What do you think?
Rate this book
James Hardy #1
Knife and Death
Detective James Hardy's life goes into a tail-spin when he learns a body discovered floating in the River Thames is that of a friend.
Hardy is now in a race against time...
The victim's flat-mate is a potential witness to the crime. On-the-run for her life; Hardy must track her down before the killer does.
With his family under threat and his personal life under scrutiny, Hardy questions his ability to hold it together long enough to find the killer.
Then, as Hardy thinks the situation cannot get any worse, a new serial killer shows an unhealthy interest in him.
Has Hardy finally met his match?
Fortunately for you, if it all becomes too much you can put the kettle, make a cuppa, and catch your breath. For Hardy, there's no such respite in this thriller starring my much-loved detective.
CAUTIONARY NOTE: This novel is strictly for fans of fast-paced, crime thrillers. Some readers have noted considerable pulse-pounding enjoyment. Curious sensations, which include fear and breathlessness, as well as an acute inability to put this book down.
Fans of Angela Marsons, James Patterson, LJ Ross, Rachel Abbott, Val McDermid and Karin Slaughter will be gripped by this exceptional new voice in British crime fiction.
What people are saying about KNIFE AND DEATH
'Fantastic story loved all the characters, so well thought out and written.Overall a great read and i will definitely be looking for more books by this author.'
'Great new character in a really good, gripping detective story. Looking forward to the next one!!'
'Loved this fast paced murder book. A story within a story. Just couldn't put it down at all. Can't wait for next book.'
'A relentless roller coaster of suspense and jolting plot twists, Knife and Death proves J. A. Gill to be a crime thriller writer of the highest calibre.'
Advance Reader Group Feedback: 'It's as good as any of the James Patterson (Alex Cross) books I've read - I loved it. Can't wait for the next book... I need to know what's going to happen next!'
Hardy is now in a race against time...
The victim's flat-mate is a potential witness to the crime. On-the-run for her life; Hardy must track her down before the killer does.
With his family under threat and his personal life under scrutiny, Hardy questions his ability to hold it together long enough to find the killer.
Then, as Hardy thinks the situation cannot get any worse, a new serial killer shows an unhealthy interest in him.
Has Hardy finally met his match?
Fortunately for you, if it all becomes too much you can put the kettle, make a cuppa, and catch your breath. For Hardy, there's no such respite in this thriller starring my much-loved detective.
CAUTIONARY NOTE: This novel is strictly for fans of fast-paced, crime thrillers. Some readers have noted considerable pulse-pounding enjoyment. Curious sensations, which include fear and breathlessness, as well as an acute inability to put this book down.
Fans of Angela Marsons, James Patterson, LJ Ross, Rachel Abbott, Val McDermid and Karin Slaughter will be gripped by this exceptional new voice in British crime fiction.
What people are saying about KNIFE AND DEATH
'Fantastic story loved all the characters, so well thought out and written.Overall a great read and i will definitely be looking for more books by this author.'
'Great new character in a really good, gripping detective story. Looking forward to the next one!!'
'Loved this fast paced murder book. A story within a story. Just couldn't put it down at all. Can't wait for next book.'
'A relentless roller coaster of suspense and jolting plot twists, Knife and Death proves J. A. Gill to be a crime thriller writer of the highest calibre.'
Advance Reader Group Feedback: 'It's as good as any of the James Patterson (Alex Cross) books I've read - I loved it. Can't wait for the next book... I need to know what's going to happen next!'
Unknown Binding
525 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Jay Gill
17 books44 followersLet's start this off with an invitation to get a FREE story.
In this 1920s whodunnit, private detective Henry Fleming goes to Paris to unravel the mystery surrounding The Theft of the Kingsley Ruby.
All I need from you is an email address to send it to. Here's the link you need - https://www.jaygill.net/newsletter
Jay Gill was born in Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom. At aged 18, Jay moved to London where he worked in the printing industry, specialising in pharmaceutical leaflets and packaging. After years of commuting and working in this fast-paced environment, Jay moved back to Dorset with his family to enjoy the slower pace of life on the south coast. It was at this point that he carved out time to develop the detective thrillers that had been rattling around inside his head.
He lives with his wife and two daughters on the south coast of England, and though he loved the twenty-something years he spent in and around London, and the home counties, he feels settled and at peace in his native Dorset.
In this 1920s whodunnit, private detective Henry Fleming goes to Paris to unravel the mystery surrounding The Theft of the Kingsley Ruby.
All I need from you is an email address to send it to. Here's the link you need - https://www.jaygill.net/newsletter
Jay Gill was born in Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom. At aged 18, Jay moved to London where he worked in the printing industry, specialising in pharmaceutical leaflets and packaging. After years of commuting and working in this fast-paced environment, Jay moved back to Dorset with his family to enjoy the slower pace of life on the south coast. It was at this point that he carved out time to develop the detective thrillers that had been rattling around inside his head.
He lives with his wife and two daughters on the south coast of England, and though he loved the twenty-something years he spent in and around London, and the home counties, he feels settled and at peace in his native Dorset.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 14, 2021
I'd say this was about a 3.75 star read.
New author and new series for me - it took me a bit to get into the rhythm of the author's writing but when I did the pages fairly flew past on their own. An entertaining serial killer thriller with two very different perpetrators and a protagonist that is growing on me.
New author and new series for me - it took me a bit to get into the rhythm of the author's writing but when I did the pages fairly flew past on their own. An entertaining serial killer thriller with two very different perpetrators and a protagonist that is growing on me.
September 28, 2020
An interesting series, this book follows the life of James Hardy who solves serial killer cases. I liked the characters in this book & the plot was good too but the chapters felt slightly disjointed - the flow was a bit off leaving me confused at times. James Hardy certainly knows his way around a case but I think I would have enjoyed it better if I got to see "why" he decides to pursue a lead & how - the thought process. I also had a few questions pertaining to the current case, so the ending felt a bit incomplete. Overall I enjoyed the plot but thought certain aspects of the book could have been better. The book ended with a great cliffhanger so I'd love to read the next in series for sure.
March 10, 2019
Knife and Death
New author for me but what a storyline was hooked from the first page.Normally takes a while for me to take to new characters no problem with DCI Hardy and supporting cast absolutely brilliant going to order the next one NOW.
New author for me but what a storyline was hooked from the first page.Normally takes a while for me to take to new characters no problem with DCI Hardy and supporting cast absolutely brilliant going to order the next one NOW.
May 9, 2020
Stunning
I enjoyed the characters, although flawed, they flowed in and out of the book, and plots in a great way.
Fantastic multi-layered, multi faceted book, written with experience.
I enjoyed the characters, although flawed, they flowed in and out of the book, and plots in a great way.
Fantastic multi-layered, multi faceted book, written with experience.
March 11, 2020
I was surprised. I don't normally read British crime but this story caught my interest and kept it until the unexpected ending. A crime thriller with twists and turns you won't see coming. I would highly recommend this book.
February 26, 2020
As the series progresses and the character of Hardy develops you get drawn into each book more and more!! Another great writer!!
February 24, 2020
This is I beleive the first James Hardy crime thriller.
June 20, 2019
Smart Police Procedural
DCI Hardy is a smart detective and a compassionate man. It’s nice to read a book that rounds out the protagonist character so well. I really liked him and his little family. I like that he struggles with work/life balance. Because he is always dealing with tough cases and serial killers, sometimes more than one at a time, that is tough to do.
The crimes and criminals were well plotted and the author did a good job of giving us some of the prospective from the criminals. The ending of the book does a good job of setting up what will be in the next book. I will read more in this series.
Highly recommended.
DCI Hardy is a smart detective and a compassionate man. It’s nice to read a book that rounds out the protagonist character so well. I really liked him and his little family. I like that he struggles with work/life balance. Because he is always dealing with tough cases and serial killers, sometimes more than one at a time, that is tough to do.
The crimes and criminals were well plotted and the author did a good job of giving us some of the prospective from the criminals. The ending of the book does a good job of setting up what will be in the next book. I will read more in this series.
Highly recommended.
May 9, 2019
"A mixed bag"
Gruesome murders, the sexual exploitation of trafficked East European females, drugs, torture and all manner of evil. The ingredients were there for a fast-paced, realistic modern thriller. Why did I keep thinking it had been written with one tongue firmly planted in the cheek? The writing style was so flippant and juvenile at times that it left me totally unconvinced. Not for me.
Gruesome murders, the sexual exploitation of trafficked East European females, drugs, torture and all manner of evil. The ingredients were there for a fast-paced, realistic modern thriller. Why did I keep thinking it had been written with one tongue firmly planted in the cheek? The writing style was so flippant and juvenile at times that it left me totally unconvinced. Not for me.
June 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this non-stop thriller. It was full of twists and turns throughout the book. It is full of surprises that are shocking. I really loved the main characters and how they related to each other. I want to read more from this series which continues on. The author describes the scenes in such a way that you can feel the emotions that the character's are going through. I was glad to be able to read this book!
December 9, 2019
Jay Gill’s suspenseful detective novel Knife & Death will keep you turning the pages to find out who the killer is and if Detective Chief Inspector James Hardy can find the murderer in time to save his family.
This was my first Jay Gill book, but it will not be my last. He has the ability to grab the reader’s attention and not let it waiver. If you like a gripping, intense, detective-solving mystery, don’t miss this one.
This was my first Jay Gill book, but it will not be my last. He has the ability to grab the reader’s attention and not let it waiver. If you like a gripping, intense, detective-solving mystery, don’t miss this one.
May 22, 2019
I received this book through another authors promotion in exchange for an honest review. DID Harry is assigned a murder case that troubles him deeply as he knows the woman. The author Jay Gill writes with a style that drags you inside the pages of his story. The characters are well developed, very well done. It's a story I won't soon forget. Plenty of jarring twists,be ready for the ride!
June 1, 2019
Very well done
I did enjoy this book very much, I found the authour knows how to build anxiety and fear swiftly. Yet can also deftly detail the downfall of the criminal in a way that had me cheering the good guy on. Well written, intense and yet so very readable you won’t want to put it down till finished.
I did enjoy this book very much, I found the authour knows how to build anxiety and fear swiftly. Yet can also deftly detail the downfall of the criminal in a way that had me cheering the good guy on. Well written, intense and yet so very readable you won’t want to put it down till finished.
August 27, 2019
New read.
Needed something different to read. Saw this book suggested and decided to give it a go. I was pleasantly surprised with the storyline and believable characters. I read this book in two days! I am now about to start the next in the series. I strongly recommend this author.
Needed something different to read. Saw this book suggested and decided to give it a go. I was pleasantly surprised with the storyline and believable characters. I read this book in two days! I am now about to start the next in the series. I strongly recommend this author.
October 2, 2019
I really really enjoyed this new detective and author .
am looking forward to getting to know him and his team in the next episode .. there was 1 unanswered mystery in knife and death that left me hanging x I cant put it up here as it would be a spoiler all on all a great start apart from that 1 blip
am looking forward to getting to know him and his team in the next episode .. there was 1 unanswered mystery in knife and death that left me hanging x I cant put it up here as it would be a spoiler all on all a great start apart from that 1 blip
January 26, 2020
Excellent read!
My first read from this author, and I'm sure it won't be my last. An excellent who done it, with plenty of twists and turns that draw you into the gruesome storyline.
The characters are well thought out and varied in their personalities, which help to pull you into the story.
I enjoyed this read so much, I finished it far to quickly!
My first read from this author, and I'm sure it won't be my last. An excellent who done it, with plenty of twists and turns that draw you into the gruesome storyline.
The characters are well thought out and varied in their personalities, which help to pull you into the story.
I enjoyed this read so much, I finished it far to quickly!
August 24, 2017
Loved this fast paced crime thriller. Fantastic story loved the characters, well thought out and well executed (no pun intended). Two interwoven stories, also a small amount of humour, which I liked. Can't wait for next book, will be looking for more books by this author.
March 8, 2018
Knife and Death. A Hardy crime thriller
Four stars for this second edition in these crime that I have found the story line quite easy to read so looking forward to next one hoping I can give it five
Four stars for this second edition in these crime that I have found the story line quite easy to read so looking forward to next one hoping I can give it five
May 26, 2019
Excellent. Enjoyed every minute of this book.
June 3, 2019
New author for me!
I have just finished this book and thank the author for this gift. I Can see that I shall be reading the next in this series good read.
I have just finished this book and thank the author for this gift. I Can see that I shall be reading the next in this series good read.
November 8, 2019
Not my usual genre but I enjoyed it, it's intriguing, once I got used the writing style, I like that you get every pov. Looking forward to A Walk In The Park
November 18, 2019
A mentor is an experienced and trusted adviser. James needs to watch his back. I enjoyed the story even though it was a little rough and recommend the book..
December 21, 2019
Enjoyed this book by Jay Gill. First time I read something from this author. Well done, and planning on reading more.
Michele Zito
Michele Zito
December 21, 2019
I'm not a fan of cutesey titles, but this book is anything but cute. Very graphic murder details. I liked James Hardy's family times together, sort of comic relief in a way, with his two children.
May 25, 2020
Super
Great plot. Riveting storyline that keeps the pages turning. The characters were wise with many heroes in their own right blossoming throughout this book. However the bane of my life is swearing and profanity which I find offensive. Good stories do not need them hence 4 stars.
Great plot. Riveting storyline that keeps the pages turning. The characters were wise with many heroes in their own right blossoming throughout this book. However the bane of my life is swearing and profanity which I find offensive. Good stories do not need them hence 4 stars.
Read
June 30, 2020Jay Gill’s suspenseful detective novel Knife & Death will keep you turning the pages to find out who the killer is and if Detective Chief Inspector James Hardy can find the murderer in time to save his family.
This was my first Jay Gill book, but it will not be my last. He has the ability to grab the reader’s attention and not let it waiver. If you like a gripping, intense, detective-solving mystery, don’t miss this one.
This was my first Jay Gill book, but it will not be my last. He has the ability to grab the reader’s attention and not let it waiver. If you like a gripping, intense, detective-solving mystery, don’t miss this one.
April 14, 2020
I was going to give this 3 stars because the idea of the plot was quite good. However there were far too many mistakes. For one a girl has short blonde hair then in what can have been no more than a week or two she had "grown it long enough to put it up". Impossible. The timelines were all over the place and the detective spends more time at home than actually working. It was really unbelievable and the worst crime was that someone tried to kill a woman and we were not told who, or why. The final nail in this author's coffin was not finishing the book. Nothing makes me more cross than an author trying to get me to buy their next book by starting it at the end of the first.
November 12, 2022
I enjoyed the book, which seemed to contain two plots. I found the short chapters and jumping from one group of suspects to another a little annoying at times. And the fact that the book ended with an unfinished story was very annoying. I borrowed the audiobook using Libby and they only have this one book available so won’t be able to read the next book unless I buy it. And I didn’t enjoy it enough to spend money on this series.
March 29, 2021
Great read
Love how this story builds and keeps your attention . I love short chapters so this was right up my street. The ending was a little quick but leaves the next book to continue the story. Looking forward to reading the next one. ENJOYED.
Love how this story builds and keeps your attention . I love short chapters so this was right up my street. The ending was a little quick but leaves the next book to continue the story. Looking forward to reading the next one. ENJOYED.
August 27, 2022
DCI James Hardy is a young widower with 2 small children and whose wife's best friend lives with him looking after the children. You can see where this is heading can't you. There are two plots to this book and some chapters are written in the first person with Hardy and some not, which doesn't really work, it needs to be one or the other.
The first plot involves the Albanian mafia, who seem to have overtaken the Sicilian mafia in books these days, and the discovery of many young girls wrapped up in plastic and dumped in the Thames in London during the night. I am surprised that they found that very easy to do with cctv everywhere. Anyway the next plot involves a man who kept his artist wife locked in a basement and made her paint numerous paintings which he then went on to sell as his own work. Hardy is the man responsible for convicting him and he is now out of prison bent on revenge. You can see where this is going as well can't you.
I found myself eventually past caring about the Albanian mafia who seemed a bit clueless and the sadistic killing con artist, although needless to say DCI Hardy saves his wife's best friend and his children and himself from being killed and goes on to become an armed response police officer.
I was rather glad when the book ended.
The first plot involves the Albanian mafia, who seem to have overtaken the Sicilian mafia in books these days, and the discovery of many young girls wrapped up in plastic and dumped in the Thames in London during the night. I am surprised that they found that very easy to do with cctv everywhere. Anyway the next plot involves a man who kept his artist wife locked in a basement and made her paint numerous paintings which he then went on to sell as his own work. Hardy is the man responsible for convicting him and he is now out of prison bent on revenge. You can see where this is going as well can't you.
I found myself eventually past caring about the Albanian mafia who seemed a bit clueless and the sadistic killing con artist, although needless to say DCI Hardy saves his wife's best friend and his children and himself from being killed and goes on to become an armed response police officer.
I was rather glad when the book ended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews