What do you think?
Rate this book
Duty of Care
Someone is preying on Inverness's most vulnerable.
They know when their victims are alone. They know how to get inside their homes. And they've made sure nobody's brave enough to say a word.
No complaints. No witnesses. No crime anyone can prove.
Tyler's boss wants him back on traffic duty. The message from everyone else is even clearer: keep your nose out of it.
But doing what he’s told has never really been Tyler Neish’s strong point...
Journey back to the early days of PC Tyler Neish's police career in this second prequel novella to the multi-million selling DCI Jack Logan Scottish crime fiction series.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a novella of around 36,000 words, around half the length of an average DCI Logan Novel.
They know when their victims are alone. They know how to get inside their homes. And they've made sure nobody's brave enough to say a word.
No complaints. No witnesses. No crime anyone can prove.
Tyler's boss wants him back on traffic duty. The message from everyone else is even clearer: keep your nose out of it.
But doing what he’s told has never really been Tyler Neish’s strong point...
Journey back to the early days of PC Tyler Neish's police career in this second prequel novella to the multi-million selling DCI Jack Logan Scottish crime fiction series.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a novella of around 36,000 words, around half the length of an average DCI Logan Novel.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2026
About the author
J.D. Kirk
65 books2,020 followersJD Kirk is the pen name of multi-award-winning author, screenwriter, and writer of comics, Barry Hutchison.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
September 9, 2026
‘Were you… were you just standing here with a load of blank paper, sir?’
4.5
4.5
September 9, 2026
Its a learning curve for Tyler
What a great way to find out about PC Tyler Neish, and how his career started
His nervousness shows as he tackles the extortion from the elderly, with the help from DSup. Hoon at the end dealing with the bad guys, and Tyler getting the all important evidence to convict them! Good to see how Tyler will progress in his police career.. roll on book 3, a 5🌟 read 👌
What a great way to find out about PC Tyler Neish, and how his career started
His nervousness shows as he tackles the extortion from the elderly, with the help from DSup. Hoon at the end dealing with the bad guys, and Tyler getting the all important evidence to convict them! Good to see how Tyler will progress in his police career.. roll on book 3, a 5🌟 read 👌
September 10, 2026
BRILLIANT
The beginnings of a beautiful relationship Tyler and Hoon. This book explains why Tyler can be so dim, the 2nd date obviously affected him for life. Glad to see Hoon in his magnificence and speaking so gently.
The beginnings of a beautiful relationship Tyler and Hoon. This book explains why Tyler can be so dim, the 2nd date obviously affected him for life. Glad to see Hoon in his magnificence and speaking so gently.
September 8, 2026
Tyler Neish is at it again
What a great second novella! Tyler gets into hot water again (what else do you expect?) Well written, perfect length and a perfect wee story. JD Kirk sure is good at what he does.
What a great second novella! Tyler gets into hot water again (what else do you expect?) Well written, perfect length and a perfect wee story. JD Kirk sure is good at what he does.
September 10, 2026
DUTY OF CARE
Absolutely loved this Tyler neish novella so good to hear hoon and his raging attitude again hope to hear some more from. Hoon again very soon lol 😂
Absolutely loved this Tyler neish novella so good to hear hoon and his raging attitude again hope to hear some more from. Hoon again very soon lol 😂
October 3, 2026
Not as good as the first Tyler Neish book but I loved all the references to the DCI Logan books, and nothing with Tyler could ever be boring. Truly the only thing lacking was the usual humour which I missed.
September 13, 2026
Tyler neish novellas are a treat
This is an excellent Tyler prequel that reveals a great deal about his character - his naïveté, his moral compass, his selflessness. The dialog in this novella is, as usual in a JD Kirk novel, just wonderful, if occasionally wonderfully colo(u)rful. Some seriously laugh out loud moments and yes a cringe or two digesting Hoon’s verbal assaults. While this is a squarely a Tyler book, fans of JD Kirk’s books will love the emerging relationship (or not) with Hoon. It’s good to see characters like Ben emerging too.
This is an excellent Tyler prequel that reveals a great deal about his character - his naïveté, his moral compass, his selflessness. The dialog in this novella is, as usual in a JD Kirk novel, just wonderful, if occasionally wonderfully colo(u)rful. Some seriously laugh out loud moments and yes a cringe or two digesting Hoon’s verbal assaults. While this is a squarely a Tyler book, fans of JD Kirk’s books will love the emerging relationship (or not) with Hoon. It’s good to see characters like Ben emerging too.
September 14, 2026
Duty of Care by J D Kirk
Duty of Care by JD Kirk is a Constable Tyler Neish novella and it is very entertaining. It shows Tyler in his early days as a police constable and how naive he was. It also shows Hoon in a different light, not quite as sweaty as he is in later years.
The storyline is about elder abuse and whilst the guilty were not dealt with through the courts, there was another way that they didn’t expect.
Highly recommended
Duty of Care by JD Kirk is a Constable Tyler Neish novella and it is very entertaining. It shows Tyler in his early days as a police constable and how naive he was. It also shows Hoon in a different light, not quite as sweaty as he is in later years.
The storyline is about elder abuse and whilst the guilty were not dealt with through the courts, there was another way that they didn’t expect.
Highly recommended
September 13, 2026
All the emotions were in this book. As expected, I laughed, but I also cried tears of anger, felt frustration, sadness and joy. A great short story, that I read in a day, because I couldn’t wait to know what happened next.
The characters and relationships that I know will develop and intertwine further, were so cleverly portrayed. J.D. Kirk / Barry Hutchinson take a bow. My absolute favourite author, just wish you could write them as quickly as I read them.
The characters and relationships that I know will develop and intertwine further, were so cleverly portrayed. J.D. Kirk / Barry Hutchinson take a bow. My absolute favourite author, just wish you could write them as quickly as I read them.
September 24, 2026
Another unexpected treat! More Tyler before he joined the team. Some twists are obvious from what happens in the main series, but entertaining and fun.
October 6, 2026
Just brilliant.
September 8, 2026
I discovered the writing of J.D. Kirk in 2022, since then I have read over 50 volumes across three different pen names. I picked the first for a few reasons, but mainly because authors Alex Smith and JE Mayhew have both recommended the author and series. I am a big fan of Smith’s DCI Kett novels and Mayhew’s DCI Will Blake Series. I have been hooked since that first read. Kirk also publishes under the names Barry Hutchison and Barry J, Hutchison. I have now read the first 19 in the DCI Logan series and all 4 in the Robert Hoon series, The first two in the DI Heather Filson series as well as stand-alone VIP exclusive short story.
I had no idea how addictive Kirk’s books would be or that like Mayhew and Smith, Kirk publishes under three different names. Kirk publishes children books as Barry Hutchison, and other adult fiction as Barry J. Hutchison. He has published over 200 books across the three pen names. If I had known that or I might not have picked up this first one. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published. Being caught up now on his works as J.D. Kirk I will have to wait for each new one to come out, and this volume was well worth the weight.
The description of this novella is:
“Someone is preying on Inverness's most vulnerable.
They know when their victims are alone. They know how to get inside their homes. And they've made sure nobody's brave enough to say a word.
No complaints. No witnesses. No crime anyone can prove.
Tyler's boss wants him back on traffic duty. The message from everyone else is even clearer: keep your nose out of it.
But doing what he’s told has never really been Tyler Neish’s strong point...
Journey back to the early days of PC Tyler Neish's police career in this second prequel novella to the multi-million selling DCI Jack Logan Scottish crime fiction series.”
We are also informed this series:
“First Among the Dead is a standalone prequel novella following the early adventures of fan favourite character DC Tyler Neish from the DCI Jack Logan series, and the perfect introduction to the world and characters of bestselling Scottish crime fiction author, JD Kirk.”
And also thate:
“This is a novella of around 36,000 words, around half the length of an average DCI Logan Novel.”
Tyler Neish is a favourite character in the DCI Logan Books and in the Robert Hoon novels. This is part of his back story. He has been on the force for a while now, and he wants to make his mark. Unfortunately he to get in trouble a lot, maybe it is he is overly eager, maybe it is he is inept, or maybe he just can’t let go when something is not sitting right.
This story and series is very different than the rest of the series in that it goes back in time. It gives us a look at a still fairly green Neish. A much younger Detective Superintendent Robert Hoon, Chief Inspector Samuel ‘Snecky’ Grant, DI Ben Forde, and even Dave Davidson. So we encounter a number of the regulars and see them in a different light.
I read this in 2 sittings on consecutive days. Once it got going it was very hard to put down. This story takes place over a few days. Neish is given a Duty of Care call to check in on an elderly woman whom a support worker believes id being taken advantage of. There is bruising, and money going missing. Sums the care worker is withdrawing for her and other large withdraws. Aven after taking a serious beating Tyler just cannot let it go. And in steps …
To find out read this great novella. It is a great read, and I really hope Kirk releases more stories like this giving us more insight into Neish or even other members of the team. I love the three series written under the pen name J.D. Kirk and they are definitely Scottish Mysteries, or Scottish Police Crime novels. This story is not as dark or gritty as many written by Kirk, but it is a great expansion of the Scottish Crime novels he writes. A really good story I can easily recommend! Give it a read at Neish tried to figure out how he will handle his duty of care.
I had no idea how addictive Kirk’s books would be or that like Mayhew and Smith, Kirk publishes under three different names. Kirk publishes children books as Barry Hutchison, and other adult fiction as Barry J. Hutchison. He has published over 200 books across the three pen names. If I had known that or I might not have picked up this first one. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published. Being caught up now on his works as J.D. Kirk I will have to wait for each new one to come out, and this volume was well worth the weight.
The description of this novella is:
“Someone is preying on Inverness's most vulnerable.
They know when their victims are alone. They know how to get inside their homes. And they've made sure nobody's brave enough to say a word.
No complaints. No witnesses. No crime anyone can prove.
Tyler's boss wants him back on traffic duty. The message from everyone else is even clearer: keep your nose out of it.
But doing what he’s told has never really been Tyler Neish’s strong point...
Journey back to the early days of PC Tyler Neish's police career in this second prequel novella to the multi-million selling DCI Jack Logan Scottish crime fiction series.”
We are also informed this series:
“First Among the Dead is a standalone prequel novella following the early adventures of fan favourite character DC Tyler Neish from the DCI Jack Logan series, and the perfect introduction to the world and characters of bestselling Scottish crime fiction author, JD Kirk.”
And also thate:
“This is a novella of around 36,000 words, around half the length of an average DCI Logan Novel.”
Tyler Neish is a favourite character in the DCI Logan Books and in the Robert Hoon novels. This is part of his back story. He has been on the force for a while now, and he wants to make his mark. Unfortunately he to get in trouble a lot, maybe it is he is overly eager, maybe it is he is inept, or maybe he just can’t let go when something is not sitting right.
This story and series is very different than the rest of the series in that it goes back in time. It gives us a look at a still fairly green Neish. A much younger Detective Superintendent Robert Hoon, Chief Inspector Samuel ‘Snecky’ Grant, DI Ben Forde, and even Dave Davidson. So we encounter a number of the regulars and see them in a different light.
I read this in 2 sittings on consecutive days. Once it got going it was very hard to put down. This story takes place over a few days. Neish is given a Duty of Care call to check in on an elderly woman whom a support worker believes id being taken advantage of. There is bruising, and money going missing. Sums the care worker is withdrawing for her and other large withdraws. Aven after taking a serious beating Tyler just cannot let it go. And in steps …
To find out read this great novella. It is a great read, and I really hope Kirk releases more stories like this giving us more insight into Neish or even other members of the team. I love the three series written under the pen name J.D. Kirk and they are definitely Scottish Mysteries, or Scottish Police Crime novels. This story is not as dark or gritty as many written by Kirk, but it is a great expansion of the Scottish Crime novels he writes. A really good story I can easily recommend! Give it a read at Neish tried to figure out how he will handle his duty of care.
September 20, 2026
Always try your best...
Characters:
Of course the characters are going to be well done, it's JD Kirk. Even if the book is not the best, he has a way of making you love or loathe every character he introduces. Tyler is a wonderful choice for a prequel series and despite being a bit of an idiot he's incredibly loveable, caring and hilarious. Hoon was welcome as always and it was nice to hear about Ben, Dave, Caitlin (still not over it) and Nidds.
Storyline:
This was a bit different for one of the Logan books as it wasn't about murder or kidnapping but about making sure the elderly are taken care of properly. It draws you in right away and it keeps building up at a wonderful pace. It's not the most groundbreaking idea but it was excellently laid out.
Pacing/writing:
As always, the pacing was perfect. I read it in one sitting without even realising how much I was speeding through. The writing is great, I laughed so many times throughout and the way the book is written draws you in within seconds.
Ending:
A very good and satisfying ending. I wish we got to hear more about the crimes but I get why it ended there.
Emotional impact:
Already having great love for these characters from the original series is a good starting point because you're always caring before it really gets going. The story was also quite heartbreaking and you could sense the anger and sadness within the words.
9/10 - JD never disappoints.
Characters:
Of course the characters are going to be well done, it's JD Kirk. Even if the book is not the best, he has a way of making you love or loathe every character he introduces. Tyler is a wonderful choice for a prequel series and despite being a bit of an idiot he's incredibly loveable, caring and hilarious. Hoon was welcome as always and it was nice to hear about Ben, Dave, Caitlin (still not over it) and Nidds.
Storyline:
This was a bit different for one of the Logan books as it wasn't about murder or kidnapping but about making sure the elderly are taken care of properly. It draws you in right away and it keeps building up at a wonderful pace. It's not the most groundbreaking idea but it was excellently laid out.
Pacing/writing:
As always, the pacing was perfect. I read it in one sitting without even realising how much I was speeding through. The writing is great, I laughed so many times throughout and the way the book is written draws you in within seconds.
Ending:
A very good and satisfying ending. I wish we got to hear more about the crimes but I get why it ended there.
Emotional impact:
Already having great love for these characters from the original series is a good starting point because you're always caring before it really gets going. The story was also quite heartbreaking and you could sense the anger and sadness within the words.
9/10 - JD never disappoints.
October 20, 2026
I was so excited for the second Tyler Neish Novella, and I was not disappointed. I’m only five books into the main Jack Logan series, but Tyler became a favourite from the start. So hearing that we were getting some Tyler prequel novellas made me very happy.
Tyler is a very likeable, enthusiastic and quite adorable character. Yes I love him!
Only a few months out of police training college, he’s a naive young PC getting stuck into community policing. A routine welfare check leads Tyler into a case of Elder abuse and intimidation. And Tyler being Tyler, he ends up in hot water with his superiors…a lot!
There’s humour, tension and a little romance too. It’s also good to see DI Ben Forde make an appearance alongside Bob Hoon. I’m actually more interested in the character interactions than plotting in general. But considering this is a novella it also has a well rounded plot with satisfying conclusion.
So another winner from JD Kirk!
September 20, 2026
The second Tyler Neish prequel packs an awful lot into a novella as he puts his job on the line as a lowly PC and sticks his nose in where it doesnt belong (according to some) as he finds evidence of abuse against elderly people being cared for in their own homes.
His sense of morality and justice shines through and gets him into hot water both personal and professionally while seeking those he believes are committing the crimes.
Nice quick read and lots going on and a few mentions to certain characters who we've come to know well in the Logan series - one of which was particularly lovely.
Enjoyable especially if you've read any of the Logan books.
His sense of morality and justice shines through and gets him into hot water both personal and professionally while seeking those he believes are committing the crimes.
Nice quick read and lots going on and a few mentions to certain characters who we've come to know well in the Logan series - one of which was particularly lovely.
Enjoyable especially if you've read any of the Logan books.
September 12, 2026
Another brilliant prequel to the DCI Logan series featuring PC Tyler Neish in his early days on the force. It shows him in a slightly different light to his later DC status. Bob Hoon is his usual charming self. Great story, excellent narration, plenty of humour and laughs (mostly at Tyler's expense).
September 18, 2026
Duty of Care -
I have read all the Logan and Hoon books, and thoroughly enjoyed them. They are normally pretty action packed, good stories and good humour. I was a little disappointed with the storyline of this book. It was quite a mundane and slow story. A bit of Hoon humour brightened it up in places. 3.75 out of 5 from me.
I have read all the Logan and Hoon books, and thoroughly enjoyed them. They are normally pretty action packed, good stories and good humour. I was a little disappointed with the storyline of this book. It was quite a mundane and slow story. A bit of Hoon humour brightened it up in places. 3.75 out of 5 from me.
September 21, 2026
Another brill book about Tyler, love reading about how he started off & what he went through, im hoping he does more wee books & maybe even do 1 on another one of the team. In saying that still would like to read anothe crime book & possibly a book on Hoon & Iris as they were mates in the past. Think that 1 will be a laugh. Though awe his books although serious do hiv humour in them.
October 3, 2026
It's nice to see how Tyler started out and his right and wrong philosophy resulted in the odd rule being broken and determination in following his instincts. Hoon is also a revelation and he clearly has a soft spot manifesting itself very early on. It would be nice to see how this route develops on Tyler's journey and how he progresses to detective status.
October 10, 2026
Tyler nieish novella
Again a brilliant read by jd kirk and cannot wait to hear more about logan and the team ,I think I read it in an hour couldn't put it down loved that hoon was a part of it too I think Tyler is great he always gets there in the end hes such a loveble cop,
ive read all of you books of logan and hoon twice over give us so.e more please love them
Again a brilliant read by jd kirk and cannot wait to hear more about logan and the team ,I think I read it in an hour couldn't put it down loved that hoon was a part of it too I think Tyler is great he always gets there in the end hes such a loveble cop,
ive read all of you books of logan and hoon twice over give us so.e more please love them
October 21, 2026
This is the second prequel novella featuring Tyler Neish in his early days as a police constable. This time he is investigating cases of extortion of the elderly despite being warned off by his superiors. I defy anyone not to like nice but dim Tyler. I also love that the characters from the Logan books are being gradually introduced. This book is quite short but very sweet.
September 8, 2026
Duty of care ❤
Brilliant I love your books about young Tyler and better still with Hoon company short but great read I just hope you keep them coming until he joins up with the whole gang
Brilliant I love your books about young Tyler and better still with Hoon company short but great read I just hope you keep them coming until he joins up with the whole gang
September 9, 2026
Great read about Tyler and his early days
Love reading about Tyler, using his instincts. Hoon being his normal obnoxious self. These books are a great start to Tyler career and relationships
Love reading about Tyler, using his instincts. Hoon being his normal obnoxious self. These books are a great start to Tyler career and relationships
September 9, 2026
Fantastic
The second in The Tyler Neish Novelas. And Just as Good as the 1st. Tyler is a Brilliant Character and it's Great to read How His career started and to find out about the People He worked with.
The second in The Tyler Neish Novelas. And Just as Good as the 1st. Tyler is a Brilliant Character and it's Great to read How His career started and to find out about the People He worked with.
September 11, 2026
Tell in love with this book
I absolutely loved this book. It rounds out Tyler Brian in a great way! I am so glad JD Kirk decided to write these books about the beginning of Neish's career
I absolutely loved this book. It rounds out Tyler Brian in a great way! I am so glad JD Kirk decided to write these books about the beginning of Neish's career
September 11, 2026
another excellent read
I love JDKirks books, you just feel you know the characters they are so real. The story flows so well that you are carried along engrossed in the pace. Looking forward to more of Tyler’s journey hopefully?
I love JDKirks books, you just feel you know the characters they are so real. The story flows so well that you are carried along engrossed in the pace. Looking forward to more of Tyler’s journey hopefully?
September 12, 2026
Meeting Tyler
Tyler shows his inner detective, the storyline didn't disappoint, the beginning of a friendship that will continue to grow in Tyler's career and personal lifetime albeit a very strange but honest friendship.
Tyler shows his inner detective, the storyline didn't disappoint, the beginning of a friendship that will continue to grow in Tyler's career and personal lifetime albeit a very strange but honest friendship.
September 13, 2026
The second Tyler Neish novella. I am loving learning Tyler's start of his career and his interactions with Bob Hoon are marvellous. Tyler isn't as dense as we think, though he can be extremely daft at times.
Great!
Great!
September 13, 2026
This was a good short story. I always like reading from Tyler’s perspective and see him take initiative outwith the team that we know and love from Logan’s books.
It’s nice to see past members of the team and the dynamics before everything.
It’s nice to see past members of the team and the dynamics before everything.
September 14, 2026
A brilliant short novella catching up with Tyler in his uniform days. He really cares and that comes through in the DCI Logan series. If you read the Logan series why not catch up with Tyler in these novellas? Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews