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DC Smith #8
A Private Investigation
When fourteen-year-old Zoe Johnson doesn’t come home on a Monday night in early December, the alarm bells in Kings Lake Central police station do not ring straight away – after all, she’s from the Dockmills, one of the toughest estates in the town. But for Detective Sergeant DC Smith, due to retire in just three weeks’ time, there are some strange echoes of the case that has haunted him for the past thirteen years. Maybe it’s simply his over-developed sense of irony, or maybe, in his final days as a police officer, Smith must look once more into the eyes of a serial killer.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2018
823 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Peter Grainger
46 books859 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 261 reviews
August 11, 2023
Hmmm, I can’t help but wonder if Grainger planned for this to be the last in the Smith series when he wrote it. The book starts when Smith only has 3 weeks left before his retirement date. And Smith definitely spends a lot of time wondering what he’ll do once he’s retired and reminiscing about prior cases and times with his team.
The case that involves his final working days is that of a fourteen year old girl who's gone missing. But then, a possible connection arises to a case from Smith’s past and he’s pushed aside to make sure any future prosecution isn’t compromised.
This is such a wonderful series and I just love Smith - his philosophy, his humor, his attention to proper grammar. He’s the kind of man I would love to know in real life. And he’s the kind of detective everyone would want on a case involving their loved ones. “Don’t just look, see.”
The book ends with a true cliffhanger. I’d have been in apoplexy if I had read this when it first came out. Do not read this book as a stand-alone. The series should be read in order.
This series will appeal to readers who love Louise Penny, Martin Walker and Joy Ellis.
I listened to this and I just adore Gildart Jackson. He totally embodies Smith.
The case that involves his final working days is that of a fourteen year old girl who's gone missing. But then, a possible connection arises to a case from Smith’s past and he’s pushed aside to make sure any future prosecution isn’t compromised.
This is such a wonderful series and I just love Smith - his philosophy, his humor, his attention to proper grammar. He’s the kind of man I would love to know in real life. And he’s the kind of detective everyone would want on a case involving their loved ones. “Don’t just look, see.”
The book ends with a true cliffhanger. I’d have been in apoplexy if I had read this when it first came out. Do not read this book as a stand-alone. The series should be read in order.
This series will appeal to readers who love Louise Penny, Martin Walker and Joy Ellis.
I listened to this and I just adore Gildart Jackson. He totally embodies Smith.
May 24, 2021
Please dont let this be the end!
I dont want him to die. And I dont want him to retire. It's been a long journey with DC and his group, I feel as if I really know them. Please write more!!
I dont want him to die. And I dont want him to retire. It's been a long journey with DC and his group, I feel as if I really know them. Please write more!!
Read
September 24, 2023Sadly, this began well before losing steam 2/3 through and unable to recover. 4 of 10 stars
September 28, 2018
A Private Investigation is book eight in the DC Smith series by Peter Grainger. Three weeks from retirement from the Kings Lake Central Police, Detective Sergeant DC Smith when a young girl went missing. The disappearance of Zoe Johnson ticked in Detective Sergeant DC Smith the memories of a previous case of missing children. However, know when was listening to him, so he investigated on his own. The readers of A Private Investigation will follow the twist and turns in the parallel investigation between Detective Sergeant DC Smith case and the leading investigator.
I have not read any of Peter Grainger books and like I always do I found a fantastic series by reading the last book in the series instead of the beginning. I enjoy reading A Private Investigation and the way Peter Grainger incorporate his twist and turns in the story. A Private Investigation is well written and researched by Peter Grainger. I love Peter Grainger portrayal of his characters and the way they interact with each other. The description of the setting by Peter Grainger helped me to engage with the plot from the beginning.
The readers of A Private Investigation will understand the importance of not forgetting about their older employees and the benefits they can provide in an organisation. Also, the readers of A Private Investigation will learn about law enforcement procedures in England.
I recommend this book.
I have not read any of Peter Grainger books and like I always do I found a fantastic series by reading the last book in the series instead of the beginning. I enjoy reading A Private Investigation and the way Peter Grainger incorporate his twist and turns in the story. A Private Investigation is well written and researched by Peter Grainger. I love Peter Grainger portrayal of his characters and the way they interact with each other. The description of the setting by Peter Grainger helped me to engage with the plot from the beginning.
The readers of A Private Investigation will understand the importance of not forgetting about their older employees and the benefits they can provide in an organisation. Also, the readers of A Private Investigation will learn about law enforcement procedures in England.
I recommend this book.
October 1, 2018
An excellent read!
One of the best yet!
It can't be the last one. We can't leave Smith this way! It's definitely a cliffhanger,no doubt,and a great one. I didn't see it coming. I want to say goodbye. I loved the book. I want a different ending!
One of the best yet!
It can't be the last one. We can't leave Smith this way! It's definitely a cliffhanger,no doubt,and a great one. I didn't see it coming. I want to say goodbye. I loved the book. I want a different ending!
May 5, 2024
This is my favourite of the series so far, even though it deals with the disappearance of a teenage girl. There is palpable menace, and I found myself completely engaged with the search (probably more so because I have a daughter).
I do not want to give anything away, but the book ends with a huge cliffhanger...
I do not want to give anything away, but the book ends with a huge cliffhanger...
September 5, 2018
It was a little difficult to recall details of this series I had enjoyed some time ago, but I found this eighth book in the series and it is a must read for any fan of DC Smith.
Supposedly walking offstage into a well deserved retirement Smith goes out with quite a bang. The tension builds throughout, block after block. Cliffhanger! Tell me it is not over.
Genre: police procedural.
Kindle Unlimited
Supposedly walking offstage into a well deserved retirement Smith goes out with quite a bang. The tension builds throughout, block after block. Cliffhanger! Tell me it is not over.
Genre: police procedural.
Kindle Unlimited
August 15, 2018
Excellent Book. Brilliant Series!
DC Smith and company are some of the finest quality characters to come out in decades!
This is for the reader who enjoys a main character that thinks, a lot! He's funny, very much a gentleman and so smart that to dismiss his mild mannered ways is to so at your own peril!
Please start at the beginning of this series.
NOTE TO AUTHOR: Many thanks for bringing DC & company back to life. Christmas came early for this American fan!
DC Smith and company are some of the finest quality characters to come out in decades!
This is for the reader who enjoys a main character that thinks, a lot! He's funny, very much a gentleman and so smart that to dismiss his mild mannered ways is to so at your own peril!
Please start at the beginning of this series.
NOTE TO AUTHOR: Many thanks for bringing DC & company back to life. Christmas came early for this American fan!
July 28, 2019
I have loved every one of the DC Smith series by Peter Grainger and this is no exception. Some of the best modern police detective stories around and the audio is superb too. Perfect summer reading, but start with DC Smith 1, Am Accidental Death, if you are new to this series.
August 18, 2018
Last Case
Very well written as usual, with a few twists and turns thrown into the mix. The police knowledge was correct in minute detail and his portrayal of DC coming to the end of his career was illuminating.
What a great waste of knowledge and experience will be lost but what a terrible way to end the story, can we but hope that the author has a change of heart and keeps him alive and kicking in another book in the future.
Very well written as usual, with a few twists and turns thrown into the mix. The police knowledge was correct in minute detail and his portrayal of DC coming to the end of his career was illuminating.
What a great waste of knowledge and experience will be lost but what a terrible way to end the story, can we but hope that the author has a change of heart and keeps him alive and kicking in another book in the future.
September 6, 2018
i don't give 5 stars to many books and this is my first time actually writing a review. But I have totally loved the DC Smith series and if this is REALLY the last I feel like I've lost a friend. The characters, story lines and especially Peter Grainger's style of writing all appeal to me. He is amongst my top favourite writers along with Rankin, Oswald, Billingham. Thank you Mr Grainger (less)
August 9, 2023
Melancholy, heart wrenching, fantastic audio.
This installments threads up story lines that were seeded from the beginning and sets the stage for the Kings Lake Investigations series in a very satisfactory way. David Conrad Smith a.k.a D.C. continues to be the engine to these stories but the other characters are fully formed and interesting in their own right.
Bravo!!!
This installments threads up story lines that were seeded from the beginning and sets the stage for the Kings Lake Investigations series in a very satisfactory way. David Conrad Smith a.k.a D.C. continues to be the engine to these stories but the other characters are fully formed and interesting in their own right.
Bravo!!!
October 14, 2022
I have now read all of the existing books in Grainger’s DC Smith series and have enjoyed them all. I have previously stated that the books can be read as stand-alone novels but this isn’t true of the latest books (#’s 7, 8 & 9). Read these books in order for maximum enjoyment -- and hope that Grainger continues to write and find ways to keep Smith in the picture. (Since there is a book #9, obviously the author has done it once.)
Book #8 (A Private Investigation) begins as DC Smith’s career in law enforcement is coming to an end. He has chosen to retire despite several offers to continue his career with increasingly important positions, which he has declined with equal measures of reluctance and acceptance. With a few weeks to go he becomes something of a ‘lame duck’ detective within the office. His team still holds him in high regard but his new boss relegates him to unimportant administrative tasks rather than taking advantage of his experience to help with the disappearance of fourteen-year-old Zoe Johnson, which for Smith starts to rekindle memories of a serial killer he put in prison long ago.
Although he is kept in the background Smith pays attention and gives his old team members some useful assistance as they take the lead on the case. However, it seems that the kidnapper has something more in mind. It becomes increasingly inevitable that there will be a showdown of sorts and that these cases are going to bracket Smith’s career.
Smith is one of the most fascinating and engaging characters in the entire genre. He is reserved, ironic, quirky and frequently very funny. Most of all he cares about justice and victims. He isn’t afraid to stray beyond the boundaries of the job but in a very British, almost professorial kind of way, quoting classics and observing incorrect grammar as he goes.
There is always an element of the bitter-sweet in Grainger’s DC Smith novels but it’s closer to the surface here because something is ending. Not only is Smith retiring but policing is changing. It’s clear that, whenever change happens, some good may come of it but something will also be lost forever. Please Mr. Grainger, may I have some more?
Book #8 (A Private Investigation) begins as DC Smith’s career in law enforcement is coming to an end. He has chosen to retire despite several offers to continue his career with increasingly important positions, which he has declined with equal measures of reluctance and acceptance. With a few weeks to go he becomes something of a ‘lame duck’ detective within the office. His team still holds him in high regard but his new boss relegates him to unimportant administrative tasks rather than taking advantage of his experience to help with the disappearance of fourteen-year-old Zoe Johnson, which for Smith starts to rekindle memories of a serial killer he put in prison long ago.
Although he is kept in the background Smith pays attention and gives his old team members some useful assistance as they take the lead on the case. However, it seems that the kidnapper has something more in mind. It becomes increasingly inevitable that there will be a showdown of sorts and that these cases are going to bracket Smith’s career.
Smith is one of the most fascinating and engaging characters in the entire genre. He is reserved, ironic, quirky and frequently very funny. Most of all he cares about justice and victims. He isn’t afraid to stray beyond the boundaries of the job but in a very British, almost professorial kind of way, quoting classics and observing incorrect grammar as he goes.
There is always an element of the bitter-sweet in Grainger’s DC Smith novels but it’s closer to the surface here because something is ending. Not only is Smith retiring but policing is changing. It’s clear that, whenever change happens, some good may come of it but something will also be lost forever. Please Mr. Grainger, may I have some more?
December 17, 2018
It has taken me a few days since finishing to get past the book hangover that this novel has given me. In fact, I am not sure that I am over it. I have read and loved all of the DC Smith books - they are some of my favorites. I am grateful to Audible that the first in the series was a deal of the day or a freebie that enticed me enough to see what the series was about. Otherwise, I am afraid that I might have missed out. I did not take the time to re-listen to all of the series before I stated book 8, but I did take the time to listen to #7 as a refresher before I dived in to A Private Investigation. One of my favorite aspects of Peter Grainger’s writing is his ability to make me laugh out loud. I am happy to report that I did that again many times in book 8. The natural arc of DC’s career and the realities of leaving behind a profession that has defined most of you (if not all of you) rang so true as I flipped the pages and listened to Gildart Jackson. And let me just say that Gildart Jackson is the perfect voice for DC and the whole cast of characters.
Now, to the ending. There are no spoilers here, only the chance to say that I hope we are able to learn more. I have read that Peter Grainger is not leaving King’s Lake behind for good - and I fervently hope that is the case. I have not been left this emotional by the ending of a novel in a very long time. Many days later, I am still not sure I have reconciled myself with it. I am not quantifying good or bad (it is good - achingly so), but it is just so gut-wrenching. It makes me think of Dickinson and her line - “If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry.” My head (and heart) were most definitely “taken off.” I want the chance to re-visit this place I have come to love with the cast of characters who feel like family.
Now, to the ending. There are no spoilers here, only the chance to say that I hope we are able to learn more. I have read that Peter Grainger is not leaving King’s Lake behind for good - and I fervently hope that is the case. I have not been left this emotional by the ending of a novel in a very long time. Many days later, I am still not sure I have reconciled myself with it. I am not quantifying good or bad (it is good - achingly so), but it is just so gut-wrenching. It makes me think of Dickinson and her line - “If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry.” My head (and heart) were most definitely “taken off.” I want the chance to re-visit this place I have come to love with the cast of characters who feel like family.
August 22, 2018
Definitely enjoyed this last offering in the series, but it looks as though this might be the last we see of D. C. Smith and if it is, I for one, will be most disappointed. All good things do not necessarily have to come to an end.
September 4, 2018
So Disappointing!
I loved the previous books in this series. But this one was slow moving and DC was a bit maudlin. I hated the ending!
I loved the previous books in this series. But this one was slow moving and DC was a bit maudlin. I hated the ending!
October 5, 2018
Great read as usual. But please don’t. I hope you are not tired of writing his stories, I am not tired of reading them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2025
Did it keep my interest? 5. By this time I am so invested in this series that every sub plot keeps me fully engaged
Did I enjoy the topic? 5. A bit of melancholy as Smith heads toward retirement, but his last case is the perfect one to wrap up a career. A missing girl that has ties to the mass murderer case that haunts him the most.
Was the dialogue realistic? 4.5. I love the office politics at Kings Lake police headquarters. What other series would spend real time on the change of the station entrance and how you are greeted upon arrival. I think these kinds of touches are charming
Would I recommend to Jen (smart, discerning reader)? 5 Jen just picked up her second DC Smith.
Would I have recommended to my Mom (read for entertainment)? 5 Yes, ma’am
Quality of narrator? 5 Gildart Jackson, legend.
Did I enjoy the topic? 5. A bit of melancholy as Smith heads toward retirement, but his last case is the perfect one to wrap up a career. A missing girl that has ties to the mass murderer case that haunts him the most.
Was the dialogue realistic? 4.5. I love the office politics at Kings Lake police headquarters. What other series would spend real time on the change of the station entrance and how you are greeted upon arrival. I think these kinds of touches are charming
Would I recommend to Jen (smart, discerning reader)? 5 Jen just picked up her second DC Smith.
Would I have recommended to my Mom (read for entertainment)? 5 Yes, ma’am
Quality of narrator? 5 Gildart Jackson, legend.
April 18, 2024
Phew, what a tense ending to this 8th book in the series, tying up an old case with a current one and ending very dramatically.
Thank you Peter Grainger, for these excellent stories. I am
looking forward to the next books in the Kings Lake series.
I enjoyed your interview with Andy Andrews
https://youtu.be/XMIRcTHR3DE
Thank you Peter Grainger, for these excellent stories. I am
looking forward to the next books in the Kings Lake series.
I enjoyed your interview with Andy Andrews
https://youtu.be/XMIRcTHR3DE
December 11, 2023
The subject matter is this book is a little disturbing and the language was a little rougher than others in the series. The ending was intense and this book definitely needs an epilogue as I did not like how things ended. I got super frustrated with the senior officers and was sad for Smith’s team as change happens. I love DC’s character but he was a little off in this one.
August 17, 2023
I enjoy this series so much, both the writing and the audio book narration, that I have listened to all the books several times over. This one contains a character who is autistic and unfortunately, the writing in regards to this character is unkind and ableist. I'm actually autistic and find it offensive.
Watching the video feed of this character being interrogated, Murray and DC have a conversation:
"Have you ever done one of these, DC?"
"Something similar, about fifteen years ago. You?"
"No, had a few funny ones, like we all do. I don't know, there seems to be a lot more of it these days. Seems to be something about it on the news, every week. Asperger's is the latest thing, isn't it?"
"I know what you mean. I'm not sure it hasn't always been there, but awareness changes and things get new labels. I don't think Asperger's is the same as autism, there's some sort of difference, but I'm no expert, either."
Not an expert and neither is Mr. Grainger. For a work published in 2018, this is remarkably derogatory and insensitive. It goes on from there and doesn't get any better, ending with this:
"Nineteen years and counting. [His mother] probably isn't halfway through the life sentence she's been handed."
The post interrogation discussion becomes even worse and is eventually shut down, wherein DC practically stands and applauds at the compassion this supposedly demonstrates. Forgive me if I don't join him.
I do wish authors, if they are going to write about any kind of mental illness or disorder, would bother to do some research beyond the stereotypes. There is plenty of writing by autistic people available online and I have to wonder if Mr. Grainger bothered to read any of it. If he did, it does not come through in this book and this kind of representation does nothing to raise awareness or promote inclusivity.
(Sweet baby deities, are we ever gonna get past the Rain Man portrayal?)
Watching the video feed of this character being interrogated, Murray and DC have a conversation:
"Have you ever done one of these, DC?"
"Something similar, about fifteen years ago. You?"
"No, had a few funny ones, like we all do. I don't know, there seems to be a lot more of it these days. Seems to be something about it on the news, every week. Asperger's is the latest thing, isn't it?"
"I know what you mean. I'm not sure it hasn't always been there, but awareness changes and things get new labels. I don't think Asperger's is the same as autism, there's some sort of difference, but I'm no expert, either."
Not an expert and neither is Mr. Grainger. For a work published in 2018, this is remarkably derogatory and insensitive. It goes on from there and doesn't get any better, ending with this:
"Nineteen years and counting. [His mother] probably isn't halfway through the life sentence she's been handed."
The post interrogation discussion becomes even worse and is eventually shut down, wherein DC practically stands and applauds at the compassion this supposedly demonstrates. Forgive me if I don't join him.
I do wish authors, if they are going to write about any kind of mental illness or disorder, would bother to do some research beyond the stereotypes. There is plenty of writing by autistic people available online and I have to wonder if Mr. Grainger bothered to read any of it. If he did, it does not come through in this book and this kind of representation does nothing to raise awareness or promote inclusivity.
(Sweet baby deities, are we ever gonna get past the Rain Man portrayal?)
May 2, 2025
2025: 5 stars. Repeat listen. This is a the most emotive story in the series for me and even though I know what happens after this book it still causes tears to clog up the back of my throat.
2022: repeat listen.
This has now became an ‘emotions involved’ keepsake listen for me: my beloved Father-in-law passed away just before Christmas this year and I listened to this right on the back of that.
I appreciate this story, especially the love and respect Grainger has crafted between D.C. Smith and his team.
Extra: abduction of young teenaged girls.
2022: repeat listen.
This has now became an ‘emotions involved’ keepsake listen for me: my beloved Father-in-law passed away just before Christmas this year and I listened to this right on the back of that.
I appreciate this story, especially the love and respect Grainger has crafted between D.C. Smith and his team.
Extra: abduction of young teenaged girls.
March 16, 2019
My very favourite police procedural and one of my very favourite characters. I listened to this one and the narrator, Gildart Jackson, is fabulous. DC Smith is a series that must be read in order IMO, and the best in the series for me was No.6 “The Rags of Time”. This one ends in a cliffhanger, I hope it’s not the end of DC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2018
Very good
I hope there is going to be another book in the series as now I want to know what happens next.
I hope there is going to be another book in the series as now I want to know what happens next.
April 26, 2019
Was not emotionally prepared for this one.
May 30, 2022
I'm diving right into The Truth, the last book in the D.C. Smith series. I can't stand the suspense! I think this series is equal to (or possibly a little better than?) the Gamache books.
October 21, 2023
4.5 Stars
March 19, 2024
A fantastic series and this one was especially good.
September 21, 2024
The books are getting better! But ummm why is there a cliffhanger????
June 3, 2024
I read this not wanting it to be DCs last case, i hated his lack of power in the station as they try and sideline him. What a story what an ending. I just love this series so much
Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews