Only the Lonely

Ted Darling #6

by L.M. Krier

'Blind dates end in bleeding hearts'Ted Darling is back and his boss has news for him. He'll be taking on more responsibility over an expanded area, with a bigger team. Before he even has chance to take stock, he's facing his first body in what could be the most cynical murder he's ever encountered.The corpse count rises with a separate case developing, where a savage killer appears to be selecting victims from online dating sites and dispatching them in vicious, frenzied attacks. With potentially two serial killers at work, Ted has plenty on his plate.But then he discovers that not all coppers work like he and his team do. Some of them just want to see someone behind bars, and they aren't too fussy if they are guilty or not.Why not discover all the books in the popular, long-running, Ted Darling Crime Series? All available for Kindle and in paperback.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, M M Romance, British Literature, Gay, Detective, Cozy Mystery

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2016

About the author

Retired journalist, freelance copywriter and copy editor Lesley Tither writes under various pen names for different genres. Already well known for travel memoirs as Tottie Limejuice, Lesley also writes crime fiction under the name L. M. Krier. Her first children's fiction book, adventure/crime, The Dog with the Golden Eyes, is published under under the pen-name L M Kay.

Writing as L M Krier, Lesley has published twenty-two crime fiction books in the popular Ted Darling Crime Series: The First Time Ever, Baby's Got Blue Eyes, Two Little Boys, When I'm Old and Grey, Shut Up and Drive, Only the Lonely, Wild Thing, Walk on By, Preacher Man, Cry for the Bad Man, Every Game You Play, Where the Girls Are, Down Down Down, The Cuckoo is a Pretty Bird, Dirty Old Town, The End of the Line, It’s Oh So Quiet, A Woman’s Heart, No Way to Say Goodbye
Everybody Hurts Sometime, Sweet Little Lies, Not To Tell.

'Sell the Pig' is the first in a series of travel memoirs describing how Lesley, writing as Tottie Limejuice, decided to make the move from the UK to France to start a new life, taking with her an 89-year-old mother suffering from vascular dementia. The story continues in three further books, 'Is That Billinge Lump?' 'Mother, Was It Worth It?' 'Biff the Useless Mention', and 'Angling Bumateurs'. There's an additional standalone prequel to the series, Trot On!, about her time running a holiday riding centre in Wales, before her move to France.

Lesley is also the not-so-secret writer behind the pen-name of Carl Granger. The book Looking for Lulu is darker crime fiction.


Lesley is a former journalist, working as both a criminal court and coroner's court reporter. She also worked as a case tracker for the Crown Prosecution Service, and for a firm investigating irregularities in offshore finance. Her other jobs have included owning and running a holiday riding centre and acting as a 'charity mugger', lying in wait to sign up shoppers for a wildlife charity.

Lesley's interests centre around nature and wildlife and encompass dogs, wild camping and organic gardening. She lives in the Auvergne region of Central France and holds dual French/British nationality. Her current dogs are two rescued border collies

Want to chat with Lesley? You'll find a Tottie Limejuice Chat Group on Facebook, with lots of photos of the Auvergne.

Reviews

[Nigel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this 5th book in the series however it was not the best for me. In part that could be because I parked it for a while, However I didn't find one of the plot lines that good - though I did like the other one but it was the minor one. Equally some of the day to day dialogue becomes a little more predictable. Entertaining enough for a holiday read.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following the last case in the previous book, DI Ted Darling is stunned to learn he is to be promoted (to DCI) and to lead a larger team with a bigger area to cover. There is also a contingent of officers at Manchester under his command.

There has been a vicious murder in a hotel - a frenzied attack with lots of blood and gore. It soon becomes apparent that the man was entertaining a sex worker in his room before he was killed. Who was she? Did she see anything or even have something to do with it? Then the killer strikes again in Manchester. There is a whole team of detectives in Manchester that are to report to Ted. But, oh dear, most of them are dinosaurs - sexist, racist and a few other 'ists', They are openly challenging Ted's authority and trying to pin the murder on a certain person. Ted is convinced he had nothing to do with it and that the Manchester mob are more interested in nabbing someone rather than nabbing the right person.

Thankfully Ted's own team in Stockton has also been augmented by three extra bodies, one of them a computer expert, and with her help they start to make some progress. Very good story.

[Caryl Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ted Darling is my favourite fictional detective. I can't wait for each book in the series to be released.
In this one, that might just be my favourite so far, Ted Darling has more responsibility and is in charge of a newly developed team of detectives, some of whom appear to have very different methods and standards of policing to his own. Within the team are some familiar faces from his old team that Ted knows he can trust but will the others sabotage the investigation?

Dating apps and meeting up with strangers for a night out or other encounters seem to be ever more popular these days. Brutal murders are happening on Ted's patch and the perpetrator appears to be choosing his victims via a dating site. It's a complicated case and all is not as it seems.
In the background is Ted's rock, his life partner Trev who provides the calm and stability that is needed to help him through such a difficult case. Fans of this series are usually fans of Trev too and who wouldn't love to have a Trev in their lives?
Quite an original plot to this gripping book and as always I was sad to reach the end because now I have to wait for the next one!

(Thank you to the author for an ARC)

[Valerie Poore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Ted and Trev police procedural. Very enjoyable. Love all the characters and the interchange between them all. I read this a few weeks ago on holiday and found it excellent and unputdownable. It's a very compulsive series!

[Shell Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of you all know by now that I am a big fan of L M Krier writing especially the DI Ted series. I couldn't wait to get stuck into Only The Lonely after seeing the cover which has buy me written all over it. So this is the fifth book in series and Ted is back with a promotion before he has chance to settle in at work he is faced with his first body that could be the most cynical murder he's ever encountered. Which is a proper cringe moment I have to say.

Ted finds himself with more responsibility with an expanded area and bigger team. Where we see new characters brought into the series.
a savage killer appears to be selecting victims from online dating sites and dispatching them in vicious, frenzied attacks. With a corpse count rising and potentially two killers on the loose Ted has enough to deal with. But then he discovers that not all coppers work like he and his team do. Some of them just want to see someone behind bars, and aren't too fussy if they are guilty or not.

What did i think of it?! I flipping loved it.This series just gets better and better. Although this can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading it has a series it is to good not to miss. I love the cringe moment scenes that the author has brought into this series making it that extra bit gritty and one hell of a page turner.

I loved the fact that we see the Ice Queen again and get to know her more, I am loving her character there is something very intriguing about her In only the lonely we also get to know more of Ted and Trevor with the author building them up without the series. They are one strong gay couple who I can't wait to read more about in the next book…..No pressure LM Krier LOL

And for all you Ted fans out there, you are in for one hell of a treat. I can't tell you enough how much I enjoyed this book it is a easy 5 star read from me.

And I would just like to say thank you to L.M Krier for an advanced copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

[Sharon Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the series featuring British police officer, D.I. Ted Darling and his domestic partner, Trev. Although I think that this book could be read as a stand-alone I really recommend that the series be read in order and from book 1. Although the murder-mystery is solved in this book there is so much to learn about Ted and his lover, Kev. As the series develops we are given insights into what made them the men they have become and we learn about their relationships with each other and with their families.
Both men are brilliant. Ted has black belts in several martial arts and he is one who rules with a velvet glove - although he is not above being tougher if needs be. Trev is gorgeous and is perhaps too perfect but we can forgive him this 'flaw'. They share their house with numerous cats who perhaps rule the roost. I'm not sure but I think that the domestic pecking order is the cats, Trev and then Ted. Ted doesn't complain, though.
This book features a number of murders on 2 fronts. Ted is also faced with leading a bigger squad with some members who are not the policemen they should be. He manages to deal with the situation though and the conclusion is more than satisfactory.
I love British murder mysteries. There are no gun battles or wild chase scenes. Everything is understated but very satisfying.
There are no on page sex scenes but we know that Ted and Trev have a loving and satisfying home live.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.

[Sharon Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the series featuring British police officer, D.I. Ted Darling and his domestic partner, Trev. Although I think that this book could be read as a stand-alone I really recommend that the series be read in order and from book 1. Although the murder-mystery is solved in this book there is so much to learn about Ted and his lover, Kev. As the series develops we are given insights into what made them the men they have become and we learn about their relationships with each other and with their families.
Both men are brilliant. Ted has black belts in several martial arts and he is one who rules with a velvet glove - although he is not above being tougher if needs be. Trev is gorgeous and is perhaps too perfect but we can forgive him this 'flaw'. They share their house with numerous cats who perhaps rule the roost. I'm not sure but I think that the domestic pecking order is the cats, Trev and then Ted. Ted doesn't complain, though.
This book features a number of murders on 2 fronts. Ted is also faced with leading a bigger squad with some members who are not the policemen they should be. He manages to deal with the situation though and the conclusion is more than satisfactory.
I love British murder mysteries. There are no gun battles or wild chase scenes. Everything is understated but very satisfying.
There are no on page sex scenes but we know that Ted and Trev have a loving and satisfying home live.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another cracking read from L M Krier. I must say I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I’m also happy that the (newly promoted) DCI Ted Darling is a detective who likes to do things properly, by the book. It’s refreshing as there are so many tales of detectives who ‘bend the rules’ when what we want to believe is that our policemen are all honest and fair and who run a good team, like Ted. His new promotion means he will be the Senior Investigating Officer which has him in charge of another, and much less hardworking team than his own. He encounters some insolence and realises there are also those who are corrupt.
To add to his problems he is dealing with a series of truly horrific murders as well as investigating another case which sees the tenants of a block of flats being dispatched in very unusual ways! I love the way the various strands weave together and the way in which Ted deals with them. This is a real page turner and although I was desperate to see how it would all pan out I was sorry to come to the end! Fast paced and gripping with believable and likeable characters, this is an easy 5 stars from me.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another excellent book in the Ted Darling series. My one reservation about the first book in the series was that I felt I didn't get to really know the characters but this has been something which has slowly happened throughout this series and I really do like the characters now. They are completely believable, likeable and have really strong personalities. I love the blend of different characters who make up the team as well as some of the non-police characters, particularly Trev and his sister.

This story sees Ted getting a promotion but with this comes the need to manage a larger team and we see Ted's martial art door closing technique used again! He and his team are thrown into a seemingly baffling case where victims appear to be chosen at random from online dating sites. They are stretched to breaking point especially when confronted with police officers who are not interested in policing and even are actively against the progress Ted and his team are making.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 in a row.. Outstanding!

DI Darling and had s team have certainly had the fair share of murder,mayhem and mystery,over the course of this series. Their cases have taken them to the brink and beyond and they have suffered personally and professionally, physically and mentally.

Only the lonely dose not disapoint, but it dose see a refreshing break for all from the darkness and loss they have suffered up till now. DI no more but now freshly promoted with new team members and a larger remit, Darling takes on the bad guys out there and some closer to home with renewed energy and continued success.

My favourite crime series and detective by a mile. Can't get enough of my 'little Darling' x

[Neet]

DI Ted Darling is back on the force after suffering an injury( in the previous book) and taking off a few weeks to stay with his former big boss to get his head on straight. Ted gets a surprise when he's back to work, a much deserved promotion, which means more responsibility, and also more time away from Trev. Trev is of course proud and understanding about his man getting the promotion. The promotion means Ted will be responsible for a bigger area and he'll have a bigger team. The team starts investigating suspicious and gruesome murders that might have to do with online dating. Also, several suspicious deaths at a rent control apartments. This book has the humor, twist and turns we've come to expect from a DI Darling mystery. I just loved this book and series.Highly recommended!

[Lyndsey Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book in the series was an eagerly anticipated and welcome arrival . I have thoroughly enjoyed all the books to date and this one is possibly the best of a very good bunch. Inspector Ted Darling and his team have much to deal with here, promotions, new colleagues and multi strand investigations. Ted and his partner Trev are the beating heart of this world, strong and stable relationship that allows Ted to deal with the worst- and the best- aspects of the job. Completely engrossing read and I hope there will be many Moore adventures with Ted, Trev and the team. I'm a better reader than reviewer I must admit !

[Mikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ted and Team are back.

Book #5 in the Ted Darling series deserves 5 stars. Could be a stand-alone, but trust me, you should read the previous 4 in order to gain a real understanding and appreciation of the recurring characters. It's fun to start a new book and right away feel as though you've come home to visit with and catch up with old friends. There are always crimes to solve and mysteries and motives to ponder in the Ted Darling books. This book brings in a few new members to Ted's team of detectives and sergeants.and they, as well as the existing team members, are an interesting bunch with assorted foibles and talents as well as sleuthing skills.

[B W Billau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read

What I really like about this series of books is the lack of padding. So many authors rattle on with unnecessary and drawn out descriptions of what the characters look like, what they are thinking, and other stuff that is irrelevant to the story. Keep them coming.

[Marie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyment factor

I gave this rating because like the previous four books it was an excellent read pact believable and well written
I look forward with anticipation to reading book six.
I was especially impressed with the way in which it introduced a gay senior police officer with a long term partner. A topic which is long overdue but very relevant in today's world.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third Ted Darling mystery I've read. All of them have interesting plots and enjoyable characters. Ted seems like the kind of boss anyone would like to have, but he's no pushover when something interferes with the chemistry of his team. His personal relationship with Trevor is fun to read. Already looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Tom Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

L M KRIER
Only the Lonely.
Book 5 in the series.
Ted has been promoted to DCI resulting a larger area, he also has new staff to look after.
As always Ted is up for the fight. When men are found murdered in hotel rooms Ted and his team are involved straight away in finding the bad guy. Easy to read from start to finish. You'll love this book.
5* 25 July 2017.

[Geraint griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book !

Absolutely love all the DI Darling books. .All the characters have developed in their own way and are totally believable.Again Another clever plot that was clever and full of twists and turns . Loved it ! .

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read 1-5 and started 6 last night. Thoroughly enjoying the series and will read all. While Ted is good character, the strength of this series is the interesting team around him. Best read in order if you want to see the group develop.

[Caroline Clancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite Ted book to date. Great storyline..hooked from first chapter.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all of the previous Ted Darling books, I loved it. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Glenda Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Love this series. Please keep on writing them. Excellent in all ways. Recommend to anyone who loves reading police procedurals

[kathy bracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

Another great book in the ted darling series. Even a mention of an area close to my home. A serial killer targeting men playing aeway from home. Superb. More please

[NoirBlogger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ted gets promotion to Chief Inspector and has some very challenging cases to solve. There are new people on the team, bent coppers to thwart and remove and a serial killer on the lose, not to mention someone is targeting a house where Honest John has been moved to among others. Death by whisky? Death by chocolate? Seems far fetched but is actually a very clever story line. Ted follows the rule book but this is very refreshing- someone who actually thinks things through before riding gun-ho into a situation and getting himself and his team killed. Ted and Trev's relationship develops further and this is also something that's very refreshing too- a normal relationship where people eat/drink/go on holidays/have sex. I am very tired of the dysfunctional detective that never eats, is addicted to various noxious substances and regularly dies at the end of every book only to be magically resurrected in the next one. The books have an underlining humour, the characters are very well developed and I'm becoming involved with the whole "family". People commenting on the homosexuality is so tedious. They do far, far less than any other heterosexual couple in a novel. There are no graphic details just a light banter between Ted and Trev. Get over yourself if you're "offended" by a perfectly normal relationship. Love these books and have another 2 lined up.

[John Thys · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Directions

This is book six was book five but the author wrote first time ever retrospectively,I think to give a better insight to Ted Darling and co so it pushed the book up one . Anyway back to this book Ted gets back from sick leave and there's new things in store for Ted and the team when they become a mobile unit to cover the forces whole area in the serious crime department . That's all I'll say about the storyline as I don't want to give any spoilers . What I will say it's a book that certainly gets your attention from the first to the last page with a bit of an offer at the end that could lead to changes who knows I'll find out in due course as I'm a bit late coming to this series there's no waiting about for the next book as it's already wrote so if you haven't tried any of L M KRIER'S TED DARLING books I can highly recommend them .

[Missjoanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes Ted Darling is a senior detective, yes his personal partner is male, yes this is a problem for some of his colleagues but Trevor is his rock. It also means in many ways he's not as messed up as many fictional cops despite a few demons.
However, this is not the book for you if you are looking for overt romance and sexy times.
Ted's relationship bubbles in the background but the main story his how Ted and his team work on two cases, someone killing off wayward husbands who hook up via dating sites and the initially non suspicious deaths linked to supported housing.
Kristen writing is spare but descriptive, keeps a good pace and you want to know the outcome.

[Sheila Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book in the Ted Darling series, I have to admit I em enjoying the series immensely. Newly promoted Ted Darling and his team investigate an online serial killer and at the same time unexplained deaths which occur in a block of flats. A viscous killer is on the loose killing men in hotels after selecting them from online dating sites. At the same time there are 3 seemingly unconnected deaths in a block of flats which are brought to his attention by the pathologist. Throw into the mix bent police officers from another force and we have another fast paced enjoyable book.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read.

[stevenschebler · Rating 5 out of 5]

WONDERFUL detective series

This is a riveting series. Please keep writing as I only have a few books left. One of my top 3 crime fiction writers!!!

[MOZELLE PRUITT · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoying the series