One Lawyer Less

Lakeland Murders #13

by J.J. Salkeld

The apparent suicide of a local solicitor attracts the attention of the Super: so DI Jane Francis quickly finds herself on the case. But what is her boss's real interest, and is the case as straightforward as it seems? Ably assisted by muscular DS Ian Mann and indomitable forensics supremo Sandy Smith, Jane is quickly drawn into the largest and most complex case ever to be faced by Kendal's CID team. Meanwhile Lake District farmer Owen Irvine faces a more modest mystery of his own. Could the dead ewes that have been dumped on his land, at the end of the driest summer on record, be a personal message? And, if so, what do they signify?

The latest novella from J J Salkeld, featuring characters from both of his series set in England's lovely Lake District, this story combines rich characterisation and a pacy, contemporary plot with many of the characteristics of the classic crime tradition. So while there is some bad language there is very little explicit violence, although this novel does consider some of the issues that face a small, regional police force when confronted by the (all too real) threats posed by the dark forces of international organised crime. Consider yourself warned, dear reader...

Please note: this novella is the same length as usual, but this time there's a little something extra at the end. It doesn't feature the usual suspects, isn't set in Kendal, and isn't even a novel. But it is typical Salkeld, and there's crime at the heart of it.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2020

About the author

J.J. Salkeld (Richard Simpson's pen-name) worked as a journalist and documentary photographer, based in Cumbria, before beginning the Lakeland Murders series of detective novels.

Reviews

[Mary E SMYTH · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the previous 12 books in this series. , and absolutely loved every one of them. This perhaps was unlucky 13, I found the plot a tad over complicated and not really believable.
However, I did enjoy meeting all the character's again, but once again I have a complaint. It would be good to see some development in the various relationships. It's about time somebody got married and also time for a love interest for big Ian, even better, some lassie not in the police force.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this series. The characters are and quite well thought out. The plot of this one was quite complicated. I must say that I enjoy the ones with DI Andy Mann better than the ones when Jane Hall is in charge. But nevertheless the procedural and depiction of what life is like for British Policemen today is well done. Thankfully these books are relatively free the from politically correct themes that other writers are now embracing..

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised by this one. An enjoyable read and a little more meat to the story. Not full of grammatical and spelling errors which made a pleasant surprise. My only criticism is that I feel our favourite characters have morphed into each other slightly. The language used doesn’t seem to change wether it’s sandy, Jane, Alba or Owen speaking.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

Another great story in the Lakeland Murders series and one with plenty of action. Lots of good strong characters and a great story line. Having read all the books so far I am looking forward to reading more.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story, as was the extra

Another good story..I hope Ian hooks up with Jill! It'd be nice to see him have someone. I'd also like to know more about Jane and Andy's Devil Child ljbol