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DC Smith #6
The Rags of Time
Mark Randall lay dead in a field near Lowacre long before Smith had done what he had to do in Belfast. By the time he went back to work, the investigation was well underway. “It’s not my case” he says more than once, and he really doesn’t need it to be; he has enough to think about as it is. But going around the Norfolk countryside dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s, speaking to the local farmers and the Brothers of St Francis from Abbeyfields, Smith begins to suspect that the investigation might be heading in entirely the wrong direction. Arrests are made, charges are brought and Christopher Waters asks Smith if he has ever seen the wrong man convicted in a murder case. The answer is yes, and the next question is, what can be done to prevent it happening again?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
822 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Peter Grainger
40 books886 followersA British author, the writer Peter Grainger is a well known novelist of mystery fiction, largely focused on detective lead investigations. This his been the prime focus for much of his career, as he takes much of his inspiration from that of other infamous British detectives, such as Inspector Morse. The influence is clearly evident here, as he brings his own detective, DC Smith, to life, along with other books as well. Setting his mysteries firmly within the world of British detective fiction it is clear where his tastes lie as an author of his increasingly popular stories, stories that only increase in popularity as time goes on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
September 13, 2016
How long until the next installment?
Binge read the rest of the series, just in time for the release of this one. Obviously, there is a lot in common with the full spectrum of British procedural, but there is an added depth of character and backstory to Smith and his team that makes this series special.
Binge read the rest of the series, just in time for the release of this one. Obviously, there is a lot in common with the full spectrum of British procedural, but there is an added depth of character and backstory to Smith and his team that makes this series special.
February 9, 2020
This series gets better with each volume! Not only does Peter Grainger weave a good detective mystery story, his characters are full of life and wit and the foibles that make people interesting. I would rather read more DC Smith stories than just about anything.
April 29, 2024
Another enjoyable story featuring the inimitable DC! This time DC has to deal with a local farmer and a group of friars regarding a dead body discovered in a field.
As always, it is the characters who are the heart of the story, and we learn still more about DC personally, but a shock is in store for the reader at the start - DC wants to retire!! 😯 Thankfully, I know there are a few left in this series. I am not ready for him to go yet!
I feel I should mention the wonderful narrator of all of this series - better late than never! He is perfect for these stories, and all of the characters are easily recognised. The voice of Brother Jeremy in this book really made me smile - just perfect!
As always, it is the characters who are the heart of the story, and we learn still more about DC personally, but a shock is in store for the reader at the start - DC wants to retire!! 😯 Thankfully, I know there are a few left in this series. I am not ready for him to go yet!
I feel I should mention the wonderful narrator of all of this series - better late than never! He is perfect for these stories, and all of the characters are easily recognised. The voice of Brother Jeremy in this book really made me smile - just perfect!
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February 28, 2025
4-Stars for "The Rags of Time" - "I liked it a lot!"
"Detective Sergeant DC Smith" is an introspective character and while the dialogue is more laid-back, relaxed, and perhaps a bit more "wandering" than in most 'regular' murder mysteries, author Peter Grainger tells another great story, interpreted and presented in excellent style by narrator Gildart Jackson.
For those new to DC Smith, The Rags of Time can be read as a standalone, but due to references to previous books I think it would be far better to read/hear DC Smith is series order. I am looking forward to hearing "#7, Time and Tide", in the very near future.
Extracts From My Listening Activity :
22 Feb, '25 @ 7%: "I started this one straight after finishing "The Spy Who Came in From the Cold" but my mind was still full of "The Spy...", so I intend to start "The Rags of Time" again from scratch tonight. "
22 Feb, '25 @ 26%: "I'm having to get used to the 'laid-back-ness' of DC Smith, after the hairier books I have recently heard, but it's still a bit of fun 😊."
25 Feb, '25 @ 43%: "The narration is good and I'm taking my time with this relaxing episode of DC's exploits."
28 Feb, '25 @ 99%: "In May '24 I finished DC Smith "#5, In The Bright Future" (4-Stars), which I enjoyed a lot. Having recently heard a number of more "active" audiobooks, it took me a few chapters to get into the relatively gentle narration and storyline of "The Rags of Time" & I loved it! RTC"
"Detective Sergeant DC Smith" is an introspective character and while the dialogue is more laid-back, relaxed, and perhaps a bit more "wandering" than in most 'regular' murder mysteries, author Peter Grainger tells another great story, interpreted and presented in excellent style by narrator Gildart Jackson.
For those new to DC Smith, The Rags of Time can be read as a standalone, but due to references to previous books I think it would be far better to read/hear DC Smith is series order. I am looking forward to hearing "#7, Time and Tide", in the very near future.
Extracts From My Listening Activity :
22 Feb, '25 @ 7%: "I started this one straight after finishing "The Spy Who Came in From the Cold" but my mind was still full of "The Spy...", so I intend to start "The Rags of Time" again from scratch tonight. "
22 Feb, '25 @ 26%: "I'm having to get used to the 'laid-back-ness' of DC Smith, after the hairier books I have recently heard, but it's still a bit of fun 😊."
25 Feb, '25 @ 43%: "The narration is good and I'm taking my time with this relaxing episode of DC's exploits."
28 Feb, '25 @ 99%: "In May '24 I finished DC Smith "#5, In The Bright Future" (4-Stars), which I enjoyed a lot. Having recently heard a number of more "active" audiobooks, it took me a few chapters to get into the relatively gentle narration and storyline of "The Rags of Time" & I loved it! RTC"
October 22, 2016
The Rags Of Time is the 6th novel in Mr Grainger's excellent DC Smith series of police procedurals.
DC returns to the station after a couple of weeks off for knee surgery and dealing with his past in Belfast (see the previous novel, In This Bright Future) where his team has been working with DS Wilson on the murder of a metal detectorist, Mark Randall. As it is not his case DC is happy to float about the periphery, helping where he can but when he feels they are taking the wrong approach he ramps up his own lines of enquiry.
It is a rather subdued DC in this novel. He is feeling his age, both physically and mentally and that he no longer really fits in, even his sense of humour is subdued (apart from one memorable revenge attack). He is even considering retirement but I'll believe it when I see it. It is obvious that the events in Belfast are casting a long shadow. He is, however, investigatively still wily and clear thinking.
Mr Grainger says that characterisation is the foundation for his novels and he has certainly created a gem in the very likeable DC Smith and his team but he matches it with detailed, believable plotting, most of it within the framework of procedure.
I really enjoy this series and it is a "must read" for me so I have no hesitation in recommending The Rags Of Time as another great addition to it.
DC returns to the station after a couple of weeks off for knee surgery and dealing with his past in Belfast (see the previous novel, In This Bright Future) where his team has been working with DS Wilson on the murder of a metal detectorist, Mark Randall. As it is not his case DC is happy to float about the periphery, helping where he can but when he feels they are taking the wrong approach he ramps up his own lines of enquiry.
It is a rather subdued DC in this novel. He is feeling his age, both physically and mentally and that he no longer really fits in, even his sense of humour is subdued (apart from one memorable revenge attack). He is even considering retirement but I'll believe it when I see it. It is obvious that the events in Belfast are casting a long shadow. He is, however, investigatively still wily and clear thinking.
Mr Grainger says that characterisation is the foundation for his novels and he has certainly created a gem in the very likeable DC Smith and his team but he matches it with detailed, believable plotting, most of it within the framework of procedure.
I really enjoy this series and it is a "must read" for me so I have no hesitation in recommending The Rags Of Time as another great addition to it.
June 4, 2024
3 stars
This was a bit hard to read, a bit long, a bit too dragged, a few too many random thoughts, mostly pessimistic ones. The start was pretty good and I was excited about the new mystery but it got so boring and there was little to no progress until the very end.
I missed the banter, the lightheartedness, the witty remarkes. Hopefully more in the next one.
This was a bit hard to read, a bit long, a bit too dragged, a few too many random thoughts, mostly pessimistic ones. The start was pretty good and I was excited about the new mystery but it got so boring and there was little to no progress until the very end.
I missed the banter, the lightheartedness, the witty remarkes. Hopefully more in the next one.
May 22, 2023
3.25～3.35 stars??
December 3, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed the first five books in this series but found this one disappointing. The beginning started well but the middle seemed to drag, and I put it aside for a while. I also found Smith's trip to the caravan, with the aunt tagging along, rather uncomfortable, although it may have future relevance.
There were good interactions within the police teams, but the new characters relevant to the plot, came across as less realistic and not well defined. This has not put me off the series, just a blip. There are more books to come as several loose ends in DC Smith's private life and a past case need to be sorted out. Deserves a 3 1/2 star.
There were good interactions within the police teams, but the new characters relevant to the plot, came across as less realistic and not well defined. This has not put me off the series, just a blip. There are more books to come as several loose ends in DC Smith's private life and a past case need to be sorted out. Deserves a 3 1/2 star.
April 26, 2025
2025: Repeat listen
2022: 4* re-listened to this one twice, once as the title for a crime spree challenge, a mystery with a religious character, and the next time as the next book up in the series for a complete go through of the entire series.
Someone in the Friary may know more about the murder than they are letting on.
Extra: some profanity in this one, which is hard to skip on audio.
2020: 4-* relisten
Newly home from Ireland, DC Smith gets to visit Monks (Franciscan Brothers), a monastery, and, a murder.
While this is not my favourite book in the series it still makes for an enjoyable listen; and, I got to relearn a few things about badgers along the way that I’d forgotten.
Extra: some cursing, no direct f-bombs
2022: 4* re-listened to this one twice, once as the title for a crime spree challenge, a mystery with a religious character, and the next time as the next book up in the series for a complete go through of the entire series.
Someone in the Friary may know more about the murder than they are letting on.
Extra: some profanity in this one, which is hard to skip on audio.
2020: 4-* relisten
Newly home from Ireland, DC Smith gets to visit Monks (Franciscan Brothers), a monastery, and, a murder.
While this is not my favourite book in the series it still makes for an enjoyable listen; and, I got to relearn a few things about badgers along the way that I’d forgotten.
Extra: some cursing, no direct f-bombs
December 9, 2016
My only let-down from the DC Smith-books. The plot just seems to walk in circles around itself, and the characters seem confused as to who they are and what their place in this book is. Still, it's a decent read - and you need to read it to keep up with the series, which all in all is nothing short of amazing.
November 22, 2017
D.C. Smith is fabulous. His humor and intelligence are so delightful. Thank you, Peter Grainger.
The narrator, Gildart Jackson, adds a great deal to the enjoyment of this series. I could listen to him read anything.
This has quickly become one of my favorite series. This book, the sixth, involves friars, badgers, and sacrifice. And the murder of course. After DC's visit to Northern Ireland in the last book I wasn't sure what his future would be like. There are still questions so I'm hoping for more books.
The narrator, Gildart Jackson, adds a great deal to the enjoyment of this series. I could listen to him read anything.
This has quickly become one of my favorite series. This book, the sixth, involves friars, badgers, and sacrifice. And the murder of course. After DC's visit to Northern Ireland in the last book I wasn't sure what his future would be like. There are still questions so I'm hoping for more books.
July 26, 2023
I find that these are best enjoyed in quick succession as the plots follow each other close in time and it's no hardship.
Smith has developed into a fully formed character with a history that's teased out in each installment and satisfactorily so. I'm already feeling nostalgia for when his arc ends and this series ends. I'll enjoy it in the meantime.
Smith has developed into a fully formed character with a history that's teased out in each installment and satisfactorily so. I'm already feeling nostalgia for when his arc ends and this series ends. I'll enjoy it in the meantime.
December 10, 2022
Another entertaining episode. I enjoy listening to Smith, his dry humor and cleverness makes the series interesting, but don’t expect any thrilling moments. This murderer was no surprise.
June 23, 2019
Articulate, intelligent, experienced. Old-school detective yet up to date with technology.
I found this series accidentally as you do when you've exhausted a literary seam. In fact I began reading what was the fourth or fifth volume and decided I should go back to the beginning. I'm glad I did. I'll miss DC Smith when we say goodbye. I enjoy good British procedurals, so much that I'll put up with sometimes average ones just to put myself in the UK or Ireland. Mr Grainger's writing does that. Then some writers get in their own way. Like they frustrate you with red herrings and wrap everything up on the last page after misleading you all along. Mr Grainger's mysteries don't rely on obscure tricks but let you in on the sleuthing, too. I'm so glad I found this series and maybe more importantly this writer.
I found this series accidentally as you do when you've exhausted a literary seam. In fact I began reading what was the fourth or fifth volume and decided I should go back to the beginning. I'm glad I did. I'll miss DC Smith when we say goodbye. I enjoy good British procedurals, so much that I'll put up with sometimes average ones just to put myself in the UK or Ireland. Mr Grainger's writing does that. Then some writers get in their own way. Like they frustrate you with red herrings and wrap everything up on the last page after misleading you all along. Mr Grainger's mysteries don't rely on obscure tricks but let you in on the sleuthing, too. I'm so glad I found this series and maybe more importantly this writer.
June 19, 2020
I enjoyed the series, although it's clearly been left for a possible continuation. Glad that I read them in order. You can probably read any of them as a stand alone, but the character building is exactly that. Rather than character one offs, events build upon each other. Exactly the escape I needed at the moment.
February 13, 2024
It is so hard to categorise this book (and the others) as a normal police procedural as they are different. This one more so than the others and I felt this one so moving as it really brought out the emotional side of DC; perhaps resonated as I am of the age and thinking about stopping work.
But don't get me wrong the wit and irony was there as well, in fact I found it better than the other books. I don't know how the writer has done it, also helped by the narrator but you can feel yourself in the meetings and feel the frustrations of all concerned.
The crime itself was interesting I don't want to say too much hear as there are so many twists and turns but I had to look up some of the related crimes as in my innocence I had never realised people could be that cruel.
This is a gem of a series on the audible plus catalogue
But don't get me wrong the wit and irony was there as well, in fact I found it better than the other books. I don't know how the writer has done it, also helped by the narrator but you can feel yourself in the meetings and feel the frustrations of all concerned.
The crime itself was interesting I don't want to say too much hear as there are so many twists and turns but I had to look up some of the related crimes as in my innocence I had never realised people could be that cruel.
This is a gem of a series on the audible plus catalogue
March 7, 2025
Did it keep my interest? 4. My sixth DC Smith. I didn’t mean to read two in a row, but that is what Libby had planned for me. Especially since the last one was my favorite. I wanted to give some space to breathe. Oh well, loved this one anyway.
Did I enjoy the topic? 4. We had badger abusers, metal detector nerds and the Catholic Church. An eclectic group indeed.
Was the dialogue realistic? 5. Smith always thinks well ahead. I like that we are led along with him as it happens, instead of a wrap up summary showing how smart the detective is.
Would I recommend to Jen (smart, discerning reader)? 5. She finished the first one and liked it. A win for me.
Would I have recommended to my Mom (read for entertainment)? 5 Again, yes.
Quality of narrator? 5. Gildart Jackson, brilliant as always. He’s done a fireside reading series where he’s read Peter Pan and The Wizard of Oz. I must check that out.
Did I enjoy the topic? 4. We had badger abusers, metal detector nerds and the Catholic Church. An eclectic group indeed.
Was the dialogue realistic? 5. Smith always thinks well ahead. I like that we are led along with him as it happens, instead of a wrap up summary showing how smart the detective is.
Would I recommend to Jen (smart, discerning reader)? 5. She finished the first one and liked it. A win for me.
Would I have recommended to my Mom (read for entertainment)? 5 Again, yes.
Quality of narrator? 5. Gildart Jackson, brilliant as always. He’s done a fireside reading series where he’s read Peter Pan and The Wizard of Oz. I must check that out.
January 2, 2022
Crafty D.C. Smith proves once again that he is the best detective in the police station. Even though it isn’t his case, he doggedly pursues a different line of investigation than the that of the lead detective. Smith also renews his friendship with Jo; so maybe there romance in his future. It took me a bit to get into this one, but still was enjoyable.
May 16, 2024
Glad to have Smith back with his team however not sure if i like this vague uncertain Smith. Find the conflict with his counterpart a little tedious and detracts from the investigation side. Enjoyed the storyline and the result!!
February 4, 2026
Another very good installment of DC Smith. I wish the publishers had chosen a different cover -- if the clues didn't lead there anyway, the cover is a giveaway. Sure, there are a couple of options, but still. I enjoy the ongoing character development from book to book but have a little worry about the ongoing characters if DC does actually retire sometime soon. There are so many I enjoy keeping up with!
August 9, 2024
Consistently good series.
Spoiler Alert: I believe the book cover (and the audiobook graphic) do kind of give away more of the plot than is really necessary.
Spoiler Alert: I believe the book cover (and the audiobook graphic) do kind of give away more of the plot than is really necessary.
December 7, 2023
This book picks up where the last one ended and gets back to his life as a detective. It is much the same as others but a little sad as the idea of retirement germinates. I do like Smith’s character and unique way of thinking and his dry sense of humor.
December 15, 2025
The best in the series. The storyline was set up beautifully. Great twist
October 16, 2023
The books in this series keep getting more layered and the characters are developing albeit slowly in some instances. Grainger takes his time and there are lots of details to retain. An enjoyable police procedural!
January 23, 2020
I love this series but not this installment. The plot meandered around going from the current case to DC’s time in Belfast, a reappearance from Jo, to the big mysterious case that is referred to in almost every book. Serena Butler blackmail was thrown out but no resolution. The case itself was a bit boring and I never understood why the person was killed. Perhaps the next installment will clear all this up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2017
This book not the best of this series, but seems to be the last, and if that is the case the winding down and closings were somewhat satisfactory if sometimes maudlin.
There are still open issues, however - so I guess it's author's choice.
Two of the books were superior "But for the grace" (assisted suicide) and "In this bright future" (Belfast)
There are still open issues, however - so I guess it's author's choice.
Two of the books were superior "But for the grace" (assisted suicide) and "In this bright future" (Belfast)
September 11, 2016
Great Book, Great Writing
I'm so glad to have found Peter Granger!!! I have thoroughly enjoyed each of his books! I find his humor funny. His reflections on Life interesting and thought provoking. His characters lifelike. All around good reading! Thank You Mr Grainger.
I'm so glad to have found Peter Granger!!! I have thoroughly enjoyed each of his books! I find his humor funny. His reflections on Life interesting and thought provoking. His characters lifelike. All around good reading! Thank You Mr Grainger.
March 13, 2025
Enjoyed this series so far but I think I’m done.. stories are fairly interesting but after a while the subtle misogyny and racism and general right-wing, anti-woke, old fashioned attitudes of DC Smith (and obviously the author) got a bit too much
November 19, 2017
Another. Hit
Well written a bit slow and I soon guessed the killer Very dry wit from Smith I will read some more I enjoy the main characters Not to horrific just clever
Well written a bit slow and I soon guessed the killer Very dry wit from Smith I will read some more I enjoy the main characters Not to horrific just clever
July 11, 2020
Love these characters. The murder plot used as the vehicle to learn about the characters in this one was boring and contrived. Will happily continue the swries, though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews