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Detective Deans #2
Dead by Design
How far would you go to save the lives you value most?
A young couple in their prime is found dead in the marital bed. As they lie naked, staring at each other with eyes wide open – filled with fear, his colleagues assume a double suicide, but Detective Andrew Deans senses that darker forces are at work.
Deans is facing an awakening – a spiritual birth, but he is stuck in a living nightmare. Those around him are watching … judging … expecting him to break.
As he waits to hear the news he dreads most, Deans receives an unmarked DVD and the true meaning of horror is revealed.
Playing by the rules is getting him nowhere. Now, it’s time to do things his way. But death and tragedy haven’t finished with him … yet.
With unexpected and shocking plot twists, edge-of-your-seat tension and chilling suspense, fans of Michael Connelly, Angela Marsons, Stephen King, Rachel Abbott and Peter James will be hooked by this breathtaking new voice in British crime fiction.
DEAD BY DESIGN is BOOK 2 of a TRILOGY.
#1 Psychic Suspense (UK)
#1 Occultism (UK)
#1 Supernatural (France)
Reader reviews:
"Staggeringly good... the benchmark of a book isn't just about not being able to put it down but the empathy with the characters that resonate, take hold, and make the reader care. Stephen King has that gift in spades, and so does James Mortain."
"The fastest book I have read this year. Truly unputdownable!"
Further praise for DEAD BY DESIGN:
“Best book I've read in a long time”
“I could never second guess what the next chapter held”
“The twist towards the end blew me away”
“Original and addictive”
“Grips you by the scruff of the neck and throws you straight into the nightmare”
“James D Mortain is a master storyteller”
THE DETECTIVE DEANS TRILOGY:
BOOK 1: STORM LOG-0505
BOOK 2: DEAD BY DESIGN
BOOK 3: THE BONE HILL (Coming 2019!)
Also by James D Mortain
THE NIGHT SHIFT (A short story prequel)
www.jamesdmortain.com
A young couple in their prime is found dead in the marital bed. As they lie naked, staring at each other with eyes wide open – filled with fear, his colleagues assume a double suicide, but Detective Andrew Deans senses that darker forces are at work.
Deans is facing an awakening – a spiritual birth, but he is stuck in a living nightmare. Those around him are watching … judging … expecting him to break.
As he waits to hear the news he dreads most, Deans receives an unmarked DVD and the true meaning of horror is revealed.
Playing by the rules is getting him nowhere. Now, it’s time to do things his way. But death and tragedy haven’t finished with him … yet.
With unexpected and shocking plot twists, edge-of-your-seat tension and chilling suspense, fans of Michael Connelly, Angela Marsons, Stephen King, Rachel Abbott and Peter James will be hooked by this breathtaking new voice in British crime fiction.
DEAD BY DESIGN is BOOK 2 of a TRILOGY.
#1 Psychic Suspense (UK)
#1 Occultism (UK)
#1 Supernatural (France)
Reader reviews:
"Staggeringly good... the benchmark of a book isn't just about not being able to put it down but the empathy with the characters that resonate, take hold, and make the reader care. Stephen King has that gift in spades, and so does James Mortain."
"The fastest book I have read this year. Truly unputdownable!"
Further praise for DEAD BY DESIGN:
“Best book I've read in a long time”
“I could never second guess what the next chapter held”
“The twist towards the end blew me away”
“Original and addictive”
“Grips you by the scruff of the neck and throws you straight into the nightmare”
“James D Mortain is a master storyteller”
THE DETECTIVE DEANS TRILOGY:
BOOK 1: STORM LOG-0505
BOOK 2: DEAD BY DESIGN
BOOK 3: THE BONE HILL (Coming 2019!)
Also by James D Mortain
THE NIGHT SHIFT (A short story prequel)
www.jamesdmortain.com
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2017
175 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
James D. Mortain
8 books73 followersFormer British CID Detective with the Avon and Somerset Constabulary turned crime fiction writer, James D Mortain brings compelling action and gritty authenticity to his writing through years of police experience.
He began writing in 2012, following a chance encounter in a Bath bar with SAS veteran, TV personality and author, Chris Ryan. Using his own real-life experiences within a busy CID department, James creates gripping, fast-paced crime thrillers that will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat until the very last page.
His first series has become a Kindle bestseller both in the UK and overseas. Featuring Detective Andrew Deans, these books are a chilling blend of police procedural and the paranormal.
James has also written a soon-to-be-released novel featuring DI Robbie Chilcott, which will start a new urban crime series set in Bristol, UK.
The Detective Deans Mysteries:
STORM LOG-0505
DEAD BY DESIGN
THE BONE HILL
THE DETECTIVE DEANS MYSTERY COLLECTION
THE NIGHT SHIFT (A short story prequel)
The DI Robbie Chilcott Mysteries:
DEAD RINGER - Coming February 2020
Visit James here:
Website: www.jamesdmortain.com
Email: jdm@manverspublishing.com
Twitter: @JamesDMortain
Facebook: James D Mortain and @DetectiveDeansSeries
Instagram: jamesmortain
He began writing in 2012, following a chance encounter in a Bath bar with SAS veteran, TV personality and author, Chris Ryan. Using his own real-life experiences within a busy CID department, James creates gripping, fast-paced crime thrillers that will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat until the very last page.
His first series has become a Kindle bestseller both in the UK and overseas. Featuring Detective Andrew Deans, these books are a chilling blend of police procedural and the paranormal.
James has also written a soon-to-be-released novel featuring DI Robbie Chilcott, which will start a new urban crime series set in Bristol, UK.
The Detective Deans Mysteries:
STORM LOG-0505
DEAD BY DESIGN
THE BONE HILL
THE DETECTIVE DEANS MYSTERY COLLECTION
THE NIGHT SHIFT (A short story prequel)
The DI Robbie Chilcott Mysteries:
DEAD RINGER - Coming February 2020
Visit James here:
Website: www.jamesdmortain.com
Email: jdm@manverspublishing.com
Twitter: @JamesDMortain
Facebook: James D Mortain and @DetectiveDeansSeries
Instagram: jamesmortain
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 21, 2017
This is second in a series featuring Detective Andrew Deans.. the first being STORM LOG-5050.
Detective Downs is looking into the deaths of a young couple. Local law enforcement is calling it a double suicide, but Deans is having one of his gut feelings and fears there will be more deaths.
Denise Moon, a psychic, has helped Deans realize his own special gifts, but there are few that really understand and he is constantly being watched and evaluated by his superiors.
He's tired of playing by the rules and decides that he and Moon must face the evil that exists, even knowing the risk of death to do so.
This is an excellent addition to this British crime thriller. The characters are credible, even if you don't believe in the paranormal. It's well written with a few twists and turns along the way. I highly recommend reading these books in order.
WARNING: Cliff hanger ahead!
Many thanks to the author for the advance copy of this most interesting book. Opinions expressed here are unsolicited, unbiased, and entirely my own.
Detective Downs is looking into the deaths of a young couple. Local law enforcement is calling it a double suicide, but Deans is having one of his gut feelings and fears there will be more deaths.
Denise Moon, a psychic, has helped Deans realize his own special gifts, but there are few that really understand and he is constantly being watched and evaluated by his superiors.
He's tired of playing by the rules and decides that he and Moon must face the evil that exists, even knowing the risk of death to do so.
This is an excellent addition to this British crime thriller. The characters are credible, even if you don't believe in the paranormal. It's well written with a few twists and turns along the way. I highly recommend reading these books in order.
WARNING: Cliff hanger ahead!
Many thanks to the author for the advance copy of this most interesting book. Opinions expressed here are unsolicited, unbiased, and entirely my own.
February 6, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, and Storm Log-5050. My only small criticism is the locations. Much of both books are set in North Devon. Certainly Westward Ho! and probably Appledore, Northam and Bideford, but are given fictitious names. The fictitious names made it difficult for me to identify some places. However, in both books, Bath is Bath. Not a fictitious city.
April 20, 2018
Thoroughly Engrossing Paranormal Mystery!
This book was so good I couldn’t stop reading and finished in one day. It has lots of moments of heartbreak, spookiness, surprise, violence, tenderness and friendship. Also, just a dash of romance to keep you intrigued. The ending blew me away and I can’t wait for the next book to see what will happen to DC Andy Deans as he continues his journey into the paranormal.
This book was so good I couldn’t stop reading and finished in one day. It has lots of moments of heartbreak, spookiness, surprise, violence, tenderness and friendship. Also, just a dash of romance to keep you intrigued. The ending blew me away and I can’t wait for the next book to see what will happen to DC Andy Deans as he continues his journey into the paranormal.
Want to read
November 14, 2019Dead by Design. Addictive is not the word. James Mortain has brought together crime of the highest standard coupled with the paranormal. Kept saying just one more chapter, but in the end I couldn't put the book down. It held a special fascination for me as it was mostly located in my home village in North Devon. Just got to read the last of his books in this trilogy '' The Bone Hill'' Cannot wait to complete these three amazing reads. Mick Mitchell
February 27, 2022
Ummmm, wow!
I will say, I don't normally read books of the paranormal type. But this little series has wrapped itself around me and I don't want to stop! The writing is great, the plot and subplots are amazing and so very original. Just when you think its a bit farfetched it grabs on!. I am open to all sorts of things, and you have to be to read this trilogy! Its so very worth it!
I will say, I don't normally read books of the paranormal type. But this little series has wrapped itself around me and I don't want to stop! The writing is great, the plot and subplots are amazing and so very original. Just when you think its a bit farfetched it grabs on!. I am open to all sorts of things, and you have to be to read this trilogy! Its so very worth it!
November 21, 2017
Excellent read!
After reading the first book Storm Log 0505 I have been eagerly awaiting Dead By Design. It did not disappoint. It was as good if not better than Storm Log 0505. It has a supernatural element to it as well as being a superb detective novel, with a great twist at the end. Looking forward to the next book already.
After reading the first book Storm Log 0505 I have been eagerly awaiting Dead By Design. It did not disappoint. It was as good if not better than Storm Log 0505. It has a supernatural element to it as well as being a superb detective novel, with a great twist at the end. Looking forward to the next book already.
October 12, 2018
Book one was a 10 this one is an 11
Yes, it's that good. Make sure you have plenty of time to read it when you start because you won't want to set it down till the ending which is a cliff hanger. I'm going to read the next one but I'll have to wait till tomorrow or I won't get to bed at all tonight
Yes, it's that good. Make sure you have plenty of time to read it when you start because you won't want to set it down till the ending which is a cliff hanger. I'm going to read the next one but I'll have to wait till tomorrow or I won't get to bed at all tonight
January 6, 2019
A fabulous second book in the Detective Deans series. The writer takes you on a roller-coaster journey across counties, to places of beauty and destruction in a tale with twists and turns. The supernatural element leaves a spine-tingling chill to the tale as relationships are tested and discoveries are made. Highly recommended read.
March 11, 2019
Wow! I thought book one Storm Log-0505 was brilliant, but this one blew me away, and I cannot recommend this series and the author enough, I read a lot of books but this one knocked me for six, I can't wait to read the next one and see how Detective Deans life and paranormal progress is going, murder, suspense and the supernatural, what more can you ask for, this is definitely deserves a 10.
May 1, 2019
Stunning!
Loved this, book 2 in the series. Following on from book 1, the twists and turns and heart stopping moments keep you guessing until the end only for him to throw another turn you couldn't have guessed. Fast paced and fantastic read. If you like Stuart MacBride and James Oswald or Peter James you will LOVE this series.
Loved this, book 2 in the series. Following on from book 1, the twists and turns and heart stopping moments keep you guessing until the end only for him to throw another turn you couldn't have guessed. Fast paced and fantastic read. If you like Stuart MacBride and James Oswald or Peter James you will LOVE this series.
July 26, 2022
This is the second in a crime series with supernatural elements. I enjoyed the first but in this I felt the supernatural became too unbelievable. It also followed the overdone trope of having a villain target a police officer or a member of his family. If this happened in real life nobody would do the job. It stretched my credulity too far. The book also needed a tighter edit.
November 21, 2017
Unable to put this down!
Down loaded Death by Design this morning (second book in series) could not put it down all day. What a book, gripping, unexpected twists it has it all, and that ending....
Cannot wait for the next book. Well done Mr Mortain please get back to work........
Down loaded Death by Design this morning (second book in series) could not put it down all day. What a book, gripping, unexpected twists it has it all, and that ending....
Cannot wait for the next book. Well done Mr Mortain please get back to work........
January 27, 2018
Great read
I enjoyed the first book so was looking forward to reading this one. I wasn't disappointed and loved the twists, and the way the characters are developing, the final twist has left me impatiently waiting for the next book!
I enjoyed the first book so was looking forward to reading this one. I wasn't disappointed and loved the twists, and the way the characters are developing, the final twist has left me impatiently waiting for the next book!
February 14, 2018
Very good book leaves you guessing till the end twists at every turn of the pages
Leaves you guessing till the end twists and turns at every turn of the page and a surprise ending that wants you to read more.
Leaves you guessing till the end twists and turns at every turn of the page and a surprise ending that wants you to read more.
September 25, 2018
WOW !
Brilliant books .... different , but they kept me on the edge of my seat ! Finished both books in a couple of days ... I can't wait for book 3 ! Please don't be too long in publishing it !!
Brilliant books .... different , but they kept me on the edge of my seat ! Finished both books in a couple of days ... I can't wait for book 3 ! Please don't be too long in publishing it !!
October 9, 2018
Breathtakingly good.
This is one of the best books that I have read in ages. At the end of this book, my reaction was "oh bugger" when I realised that there was a third book yet to come! Please hurry up and write it James, I am on temptations waiting for the conclusion!!
This is one of the best books that I have read in ages. At the end of this book, my reaction was "oh bugger" when I realised that there was a third book yet to come! Please hurry up and write it James, I am on temptations waiting for the conclusion!!
October 22, 2018
Intriguing
I didn't want to put this book down! I enjoyed Storm Log so much that I continued with the series....so intriguing and emotional. I loved the fact that the author used the aspects of the paranormal and afterlife. an amazing writer.
I didn't want to put this book down! I enjoyed Storm Log so much that I continued with the series....so intriguing and emotional. I loved the fact that the author used the aspects of the paranormal and afterlife. an amazing writer.
September 7, 2019
Gripping
Although I have to say that this book was written in a style that didn't sit well with me, I did find the story quite gripping and I am thinking of buying the next book in this series.
Although I have to say that this book was written in a style that didn't sit well with me, I did find the story quite gripping and I am thinking of buying the next book in this series.
April 8, 2021
Excellent
A very well done story and a great sequel. This one continues the mystery of the first book while telling a story all its own. Enough suspense and mystery to keep the pages turning. Well worth reading.
A very well done story and a great sequel. This one continues the mystery of the first book while telling a story all its own. Enough suspense and mystery to keep the pages turning. Well worth reading.
April 23, 2025
the second book picks up where the first book left off. This is a much better book, although the previous one was a good read. The characters are more developed and the plot more complex. A very easy book to read in one sitting.
March 8, 2018
I didn't care for this book and quit reading it a few chapters in.
June 16, 2018
Enthraling
Totally Loved it and a great twist to the story .... can’t wait for the next one .....Brilliant Book a must read
Totally Loved it and a great twist to the story .... can’t wait for the next one .....Brilliant Book a must read
July 25, 2018
I enjoyed the book I cannot wait as you say at the end 'Until we meet again'
December 8, 2018
Wow!!
After reading the first book, I had to read the second book. Boy! What a shocker! I don't want to give away anything but be prepared.
After reading the first book, I had to read the second book. Boy! What a shocker! I don't want to give away anything but be prepared.
March 27, 2019
Excellent.book
So many twists and turns I couldn't put the book down . Read first two in two days. onto third.
So many twists and turns I couldn't put the book down . Read first two in two days. onto third.
October 11, 2022
dead by design
Well we found what happened to Deans gifts, his wife and child.
The final outcome to Ash Babbage is discover among some other inter string page turning event.
Well we found what happened to Deans gifts, his wife and child.
The final outcome to Ash Babbage is discover among some other inter string page turning event.
April 12, 2023
Gripping, couldn't put this book down.
May 2, 2025
Fabulous Read
Easy to read, this story features many twists that keep the reader engaged, with an added supernatural side too. A real page turner.
Easy to read, this story features many twists that keep the reader engaged, with an added supernatural side too. A real page turner.
May 27, 2025
Definitely a page Turner. Loved the main character. Strong, vulnerable, brave, weak; a human being with every facet of human strengths and weaknesses. Can't wait to read book 3.
April 15, 2020
Brilliant second instalment in the Deceive Deans mystery. Good to have the familiar characters from Storm Log-0505, especially Denise Moon who has a bigger role through the paranormal elements. I found it really interesting to have familiar locations of North Devon, where I can relate to and it draws me in as a reader. Really great book with unexpected twists and turns
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews