss, as usual, took his time. He studied the area, took everything in, and missed nothing.
"Cryer had waited four years to be assigned to DCI David Jones, the most successful detective in the history of the Midlands Constabulary. He wanted to learn from the best, and Jones was just that; the very best."
They had an adventure on the rooftops chasing the criminal.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/DCI-Jones-Case...
June 26, 2017
This novella was a fantastic find via Instafreebie and has opened up to me a whole new series of detective crime fiction. The thing I love most is that it is a British police procedural, and being Australian, their law processes are almost akin to ours.
Extremely well written and excellently paced, there was a good balanced blend of police crime solving, SOCO techniques, character background and psychology of the criminal without it being over technical or too concentrated on just one variable.
DCI Jones is a wonderfully warm craggy character and offsets beautifully with his 2nd in command.
A series I have added onto my "To Read" list in full, as well as adding myself to the author's Readers List. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.
Extremely well written and excellently paced, there was a good balanced blend of police crime solving, SOCO techniques, character background and psychology of the criminal without it being over technical or too concentrated on just one variable.
DCI Jones is a wonderfully warm craggy character and offsets beautifully with his 2nd in command.
A series I have added onto my "To Read" list in full, as well as adding myself to the author's Readers List. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.
March 21, 2015
The story is set in Birmingham England, Chief Inspector David Jones and Sergeant Phil Cryer his partner are investigating one of the toughest cases ever. A man's body is found in a park in the middle of the day. The victim's Fiance witnessed the crime. It is up to DCI Jones to solve the crime, with a suspect who appear's to have no motive. It will be hard but Jone's is determined to solve the case. A well written mystery it moves swiftly along we already know who the suspect is and we watch the mystery unravel. It adds suspense which makes it a more enjoyable read. I highly recommend if you love a good murder/ mystery story.
August 3, 2018
I enjoyed the author's writing style and the characters he created. I found it a unique experience to spend time in the mind of the "bad guy" along with the hero(es). The "good guy" characters were appealing and developed adequately for the story and this book does a great job of introducing DCI Jones. One of the tastes I enjoyed most was the view/experience of investigating/being with the British "police" since most of my reading has been on their American cousins.
Overall a good introduction to the series with enjoyable characters which makes the reader want to see more of their cases and investigations.
Overall a good introduction to the series with enjoyable characters which makes the reader want to see more of their cases and investigations.
July 21, 2015
"A detective story to enjoy"
An old-fashioned Midlands copper; ah, they don't make them like that any more. Well, clearly they do, now that Mr Donovan has rattled off a few stories featuring DCI Jones. This was a couple of hours well spent. An easy read about a fairly easy case for the detective and his team to sort out. Despite that, it was entertaining and well written, with a good eye for the right characterisation, procedure and dialogue. Next case!
An old-fashioned Midlands copper; ah, they don't make them like that any more. Well, clearly they do, now that Mr Donovan has rattled off a few stories featuring DCI Jones. This was a couple of hours well spent. An easy read about a fairly easy case for the detective and his team to sort out. Despite that, it was entertaining and well written, with a good eye for the right characterisation, procedure and dialogue. Next case!
May 14, 2013
Gritty and Quick-paced
This introduction to DCI Jones, gives us a good look at the well rounded characters in Birmingham's violent crime unit. Donovan gives us nice tension and action without huge explosions and gun-play that a lot of action books rely on. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
This introduction to DCI Jones, gives us a good look at the well rounded characters in Birmingham's violent crime unit. Donovan gives us nice tension and action without huge explosions and gun-play that a lot of action books rely on. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
November 2, 2016
this was a small book but a good one. it ended as a cliff hanger. I think its a little short book to another one which I got to find sometime as this was as good as the last book I read of his. enjoy the author's books. sure will read more when I find them :)
May 6, 2024
A murder in the park
A crazy unprovoked attacked on a young couple in the park. A man sat on a park bench drinking his 5th beer from a can, crushing each tin and throwing them in the bin without missing, he spotted a couple, young, she was beautiful , he got up to approach them near the pond which contained ducks, after a short conversation things declined rapidly.
Excellent book.
A crazy unprovoked attacked on a young couple in the park. A man sat on a park bench drinking his 5th beer from a can, crushing each tin and throwing them in the bin without missing, he spotted a couple, young, she was beautiful , he got up to approach them near the pond which contained ducks, after a short conversation things declined rapidly.
Excellent book.
March 22, 2026
Another fantastic story
Kerry Donovan 's novels are too darn good! I can't out them down and end up reading cover to cover in one day! I've read all the Ryan Kaine stories....hopefully there will be more than 13! I'm obsessed and want more! This series with David Jones is also intriguing. The characters are so well written that I feel like I know them personally. Bravo Kerry! Keep it up. I'm on
to the next book
Kerry Donovan 's novels are too darn good! I can't out them down and end up reading cover to cover in one day! I've read all the Ryan Kaine stories....hopefully there will be more than 13! I'm obsessed and want more! This series with David Jones is also intriguing. The characters are so well written that I feel like I know them personally. Bravo Kerry! Keep it up. I'm on
to the next book
June 8, 2017
England Chief Inspector David Jones and Detective Phil Cryer are on a journey to solve one of the toughest cases. Their only witness to the crime is the fiance of the murdered man found in the park.
The author kept you intrigued with the mystery of trying to solve the crime. I would recommend reading this book.
The author kept you intrigued with the mystery of trying to solve the crime. I would recommend reading this book.
May 28, 2018
This was a VERY short novella which only took a couple hours to read. The characters were interesting, but the plot was thin (probably due to the brevity of the book.) I will continue to read more in the series, but I would advise others to avoid this volume, unless it's free!
November 4, 2022
Only reason I went with 4 stars instead of 5 was due to this being book being a novella. I prefer reading longer stories where a door opens a window that creates a breeze that moves the curtain giving us another clue to…well, maybe you get my meaning. This book was over shortly after it started. Some interesting developments which I expect will be revealed in the next one. But…Kerry Donovan has a fan. As do Ryan Kaine and now DCI Jones.
July 25, 2024
A definite must read series
This was an intense and suspenseful novella with a twisted killer on the loose. The twists and tragedies will hook you until the end.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This was an intense and suspenseful novella with a twisted killer on the loose. The twists and tragedies will hook you until the end.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
June 7, 2017
my first by this author and i was hooked from start to finish. i love a good detective series and will read more
February 28, 2022
Terrific book..short and chilling.
DCI Jones is terrific. This was a good story but very short for some reason. Felt like I read a short story,not a novel.
DCI Jones is terrific. This was a good story but very short for some reason. Felt like I read a short story,not a novel.
April 5, 2022
nice one
Another introduction into the Jones family
Nice case again good story line…
Looking forward to the next chapter for the brummies
Another introduction into the Jones family
Nice case again good story line…
Looking forward to the next chapter for the brummies
January 4, 2023
Bullshit
What is the point of writing such garbage. At least I didn't have to pay for it.
Worst piece of writing ever.
What is the point of writing such garbage. At least I didn't have to pay for it.
Worst piece of writing ever.
April 6, 2023
great
A really good short read as the second instalment of this series can’t wait to see the outcome from this adventure
A really good short read as the second instalment of this series can’t wait to see the outcome from this adventure
June 29, 2025
Scary stuff
Another great story by this author All of his books are always Fall of Mystery suspense and And intrigue good job
Another great story by this author All of his books are always Fall of Mystery suspense and And intrigue good job
March 11, 2017
Kindle Unlimited {some not all} film noir detective thriller, think Donovan invented a new sub-genre. Johnny Swift and Lucky Shores different than the DCI ones.
The DCI Jones Casebook Box Set: Books 1-3 in the Casebook Series not ku
The DCI Jones Casebook: Sean Freeman not ku
The DCI Jones Casebook: Raymond Collins free
The DCI Jones Casebook: Ellis Flynn ku
The DCI Jones Casebook: Cryer's View ku
On Lucky Shores: A Chet Walker Adventure ku
The Transition of Johnny Swift ku
look at amazon writer page for others
The DCI Jones Casebook Box Set: Books 1-3 in the Casebook Series not ku
The DCI Jones Casebook: Sean Freeman not ku
The DCI Jones Casebook: Raymond Collins free
The DCI Jones Casebook: Ellis Flynn ku
The DCI Jones Casebook: Cryer's View ku
On Lucky Shores: A Chet Walker Adventure ku
The Transition of Johnny Swift ku
look at amazon writer page for others
August 3, 2017
I felt like this was rushed and it missed something.
January 29, 2015
The DCI Jones Casebook: Raymond Francis Collins by Kerry J. Donovan
Set in Birmingham England, Chief Inspector David Jones and his partner Sergeant Phil Cryer are investigating one of the toughest cases ever. In the middle of the day in a park a mans body is found. The victims fiance witnessed the crime. It is up to DCI Jones to solve this case, with a suspect who appears to have no motive. It will be tough but Jones is determined to succeed.
A great introduction to DCI Jones. A well written mystery that moves swiftly. I liked the writing style. We know right away who the suspect is, and we watch as the mystery unravels. This adds suspense, which makes the story more enjoyable.
Chief Inspector Jones is very likable as well as Sergeant Phil Cryer. A truly enjoyable read. I recommend The DCI Jones Casebook: Raymond Francis Collins to those who love a good murder/mystery. I look forward to reading the next book The DCI Jones Casebook: Ellis Flynn.
Set in Birmingham England, Chief Inspector David Jones and his partner Sergeant Phil Cryer are investigating one of the toughest cases ever. In the middle of the day in a park a mans body is found. The victims fiance witnessed the crime. It is up to DCI Jones to solve this case, with a suspect who appears to have no motive. It will be tough but Jones is determined to succeed.
A great introduction to DCI Jones. A well written mystery that moves swiftly. I liked the writing style. We know right away who the suspect is, and we watch as the mystery unravels. This adds suspense, which makes the story more enjoyable.
Chief Inspector Jones is very likable as well as Sergeant Phil Cryer. A truly enjoyable read. I recommend The DCI Jones Casebook: Raymond Francis Collins to those who love a good murder/mystery. I look forward to reading the next book The DCI Jones Casebook: Ellis Flynn.
March 7, 2014
A decent modern British police procedural must have: 1. An experienced, possibly craggy, long-suffering homicide detective, 2. An amicable coworker, usually working toward the exam for the next level in the department, 3. a murder of interest, 4. A serious but pleasant tone to the book, 5. Some personal backstory for our policemen.
In this novella, which serves to introduce us to DCI (Detective Chief Inspector for you American Philistines) David Jones and his working partner, Detective Sergeant Phil Cryer, he of the eidetic memory and taker of his Inspector's test, we have a slasher murder of a young man in a park. However, the opening chapter of the book is told from the criminal's viewpoint, so we already know whodunnit. No mystery there, all that is left to us is the police work to follow, and lovely it is, too.
So let's review. Do we have No. 1? Check. No. 2? Check. No. 3? Check. No. 4? Check. No. 5? Check.
An excellent read, and a book to make you want more more more of this hard working duo.
In this novella, which serves to introduce us to DCI (Detective Chief Inspector for you American Philistines) David Jones and his working partner, Detective Sergeant Phil Cryer, he of the eidetic memory and taker of his Inspector's test, we have a slasher murder of a young man in a park. However, the opening chapter of the book is told from the criminal's viewpoint, so we already know whodunnit. No mystery there, all that is left to us is the police work to follow, and lovely it is, too.
So let's review. Do we have No. 1? Check. No. 2? Check. No. 3? Check. No. 4? Check. No. 5? Check.
An excellent read, and a book to make you want more more more of this hard working duo.
September 3, 2016
This book starts out with Ray Collins murdering a man in a park in the middle of the day. The murderer just smiles and walks away while the victim's fiance screams. DCI Jones and his protégé, Detective Sergeant Phil Cryer, investigate this difficult case, not finding a motive for this crime.
The story is unusual in that we know right away who the killer is. It's the police that don't know so we see how they use their investigative skills to find out who was responsible for the death. It was good to get the killer's and investigator's viewpoints.
Right from the start I thought that Ray Collins was a jerk. That wasn't a good start to the story for me and I was tempted to stop reading. But I did finish it and liked the police investigation aspect of this book. Other than Collins the characters are likeable making this a good start to the DCI Jones series.
If you are looking for a good, quick murder mystery, this book is for you.
The story is unusual in that we know right away who the killer is. It's the police that don't know so we see how they use their investigative skills to find out who was responsible for the death. It was good to get the killer's and investigator's viewpoints.
Right from the start I thought that Ray Collins was a jerk. That wasn't a good start to the story for me and I was tempted to stop reading. But I did finish it and liked the police investigation aspect of this book. Other than Collins the characters are likeable making this a good start to the DCI Jones series.
If you are looking for a good, quick murder mystery, this book is for you.
August 6, 2014
The excitement starts right in the opening of the book – and as it goes on we get a view from all perspectives: killer’s, victim’s, investigators. Love it. As an American reading a UK author, I’m enjoying the fact that I have no problem getting a clear picture in my head, nor in following the dialogue. Any expressions I do not already know are used in a way that makes them self-explanatory.
Kerry does an excellent job of writing in a way that should please readers on both sides of the pond while keeping up the suspense and interest!
The story contained a good amount of action and mystery; what I love is in this short story I already became attached to the characters and will be seeking out more of this ‘cast’.
Kerry does an excellent job of writing in a way that should please readers on both sides of the pond while keeping up the suspense and interest!
The story contained a good amount of action and mystery; what I love is in this short story I already became attached to the characters and will be seeking out more of this ‘cast’.
April 3, 2014
Some may think that writing a novella is an easy task. Well, think again. It takes a talent to keep the story in control. If it’s too short, it’s a short story, if it’s too long, it might still be a bit too short for a novel and yet too long to be a novella. So my respect goes to Kerry J. Donovan for writing s great detective novella.
I’m a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes and British detective stories so in The DCI Jones Casebook I got two of my favorite things in a one story. This was an easy and fast read, an introduction of the characters and a great beginning of a gripping adventure of David Jones and Phil Cryer. Very realistic and definitely a story that left me hungry for more!
I’m a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes and British detective stories so in The DCI Jones Casebook I got two of my favorite things in a one story. This was an easy and fast read, an introduction of the characters and a great beginning of a gripping adventure of David Jones and Phil Cryer. Very realistic and definitely a story that left me hungry for more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews