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Detective Chief Inspector Jack Harris #5
Thou Shalt Kill
When a man is discovered murdered by crucifixion, an evangelical religious group falls under suspicion
A dead body nailed to a shed troubles even hardened detective Jack Harris. Despite being told that boundary feuds in allotments can easily come to blows, the veteran crime solver suspects something more sinister is afoot. The fervent leader of an unorthodox Christian group is evasive and cagey when faced with questions, so the inquiry begins to centre on its members.
As police probe into their past, connections between the group and local people begin to emerge. It seems that it’s not by chance that the devout turned up on DCI Harris’s patch. But what really links these “happy clappies” to the murder, and is there a danger that the focus on them will let the real killer off the hook?
When a second killing occurs, with all the same hallmarks, detectives must act fast to solve the puzzle and put the culprit behind bars.
THOU SHALT KILL is the fifth book in a series of detective stories featuring DCI Jack Harris and his team, set in the fictional Pennine town of Hafton. It can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a series.
A dead body nailed to a shed troubles even hardened detective Jack Harris. Despite being told that boundary feuds in allotments can easily come to blows, the veteran crime solver suspects something more sinister is afoot. The fervent leader of an unorthodox Christian group is evasive and cagey when faced with questions, so the inquiry begins to centre on its members.
As police probe into their past, connections between the group and local people begin to emerge. It seems that it’s not by chance that the devout turned up on DCI Harris’s patch. But what really links these “happy clappies” to the murder, and is there a danger that the focus on them will let the real killer off the hook?
When a second killing occurs, with all the same hallmarks, detectives must act fast to solve the puzzle and put the culprit behind bars.
THOU SHALT KILL is the fifth book in a series of detective stories featuring DCI Jack Harris and his team, set in the fictional Pennine town of Hafton. It can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a series.
201 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2018
287 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
John Dean
133 books82 followersJohn Dean is a freelance journalist who has runs his own business and draws heavily on his years as a crime reporter for newspapers and magazines to create his novels.
He is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association and cites Sherlock Holmes as his all-time favorite detective. He lives in the South West of Scotland.
(Also writes under the pseudonym John Stanley)
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
He is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association and cites Sherlock Holmes as his all-time favorite detective. He lives in the South West of Scotland.
(Also writes under the pseudonym John Stanley)
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 12, 2020
DCI Jack Harris and his team are investigating the crucifixion death. His prime suspect(s) are the members of an unorthodox group, who has been at loggerheads with members of another church which is much more traditional.
The victim, Harris discovers, is not using his real name. So who was he? And who wanted him dead?
And when a second victim is found dead exactly as the first, Harris is afraid they may have a serial killer. DCI Harris, his DS Matt Gallagher and the team are really struggling to find the killer of two locals, in a very horrendous way.
The plot is complex, but well written, and swirls around religion and murder. The pacing is steady and starts at the very beginning. Characters are deftly drawn and persons of interest are many and varied. There are a few surprises in store along the way.
THOU SHALT KILL is the fifth book in a series of detective stories featuring DCI Jack Harris and his team, set in the fictional Pennine town of Levton Bridge. Although 5th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone.
The victim, Harris discovers, is not using his real name. So who was he? And who wanted him dead?
And when a second victim is found dead exactly as the first, Harris is afraid they may have a serial killer. DCI Harris, his DS Matt Gallagher and the team are really struggling to find the killer of two locals, in a very horrendous way.
The plot is complex, but well written, and swirls around religion and murder. The pacing is steady and starts at the very beginning. Characters are deftly drawn and persons of interest are many and varied. There are a few surprises in store along the way.
THOU SHALT KILL is the fifth book in a series of detective stories featuring DCI Jack Harris and his team, set in the fictional Pennine town of Levton Bridge. Although 5th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone.
January 9, 2020
This is an excellent read. I loved the suspense, and the storyline. The characters all interact well, and the ending is superb.
September 28, 2018
Way Too Much Religion For Me
There was more religion than I anticipated in this book. Besides the unorthodox group of Christian Evangelicals, there are also Anglicans. Thank goodness, the Methodists were only mentioned in passing.
However, it was interesting to read about the Christians at St. Cuthbert’s, because they were mean, sanctimonious, narrow-minded, and prejudiced. Plus, their vicar lies to detectives, is having an affair with a married woman, and is described as “a weak character of dubious moral fibre.” That was different, I think.
The primary murder-by-crucifixion storyline is well-plotted, and the little side story gave me an eye-opening look at the angst associated with allotment gardens. There are enough red herrings in the suspect pool to satisfy police procedural aficionados. Author John Dean always drops clues for readers, so we can suspects’ tick boxes.
The detective characters are well-developed with little peccadilloes that made them feel real. There’s humor amongst the detectives, although I didn’t understand all the British banter. The author helpfully provides a list of characters at the end of the book.
There are NSFW words but for a police procedural, it’s not bad. There are lots of mentions of God’s name, but I don’t recall profanity usage.
There was more religion than I anticipated in this book. Besides the unorthodox group of Christian Evangelicals, there are also Anglicans. Thank goodness, the Methodists were only mentioned in passing.
However, it was interesting to read about the Christians at St. Cuthbert’s, because they were mean, sanctimonious, narrow-minded, and prejudiced. Plus, their vicar lies to detectives, is having an affair with a married woman, and is described as “a weak character of dubious moral fibre.” That was different, I think.
The primary murder-by-crucifixion storyline is well-plotted, and the little side story gave me an eye-opening look at the angst associated with allotment gardens. There are enough red herrings in the suspect pool to satisfy police procedural aficionados. Author John Dean always drops clues for readers, so we can suspects’ tick boxes.
The detective characters are well-developed with little peccadilloes that made them feel real. There’s humor amongst the detectives, although I didn’t understand all the British banter. The author helpfully provides a list of characters at the end of the book.
There are NSFW words but for a police procedural, it’s not bad. There are lots of mentions of God’s name, but I don’t recall profanity usage.
September 19, 2019
Bit of a stretch of the imagination
I have read all the previous offerings in this series and enjoy the basic stories, but this one sort of stretches credibility a bit too far. I get a bit confused with the way the author has characters in conversation as he doesn’t have them mentioned by name but by rank instead at times and I find myself trying to go back a few paragraphs to find out who is in the conversation.
I’d only give this story three and a half stars but there is no half and I suppose it’s better than a three star rating.
I have read all the previous offerings in this series and enjoy the basic stories, but this one sort of stretches credibility a bit too far. I get a bit confused with the way the author has characters in conversation as he doesn’t have them mentioned by name but by rank instead at times and I find myself trying to go back a few paragraphs to find out who is in the conversation.
I’d only give this story three and a half stars but there is no half and I suppose it’s better than a three star rating.
November 9, 2020
Another excellent DCI Jack Harris mystery. This fifth book in series sees Harris battle the hypocrisy of organized religion. A continually lying Vicar, holier than thou followers of a cult, and local town leaders who fight each other make for an amazing plot in this mystery thriller. All five books in this series so far have been spellbinding. Harris and his merry band of constables and detectives always seem to take one step forward with two steps backwards. Levton Bridge is one strange little town. A must read in a must read series. Check it out.
January 2, 2025
Jack Harris is getting a bit tedious. I liked John Dean's Blizzard series much better. In this mystery, the anti-religious comments and attitudes got to be tiring. The conflicts between the traditionalists and the evangelicals lay at the heart of the murders but not in the way anyone suspected until near the end. Think I'll take a break before I tackle Jack Harris #5. I got 4-6 as a package deal on Kindle so I can tackle that one later this year.
January 8, 2021
Another great novel by John Dean, a great 'who -dunnit ' that keeps you guessing until the end
Book five in the series and like the other four this kept me entertained (and guessing) up to the end. A great cast of characters set in the bleak northern hills of England, a series well worth getting in to. Four for four.
Book five in the series and like the other four this kept me entertained (and guessing) up to the end. A great cast of characters set in the bleak northern hills of England, a series well worth getting in to. Four for four.
August 3, 2025
Another enjoyable read. This had many suspects and a lot of red herrings where people lie and just confuse matters more. Jack 'Hawk' Harris at his best. My only complaint is that I wish the author would refer to the team by their name and not their rank. Calling him Harris and the inspector in the same sentence/paragraph is very confusing to the reader. The same with Gallagher and sergeant.
January 7, 2026
This was another twisty crime story in the box set I have, this time Harris and his team investigate the brutal crucifixion murder.
Well-written with characters that suited the plot. I liked the building relationships between the team and the sense of humour, especially in the face of such disturbing crimes.
Engaging throughout.
Well-written with characters that suited the plot. I liked the building relationships between the team and the sense of humour, especially in the face of such disturbing crimes.
Engaging throughout.
October 18, 2018
Good story with strong characters , the author brings the location to the reader and understands his subject.
An irascible policeman and his happy to luck sidekick have an unusual killer in their locale and must sieve through a plethora of suspects to solve the case.
An irascible policeman and his happy to luck sidekick have an unusual killer in their locale and must sieve through a plethora of suspects to solve the case.
March 10, 2019
Good series
Each of the 5 books in this series can stand on its own. DCI Jack Harris is a great character and I have liked him better as I went through the series. I hope there are more books added.
Each of the 5 books in this series can stand on its own. DCI Jack Harris is a great character and I have liked him better as I went through the series. I hope there are more books added.
April 14, 2019
Thou shalt kill
I've finished both series by John Dean and am disappointed that there are no more to read. All the books were great and the story line is easy to follow. A good read...
I've finished both series by John Dean and am disappointed that there are no more to read. All the books were great and the story line is easy to follow. A good read...
May 12, 2020
For me, this was one of the weaker books in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed the detailed and indicate plot, but found it was at the expense of any character development of the team. A fun read though.
July 26, 2020
A thrilling murder mystery, with a man being found crucified.
This is a well crafted thriller, with characters that feel authentic, and show how individual's actions can have far reaching effects. There were a plethora of suspects and red herrings, which increased the suspense.
This is a well crafted thriller, with characters that feel authentic, and show how individual's actions can have far reaching effects. There were a plethora of suspects and red herrings, which increased the suspense.
July 30, 2020
Good mystery!
This is the second DCI Jack Harris book I've read. The premise of the book is unusual, murder by crucifixion. The characters were believeable, the story was action packed and intriguing. I highly recommend this book to other police procedural readers.
This is the second DCI Jack Harris book I've read. The premise of the book is unusual, murder by crucifixion. The characters were believeable, the story was action packed and intriguing. I highly recommend this book to other police procedural readers.
December 28, 2020
Hawk eyed
Enjoyed this, the first John Dean, Jack Hawkins novel I have read. Church matters and who believes what come through strong in this book. What seemed a religious crucifixion turns out to be far from it. Well written, easy to rwad
Enjoyed this, the first John Dean, Jack Hawkins novel I have read. Church matters and who believes what come through strong in this book. What seemed a religious crucifixion turns out to be far from it. Well written, easy to rwad
October 9, 2024
A man is crucified onto a shed door on the local allotment. But who is he. Then there is another death. Is there a connection between them. DCI Jack Harris and his team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery with its cast of varied characters.
An entertaining modern mystery with its cast of varied characters.
July 16, 2025
A grizzly murder in the local allotments starts another frustrating case for Jack and Matty. Getting to the bottom of these goings on certainly takes some doing. Church involvement along with a form of cult muddies the waters even further.
Another super read in this series.
Another super read in this series.
October 22, 2018
Another great story
Another great story by John Dean with the usual strong characters and plenty of action.Lots of twists and turns and a good ending.
Another great story by John Dean with the usual strong characters and plenty of action.Lots of twists and turns and a good ending.
January 13, 2019
Lots of murders
Chose rating as it saw me off to sleep for a few nights Looking forward to my next read Recomend book to anyone
Chose rating as it saw me off to sleep for a few nights Looking forward to my next read Recomend book to anyone
January 20, 2019
Was a good story but I found the number of characters made it difficult to know who was who.
January 27, 2019
Sorry it had to rndr
I hAve really enjoyed the Hawk Harris stories. I look forward to reading more! Gruff and tough he may be, but canny with it. A sly fox methinks
I hAve really enjoyed the Hawk Harris stories. I look forward to reading more! Gruff and tough he may be, but canny with it. A sly fox methinks
July 30, 2020
Good Read
well written and boys lot of foul language. The story has just enough hidden information to make it truly interesting.
well written and boys lot of foul language. The story has just enough hidden information to make it truly interesting.
January 4, 2021
This book gives one an interesting perspective on religion and its benefits and lack there of. Unfortunately belief in tenets of the old testament leads to murder by a sociopath.
May 4, 2023
They just keep getting better! I stayed up late finishing this one. I'm really enjoying this series.
June 9, 2025
Different, but enjoyed
June 11, 2025
Religious killings seem to be behind this but there is more to it than that and you do not find out who it is till the end. Had Jack found love at last?
August 26, 2025
5 Books in and The Quality Does not Dip . Religion always is so Fun to read about . So many Lies .
January 10, 2020
Another great title in the DCI Jack Harris series. When a murder is committed the facts of a case put an evangelical christian group under suspicion. But at they really carrying out God's work, or is something more sinister afoot?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews