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DI Chilcott #1
Dead Ringer
THEY LEFT HIM FOR DEAD. NOW HE'S BACK. AND HE WANTS REVENGE...
"A story brimming with dramatic tension" Award-winning author, Debz Hobbs-Wyatt.
When the discarded body of a young woman sparks a manhunt on the streets of Bristol, striking similarities to another murder suggest there’s only one detective for the job. But he’s in disgrace and self-imposed exile.
Bitter from a promotional snub and professionally embarrassed by his last failed murder case, DI Robbie Chilcott lives a life of seclusion. But now he has a chance to restore some pride and put a deadly serial killer behind bars.
Back where he belongs, it doesn’t take Chilcott long to establish a shocking link between the victims: both were daughters of SAS veterans. As the investigation deepens, so the realisation dawns that he is pursuing a methodical, calculating and ruthless adversary.
He’s a hunting a professional, accomplished in the dark art of death and trained to the highest military levels of escape, evasion and survival. If Chilcott is to gain an advantage and end the bloodshed, he must break from the shackles of law and place his trust in one of the most secretive and tight-knit military units.
But will they turn on one of their own?
From the Kindle best-selling author of the Detective Deans Mystery Series comes a fast-paced police procedural for fans of gripping action and edge-of-your-seat suspense. If you like LJ Ross, JD Kirk, Angela Marsons and Charlie Gallagher, you'll love this new British crime series.
DI CHILCOTT - BOOK ONE
"A story brimming with dramatic tension" Award-winning author, Debz Hobbs-Wyatt.
When the discarded body of a young woman sparks a manhunt on the streets of Bristol, striking similarities to another murder suggest there’s only one detective for the job. But he’s in disgrace and self-imposed exile.
Bitter from a promotional snub and professionally embarrassed by his last failed murder case, DI Robbie Chilcott lives a life of seclusion. But now he has a chance to restore some pride and put a deadly serial killer behind bars.
Back where he belongs, it doesn’t take Chilcott long to establish a shocking link between the victims: both were daughters of SAS veterans. As the investigation deepens, so the realisation dawns that he is pursuing a methodical, calculating and ruthless adversary.
He’s a hunting a professional, accomplished in the dark art of death and trained to the highest military levels of escape, evasion and survival. If Chilcott is to gain an advantage and end the bloodshed, he must break from the shackles of law and place his trust in one of the most secretive and tight-knit military units.
But will they turn on one of their own?
From the Kindle best-selling author of the Detective Deans Mystery Series comes a fast-paced police procedural for fans of gripping action and edge-of-your-seat suspense. If you like LJ Ross, JD Kirk, Angela Marsons and Charlie Gallagher, you'll love this new British crime series.
DI CHILCOTT - BOOK ONE
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2020
336 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
James D. Mortain
8 books74 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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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 21, 2020
The murder of a young woman brings to mind the murder of another young woman, killed in the same manner, and the case was never closed.
DI Robbie Chilcott had been the lead investigator, and the cased caused real havoc with his life. He lost his wife, he lost his temper in a big way and he was let go in disgrace.
Now he has a chance to restore some pride and put a deadly serial killer behind bars. His ex-supervisor wants him to come back temporarily and see if he can find a killer before anyone else dies.
The body count is rising and it's not just females anymore .... two men have been murdered...and this methodical, calculating, precise killer now has eyes on Chilicott and his supervisor.
This is a well written crime fiction, with a nicely paced plot, and characters that are deftly drawn. There are several twists and turns that makes it hard to stop reading leading to an unexpected ending. It's the beginning of a new series .... and I am anxious to see what happens next in Chillicott's life.
The author brings authenticity to his books through his many years of police experience as a former British CID Detective.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this riveting urban crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
DI Robbie Chilcott had been the lead investigator, and the cased caused real havoc with his life. He lost his wife, he lost his temper in a big way and he was let go in disgrace.
Now he has a chance to restore some pride and put a deadly serial killer behind bars. His ex-supervisor wants him to come back temporarily and see if he can find a killer before anyone else dies.
The body count is rising and it's not just females anymore .... two men have been murdered...and this methodical, calculating, precise killer now has eyes on Chilicott and his supervisor.
This is a well written crime fiction, with a nicely paced plot, and characters that are deftly drawn. There are several twists and turns that makes it hard to stop reading leading to an unexpected ending. It's the beginning of a new series .... and I am anxious to see what happens next in Chillicott's life.
The author brings authenticity to his books through his many years of police experience as a former British CID Detective.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this riveting urban crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 24, 2020
Another winning book by the fabulously talented James D Mortain. Within pages I'm shouting at the characters, he draws you into the story immediately. Written with confidence and conviction this crime novel is both easy reading yet intriguing and a complete page turner. I missed Deano but DI Chilcott is a worthy replacement, can't wait to read more of this crime stopping action. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
April 25, 2020
"Gripping thriller"
Most of us need to research the books we write so as to give an impression we know what we're talking about. This author has been there and done it, so the minutiae of the police procedural is in safe hands. Bitingly accurate. Great characters. A gritty, gripping roller coaster of a tale that where the pace never slows. Highly recommended.
Most of us need to research the books we write so as to give an impression we know what we're talking about. This author has been there and done it, so the minutiae of the police procedural is in safe hands. Bitingly accurate. Great characters. A gritty, gripping roller coaster of a tale that where the pace never slows. Highly recommended.
November 17, 2023
This was disappointing.
It wasn't bad per se but it was extremely underwhelming.
We find out who's the bad guy about 40% in and the rest of the book is about catching the guy. The police, especially the protagonist DI Chilcott don't really do anything here.
There's no mystery, no thrill and definitely no twist.
Maybe it is supposed to be realistic but it just doesn't work as an entertaining book.
Whoever wrote the subtitles 'murder has never been more deadly' and 'a gripping crime thriller with a killer twist' is probably an intern who has read how SEO (search engine optimisation) works and knows nothing about the book. That's a shame.
1 star for being a quick and easy read. It has nothing else going for it.
It wasn't bad per se but it was extremely underwhelming.
We find out who's the bad guy about 40% in and the rest of the book is about catching the guy. The police, especially the protagonist DI Chilcott don't really do anything here.
There's no mystery, no thrill and definitely no twist.
Maybe it is supposed to be realistic but it just doesn't work as an entertaining book.
Whoever wrote the subtitles 'murder has never been more deadly' and 'a gripping crime thriller with a killer twist' is probably an intern who has read how SEO (search engine optimisation) works and knows nothing about the book. That's a shame.
1 star for being a quick and easy read. It has nothing else going for it.
February 25, 2022
You can really tell the difference!
I am a avid reader of British and Scottish Crime Proceduals. I'm always on the lookout for a new author, and I just found on in James D Mortain! You can honestly tell the difference of am author that is former CID, and I have only read books by one other. And I would have guessed if I didn't already know Mr Morgan's history! You can tell the difference procedurally, in the wording, and the banter. I read these authors with a different perspective, not only for the enjoyment of the story, but to learn as well. There are vast differences in the ways of policing between the States and the UK.
This story had a very original plotline, and I wouldn't doubt that this has happened in real life at one time or another. The characters are well developed and likeable, and show their emotions throughout the book. This is important to me because I feel their emotions as well. Part of what makes a story gripping! Their were lots of the twists and turns, even after the suspect was named. And I honestly didn't see the ending coming in any way. This is the first book by this author that I have read, but it certainly won't be the last!
I am a avid reader of British and Scottish Crime Proceduals. I'm always on the lookout for a new author, and I just found on in James D Mortain! You can honestly tell the difference of am author that is former CID, and I have only read books by one other. And I would have guessed if I didn't already know Mr Morgan's history! You can tell the difference procedurally, in the wording, and the banter. I read these authors with a different perspective, not only for the enjoyment of the story, but to learn as well. There are vast differences in the ways of policing between the States and the UK.
This story had a very original plotline, and I wouldn't doubt that this has happened in real life at one time or another. The characters are well developed and likeable, and show their emotions throughout the book. This is important to me because I feel their emotions as well. Part of what makes a story gripping! Their were lots of the twists and turns, even after the suspect was named. And I honestly didn't see the ending coming in any way. This is the first book by this author that I have read, but it certainly won't be the last!
March 18, 2020
Excellent police procedural w a tough female protagonist.
I was hesitant about picking up this book, because I’d read one of this author’s early books which came to a dead-stop on a cliffhanger. Happily, not only does this book have a satisfying denouement, I thoroughly enjoyed the complex and well-executed storyline. Yeah, the title is a dead giveaway, and although I had suspicions, I definitely wanted to see how the storyline would wrap up.
Many police procedurals being written now are light on protocols and procedures, but if I wanted a cozy or a cozy-ish book, I know how to find them. In this crime fiction, the emphasis is on the police procedural and the hunt for a dangerous murderer, who begins to target police personnel. The author does include protagonists’ personal and/or domestic issues, but not to the point of distraction. I especially appreciate not reading long, angst-filled interior monologues.
Very well-written book all ‘round, and I recommend “Dead Ringer” to crime fiction fans.
I was hesitant about picking up this book, because I’d read one of this author’s early books which came to a dead-stop on a cliffhanger. Happily, not only does this book have a satisfying denouement, I thoroughly enjoyed the complex and well-executed storyline. Yeah, the title is a dead giveaway, and although I had suspicions, I definitely wanted to see how the storyline would wrap up.
Many police procedurals being written now are light on protocols and procedures, but if I wanted a cozy or a cozy-ish book, I know how to find them. In this crime fiction, the emphasis is on the police procedural and the hunt for a dangerous murderer, who begins to target police personnel. The author does include protagonists’ personal and/or domestic issues, but not to the point of distraction. I especially appreciate not reading long, angst-filled interior monologues.
Very well-written book all ‘round, and I recommend “Dead Ringer” to crime fiction fans.
February 7, 2022
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it’s a cracker. There’s a serial killer on the loose, killing people at random, or so it seems. After the death of a second woman the local police are struggling to gain any traction. It’s time to bring back DI Chilcott from suspension. After a bitter divorce, he’s now living in a tatty old caravan, which is soon torched and destroyed.
Thrown back into the squad, he’s soon out there, pushing the boundaries until he discovers a connection that reveals the killings are anything but random. From here it’s a pure thriller as Chilcott and his colleagues try to protect other potential targets, while drawing their killer out of the shadows.
The drama and tension were kept high as the pace increased after a steady start. While Chilcott seemed a bit wild at times, his damaged character was well-portrayed and held the whole story together. Someone less volatile or vulnerable wouldn’t have created the impact needed to drive the plot forwards.
Entertaining, intriguing and well delivered serial killer thriller.
Thrown back into the squad, he’s soon out there, pushing the boundaries until he discovers a connection that reveals the killings are anything but random. From here it’s a pure thriller as Chilcott and his colleagues try to protect other potential targets, while drawing their killer out of the shadows.
The drama and tension were kept high as the pace increased after a steady start. While Chilcott seemed a bit wild at times, his damaged character was well-portrayed and held the whole story together. Someone less volatile or vulnerable wouldn’t have created the impact needed to drive the plot forwards.
Entertaining, intriguing and well delivered serial killer thriller.
February 21, 2020
After thoroughly enjoying James’s previous novels, the Detective Deans Trilogy, I really looked forward to reading the start of his new DI Chilcott series. I signed up to be an advance reader to get an early copy to help proof read. In return I will give my opinion. I wasn’t sure how I’d take to a new character, as I’d really really liked Detective Deans, however I wasn’t disappointed with DI Chilcott and have enjoyed getting to know him. I especially liked the strong female lead, DCI Foster. The story follows a series of unexplained carefully executed gruesome murders seemingly linked. Loose cannon DI Chilcott is brought back into service to help solve the mystery. A tense and well written book and I now can’t wait to read the next in the series!
February 22, 2020
The first in a new series by this up and coming talented writer. I was looking forward to this and even pre-ordered Dead Ringer in readiness.
After the previous three books (Detective Deans) there was a lot riding on this new one. I was not disappointed. The story was very engaging and a total page turner. Great that it’s based in real locations to some extent, which helps add realism. I liked the twists and turns on this rollercoaster ride.
I finished reading this in record time and was almost disappointed with myself for finishing it! Can’t wait for the second one now.
Well done Mr Mortain. Excellent book.
After the previous three books (Detective Deans) there was a lot riding on this new one. I was not disappointed. The story was very engaging and a total page turner. Great that it’s based in real locations to some extent, which helps add realism. I liked the twists and turns on this rollercoaster ride.
I finished reading this in record time and was almost disappointed with myself for finishing it! Can’t wait for the second one now.
Well done Mr Mortain. Excellent book.
March 21, 2020
Another brilliant, flawed, dishevelled detective from the mind of James D Mortain!
The attention to detail and explanations of the procedures involved in murder cases don't make the reader feel like they're being talked down to; you feel like you're on the case with Chilcott and Co and the Special Forces element lends an extra, even more sinister layer to the story.
I can't wait for the next volume of the Robbie Chilcott story. I'd like to know more about why and how he ended up where he was.....
The attention to detail and explanations of the procedures involved in murder cases don't make the reader feel like they're being talked down to; you feel like you're on the case with Chilcott and Co and the Special Forces element lends an extra, even more sinister layer to the story.
I can't wait for the next volume of the Robbie Chilcott story. I'd like to know more about why and how he ended up where he was.....
March 21, 2020
Having read the Detective Dean's trilogy, I was hoping for another good read. I was not disappointed. Dead Ringer is another thrilling masterpiece from James Mortain. An excellent read. I was hooked from the first page, and didn't want to put it down. I loved the character DI Chilcott. I can't wait to read more about him and his team. I would recommend this book to everyone. Also if you haven't read the Detective Dean's trilogy, this is another set of books that will have you on the edge of your seat. Well done yet again James.
May 20, 2020
An outstanding novel with unpredictable twists and turns. Dead Ringer has the fast pace necessary for a great crime and mystery novel, especially during the final stages of the book. The impecable ending was gripping and had significant suspense which holds the reader's undivided attention. I couldn't read it fast enough. It also has interesting insights into police methods and procedures and the links to the SAS adds the depth of plot and characters that I look for.
Cannot wait for the next instalment, it cannot come soon enough.
A must read for anyone interested in crime and mystery.
Cannot wait for the next instalment, it cannot come soon enough.
A must read for anyone interested in crime and mystery.
December 11, 2020
I delved into this book based on the good reviews, but now I can also wholeheartedly and thoroughly recommend it to other crime thriller readers!
Talk about page turner! The author knows how to keep his story unfolding at a nail biting pace and nerve jangling level of tension. His first hand knowledge of police procedure, means you genuinely feel that you are part of a real time police operation.
Great story, great story telling and I loved the characters!
Can recommend ‘Dead Ringer’ in a heartbeat and can’t wait for next book in this series.
Talk about page turner! The author knows how to keep his story unfolding at a nail biting pace and nerve jangling level of tension. His first hand knowledge of police procedure, means you genuinely feel that you are part of a real time police operation.
Great story, great story telling and I loved the characters!
Can recommend ‘Dead Ringer’ in a heartbeat and can’t wait for next book in this series.
February 25, 2022
Nice Work, From an Expert
His knowledge of real policing procedures us refreshing. But I don't like the way he disrespects highly trained professionals who have been through a selection process that doesn't allow the type of character personality he created in this novel. Special forces know their job is highly dangerous and that a time might come that they might be left behind. A spec force operator just isn't going to go off the rails like his character in this story.
Well written and a page turner with good characters otherwise.
His knowledge of real policing procedures us refreshing. But I don't like the way he disrespects highly trained professionals who have been through a selection process that doesn't allow the type of character personality he created in this novel. Special forces know their job is highly dangerous and that a time might come that they might be left behind. A spec force operator just isn't going to go off the rails like his character in this story.
Well written and a page turner with good characters otherwise.
February 11, 2022
Enjoyable
Very good example of my favourite genre. The author's police background adds weight and authentic feeling to the story. Good to have characters who can be out of their depth in an unusually threatening situation. Feels more likely than a gungho attitude would have done. I am old enough to find the thought of armed police disturbing but the presence of fire arms officers makes sense in this context. Nicely crafted
Very good example of my favourite genre. The author's police background adds weight and authentic feeling to the story. Good to have characters who can be out of their depth in an unusually threatening situation. Feels more likely than a gungho attitude would have done. I am old enough to find the thought of armed police disturbing but the presence of fire arms officers makes sense in this context. Nicely crafted
April 20, 2025
This is a good start to this new series. The characters are interesting and and well developed as well as having complex personalities. The book moves along at a good pace, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. The book ends before you know it but does tie up all the loose ends. Already started on the next book in this series. Looks like the should be read in order because book 2 takes up where book 1 ended.
February 29, 2020
Excellent series start.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the Detective Deans trilogy I was eager to see whether this new series would be able to stand up to it. It does. Excellent trilogy of main characters who I’m hoping to see developed more. An outstanding addition to the crime fiction genre.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the Detective Deans trilogy I was eager to see whether this new series would be able to stand up to it. It does. Excellent trilogy of main characters who I’m hoping to see developed more. An outstanding addition to the crime fiction genre.
February 21, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, in fact read it in one sitting! ( well, almost). DI Chilcott is brought back to investigate a young woman's murder, which has similarities to an unsolved murder. It is a well written book, fast paced and definitely worth reading.
March 8, 2020
Well that was a blast from start to finish. Completely transfixed and I was not happy to have to put it down to do shopping, cleaning etc.
Well written, descriptive and down right edgy, this is so far top of my reads for 2020.
Well written, descriptive and down right edgy, this is so far top of my reads for 2020.
May 25, 2021
That was a good mystery, kept the reader puzzling, even after the detectives were certain they had the killer. Interesting twist in the middle, then some really scary episodes and more deaths till the denouement. Worth reading.
May 29, 2022
Gave up at 11%. TWO angry male rad characters, three characters already whose name begin with the same letter and excessively long descriptions of matters that those who read crime would understand in a few sentences or none at all….
March 5, 2020
Not great - just not believable
March 9, 2020
Best book I’ve ever read, will have to buy the rest of his books.
March 26, 2020
Best one so far they just keep getting better and better, can't wait for the next one !
May 19, 2020
Really good read. Excellent background police knowledge, and good character choice. Really enjoyed it.
September 3, 2021
Wasn’t bad but ended so abruptly. I was hoping for a better ending.
Read
June 7, 2022Wow what a brilliant story, loads of twists and turns, kept me on the edge of my seat but just couldn't put it down till I finished it. Highly recommend it.
May 2, 2024
A good read
Really enjoyed this - especially as it is set in Bristol will now read the next book in the series would recommend
Really enjoyed this - especially as it is set in Bristol will now read the next book in the series would recommend
December 5, 2025
spellbinding
What a thriller! Kept me guessing until the very end. Would certainly recommend this to others who are looking for an entertaining read.
What a thriller! Kept me guessing until the very end. Would certainly recommend this to others who are looking for an entertaining read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews