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DCI Harry Grimm #2
Best Served Cold
When a tragic farm accident turns out to be foul play, DCI Harry Grimm finds himself up against a murderer years in the making and out for revenge.
With the local community in self-imposed lock down, and the body count quickly climbing, Harry and his team are in a race against time to stop a killer as invisible as they are brutally effective.
But with some threatening to take the law into their own hands, and the wounds of his own past once again starting to bleed, DCI Harry Grimm is about to take a trip into Hell.
And beyond.
With the local community in self-imposed lock down, and the body count quickly climbing, Harry and his team are in a race against time to stop a killer as invisible as they are brutally effective.
But with some threatening to take the law into their own hands, and the wounds of his own past once again starting to bleed, DCI Harry Grimm is about to take a trip into Hell.
And beyond.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2020
2502 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
October 17, 2020
I have only one question after finishing Best Served Cold, and that is:
When does book 3 come out?
This was such a great story and a very believable outcome, the crimes were a little ‘messy’, the characters are well written, with lots of humour and after 2 books, I feel that I know them a little bit better, I also loved the appearance of the Divisional Surgeon, Margaret and hope to see her again in future books........and then there is DCI Harry Grimm.
What is not to like about Grimm? His abrasive manner, his sarcastic streak and his ‘don’t take cr.p’ from anybody attitude are his finest attributes, he has shot to the top of my ‘favourite fictional detective’ list.
I highly recommend this book but make sure you start with the first book in the series.
Bring on Book 3.
When does book 3 come out?
This was such a great story and a very believable outcome, the crimes were a little ‘messy’, the characters are well written, with lots of humour and after 2 books, I feel that I know them a little bit better, I also loved the appearance of the Divisional Surgeon, Margaret and hope to see her again in future books........and then there is DCI Harry Grimm.
What is not to like about Grimm? His abrasive manner, his sarcastic streak and his ‘don’t take cr.p’ from anybody attitude are his finest attributes, he has shot to the top of my ‘favourite fictional detective’ list.
I highly recommend this book but make sure you start with the first book in the series.
Bring on Book 3.
September 11, 2022
A clear improvement on the first one, especially in terms of pacing. In Grimm Up North, half of the novel was used for exposition and introductions of the setting and the characters, while the case and the investigation felt hurried and thus fell a bit short.
In Best Served Cold, we are immediately confronted with a gruesome murder that has to be solved. Since the previous novel spent so much time on introductions, we are now familiar with the setting and the characters and can get right into the action. The characters are mostly still charming and likable and the whole setting and the mentality of the Wensleydale locals makes for a nice contrast to the rather graphic nature of the murder scene.
DCI Grimm is still somewhere between ruggedly likable and somewhat problematic, mainly in regards to his attitude towards jounalists. He thinks all journalists are greedy vultures that are out for blood and while he acknowledges himself that a policeman hating journalists is a cliché, I think it's a rather unhealthy one to feed.
Anyway, the biggest problem with Best Served Cold sadly was the investigation itself. While the case was certainly interesting in itself, Grimm and his collegues seemed rather purposefully incompetent. They didn't bother asking obvious questions, checking certain backgrounds and making connections that seemed really like the first place to go in a proper investigation. As if the author wanted the police to run into difficulties but didn't really know how to create those difficulties and thus just made them seem aimless.
There is a certain point in the novel where it becomes glaringly obvious who the murderer is, yet Harry doesn't make the connection at all and comes across as impossibly dense and utterly clueless. It's somewhat frustrating when you have found out who the killer is long before the investigators even have the slightest idea, despite the fact basically being pushed right into your face again and again. It's even more frustrating when something you have known for about 70 pages is presented as some kind of big revelation.
So, in short: the pacing is better, the characters are likable and the setting nicely mixes humor with a somewhat cozy atmosphere with rather gruesome murders, but the investigation part can be improved upon...like...A LOT!
In Best Served Cold, we are immediately confronted with a gruesome murder that has to be solved. Since the previous novel spent so much time on introductions, we are now familiar with the setting and the characters and can get right into the action. The characters are mostly still charming and likable and the whole setting and the mentality of the Wensleydale locals makes for a nice contrast to the rather graphic nature of the murder scene.
DCI Grimm is still somewhere between ruggedly likable and somewhat problematic, mainly in regards to his attitude towards jounalists. He thinks all journalists are greedy vultures that are out for blood and while he acknowledges himself that a policeman hating journalists is a cliché, I think it's a rather unhealthy one to feed.
Anyway, the biggest problem with Best Served Cold sadly was the investigation itself. While the case was certainly interesting in itself, Grimm and his collegues seemed rather purposefully incompetent. They didn't bother asking obvious questions, checking certain backgrounds and making connections that seemed really like the first place to go in a proper investigation. As if the author wanted the police to run into difficulties but didn't really know how to create those difficulties and thus just made them seem aimless.
There is a certain point in the novel where it becomes glaringly obvious who the murderer is, yet Harry doesn't make the connection at all and comes across as impossibly dense and utterly clueless. It's somewhat frustrating when you have found out who the killer is long before the investigators even have the slightest idea, despite the fact basically being pushed right into your face again and again. It's even more frustrating when something you have known for about 70 pages is presented as some kind of big revelation.
So, in short: the pacing is better, the characters are likable and the setting nicely mixes humor with a somewhat cozy atmosphere with rather gruesome murders, but the investigation part can be improved upon...like...A LOT!
May 12, 2021
I preferred this second book in the Grimm series to the first, it felt more settled now that both the setting and characters are familiar.
I enjoyed the fact that there is an overarching series plot related to Grimm as well as the 'shorter term' book plot as well. I'm curious about Grimm's family and want to know more for sure.
Each of the characters have unique personalities and are likeable and, again, I want to know more about them as individuals outside of their crime fighting.
The writing style is easy to read but absorbing, really rich in description and detail I enjoy the journey.
I also liked the whole premise of the main plot but personally I felt like there was something lacking which I'm finding it hard to explain. Essentially, there were several gruesome murders which were given to the team to investigate. But there was very little investigation, the team instead just seemed to sit about and passively wait for the next event to lead them on. They didn't immediately investigate the victims to understand their history or, after the second murder, any connections between victims, at least not until someone pointed out to them that they should. They just knocked on a few doors and learned that the victim wasn't liked and then sat about being all woe is us we have no leads. It was all so passive that it didn't make for particularly interesting reading.
I grew bored reading about them eating cake and cheese and drinking tea. Or bantering about cake and cheese and tea. I got bored with them walking away from suspects who clearly had secrets without pushing them or asking other characters questions to get answers instead. It just felt like they were purposely being passive so that something could later be uncovered as a twist, but it was frustrating because it undermined their police prowess. Elements of investigation that seemed obvious and fundamental police work just seemed to be eradicated and at times they felt incompetent.
As an aside, the killer was so obvious from the moment that individual was introduced that it was a bit painful.
I definitely enjoyed the writing style and characters so I will read another in the series, I just feel like the next one needs more substance to bring me back again and to perhaps shake some of the repeated jokes about cake and cheese and Grimm's name and face...
I enjoyed the fact that there is an overarching series plot related to Grimm as well as the 'shorter term' book plot as well. I'm curious about Grimm's family and want to know more for sure.
Each of the characters have unique personalities and are likeable and, again, I want to know more about them as individuals outside of their crime fighting.
The writing style is easy to read but absorbing, really rich in description and detail I enjoy the journey.
I also liked the whole premise of the main plot but personally I felt like there was something lacking which I'm finding it hard to explain. Essentially, there were several gruesome murders which were given to the team to investigate. But there was very little investigation, the team instead just seemed to sit about and passively wait for the next event to lead them on. They didn't immediately investigate the victims to understand their history or, after the second murder, any connections between victims, at least not until someone pointed out to them that they should. They just knocked on a few doors and learned that the victim wasn't liked and then sat about being all woe is us we have no leads. It was all so passive that it didn't make for particularly interesting reading.
I grew bored reading about them eating cake and cheese and drinking tea. Or bantering about cake and cheese and tea. I got bored with them walking away from suspects who clearly had secrets without pushing them or asking other characters questions to get answers instead. It just felt like they were purposely being passive so that something could later be uncovered as a twist, but it was frustrating because it undermined their police prowess. Elements of investigation that seemed obvious and fundamental police work just seemed to be eradicated and at times they felt incompetent.
As an aside, the killer was so obvious from the moment that individual was introduced that it was a bit painful.
I definitely enjoyed the writing style and characters so I will read another in the series, I just feel like the next one needs more substance to bring me back again and to perhaps shake some of the repeated jokes about cake and cheese and Grimm's name and face...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2020
Downloaded this not realising it was only out today!
I was hoping for a story as good as book 1 and I was not disappointed. The characters are drawn with deftness and the story is nicely linear - no chopping around with time lines or weird fonts. I really like Grimm - he comes across as a thoroughly decent honest copper who is doing his best.
The story was believable and without too much violence and gore, and I read it in one fell swoop!
Now waiting for book 3!!
I was hoping for a story as good as book 1 and I was not disappointed. The characters are drawn with deftness and the story is nicely linear - no chopping around with time lines or weird fonts. I really like Grimm - he comes across as a thoroughly decent honest copper who is doing his best.
The story was believable and without too much violence and gore, and I read it in one fell swoop!
Now waiting for book 3!!
November 18, 2023
Best Served Cold is book two in the DCI Harry Grimm series by David J. Gatward. DCI Harry Grimm is still learning about his new team and living in Yorkshire Dales when his Detective Sergeant calls him to what was at first glance a farming accident. However, that was not the case, and with no witness or forensic evidence and a second corpse, it became a race for DCI Harry Grimm and his team to find answers to these crimes before more people died. The readers of Best Served Cold will continue to follow DCI Harry Grimm's investigation to discover what happens.
I have been reading the DCI Harry Grimm series all over the place, so I decided to go back and start reading the books I missed along the way. I was not disappointed with Best Served Cold. This book continued my love affair with this series, and I had no problem engaging with the story and the characters from the start. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. Best Served Cold is well-written and researched by David J. Gatward. I like David J. Gatward's description of the settings of Best Served Cold, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Best Served Cold will understand the consequences of bullying on children and their families. Also, the readers of Best Served Cold will realise the importance of having the right gear if you live in North Yorkshire Dales.
I recommend this book.
I have been reading the DCI Harry Grimm series all over the place, so I decided to go back and start reading the books I missed along the way. I was not disappointed with Best Served Cold. This book continued my love affair with this series, and I had no problem engaging with the story and the characters from the start. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. Best Served Cold is well-written and researched by David J. Gatward. I like David J. Gatward's description of the settings of Best Served Cold, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Best Served Cold will understand the consequences of bullying on children and their families. Also, the readers of Best Served Cold will realise the importance of having the right gear if you live in North Yorkshire Dales.
I recommend this book.
June 20, 2023
Excellent book, loving the gradual character development, the great dialogue and the wonderful story lines and the fact everyone works
September 28, 2023
Read this one out of order but there were really no sequential events between this and book 3 so it didn't really matter.
Another outbreak of bizarre murders in the Yorkshire town of Hawes has DCI Harry Grimm puzzled. The murders are obviously linked but there doesn't seem to be a motive or any suspects. For me there was a clue that gave away the culprit but the motive was a mystery until the end. It was one of those stories that all made sense in the end, but there were really no clues for the reader or the main characters up until that point.
Looking forward to continuing this series.
Another outbreak of bizarre murders in the Yorkshire town of Hawes has DCI Harry Grimm puzzled. The murders are obviously linked but there doesn't seem to be a motive or any suspects. For me there was a clue that gave away the culprit but the motive was a mystery until the end. It was one of those stories that all made sense in the end, but there were really no clues for the reader or the main characters up until that point.
Looking forward to continuing this series.
December 4, 2023
Book 2 in this series set in the north of England. The characters and their relationships are evolving. The author paints the setting well. The crimes, motivations and outcomes are believable. Generally an easy to read, enjoyable police procedural.
November 12, 2022
I've spent most of 2022 reading rdersthree DCI's series - Banks, Logan and Kett. I'd only read the first in the DCI Harry Grimm series, about a year ago.
Having said that. I enjoyed the story Best Served Cold. The ending came suddenly, almost out of nowhere, and with a touch of luck about it. Did the author run out of detection Ideas? Or does that touch of luck echo reality? I bit of both, maybe.
There's some pretty gruesome stuff here, but seasoned crime readers will have no problem with any of that. There are a few laughs too, but don't expect there to be lots of laugh-out-loud moments. And the characters need to grow and be more memorable - no doubt this will happen as the series develops.
Oh - does the name of one of the victims sound familiar to lovers of JD Kirk's books?
A likeable book, a worthy four star read. A good title too, but does it perhaps suggest how the book ends?
Having said that. I enjoyed the story Best Served Cold. The ending came suddenly, almost out of nowhere, and with a touch of luck about it. Did the author run out of detection Ideas? Or does that touch of luck echo reality? I bit of both, maybe.
There's some pretty gruesome stuff here, but seasoned crime readers will have no problem with any of that. There are a few laughs too, but don't expect there to be lots of laugh-out-loud moments. And the characters need to grow and be more memorable - no doubt this will happen as the series develops.
Oh - does the name of one of the victims sound familiar to lovers of JD Kirk's books?
A likeable book, a worthy four star read. A good title too, but does it perhaps suggest how the book ends?
October 17, 2020
Excellent characters strong storytelling
I was waiting for book two to come out having loved the main character in book one. Was interested to see what would happen to Detective Grimm, a really great character well written. The story zooms along at pace and whilst the reasoning
for the murders was there to see the murderer wasnt. Looking forward to the next book of Grimm up North series.
I was waiting for book two to come out having loved the main character in book one. Was interested to see what would happen to Detective Grimm, a really great character well written. The story zooms along at pace and whilst the reasoning
for the murders was there to see the murderer wasnt. Looking forward to the next book of Grimm up North series.
May 3, 2022
Quite possibly the most obvious who-dun-it in the history of who-dun-it's but I still enjoyed the ride. It's full of cliches and it really needs a good editor but the dude's published 10 books in 2 years so I'll cut him some slack.
October 22, 2025
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Back with DCI Grimm in the rolling Yorkshire dales. Two deaths made to look like farming accidents. Unlikeable victims, long held secrets from childhood, and is the culprit closer than everyone thinks? Another good read with a great wider cast of characters. Some twists and turns and a very satisfying ending.
Back with DCI Grimm in the rolling Yorkshire dales. Two deaths made to look like farming accidents. Unlikeable victims, long held secrets from childhood, and is the culprit closer than everyone thinks? Another good read with a great wider cast of characters. Some twists and turns and a very satisfying ending.
November 27, 2022
Love Dci grimm, he is just the sort of detective to shake the lives of the Wenslydale people, blunt, to the point and somewhat unfit, great character
May 8, 2021
Best mystery I've read in some time.
August 28, 2025
This was a good one! Excellent narration too!! And that’s always a plus.
June 29, 2022
I really enjoyed the first in this series so was keen to move onto the next one. Moving Harry to Yorkshire so making him an outsider is a good setup, allowing him to be the observer and be able to ask the awkward questions.
This book is 283 pages split into 35 chapters.
For anyone who hasn't read the first Grimm novel, Harry's backstory is briefly covered in the first few chapters of this book but I would suggest you read the first book before this one as it informs much of what happens here. We are also given the details of a death which appears to be a murder (although the police aren't immediately convinced!).
The writing style is urgent which is engaging and makes the book easy to read.
It's not complex writing but there is something very appealing about these books. I particularly love the descriptions used by the author for emphasis, for example "as difficult as prising the lid off a well gummed jar of Marmite".
The humour stands out - it is dark and grim. Lots of ouns and references to the various personalities - all very clever.
Having started this series it seems that the author is publishing them very quickly (approximately one every three months). Quite amazing. The speed of publication seems to take away nothing from the ingenuity of the stories although I did find a mistake where a PCSO was referred to as being a DC (I thought it might be sarcasm but just a genuine mistake) - I guess the fast editing can miss the occasional problem.
The narrative puts the reader into Harry's head. Not always a comfortable place to be but useful to work through the case as he replays and digests the information he discovers.
Fictional masterpiece? No Great story telling? Yes
This book is 283 pages split into 35 chapters.
For anyone who hasn't read the first Grimm novel, Harry's backstory is briefly covered in the first few chapters of this book but I would suggest you read the first book before this one as it informs much of what happens here. We are also given the details of a death which appears to be a murder (although the police aren't immediately convinced!).
The writing style is urgent which is engaging and makes the book easy to read.
It's not complex writing but there is something very appealing about these books. I particularly love the descriptions used by the author for emphasis, for example "as difficult as prising the lid off a well gummed jar of Marmite".
The humour stands out - it is dark and grim. Lots of ouns and references to the various personalities - all very clever.
Having started this series it seems that the author is publishing them very quickly (approximately one every three months). Quite amazing. The speed of publication seems to take away nothing from the ingenuity of the stories although I did find a mistake where a PCSO was referred to as being a DC (I thought it might be sarcasm but just a genuine mistake) - I guess the fast editing can miss the occasional problem.
The narrative puts the reader into Harry's head. Not always a comfortable place to be but useful to work through the case as he replays and digests the information he discovers.
Fictional masterpiece? No Great story telling? Yes
September 4, 2022
My first book by this author, I believe. Definitely first one with Harry Grimm. All things considered, starting with book 2 may not be the best idea, it may be imporant to read it from 1, because there are hints to how he came to be sent there. And maybe there will be later references to previous books in the series.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, although Harry at times went a bit on my nerves. And you could tell he was bit struggling to settle in his new location and his relationship with his boss is not good. I am wondering if there would be any progress ast times go by.
The story line was actually rather easy to follow and in this book, I did not have any issues with guessing who was behind it. It nearly seemed too simple, but I was right. All I was missing, was the motive. The end of the book is bit emotional, so be warned!
I will definitely try another book from the series.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, although Harry at times went a bit on my nerves. And you could tell he was bit struggling to settle in his new location and his relationship with his boss is not good. I am wondering if there would be any progress ast times go by.
The story line was actually rather easy to follow and in this book, I did not have any issues with guessing who was behind it. It nearly seemed too simple, but I was right. All I was missing, was the motive. The end of the book is bit emotional, so be warned!
I will definitely try another book from the series.
September 10, 2021
This is the 2nd in the series of Harry Grimm novels, the exiled detective who was sent from Bristol to Wensleydale in the far north of England in the "dales". His disfigured face makes his name ironically appropriate. A duck out of water in the dales, Grimm is gaining on it by novel 2. Based on the bizarre PSA "Apaches" a movie shown widely in the UK in the 70s (https://vimeo.com/354632125) -- which spawned a violent gang of teenagers-- decades later the violence of the gang becomes the central motivation for the plot-- revenge is what is best served cold, not a bit of subtlety in the bespoke title of this book. Engaging, entertaining, a quick and fun read. Police procedural with wensleydale cheese served on their cake.
May 12, 2021
DCI Harry Grimm is still up north in beautiful Wensleydale. However, since he arrived the crime rate in this sleepy rural area seems to have gone up considerably! This time he is called to what seems to be a farming accident, but which turns out to be something much more sinister.
The story is well plotted and sufficiently complex to keep me interested till the end (I listened in one sitting!) The setting is beautifully described, and the characters are brilliantly drawn and are beginning to feel like old friends, and I have a bit of a soft spot for Harry.
As with the first book, Aubrey Parsons was brilliant as the narrator.
The story is well plotted and sufficiently complex to keep me interested till the end (I listened in one sitting!) The setting is beautifully described, and the characters are brilliantly drawn and are beginning to feel like old friends, and I have a bit of a soft spot for Harry.
As with the first book, Aubrey Parsons was brilliant as the narrator.
May 27, 2021
Murder, cow muck and rain.
Book 2 in the series. DCI Harry Grimm continues his secondment in Wensleydale. Great characters and dry humour flow through the pages of this delightful easy read. Plot well developed and the small team of the local police force try dissolve the crimes in the area before locals take matters further.
You also get a great sense of the small communities and everyone knowing everyone's business but will support and look out for each other in the rural harsh landscape. I gave this 3 stars as worked out who did it before the reveal
Looking forward to book 3 to read on kindle.
Book 2 in the series. DCI Harry Grimm continues his secondment in Wensleydale. Great characters and dry humour flow through the pages of this delightful easy read. Plot well developed and the small team of the local police force try dissolve the crimes in the area before locals take matters further.
You also get a great sense of the small communities and everyone knowing everyone's business but will support and look out for each other in the rural harsh landscape. I gave this 3 stars as worked out who did it before the reveal
Looking forward to book 3 to read on kindle.
September 24, 2021
I am enjoying this series. As I had hoped in this second book the author spends less time focused on Harry's history and injuries so that's good. It was the one bee i had in my bonnet about the first book. I dreaded it being repetitive in future books but it would appear the author mentions it but doesn't fixate on it so all is well.
These stories so far have been playing out like episodes of Masterpiece Mysteries and I LOVE that. I get sucked into the rural English countryside and happily read away.
Books 3 and 4 are now downloaded and waiting for me on my Kindle. So yeah, DCI Harry Grimm is a winner for me.
These stories so far have been playing out like episodes of Masterpiece Mysteries and I LOVE that. I get sucked into the rural English countryside and happily read away.
Books 3 and 4 are now downloaded and waiting for me on my Kindle. So yeah, DCI Harry Grimm is a winner for me.
February 5, 2022
The second in the Harry Grimm series set in the Yorkshire Dales. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and liked this one as well.
The team is, as I hoped, becoming three-dimensional and the friendships are deepening. When confronted with an awful farm accident, they reluctantly conclude that there is something "not right" about it. The next death makes it clear that while accidents happen, they don't usually have the twisted connections that these deaths have.
Again, I find the camaraderie of this little group in rural Yorkshire warm and funny and the mysteries intriguing.
Weirdstone Publishing
Mystery. 2020. 300 pages.
The team is, as I hoped, becoming three-dimensional and the friendships are deepening. When confronted with an awful farm accident, they reluctantly conclude that there is something "not right" about it. The next death makes it clear that while accidents happen, they don't usually have the twisted connections that these deaths have.
Again, I find the camaraderie of this little group in rural Yorkshire warm and funny and the mysteries intriguing.
Weirdstone Publishing
Mystery. 2020. 300 pages.
October 20, 2020
Oh my word! I absolutely loved this book. David J Gatward definitely spins an excellent yarn. I love the characters and feel I'm getting to know them well. There is humour, compassion and real emotion wrapped up in a gripping storyline. The chapter where Mr Rawson was talking about Sally had me spellbound and I was literally holding my breath. It was written so beautifully and with sensitivity. Loved the nod to J D Kirk with the character who drowned in the slurry pit 😊. Cannot wait for book 3. Definitely one of my favourite authors. Thank you!
Ps, think I might try cheese with cake!!
Ps, think I might try cheese with cake!!
March 6, 2021
I've now completed the second book in the series and I'm glad I found this author. His sense of humour appeals to mine and I have researched the film mentioned in the book (OMG, So glad I didn't see that when I was at school!)
This story starts with the very gory murder of an unpleasant man and Harry Grimm and his team's effort to solve the crime. As time progresses it appears that this is more than a simple murder.
There is little more about Harry's brother and father, but enough to whet the appetite for further instalments.
Another enjoyable read.
This story starts with the very gory murder of an unpleasant man and Harry Grimm and his team's effort to solve the crime. As time progresses it appears that this is more than a simple murder.
There is little more about Harry's brother and father, but enough to whet the appetite for further instalments.
Another enjoyable read.
November 19, 2020
Most enjoyable!
Thankfully DCI Harry Grimm is still up north amidst the beautiful rolling hills of Yorkshire so he hasn't hot footed it back to Bristol. The author paints a wonderful picture of the area come rain or shine and the down to earth characters he encounters on a daily basis. There's lots of clever dialogue, banter and laugh out loud moments in this the second outing for Harry Grimm along with a sickening death that looks to be a horrific farming accident, but nothing is ever what it appears to be in Harry's eyes!
The author has built some great characters in his first two books, each and everyone of them I found to be totally believable and could easily imagine knowing most of them in passing.
The crimes are cleverly thought out with twists not as obvious as you first think. A Reason for the deaths isn't as straight forward as it seems, getting to the truth is a mine field of information Harry and his team are forced to sift through as their days get longer!
The team are becoming a little like a closeknit group of friends, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, I like what the author is doing to pull you in, their every day activities and musings are so believable I could almost believe I was watching as they sat with their answer to everything cups of tea.......Harry's now a pint cup along with the usual cake or biscuits!
I thoroughly enjoyed this, good storyline and plot, hopefully Harry will have bought himself some wellies or at least waterproof boots before his next outing (assuming they'll be a book 3, I hope) as his toes must be permanently wrinkled by now!
My only criticism I wish it was a little longer, recommend you read it see for yourself!
Thankfully DCI Harry Grimm is still up north amidst the beautiful rolling hills of Yorkshire so he hasn't hot footed it back to Bristol. The author paints a wonderful picture of the area come rain or shine and the down to earth characters he encounters on a daily basis. There's lots of clever dialogue, banter and laugh out loud moments in this the second outing for Harry Grimm along with a sickening death that looks to be a horrific farming accident, but nothing is ever what it appears to be in Harry's eyes!
The author has built some great characters in his first two books, each and everyone of them I found to be totally believable and could easily imagine knowing most of them in passing.
The crimes are cleverly thought out with twists not as obvious as you first think. A Reason for the deaths isn't as straight forward as it seems, getting to the truth is a mine field of information Harry and his team are forced to sift through as their days get longer!
The team are becoming a little like a closeknit group of friends, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, I like what the author is doing to pull you in, their every day activities and musings are so believable I could almost believe I was watching as they sat with their answer to everything cups of tea.......Harry's now a pint cup along with the usual cake or biscuits!
I thoroughly enjoyed this, good storyline and plot, hopefully Harry will have bought himself some wellies or at least waterproof boots before his next outing (assuming they'll be a book 3, I hope) as his toes must be permanently wrinkled by now!
My only criticism I wish it was a little longer, recommend you read it see for yourself!
January 1, 2021
This is a Good Series . . .
. . . so far. Well, it is. Grimm! What a great name for a detective! It also goes with the horrific scars that Harry Grimm received from an IED. The first book, Grimm up North, might give the initial impression that Harry is a melancholic and self-pitying soul who is all too aware of the impact of his scars on others. His anger (more than just the physical scars) gives him satisfaction to see the reaction of others. It makes him a loner. Or so we are to believe.
When Harry is seconded from Bristol to the stark climes of the Yorkshire dales, another Harry appears who is personable, compassionate, and kind. Moreover, he is accepted. He is drawn in to his new station not just by the sweeping countryside with its tiny villages, but by the people of Wensleydale who are also worth our knowing: Jim, Matt, Gordy, Liz, Jenny, even Rebecca. David Gatward has managed the difficult of creating complete well-rounded characters that we can like as much as we like Harry Grimm.
Of course, any review worth its salt needs a criticism (okay, maybe not). There is AN inconsistency with the police tape at the first crime scene. Matt lays the tape out on the ground, anchoring it with rocks. Later, Harry lifts the tape so the pathologist can "duck under". Minor detail? Yes. Can you find it?
I use the Unlimited for many books (good reads, but not keepers); otherwise, I couldn't afford to read as much as I do. Currently, there are about 3 authors I spend money on (please excuse the dangling preposition). Make that 4. I'm going to spend money on David Gatward's series.
. . . so far. Well, it is. Grimm! What a great name for a detective! It also goes with the horrific scars that Harry Grimm received from an IED. The first book, Grimm up North, might give the initial impression that Harry is a melancholic and self-pitying soul who is all too aware of the impact of his scars on others. His anger (more than just the physical scars) gives him satisfaction to see the reaction of others. It makes him a loner. Or so we are to believe.
When Harry is seconded from Bristol to the stark climes of the Yorkshire dales, another Harry appears who is personable, compassionate, and kind. Moreover, he is accepted. He is drawn in to his new station not just by the sweeping countryside with its tiny villages, but by the people of Wensleydale who are also worth our knowing: Jim, Matt, Gordy, Liz, Jenny, even Rebecca. David Gatward has managed the difficult of creating complete well-rounded characters that we can like as much as we like Harry Grimm.
Of course, any review worth its salt needs a criticism (okay, maybe not). There is AN inconsistency with the police tape at the first crime scene. Matt lays the tape out on the ground, anchoring it with rocks. Later, Harry lifts the tape so the pathologist can "duck under". Minor detail? Yes. Can you find it?
I use the Unlimited for many books (good reads, but not keepers); otherwise, I couldn't afford to read as much as I do. Currently, there are about 3 authors I spend money on (please excuse the dangling preposition). Make that 4. I'm going to spend money on David Gatward's series.
October 16, 2021
Brilliantly Constructed Puzzle
Exactly the right mix of murder, mayhem, police work and humanity. SPOILERS: “I remember he had to shake my hand with his left hand due to an old injury to his right wrist.” “How could you see him seeing someone over your shoulder with you seated on the sofa rather than directly in front of him?” The plot, while the police had no evidence for too long, was brilliantly crafted. The school gang. The Government film. The traumatized, pureness of the daughter. A man who faked his own suicide, changed his name, then went to college to become a doctor, only to return to the town he wasn’t, in truth, put to rest in. The characters, each vivid, complex, consistent and contradictory, satisfied. Revenge mixed with deception mixed with a love equally sustainable. Mr. Gatward, the author, isn’t just, like so many others, churning out a Series. Each word, sentence, paragraph, incident matters. No red herrings (them being so easy to catch). The author made things more difficult for himself than was absolutely necessary; HE really set for himself a highly complex, ultimately far more satisfying puzzle-completion than most authors dare to craft. To our benefit. To our intrigue, horror, understanding, bafflement and entertainment, and an overwhelming sense, at the placement of that final piece, that it was all worth doing. The scattered picture he crafted has more pieces to it than would be necessary in a less considered creation, thus raising everything. The difficulty. The stakes. The cohesion. The satisfaction. MAN, this fellow must love to write! And, he must love, value and trust his readers. For that, I say “Thank you”.
Exactly the right mix of murder, mayhem, police work and humanity. SPOILERS: “I remember he had to shake my hand with his left hand due to an old injury to his right wrist.” “How could you see him seeing someone over your shoulder with you seated on the sofa rather than directly in front of him?” The plot, while the police had no evidence for too long, was brilliantly crafted. The school gang. The Government film. The traumatized, pureness of the daughter. A man who faked his own suicide, changed his name, then went to college to become a doctor, only to return to the town he wasn’t, in truth, put to rest in. The characters, each vivid, complex, consistent and contradictory, satisfied. Revenge mixed with deception mixed with a love equally sustainable. Mr. Gatward, the author, isn’t just, like so many others, churning out a Series. Each word, sentence, paragraph, incident matters. No red herrings (them being so easy to catch). The author made things more difficult for himself than was absolutely necessary; HE really set for himself a highly complex, ultimately far more satisfying puzzle-completion than most authors dare to craft. To our benefit. To our intrigue, horror, understanding, bafflement and entertainment, and an overwhelming sense, at the placement of that final piece, that it was all worth doing. The scattered picture he crafted has more pieces to it than would be necessary in a less considered creation, thus raising everything. The difficulty. The stakes. The cohesion. The satisfaction. MAN, this fellow must love to write! And, he must love, value and trust his readers. For that, I say “Thank you”.
July 12, 2021
Another nail-biting Harry Grimm mystery!
5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
This is a marvel of smart, tense writing that matches the extremely high quality of the first volume. The extraordinary narration by Aubrey Parsons elevates the writing into one of the best mysteries or thrillers I have ever read. Harry Grimm and his team are finely written characters who all do their jobs so that teamwork can solve the crime. I love the touches of dry humor and the mixture of colorful and accurate British accents for the array of characters. The setting was crisply described so it felt like I was there following Harry around upper Yorkshire. The mystery was gripping, and I am impressed that it incorporated a chillingly real element of modern history. I was glued to this audiobook, and I have already bought the next three volumes in this wonderful and thrilling Harry Grimm DCI series because I loved this second book so much.
Note: this second novel has a murder at the beginning of the book that is much more graphic than that of the first book. The murder and the body are grisly and gory, so it is not for those with weak stomachs. However, there is not any more goriness after Chapter 2. I wish that there had been less graphic detail since it was borderline on what I could handle.
5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
This is a marvel of smart, tense writing that matches the extremely high quality of the first volume. The extraordinary narration by Aubrey Parsons elevates the writing into one of the best mysteries or thrillers I have ever read. Harry Grimm and his team are finely written characters who all do their jobs so that teamwork can solve the crime. I love the touches of dry humor and the mixture of colorful and accurate British accents for the array of characters. The setting was crisply described so it felt like I was there following Harry around upper Yorkshire. The mystery was gripping, and I am impressed that it incorporated a chillingly real element of modern history. I was glued to this audiobook, and I have already bought the next three volumes in this wonderful and thrilling Harry Grimm DCI series because I loved this second book so much.
Note: this second novel has a murder at the beginning of the book that is much more graphic than that of the first book. The murder and the body are grisly and gory, so it is not for those with weak stomachs. However, there is not any more goriness after Chapter 2. I wish that there had been less graphic detail since it was borderline on what I could handle.
November 4, 2024
Harry is a big city cop, but he's is still stuck in Wensleydale because he pissed off his commanding officer. He's slowly trying to make the best of it. He's working to change his habits by running and eating better. That lasts until the first body is shows up crushed under a tractor. It goes downhill from there with every additional body. What is going on? What's the connection between the victims? Harry and his team work to find the link before the killer strikes again.
Harry Grimm is stubborn, sarcastic, rude, and impatient. What's not to like? This book, like the last one, is filled with dry humor and interesting well developed characters. The narrative flows. I also really like his team. However, I'd say Harry is an emotional eater. He gets wound up, he wants to eat or drink something. He does this a lot.
One warning to readers is that the descriptions of the deaths are pretty gruesome. So, if that bothers you, this might not be the book for you. OTOH, I do like how Harry is gradually adjusting to the ways of his team. I only rated this four stars instead of five because I guessed the killer as soon as he shows up which was early on. Otherwise, it was a very entertaining book.
Harry Grimm is stubborn, sarcastic, rude, and impatient. What's not to like? This book, like the last one, is filled with dry humor and interesting well developed characters. The narrative flows. I also really like his team. However, I'd say Harry is an emotional eater. He gets wound up, he wants to eat or drink something. He does this a lot.
One warning to readers is that the descriptions of the deaths are pretty gruesome. So, if that bothers you, this might not be the book for you. OTOH, I do like how Harry is gradually adjusting to the ways of his team. I only rated this four stars instead of five because I guessed the killer as soon as he shows up which was early on. Otherwise, it was a very entertaining book.
May 22, 2023
Nothing Short Of Brilliant
A but of an odd review, but here goes anyhow…
To the author, if you ever get so bored you end up here, reading my diatribe, thank you for creating such an amazing series of books. I had eyed up book one for ages & I mean ages, but I can be a ‘cover snob’ that’s my wording so if anyone wonders what I mean, it’s that I look at covers that are just, well not as good as others, & I tend to think the covers are showing on the outside what’s probably on the inside.
But my last 4 or 5 series I’ve read, they’ve all had crappy covers (sorry, won’t name names) but these books disproved my theory & blew me away.
So I bought the first Grimm book and read it in 2 days, I don’t get as much time as I’d like to read, then I waste time while reading making notes & comments so it takes me ages longer to read than it should of done.
Book one impressed me so much I immediately bought ALL the Grimm books, that says it all, well nearly, one more thing, just a sincere thank you for making my life a little brighter with your imagination been given no bounds & the worlds & characters you create with your words.
A but of an odd review, but here goes anyhow…
To the author, if you ever get so bored you end up here, reading my diatribe, thank you for creating such an amazing series of books. I had eyed up book one for ages & I mean ages, but I can be a ‘cover snob’ that’s my wording so if anyone wonders what I mean, it’s that I look at covers that are just, well not as good as others, & I tend to think the covers are showing on the outside what’s probably on the inside.
But my last 4 or 5 series I’ve read, they’ve all had crappy covers (sorry, won’t name names) but these books disproved my theory & blew me away.
So I bought the first Grimm book and read it in 2 days, I don’t get as much time as I’d like to read, then I waste time while reading making notes & comments so it takes me ages longer to read than it should of done.
Book one impressed me so much I immediately bought ALL the Grimm books, that says it all, well nearly, one more thing, just a sincere thank you for making my life a little brighter with your imagination been given no bounds & the worlds & characters you create with your words.
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