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Jack of All Trades #1
Jack of All Trades
A standalone novel in the Jack of All Trades crime series (#1). It seems a dream job for Jack, a small builder in Forest Gate, when he gets the contract to repair the summerhouse of a millionaire couple in Chigwell. The two months' work will pay his debts, and give him space to sort out his personal demons. Except the couple are at war, both having affairs, their marriage beyond salvage. The husband fires Jack, she takes him back on - and suddenly he is too involved with their scheming. Complicated further when he falls for her secretary. And when there's a murder, using his tools as the weapon, Jack is prime suspect.
246 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2015
586 people are currently reading
766 people want to read
About the author
D.H. Smith
25 books23 followersI write under two names: DH Smith and Derek Smith.
DH Smith is the name I am using for my crime series, Jack of All Trades, set in the area of East London (UK) where I live. 12 have been published to date.
I began by writing plays, and have had them produced on radio, TV and the stage. I was involved in a community bookshop in the 80s, and began writing for children. I have had three books for young adults published by Faber and one by Walker Books. The rest of my children's books are self published.
In 2013 I began writing my Jack of All Trades crime series. They are all printed by my own imprint Earlham Books. Both my identities are on my website:
www.dereksmithwriter.com"
In 2019, I published 'Writing a Crime Novel' for would-be crime writers. It utilises my experience of writing crime novels and teaching writing.
DH Smith is the name I am using for my crime series, Jack of All Trades, set in the area of East London (UK) where I live. 12 have been published to date.
I began by writing plays, and have had them produced on radio, TV and the stage. I was involved in a community bookshop in the 80s, and began writing for children. I have had three books for young adults published by Faber and one by Walker Books. The rest of my children's books are self published.
In 2013 I began writing my Jack of All Trades crime series. They are all printed by my own imprint Earlham Books. Both my identities are on my website:
www.dereksmithwriter.com"
In 2019, I published 'Writing a Crime Novel' for would-be crime writers. It utilises my experience of writing crime novels and teaching writing.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 21, 2016
"A first class job. I'd recommend you to all my friends."
A cracking whodunit. A book you just have to read in one sitting. Plenty of characters, plenty of clues and a sweet twist.
A cracking whodunit. A book you just have to read in one sitting. Plenty of characters, plenty of clues and a sweet twist.
November 23, 2016
I found this to be a disjointed read through the whole story. The writer was aiming for a multi-POV story similar to what GRRM is doing in the Song of Fire & Ice. But frankly doesn't succeed at.
The mystery elements are pretty solid. If you read a lot of mysteries, you'll probably pick up who did it with relative ease. But, really, at this point in history are we really reading mysteries to be surprised or to enjoy the process by which the murderer is captured.
Speaking of the murderer...while the motive was reasonable I found the scene where our detective accuses the murderer and gets the confession, the scene is devoid of passion. The murderer killed someone, and went to lengths to cover that up, but in the end the conversation can be summed up "Oy, you did it, didn'cha?" "It's a fair cop, guv. Now would you like a sandwich and a pint of ginger beer?"
The murderer passionlessly recites the motive, the means, and the opportunity. There's no emotion of any sort on display. This is a problem with all the characters throughout, but it is really evident in this final scene. Just not a satisfying ending.
Why 3 stars out of 5? The disjointed narrative and the lack of emotional substance to the characters.
The mystery elements are pretty solid. If you read a lot of mysteries, you'll probably pick up who did it with relative ease. But, really, at this point in history are we really reading mysteries to be surprised or to enjoy the process by which the murderer is captured.
Speaking of the murderer...while the motive was reasonable I found the scene where our detective accuses the murderer and gets the confession, the scene is devoid of passion. The murderer killed someone, and went to lengths to cover that up, but in the end the conversation can be summed up "Oy, you did it, didn'cha?" "It's a fair cop, guv. Now would you like a sandwich and a pint of ginger beer?"
The murderer passionlessly recites the motive, the means, and the opportunity. There's no emotion of any sort on display. This is a problem with all the characters throughout, but it is really evident in this final scene. Just not a satisfying ending.
Why 3 stars out of 5? The disjointed narrative and the lack of emotional substance to the characters.
May 16, 2016
Easy and entertaining
This was a light and enjoyable storyline. The cast of characters were interesting, as well as unbelievably real. All in all, a worthwhile read.
This was a light and enjoyable storyline. The cast of characters were interesting, as well as unbelievably real. All in all, a worthwhile read.
April 12, 2022
quick easy read
I had no idea who the actual killer was until the end. Fun book. Looking forward to the rest in the series.
I had no idea who the actual killer was until the end. Fun book. Looking forward to the rest in the series.
March 29, 2018
Cover/Title: The cover and title don't really do much to draw me in. The reason I read this book was because I had a challenge that I needed a character named Jack for. This book fit that challenge so I read it.
Characters: Jack seems a bit weak as far as MCs go. The other characters were ok aside from the couple that he worked for. They are basically destructive and get in the way of everyone's happiness, including their own.
Plot: Jack is off to a new construction job. His new employers treat him like a yo-yo and he doesn't know whether he is coming or going. Then a body is found and everyone is a suspect. Jack is determined to figure out who is responsible.
Overall: It is an ok book. I wasn't much of a fan of the characters. The mystery itself unravels at a decent pace. It isn't overly easy to solve the mystery but the evidence is there to figure it out. Overall, it is an ok mystery and a good way to spend an evening.
Characters: Jack seems a bit weak as far as MCs go. The other characters were ok aside from the couple that he worked for. They are basically destructive and get in the way of everyone's happiness, including their own.
Plot: Jack is off to a new construction job. His new employers treat him like a yo-yo and he doesn't know whether he is coming or going. Then a body is found and everyone is a suspect. Jack is determined to figure out who is responsible.
Overall: It is an ok book. I wasn't much of a fan of the characters. The mystery itself unravels at a decent pace. It isn't overly easy to solve the mystery but the evidence is there to figure it out. Overall, it is an ok mystery and a good way to spend an evening.
April 4, 2025
Interesting whodunit with suckish characters
I think I should start off by saying I didn't like any of the characters. Not even the protagonist, Jack. There may be persons who'll argue that they "are just human," but I found all the characters selfish and immoral. It doesn't make sense to me that a character would be trying to start what they term a real relationship with someone while arranging to sleep with someone else that very same night. Even the police were too busy sleeping around to properly investigate!
The murder mystery itself was pretty good. Good enough to keep me reading 'til the end at least. Though, I must add, there are no amateur sleuths in this one. Jack is simply working while being desperate for sex (his words) when he stumbles on the identity of the killer.
I realize that this is somehow part of a series, but if the characters are anything like they are in this one, then I'll pass.
I think I should start off by saying I didn't like any of the characters. Not even the protagonist, Jack. There may be persons who'll argue that they "are just human," but I found all the characters selfish and immoral. It doesn't make sense to me that a character would be trying to start what they term a real relationship with someone while arranging to sleep with someone else that very same night. Even the police were too busy sleeping around to properly investigate!
The murder mystery itself was pretty good. Good enough to keep me reading 'til the end at least. Though, I must add, there are no amateur sleuths in this one. Jack is simply working while being desperate for sex (his words) when he stumbles on the identity of the killer.
I realize that this is somehow part of a series, but if the characters are anything like they are in this one, then I'll pass.
November 20, 2017
A london builder's struggles
I would give this rating to this fast story. The author uses a smart technique, fitting the whole story within less than two weeks. And still the story remains coherent in time-space-facts.
The "jack" character is somehow moving as it highlights the depressing uncertainties and the pressure of working life in london. Also it brings up the misery of parents-children in broken couples...
The joanna-leon characters are more a fiction as they do not fit in real life: would a rich celebrity sleep with anyone?
Thanks to writer for avoiding raw sex scene description...
I would give this rating to this fast story. The author uses a smart technique, fitting the whole story within less than two weeks. And still the story remains coherent in time-space-facts.
The "jack" character is somehow moving as it highlights the depressing uncertainties and the pressure of working life in london. Also it brings up the misery of parents-children in broken couples...
The joanna-leon characters are more a fiction as they do not fit in real life: would a rich celebrity sleep with anyone?
Thanks to writer for avoiding raw sex scene description...
November 25, 2016
Smith knows how to develop interesting characters that are very believable and lovable. The plot is set in England and written by an English author so expect an English style of writing, which is a tad different than American. Jack is a down to earth tradesman with an astronomy hobby and a controlling little girl. Cozy mystery? Possibly, but not quite. I look forward to reading more by this author.
March 29, 2018
Unusual protagonist.
Very well written, with an endearing and unlikely protagonist - - a builder. Jack, the builder, is a well-fleshed-out character, and all too human. While very likeable, he clearly has his faults as well. He's a delight to read and follow through the book. The plot is quite well done, also. I was not expecting the twist. All in all, the book was very well surgen, and I enjoyed it very much.
Very well written, with an endearing and unlikely protagonist - - a builder. Jack, the builder, is a well-fleshed-out character, and all too human. While very likeable, he clearly has his faults as well. He's a delight to read and follow through the book. The plot is quite well done, also. I was not expecting the twist. All in all, the book was very well surgen, and I enjoyed it very much.
July 13, 2025
Highly recommend
Jack of all trades flows easily and has well-drawn characters. Very vivid scenes in circumstances. A tale of the very wealthy whose lives are not always wonderful because of money. The wealthy intermingles with household staff and Jack is there to repair the summer house. Long buried secrets emerge after a death is discovered after a party of the wealthy is over.
Jack of all trades flows easily and has well-drawn characters. Very vivid scenes in circumstances. A tale of the very wealthy whose lives are not always wonderful because of money. The wealthy intermingles with household staff and Jack is there to repair the summer house. Long buried secrets emerge after a death is discovered after a party of the wealthy is over.
September 8, 2017
Good to the finish
This was a good read. I enjoyed all the interesting characters, especially Jack who came across as sympathetically real and human.
The plot evolved slowly but held my interest throughout with the details and descriptive language weaving love, murder, deception, and intrigue. I'm looking forward to reading more from DHSmith.
This was a good read. I enjoyed all the interesting characters, especially Jack who came across as sympathetically real and human.
The plot evolved slowly but held my interest throughout with the details and descriptive language weaving love, murder, deception, and intrigue. I'm looking forward to reading more from DHSmith.
January 22, 2024
Good Read
This is not a conventional mystery or thriller. It's told from the perspective of an onlooker, rather than a killer, victim, detective or attorney. The characters are relatable with a few exceptions, but it's hard to say more without giving away the plot. I liked it enough to buy the second book in the series. I think you will too.
This is not a conventional mystery or thriller. It's told from the perspective of an onlooker, rather than a killer, victim, detective or attorney. The characters are relatable with a few exceptions, but it's hard to say more without giving away the plot. I liked it enough to buy the second book in the series. I think you will too.
June 5, 2017
Builder gets more than he bargained for
A very satisfying British mystery with well defined characters and a clever plot. Everyone is a suspect and the least likely may be guilty. A great read!
A very satisfying British mystery with well defined characters and a clever plot. Everyone is a suspect and the least likely may be guilty. A great read!
April 17, 2018
Slow moving
This is a slow moving story that takes a long time to get to the mystery. If you don't mind the trek and are ok with reading about an emotionless murder, then this book is for you. I prefer a lot more action and less predictability.
This is a slow moving story that takes a long time to get to the mystery. If you don't mind the trek and are ok with reading about an emotionless murder, then this book is for you. I prefer a lot more action and less predictability.
January 22, 2019
A book with a twist at the end. At first it seemed to be a book that you knew what was to happen but not so, it's twists and turns make it a good read. The ending was unexpected. Derek Smith is a new author for my list.
February 24, 2019
Builder
Slow start but it got interesting when you knew the character and how they were able to interact with each other. The killing of the man of the house was a true who done it. Surprising end.
Slow start but it got interesting when you knew the character and how they were able to interact with each other. The killing of the man of the house was a true who done it. Surprising end.
January 2, 2021
Suspension till the end
Well written with clear description of all character's in the book. who did it well conceal until very close to the end. Recommended to mystery readers and people who enjoy England novels.
Well written with clear description of all character's in the book. who did it well conceal until very close to the end. Recommended to mystery readers and people who enjoy England novels.
June 6, 2021
Interesting story line that zips along at a fair pace. Events come thick and fast and the characters seem unfazed at what happens around them. Not a dark and deep crime thriller but a pleasant lighthearted mystery.
July 5, 2021
Wonderfully written murder mystery. Although it seems somewhat slow early on as all the protagonists are introduced. The story inexorably draws to a mist extraordinary conclusion. This is well worth reading.
April 12, 2022
British Author
Jack is just an ordinary guy, trying to get by; but having a time of it. The characters make this story; which is more or less a who-done-it. The plot is just okay. The scene settings could have benefited from more details.
Jack is just an ordinary guy, trying to get by; but having a time of it. The characters make this story; which is more or less a who-done-it. The plot is just okay. The scene settings could have benefited from more details.
December 27, 2022
London’s Depressing
Set against many aspects of London— none of them endearing— the four main characters chisel away at their dreary lives. Finally a murder brings their lives into a sharper focus. Very well written but sad.
Set against many aspects of London— none of them endearing— the four main characters chisel away at their dreary lives. Finally a murder brings their lives into a sharper focus. Very well written but sad.
September 18, 2023
I started reading this book, but didn't read more than a few pages. Right off, there was foul language and shortly it started getting a little steamy. I stopped because usually when a story starts out like that, it just gets to be more something I don't care to read.
September 25, 2017
I give it 5because they dont offer 6
I am an avid reader and enjoy a good mystery thriller.this story line is good nuy the twist at the end is super and unexpected.thanks mp
I am an avid reader and enjoy a good mystery thriller.this story line is good nuy the twist at the end is super and unexpected.thanks mp
October 8, 2017
Soft mystery
It was nice entertaining reading. A soft mystery with a soap opera scenario. Has a little fantasy touch to it.
It was nice entertaining reading. A soft mystery with a soap opera scenario. Has a little fantasy touch to it.
December 8, 2017
Good read
Great characters. The plot builds well. Kept my interest right to the end. Will be recommending to my book loving friends.
Great characters. The plot builds well. Kept my interest right to the end. Will be recommending to my book loving friends.
July 23, 2018
Not we!! Built
I finished but not impressed. Characters not very well developed. I like to feel personalities. Jack, though the main character had none.
I finished but not impressed. Characters not very well developed. I like to feel personalities. Jack, though the main character had none.
February 6, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Likeable hero. Filled with good characters and realistic dialogue. Nice plot.
May 6, 2022
Surprises
I certainly didn't expect such a wild cast of characters! Nice bit of writing! I thought the cook did it by her comment! Move over Status Christie!
I certainly didn't expect such a wild cast of characters! Nice bit of writing! I thought the cook did it by her comment! Move over Status Christie!
July 29, 2022
Great
Loved the characters and the development of their story. I would love to see a sequel. Would definitely recommend this
Loved the characters and the development of their story. I would love to see a sequel. Would definitely recommend this
September 25, 2022
Great story.Lots of little twists.
Despite most of the characters being somewhat unlikable the story itself was. Not too gory, a lot of mystery and plenty of twists and turns.
Despite most of the characters being somewhat unlikable the story itself was. Not too gory, a lot of mystery and plenty of twists and turns.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews