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Sarah Gladstone #2
Death's Privilege
Two suicides. One deadly connection.
New police procedural from former British Detective Darryl Donaghue.
Following disciplinary action, PC Sarah Gladstone, a happily married mother of two, is reluctantly enrolled onto Mavenwood's fast-track Detective training programme.
As she begins her investigative training, her tutor, DS Dales, a long-serving British detective with the emotional scars to prove it, warns her about the insidious nature of detective work. He’s concerned that Sarah's career will leave her as it’s left him—bitter and with a string of broken marriages.
When a woman is found dead in a luxurious hotel room, Sarah attends what at first appears to be a routine suicide. As the case turns into a murder investigation, she begins to uncover a disturbing pattern of sinister connections and unlikely suspects that leads her a little too close to home…
Like police procedural series? Like strong female detective novels? Get this crime fiction new release today.
New police procedural from former British Detective Darryl Donaghue.
Following disciplinary action, PC Sarah Gladstone, a happily married mother of two, is reluctantly enrolled onto Mavenwood's fast-track Detective training programme.
As she begins her investigative training, her tutor, DS Dales, a long-serving British detective with the emotional scars to prove it, warns her about the insidious nature of detective work. He’s concerned that Sarah's career will leave her as it’s left him—bitter and with a string of broken marriages.
When a woman is found dead in a luxurious hotel room, Sarah attends what at first appears to be a routine suicide. As the case turns into a murder investigation, she begins to uncover a disturbing pattern of sinister connections and unlikely suspects that leads her a little too close to home…
Like police procedural series? Like strong female detective novels? Get this crime fiction new release today.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2016
717 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Darryl Donaghue
5 books48 followersDarryl Donaghue is an ex-Detective from London, England. His short stories have been published in The Pygmy Giant, Spinetinglers and Dreamcatcher magazine. In 2014, he moved to Seoul to teach and write novels.
His first novel, A Journal of Sin, was released on Amazon in December 2014.
His first novel, A Journal of Sin, was released on Amazon in December 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 9, 2017
Suspenseful story.
Story starts with two suicides, Sarah investigating these suspected murders. Meantime studying for the exam, long days and late nights keeping her away from her twin daughters and husband. Strip bars, suspected cheating and hateful characters, gay relationships. Readable but very dark novel.
Story starts with two suicides, Sarah investigating these suspected murders. Meantime studying for the exam, long days and late nights keeping her away from her twin daughters and husband. Strip bars, suspected cheating and hateful characters, gay relationships. Readable but very dark novel.
November 24, 2017
This was a remarkably quick read with well written prose and pacing, culminating in a surprising reveal of perpetrator and a juicy tidbit thrown in right at the end that leaves you rushing to read the next book in the series.
The second of the Sarah Gladstone police procedural series, we see Sarah has moved on from uniform branch to be enrolled in the Fast Track Program to become a Detective Constable. (Not that she was given much choice in the conclusion of the first novel - it was either that or resign) A new boss, a mentor, new work colleagues, longer work hours, study for her detectives exam and trying to solve her first case leave little time for her family, with her relationship suffering. Can it withstand the extra pressure?
But not all is what it seems, with both her case and that of the other Fast Track DC becoming intertwined in a confusing case with lots of red herrings.
** Tiny Spoiler Alert - LOOK AWAY **
My only complaint is the way the author handled Sarah's husband's infidelity. She seems such a strong character in every other respect that I can't see her dithering and choosing to take him back.
Apart from that, a challenging murder mystery with characters you'll love and loath and a vast improvement on the author's first offering.
The second of the Sarah Gladstone police procedural series, we see Sarah has moved on from uniform branch to be enrolled in the Fast Track Program to become a Detective Constable. (Not that she was given much choice in the conclusion of the first novel - it was either that or resign) A new boss, a mentor, new work colleagues, longer work hours, study for her detectives exam and trying to solve her first case leave little time for her family, with her relationship suffering. Can it withstand the extra pressure?
But not all is what it seems, with both her case and that of the other Fast Track DC becoming intertwined in a confusing case with lots of red herrings.
** Tiny Spoiler Alert - LOOK AWAY **
My only complaint is the way the author handled Sarah's husband's infidelity. She seems such a strong character in every other respect that I can't see her dithering and choosing to take him back.
Apart from that, a challenging murder mystery with characters you'll love and loath and a vast improvement on the author's first offering.
September 5, 2017
The story was interesting, but the book, disappointing
There was a real sense of reality in the book: the characters were very real. Each had flaws of character and behavior. The problem was in the proofreading. Often one could not tell which character was speaking. Better paragraphing would have been useful, as would have been better coordination of nouns and pronouns.
There was a real sense of reality in the book: the characters were very real. Each had flaws of character and behavior. The problem was in the proofreading. Often one could not tell which character was speaking. Better paragraphing would have been useful, as would have been better coordination of nouns and pronouns.
April 11, 2018
I thought the writing and the dialogue was really fresh, but the characters made some decisions that really didn't make sense to me.
October 18, 2017
Took forever to read. Characters were boring and the whole book was just too slow.
March 15, 2022
Death’s Privilege is in a genre I haven’t had a lot of experience with: a police procedural. It was a slow-burner, but it built gradually to what was quite an exciting finish. Once again, it is the second book in set, and so it refers to events which took place in the first book, but at the same time, those details only add to the character’s personality and experience, rather than detracting from the plot.
The book’s main character is Sarah Gladstone, happily married wife of Mark and mother of twins Sophie and Ellie. She is also a trainee police detective on the university fast-track path, one which has given her certain advantages, a large number of headaches, and even more work than a police detective normally would have.
The book opens with Joel Johnson, Sarah’s fellow trainee detective, along with his mentor, investigating an apparent suicide by hanging in an area of woodland. In the meantime, Sarah and her mentor are called to the Oxlaine Hotel to take details of a complaint from the hotel’s owner, Valerie Goddard, that someone has been stealing from her. Following the interview with Valerie and her assistant (who is also the hotel’s manager), it becomes apparent that Valerie’s memory is not completely trustworthy, and it is uncertain whether a crime has been committed. However, within twenty-four hours, Sarah and her mentor are back at the Oxlaine when a porter discovers the body of a guest dead of a drug overdose in her room.
Sarah, Joel, and the detectives who are guiding them begin to investigate further only to find that the two deaths are connected. And then the investigation brings the crime closer to home than Sarah could have expected.
The storyline becomes complicated as the details of the crimes and the clues at the crime scenes take the detectives in various directions. However, the story is wrapped up neatly at the end with almost all the loose ends being tied up, and enough threads left that further storylines could be explored in further books.
The book was very well written. It left me with a feeling of dreaded anticipation that kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. It was also well researched, which is not surprising, considering that Darryl Donaghue was with the police force in UK for five years.
Mr Donaghue has written four books in total (including this one) dealing with Sarah Gladstone’s entry into the police detective squad and the development of her career. One of those books, Broken Chains , deals with Sarah’s first case a fully fledged detective. However, it is only available by registering for Mr Donaghue’s mailing list, and it appears that his website is currently out of service.
Nonetheless, the first in the set is A Journal of Sin and the book which follows Death’s Privilege (and Broken Chains) is A Murderous Approach .
The book’s main character is Sarah Gladstone, happily married wife of Mark and mother of twins Sophie and Ellie. She is also a trainee police detective on the university fast-track path, one which has given her certain advantages, a large number of headaches, and even more work than a police detective normally would have.
The book opens with Joel Johnson, Sarah’s fellow trainee detective, along with his mentor, investigating an apparent suicide by hanging in an area of woodland. In the meantime, Sarah and her mentor are called to the Oxlaine Hotel to take details of a complaint from the hotel’s owner, Valerie Goddard, that someone has been stealing from her. Following the interview with Valerie and her assistant (who is also the hotel’s manager), it becomes apparent that Valerie’s memory is not completely trustworthy, and it is uncertain whether a crime has been committed. However, within twenty-four hours, Sarah and her mentor are back at the Oxlaine when a porter discovers the body of a guest dead of a drug overdose in her room.
Sarah, Joel, and the detectives who are guiding them begin to investigate further only to find that the two deaths are connected. And then the investigation brings the crime closer to home than Sarah could have expected.
The storyline becomes complicated as the details of the crimes and the clues at the crime scenes take the detectives in various directions. However, the story is wrapped up neatly at the end with almost all the loose ends being tied up, and enough threads left that further storylines could be explored in further books.
The book was very well written. It left me with a feeling of dreaded anticipation that kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. It was also well researched, which is not surprising, considering that Darryl Donaghue was with the police force in UK for five years.
Mr Donaghue has written four books in total (including this one) dealing with Sarah Gladstone’s entry into the police detective squad and the development of her career. One of those books, Broken Chains , deals with Sarah’s first case a fully fledged detective. However, it is only available by registering for Mr Donaghue’s mailing list, and it appears that his website is currently out of service.
Nonetheless, the first in the set is A Journal of Sin and the book which follows Death’s Privilege (and Broken Chains) is A Murderous Approach .
October 28, 2017
Interesting Theme, Solid Plot with an Ending that Fizzles a Bit
When British police detective trainee Sarah Gladstone is assigned to an apparent suicide, it appears a simple case, a chance to check off another training requirement. But when a connection to another suicide is found, and both become murders, Sarah takes the lead on a case that will change her life.
There’s a lot to like in Death’s Privilege, not the least of which is character development. Sarah Gladstone comes across as a real person – strong, caring, determined, although flawed. Her personality is one side of a generational gap with the old-hands who mentor her (and another trainee) on the other. While she is caring and sees people as salvageable, they represent more of a ‘keep your distance to keep your sanity’ approach to crime fighting. Sarah resists that view and where she falls after the events of this book is a central theme, key to how you may feel about the ending.
The basic plot – two unconnected, apparent suicides that become murders – was also solid. I was sold after reading the synopsis, and the book continues the suspense, especially in the early parts. The rigors of Sarah’s job are also well described. The long hours, the sacrifices, even the minor inconveniences of aging accommodations and limited budgets are well depicted.
But while the way Sarah was characterized was a strength, the process of developing that persona wasn’t. The sections where Sarah lamented her sacrifices and worried about their effect on her family and herself were too drawn out. All the angst pulled the story down. Additionally, some facets of her personality seemed out of place, as if they had been added merely to increase complexity or suspense. A minor example, to avoid any spoiler, was her claiming to remember nothing during an exam when by all other accounts, she was flying through the program. But the primary downside was the ending. It was too rushed and too convenient. Most of the late reveals involved relationships, aliases, and basic facts about people that the police should have known much earlier. And both the way the details of the crime were exposed in the final pages and the nature of culprit’s motivations were somewhat disappointing.
Overall, the ending leaves something to be desired, but as a police procedural across generational boundaries with characters who feel real, Death’s Privilege is tough to beat.
When British police detective trainee Sarah Gladstone is assigned to an apparent suicide, it appears a simple case, a chance to check off another training requirement. But when a connection to another suicide is found, and both become murders, Sarah takes the lead on a case that will change her life.
There’s a lot to like in Death’s Privilege, not the least of which is character development. Sarah Gladstone comes across as a real person – strong, caring, determined, although flawed. Her personality is one side of a generational gap with the old-hands who mentor her (and another trainee) on the other. While she is caring and sees people as salvageable, they represent more of a ‘keep your distance to keep your sanity’ approach to crime fighting. Sarah resists that view and where she falls after the events of this book is a central theme, key to how you may feel about the ending.
The basic plot – two unconnected, apparent suicides that become murders – was also solid. I was sold after reading the synopsis, and the book continues the suspense, especially in the early parts. The rigors of Sarah’s job are also well described. The long hours, the sacrifices, even the minor inconveniences of aging accommodations and limited budgets are well depicted.
But while the way Sarah was characterized was a strength, the process of developing that persona wasn’t. The sections where Sarah lamented her sacrifices and worried about their effect on her family and herself were too drawn out. All the angst pulled the story down. Additionally, some facets of her personality seemed out of place, as if they had been added merely to increase complexity or suspense. A minor example, to avoid any spoiler, was her claiming to remember nothing during an exam when by all other accounts, she was flying through the program. But the primary downside was the ending. It was too rushed and too convenient. Most of the late reveals involved relationships, aliases, and basic facts about people that the police should have known much earlier. And both the way the details of the crime were exposed in the final pages and the nature of culprit’s motivations were somewhat disappointing.
Overall, the ending leaves something to be desired, but as a police procedural across generational boundaries with characters who feel real, Death’s Privilege is tough to beat.
September 22, 2018
The first of this series I only just got through.....it was a 5* story with 2* presentation. However, this one is no better......WAY too many mistakes, and I'm not prepared to sit through the whole lot this time round. It's such a bloody shame, as for me he's done the hard part in writing the story but then chucks all that work out the window in not getting it checked before it's published. Or, if he did, he needs to use somebody different as they've done an atrocious job !!
He has a real problem with apostrophes for starters. He wrote doctor's which didn't even need one and at other times misplaced them along with commas. At one point speechmarks were also dropped, he wrote It' s like that with a needless spacing, Beverley Hills should be Beverly and this sentence gets an additional word-"If your arXe was the only the moneymaker in this family...."
A couple of times he properly contradicts himself as well. Such as "One sister, whom she loves dearly, but rarely bothers with" and again with "....giving her a look of healthy fragility." A schoolboy error writing stationary when he meant stationery and 'health and safety approved desks' needed hyphenation. This line baffled me altogether, I didn't understand it at all...."He pushed his curtains back from his forehead with a move that made him look like a child movie star from the 1980s"....huh ?? He writes forwind which is a made-up word, I reckon and I reached the sentence where he wrote twin's bedroom as opposed to twins' and I'd seen enough. I'd only got as far as 29% in so you can imagine how many more errors were left to be waded through !!
A real shame as I like his characters and stories but just can't deal with this awful presentation.
He has a real problem with apostrophes for starters. He wrote doctor's which didn't even need one and at other times misplaced them along with commas. At one point speechmarks were also dropped, he wrote It' s like that with a needless spacing, Beverley Hills should be Beverly and this sentence gets an additional word-"If your arXe was the only the moneymaker in this family...."
A couple of times he properly contradicts himself as well. Such as "One sister, whom she loves dearly, but rarely bothers with" and again with "....giving her a look of healthy fragility." A schoolboy error writing stationary when he meant stationery and 'health and safety approved desks' needed hyphenation. This line baffled me altogether, I didn't understand it at all...."He pushed his curtains back from his forehead with a move that made him look like a child movie star from the 1980s"....huh ?? He writes forwind which is a made-up word, I reckon and I reached the sentence where he wrote twin's bedroom as opposed to twins' and I'd seen enough. I'd only got as far as 29% in so you can imagine how many more errors were left to be waded through !!
A real shame as I like his characters and stories but just can't deal with this awful presentation.
November 5, 2017
I was sent this book for a honest review, I only give a honest review to any book based on my opinion only. Well if I was to be 100% honest I genuinely didn't think I ever judged a book by its cover. Yet I had to admit I was not aware that I actually did. To which I do feel pretty bad about this. What made me realise was once I received the book I actually took a good look at the cover it was at that point if I had have been looking in a bookstore for a new author I would have bypassed it purely for one reason. It would not have attracted my attention some books just standing back seem to pull me towards them. To my shame I read this book and I was genuinely captivated from the first chapter. I struggled to put this book down I was turning page after page to see what happened next. I kept telling myself one more chapter then I had best get some sleep hmmmm needless to say I didn't get any sleep that night. Not only was it interesting it was a twist and turn book some of the characters I liked some i didn't, this was based on how alive the characters became not anything to do with me personally. It was literally how Darryl had created them, absolutely brilliant. I don't know about some people but I personally really build the characters up from how the author writes about them. This book I very highly recommend, I have now read his second novel. Thank you so much Darryl for sending me this book to review also for making me realise I did think I never judged a book by its cover. How wrong was i. Awesome absolutely brilliant novel highly recommended
July 12, 2018
Sarah Gladstone is one bad a$* cop
Regardless of the fact that she is learning the ropes of becoming a detective in Death’s Privilege. There are so many characters in this story, that I had a difficult time, in the beginning keeping track of them all. However, it works itself out through the story and the important people make themselves known.
The British setting and vocabulary for this story was occasionally a tad challenging on this American! Thanks to my e-readers’ dictionary device I learned new terminology and that is always fun for a reader, it transports you to lands you’ve never gotten to travel in real life.
This police procedural, that includes the actions of a madwoman, an incredibly selfish, deeply flawed but beautiful woman both of whom kill with few thoughts and prior to Sarah no consequences.
The author introduces issues in a marriage, what happens in a strip joint, a family either coming apart at the seams or maybe just changing from a family of young children to a family of teens. The author covers A WHOLE LOT OF TERRITORY in one book, and manages to make it all germane and interesting. I want to read more of the Sarah Gladstone story because of this book. Thanks to the links in the ebook, I can. Thank you.
Regardless of the fact that she is learning the ropes of becoming a detective in Death’s Privilege. There are so many characters in this story, that I had a difficult time, in the beginning keeping track of them all. However, it works itself out through the story and the important people make themselves known.
The British setting and vocabulary for this story was occasionally a tad challenging on this American! Thanks to my e-readers’ dictionary device I learned new terminology and that is always fun for a reader, it transports you to lands you’ve never gotten to travel in real life.
This police procedural, that includes the actions of a madwoman, an incredibly selfish, deeply flawed but beautiful woman both of whom kill with few thoughts and prior to Sarah no consequences.
The author introduces issues in a marriage, what happens in a strip joint, a family either coming apart at the seams or maybe just changing from a family of young children to a family of teens. The author covers A WHOLE LOT OF TERRITORY in one book, and manages to make it all germane and interesting. I want to read more of the Sarah Gladstone story because of this book. Thanks to the links in the ebook, I can. Thank you.
January 11, 2022
I finished Death's Privilege by Darryl Donnaghue. It's a series revolving around a new detective, Sarah Gladstone. She is in a rapid training class to become a full detective so she has a mentor, and there's another classmate in the same program. Their two cases, both murders, are connected, so they have to work together to solve them. Both of the deaths looked like suicides, but it becomes clear that they were not. There are many characters who could be guilty, so we are left to see if we can figure it out. The book was an ok read but not spectacular. It didn't make me want to find the next one, although there is definitely a "cliff hanger-type" ending to lure you to read the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2021
Sarah Gladstone's series seem somewhat full of adventure. I have only read this one and I liked it. The only negative I saw was the complexity of the story. Too many things happening at the same time ended up put all together. It took two chapters to wrap everything up. Getting the family of the main character involve was a mistake. The main character should have been personally attached to the story some other way. Nonetheless, at the end, everything worked out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2017
Promising new author. Beginning a bit slow. I liked the character development and their different quirks as it made them human if author continues to write more novels. I get very attached to my characters and best way to do that is for author to bring them alive. At end of this book, you want to find out what new adventures are a head for the new detective.
September 15, 2017
Enjoyed this book immensely! Police procedures explained in interesting way. The character could be any Mom working to show her kids about being hard working in life and juggle family and marriage. Some twists and turns that have you going....no way. So good already signed up for authors newsletter.
October 17, 2017
Sarah is in training to become a DC . She doesn't expect her case to involve her personally, but the twists the perpetrator sets up get her deeply involved!
I like the British attitude and sense of irony. The plot has many unexpected paths in the execution of blackmail and murder. A good read for any mystery buff!
I like the British attitude and sense of irony. The plot has many unexpected paths in the execution of blackmail and murder. A good read for any mystery buff!
November 8, 2017
Well written and proofed; I just didn't care about any of the characters.
Not a soul did i care about. I'm not sure why as they all seemed well written. Somehow they were all just not important. Story was good, i feel as if i should have liked it more but i can't. Probably the most unhelpful review I've ever left; sorry all.
Not a soul did i care about. I'm not sure why as they all seemed well written. Somehow they were all just not important. Story was good, i feel as if i should have liked it more but i can't. Probably the most unhelpful review I've ever left; sorry all.
May 7, 2020
Procedural Fun
I must admit, Sara Gladstone is an amazing character. She isn't perfect, but she works through everything and muddles through like the rest of us metals. Plus, I can see just how easily it works be to have a work crush on DCI Joel! But, will Sara's marriage make it through her being an inspector? And just how much trouble is Allison going to cause?
I must admit, Sara Gladstone is an amazing character. She isn't perfect, but she works through everything and muddles through like the rest of us metals. Plus, I can see just how easily it works be to have a work crush on DCI Joel! But, will Sara's marriage make it through her being an inspector? And just how much trouble is Allison going to cause?
June 14, 2021
Sarah Gladstone is on a course that will fast track her to becoming a Detective. There is so much going on in this story it's like watching a game of tennis. 2 different sitations but are they?Blackmail, suicide, murder, drugs, a strip club, lies, and exams and much more are all contained in this story.
September 8, 2017
Very well written, kept me interested.
This was the first Donaghue book I have read. I look forward to reading the next one. I was impressed with the authenticity of the background.
This was the first Donaghue book I have read. I look forward to reading the next one. I was impressed with the authenticity of the background.
September 27, 2017
This was a nice easy read and had some twists & turns that made it a bit hard to keep the characters straight of course the English phrases were different from American meanings, much easier if you have read or watched shows that have been written in Britten or are on the BBC channel.
October 11, 2017
Engaging mystery,
I liked the characters and the mystery was fairly complex, but frustrated a couple of times when the main character walked right into an obviously problem situation. I would read another in the series.
I liked the characters and the mystery was fairly complex, but frustrated a couple of times when the main character walked right into an obviously problem situation. I would read another in the series.
March 4, 2018
Read it
Good read, kept me wondering who the bad guys were. It was easy to put down and immediately pick up storyline again. Strong characters with totally human flaws, struggling with everyday issues while struggling with new careers, and emotional connections.
Good read, kept me wondering who the bad guys were. It was easy to put down and immediately pick up storyline again. Strong characters with totally human flaws, struggling with everyday issues while struggling with new careers, and emotional connections.
August 4, 2018
PC Sarah Gladstone is now on the fast track programme to detective. She gets to attend to what is thought to be a routinue suicide in a hotel room. Though not long after another supposed suicide.
I just got too annoyed with the character of Sarah Gladstone to enjoy the story that much.
I just got too annoyed with the character of Sarah Gladstone to enjoy the story that much.
August 8, 2018
A quiet read
A throughly enjoyable book with good character development and an intriguing story line. Mr. Donaghue has exposed the private lives of police personnel without interfering with the storyline. Very well done & extremely enjoyable.
A throughly enjoyable book with good character development and an intriguing story line. Mr. Donaghue has exposed the private lives of police personnel without interfering with the storyline. Very well done & extremely enjoyable.
August 17, 2018
Tedious
A book that really drags at times. Too much procedural information. The storyline is dribble. Not my cup of tea for the most part. The heroine is older, but, not wiser. A confusing array of characters.
A book that really drags at times. Too much procedural information. The storyline is dribble. Not my cup of tea for the most part. The heroine is older, but, not wiser. A confusing array of characters.
September 4, 2017
Good read
The plot and characters are good. This was an enjoyable read in spite of some awful grammar errors. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
The plot and characters are good. This was an enjoyable read in spite of some awful grammar errors. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
September 11, 2017
Good read
Intriguing mystery and well written. Usually I can figure out who done it but not this time. Really enjoyed it.
Intriguing mystery and well written. Usually I can figure out who done it but not this time. Really enjoyed it.
September 13, 2017
Good story!
I liked everything about the whole book! Both the characters and the storyline were great. I am looking forward to reading future issues.
I liked everything about the whole book! Both the characters and the storyline were great. I am looking forward to reading future issues.
September 14, 2017
Mystery or Thriller
I would call it a mystery but not real thrilling. It could have been the English style as opposed to American style of language but I got lost a time or two.
I would call it a mystery but not real thrilling. It could have been the English style as opposed to American style of language but I got lost a time or two.
September 15, 2017
Good
the young woman who was police woman in training for a new position.the murder she was investigating became personal.a surprise.
the young woman who was police woman in training for a new position.the murder she was investigating became personal.a surprise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews