Remember No More

DS Kite #1

by Jan Newton

A DS Kite novel – a city detective joins the mid-Wales force
bringing new insights and ruffling country feathers

Newly promoted DS Julie Kite is at a crossroads. Her husband’s desire for a different life takes her away from urban Manchester and its inner city problems to tranquil mid-Wales. It is to be a clean slate for them both. On her first day at Builth Wells police station, Julie is thrust unexpectedly into the centre of an investigation into a suspicious death in a remote farming community.

Back in Manchester, Stephen Collins is set free from HMP Strangeways. Bible in hand he makes his way to mid-Wales, the scene of the heinous crime for which he was imprisoned, in order to confront those who had a hand in his incarceration.

The twists and turns of the investigation into solicitor Gareth Watkin’s death force DS Kite to confront her own demons as well as those of her rural community and, ultimately, to uncover the lengths to which we’ll go to protect our families…

Genres: Audiobook, Mystery

302 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published March 16, 2017

About the author

Jan Newton grew up in Manchester and Derbyshire and spent twenty years in the Chilterns before moving to mid Wales in 2005. She has worked as a bilingual secretary, an accountant, and in the Welsh stream of Builth Wells Primary School. She plays the euphonium in Llandrindod and Knighton brass bands.

Jan graduated from Swansea University in 2015 with a Masters in Creative Writing and has won the Allen Raine Short Story Competition, the WI's Lady Denman Cup, the Lancashire and North West Magazine's prize for humorous short stories and the Oriel Davies Gallery's prize for nature writing. She is a member of the Crime Writers' Association

Reviews

[Terence M [Quot libros, quam breve tempus!] · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5_Stars - "I Liked It" but it's not quite a 4.0

A review will come, eventually.
In the meantime, the following is from my Reading Progress:
July 4, 2023 – 20.0% "I think this book is going to be interesting. The narrator's interpretation of the dialogue using Mancunian and Welsh accents is challenging and fun."
July 9, 2023 – 99.0% "An interesting police procedural with what I thought was a rather scrambled ending. I was certainly kept on my toes with Sian Parry-Williams narration, due to her use of Welsh and Northern English accents. However, I think poor editing of the audio was a major negative."

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

She was used to the helter-skelter world of Manchester, but when she received a promotion and her husband desired to get away to the country, DS Julie Kite was determined that she would make a go of it, for herself as well as her marriage.

Jan Newton’s REMEMBER NO MORE brings a big town cop, used to the big town crimes into a world where small town minds and petty crimes are the norm until a case the small town boys are not equipped to handle gives Julie a chance to shine and prove her worth as an experienced investigator. One suspicious death is about to lead down a trail of nightmarish proportions when one ex-con returns to the scene of his crime, claiming to have found God and seeking vengeance against those who put him away. Not only will DS Kite be forced to face the demons that exist in the world, but the demons that exist within her own soul as she discovers how far one will go to protect their own.

Ms. Newton writes with grit, weaving mystery and action together with the personal lives of her characters. Flavored with a style the British are famous for, there is a feeling of darkness and unease throughout this often gruesome tale, lightening only long enough for a sprinkle of humor, while true human flaws and frailties that are exposed and left raw. A captivating read with an atmosphere that will leave readers hanging on for every twist!

I received an ARC edition from Jan Newton in exchange for my honest review.

Publisher: Honno Press (March 16, 2017)
Publication Date: March 16, 2017
Genre: Murder | Mystery
Print Length: 302 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Sally Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a crime thriller that is hard to put down once you have started. The author has created a wonderful leading character in DS Julie Kite, and a great plot to make best use of her policing skills.

It can be very difficult moving jobs even within the same organisation such as the British police force, however in this book, DS Kite faces even more challenges by moving from policing in a major city, to the hills of mid-Wales. Whilst the laws are the same, the approach to enforcing them requires a different approach in an area where everyone knows everybody’s business.

Expecting things to be quieter than her previous post, DS Kite instead finds herself dealing with a death on her first day, working with a new superior, dealing with some reticence at her promotion to the post, and wondering if her husband is as committed to their marriage as he says he is. The locals are also not as welcoming as she had hoped and certainly the family members embroiled in the death have secrets that are not going to be easy to uncover.

The author brings all these elements together in great style and also uses the spectacular scenery of this part of Wales and its isolation to underline the difficulties in policing such a widespread area.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and in particular its climax in the final chapter when unexpected revelations and twists in the plot reveal the secrets long buried.

I am looking forward to reading more DS Kite books in the future.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Sergeant Julie Kite has upped sticks from Manchester to rural Mid Wales, her transfer determined by her husband Adam accepting a post in a local school, teaching history. Not unexpectedly, she's already conflicted about the prospect, not least because Adam has strayed down the path of dalliance in the recent past.

And on her first day in her new job she finds she's landed slap bang in the middle of a murder investigation.

The cover strapline to Remember No More is 'Bad blood runs in families', harking back to the truism that in rural communities not only is everyone likely to know everyone else's businessr but also that they're likely to be related, however distantly. Gareth Watkin has been found murdered -- shot through the head -- on a lonely stretch of mountain, and suspicion immediately alights on his brother; however, others in the family seem to have secrets they're reluctant to share. There's also Stephen Collins entering the frame: he's a criminal who once vowed vengeance on duty solicitor Gareth and on arresting officer Gordon Price for his incarceration following a very nasty crime, and who has just been released from Manchester prison with a bad dose of religion.

This debut crime novel from Jan Newton as well as being very readable has the ring of truth: the author herself is a Mancunian relocated to Mid Wales. Her creation DS Kite is just the latest incomer to this area (mid-Powys around the Epynt and the so-called Wells towns) -- Llanwytyd Wells, for example, welcomed young Czechoslovak Jewish refugees during the war. However, local feeling is naturally still rankled by the conversion of Mynydd Epynt to an army firing range which at the beginning of the war forced established families to move without any form of compensation. In this historically complex cultural terrain Julie has next to no time to find her feet whilst avoiding stepping on those of others.

As a police procedural Remember No More works well, giving us glimpses of how local police stations might function (though there is no indication of impending funding cuts, as has been happening in real life) and of how personnel might cope under professional and personal pressures. In terms of the principal whodunit a likely perpetrator is flagged up fairly early on, the only real puzzle being motive, only revealed in detail towards the end; but there are additional mysteries simmering along, making this a satisfying read and a rich portrait of relationships.

In particular, Julie Kite is an engaging creation -- bright, sparky, intuitive but anxious -- with a marriage to rescue and new colleagues to work with. She makes understandable mistakes but proves a reliable support to her immediate superior (the bigger-than-life DI Swift) as well as steering a difficult path through established station dynamics and thwarted ambitions.

Remember No More is promoted as 'a DS Kite mystery' and so I very much hope to hear more about her in succeeding volumes. Will she continue to shine in her new placement? Will her spouse continue to prove reliable? And will she really feel that Mid Wales is home? Honno, an imprint established to publish more female Welsh writers, has done well with this title, despite the odd typos (mostly to do with misplaced quotation marks and the occasional missing word). There's heart to this bit of crime fiction in which women play key roles, balanced with a warning to beware those who feel scorned and abandoned.

https://wp.me/s2oNj1-kite

[J.B (Debbie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I really enjoyed this book! My first book by Jan Newton and it definitely won't be my last. DS Julie Kite up sticks and moves to rural Wales under the guise of a promotion but more than likely to try to keep her husband under control and stop him from straying once again. Its clear from the beginning that Julie isn't keen on the move but is keen to try to save her marriage. A strong and intelligent woman, this is her only weakness.

On her first day Julie must deal with a murder while also trying to ingratiate herself with the locals and her new colleagues. She's new and they are suspicious of her. Battling to fit in both at work and home Julie must use all her experience to try to solve this crime. Emotions are high and there's a lot at stake, albeit more than Julie's own reputation.

As crime novels go, this one ranks up there with some of the best I've read. It turned out to be one of those books that was so difficult to put down and again one of those books that had me up until the wee small hours desperate to finish. Jan Newton has created such an interesting and complex character in Julie and I really liked her. Her vulnerability as well as her strength were often at odds with one another. The story was well paced with lots of clues to tempt and tease us and a wealth of interesting characters ensured that the story moved along and kept me interested. Jan Newton's descriptions of rural Wales has made me want to go visit too! Not sure about everyone else who has read the book but I found myself reading it in a Welsh accent! A super read that made me a Jan Newton fan! Highly recommended!

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read with a good story line. Grew up in the area where it all took place which felt quite strange. Hopefully we will meet Sgt. Kite again in the future.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was particularly drawn to this book by its mid-Wales setting – but was really delighted to find that I also very much enjoyed the twists and turns of the story and the quality of the writing. The author has a particular gift for characterisation, whether the individual members of the police team or the many and diverse characters who cross their path.

Julie herself is perfectly drawn – a new DS transplanted from the crime-ridden streets of Manchester to a totally unfamiliar and rather alien rural environment, coping with the suspicion and opposition of the tight-knit team and the community, while wrestling with her move to a new home in the wilds and the challenges of her shaky marriage.

I very much liked the police team – the understandable spikiness of Morgan, DI Kite and the way he takes his new DS under his wing, and (like Julie) I was totally fascinated by the forensic interventions of Maggie Greenhalgh. A villain seeking vengeance might not be too unusual a theme, but the red herrings and false trails come thick and fast, and I thought the procedural side of the investigation was exceptionally well handled and really engaging to read.

The setting is quite perfectly drawn – from the book’s very striking panoramic opening, the wild countryside with its isolated farms almost becomes another character, and the author’s rich descriptions bring it vividly to life. It’s not a part of Wales I know well, but the author clearly does – when I worked in Cardiff, I went on many training courses in the Metropole at Llandrindod Wells, and I enjoyed my return visit. The area’s historical past wasn’t familiar to me, and I really liked the way its uncovering added unexpected depth to the story.

The book’s Welshness is quite wonderful – as well as capturing the nuances of dialogue (this is a book you read with a Welsh accent), who could possibly resist Nerys’ bara brith dripping in butter, and I loved Julie (coming from “away”, as she does) wrestling with both entering a community where everyone knows each other and the unfamiliar and tongue-twisting place names.

But as well as the vivid setting and strong characters, it’s quite a story – and so well told, the threads satisfyingly tangled, the story’s twists unexpected and original. And although there’s the occasional gruesomeness you’d expect from such a story, I enjoyed the moments of lightness and humour too – a quite perfect balance.

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julie Kite, newly promoted to Detective Sergeant, is leaving the Manchester Metropolitan Police force and the inner city life she’s used to, for rural Wales. Her husband, Adam, has a new teaching post in mid Wales and this is an opportunity for a fresh start for them both, and a last ditch attempt to save their marriage. Julie isn’t looking forward to the move but realises there’s too much temptation in the city.

Julie has no time to dwell on her misgivings. Her first day at Builth Wells police station sees her propelled into a possible suspicious death enquiry after a reported accident isn’t as straightforward as it at first seems. The enquiry seems connected to a previous case and stirs up long buried emotions.

Skilful story telling, a well crafted plot with plenty of twists and fleshed out characters. There’s not much more you ask from a debut novel. Julie is a sympathetic character, especially with the changes she’s coping with. Leaving her friends and colleagues, her home, everything familiar, and the reasons for it. She’s an interesting mix of self-possession and vulnerability. I’m not too sure about Adam, he’s still a bit of a mystery.

Jan Newton delineates between Julie’s urban and rural lifestyles extremely well with descriptions which give vivid images and sense of place. The remoteness of the farming communities and Julie’s new house contrasts well with the cityscape and flat she used to live in. Julie is initially uneasy with country living and the suspicion of some of the locals, who consider her an outsider. The resulting learning curve is very realistic, including working with an unfamiliar team and trying to fit in. Julie stands by her convictions regardless of peer pressure and isn’t afraid to speak her mind and she relaxes more into her home and work life as the story progresses.

Look forward to more DS Julie Kite.

I chose to read and review Remember No More based on a digital copy of the book supplied by Brook Cottage Books.

[Jenn Belden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I confess, I was initially drawn to Remember No More in part because of the synopsis, and in part due to the fact that I spent nearly four years in this part of Wales. Jan Newton does not disappoint with her writing nor with the stunningly depicted setting. This the perfect book to get lost in on a quiet Sunday afternoon, and I confess I devoured it in one sitting.

Newton's debut novel is well crafted with a tightly knit story that twists and turns. While I thought I might have figured out "whodunit" midway through the story, she so skillfully dropped red herrings that I was fully in doubt of my detective work. This is part to her well-developed cast of characters - complex, nuanced and downright fascinating. DS Julie Kite in particular was a fascinating character - vulnerable and yet sharply professional, unsettled and sympathetic. I enjoyed watching her character develop over the course of the novel (and hope to see more of her in another book.)

Remember No More has vivid images and a strong sense of place, and the stillness of the Welsh countryside is contrasted against the noise and the pace of Manchester. Author Newton sharply captures the feeling of "otherness" that Julie Kite experiences as an outsider to the area, someone from "away".

The plot also ties in with a heartbreaking piece of Welsh history that I quite honestly had forgotten about; in 2001, the UK's handling of foot-and-mouth disease in literally wiped out livestock from farms in Wales as it did elsewhere in the UK. While the outbreak only lasted 221 days, it laid devastation to farmers all over the UK.

Perhaps so much of the story resonated with me because I was an outsider in this area of Wales; Kite's struggles with the isolation and the inability to pronounce names of surrounding towns were quite familiar, but I think those not familiar with the area will enjoy the book as much as I did.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not overly fond of police procedurals, but this book entertained me from beginning to end. I love the warm, engaging characters such as DS Julie Kite and her boss, Swift. The narrative is seamless and moves at a good pace. I loved the references to Manchester and the way the author contrasted life in the big city with life in rural Wales. Very well written and researched.

[Linda Brue · Rating 4 out of 5]

REMEMBER NO MORE, Jan Newton, 2017
Julie Kite and her husband Adam are leaving the city and moving to rural Wales, he to take a new teaching post, and her, newly promoted to Detective Sergeant, to take a post at Builth Wells station. She did not want to leave the Manchester Metropolitan Police, being a city dweller at heart, but going with her straying husband is a last-ditch effort to save their marriage. Her new post puts her in an awkward situation, as she is an outsider to the area and she is filling a position that was desired by some already working at the station. So she is walking into a new job already resented by some there. On her first day on the job, she is immediately pulled into a murder case, investigating the death of solicitor Gareth Watkin. This involves people living in a remote farming area, hit hard during the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, which destroyed their livestock and their main way of making a living. Although it happened quite a few years ago, most have still not recovered from this loss and are angry and suspicious of authority. To add to this volatile mix, a released prisoner has returned to the area to get revenge on those who caught and prosecuted him.

An absorbing story, well-plotted and well-paced. Julie's story is an old one, a woman trying her best to keep her marriage together, stuck in a place she doesn't really want to be, missing her home, dealing with men who resent her, both for being a woman in the first place, and for being an outsider. Proving herself will take all her skills, both personally and professionally. She is a strong character, worth pulling for and believing in. I'm not certain if this is the first in a series, but it's well worth the time to check it out.

[Pamela Mclaren · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new debut of author Jan Newton with Remember No More, a story about new Det. Sgt. Julie Kite, who leaves the town of Manchester to joing the Mid Wales Police in Builth Wells. Wells is relocating for a new beginning with her history teacher husband, but on her first day she finds herself walking into a possible suicide.

Lawyer Gareth Watkin is found shot to death. First look seems that its a suicide, but is it really? Pretty soon, things get muddled as the autopsy reveals that he has been shot with both a revolver, as well as a shotgun. Under questioning, Watkin's brother, Milos, who runs the family farm, admits that he used the shotgun to obscure what he saw as a suicide — and he has a strange suicide note that says only "it's returned."

So we have a woman adjusting to a new country, a new language, and a new case while getting to know her boss and co-workers. It creates a challenge because her gut as far as reactions to the facts seems to run perhaps a little different from how they respond. She suspects that the dead man's wife is hiding something, and finds the response of Milos and his actions, soft.

This is a case where she doesn't have time to grow comfortable with everything coming her way. But Kite holds tight to her instincts and finds important clues. Just when the police think they are getting closer, there are twists to the tale that keep the interest, the drama, the excitement high.

These are very strong characters and a good, solid mystery. A very good effort. I look forward to seeing Newton's next effort.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following her husbands promotion, Julie Kite a detective in the Manchester police force, heads to rural Wales for a new, police force and new start in the countryside. Landing a murder case on her first day in the new job she soon digs up some history and as an 'outsider' discovers the ways of the locals.

I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read.
Shows how family dynamics can play a murderous part in any family when someone feels threatened.
New DI in a new town trying to earn her place as the new sergeant and repair a rough patch in her marriage.
So off to Wales you go and catch a murder on the first day.
Good start to the series.

[Bryngel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a book that got me interested. In fact, it was one long struggle to get through it. It wasn't bad, just not very interesting nor thrilling. Oh well, onward and forward to the next book on my list!

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is primarily a police-procedural and all the better for it. The personal life of the protagonist is less important, I thought, than the publicity makes it seem. And the landscape descriptions are wonderful. Solid novel that inspired me to read the second in the series.

[Michelle Eshkeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characterisation and setting

[Denaiir · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't care too much for that one, I might still continue with the series but the main character was not as clearly defined as other DS so I was less invested

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remember No More by Jan Newton Julie Kite with a new promotion to Sargent is leaving big city life as a cop to follow her husband to a small town Mid-Wales. Her husband decides he needs a change and Julie decides in order to save her marriage this is what she must do.
 
When you put a big city cop into a small town things are bound to shake up a bit. Julie is used to going after the big crimes but must settle into small town life and small town crimes. She has a lot to learn about small town life to fit in. But her big city police training comes in handy when they get a huge case that none of the small town force is equipped to deal with.
 
This is a great mystery to read. It is full of twists and turns during the investigation. it is a pretty fast moving story and kept my attention.