Poetic Justice

D.I. Jack Dylan #0.5

by R.C. Bridgestock

When Detective Jack Dylan heads home to his wife after a residential course, he has no idea that an extraordinary succession of events is about to turn his life upside down. A vicious, unprovoked personal attack is just the start. The discovery of his wife’s death in a road accident also reveals her affair, and his step-daughter is being expelled from university for drug use. Professionally, two teenagers have gone missing and one is soon found dead.

An ordinary man might break under the strain, but Dylan is no ordinary man. He knows that his survival depends on him carrying-on regardless, burying himself in his work, relieved by the distraction of newcomer to the admin department, Jennifer Jones.

His determination to pursue the criminal elements behind the events – both personal and professional – is to be his salvation, and his relationship with Jen, his ‘Guardian Angel’, will turn out to be the mainstay of his future, both within the Force and at home.

Life may have changed, but nothing will stand in the way of Dylan’s determination to seek justice.

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Fiction

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2020

About the author

RC Bridgestock is the name that husband and wife co-authors Robert (Bob) and Carol Bridgestock write under. Between them they have nearly 50 years of police experience, offering an authentic edge to their stories. The writing duo created the character DI Jack Dylan, a down-to- earth detective, written with warmth and humour.

Bob was a highly commended career detective of 30 years, retiring at the rank of Detective Superintendent. As a police civilian supervisor Carol also received a Chief Constable’s commendation for outstanding work.

The couple are the storyline consultants on BAFTA winning BBC One police drama Happy Valley and series 3 of ITV’s Scott & Bailey.

Reviews

[The Book Review Café · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poetic Justice is the ninth book in in the Detective Jack Dylan series but it’s also the prequel to the previous eight books so if you haven’t read any of the books in the series Poetic Justice is the perfect introduction to Jack Dylan. Oh dear, poor Jack Dylan, the authors push him to breaking point in this book. First the victim of a vicious unprovoked attack, then his wife dies in mysterious circumstances, and his step-daughter gets expelled from university for drug abuse, enough to send any man over the edge, but not Jack Dylan, his unwavering quest for justice pushes him onward through a dark period in his life. Although I have only read a few books in the series I enjoyed learning more about Jack and how events from his past shaped his character.

For me it was the second part of Poetic Justice I enjoyed the most, I found the first half a slow burner, but in the author’s defence they use this time to build on the background behind the plots and although this slows the pace of the read, it gives the reader time to gain an in-depth view of the various characters and plots. The second half is much grittier and hard knocking. As the case the police are working involve Dylan, he has to take a ‘back seat’ so to speak, but even then he is determined to get to the truth despite his own grief, and it’s his tireless efforts that propel the story forward.

Poetic Justice is very much character driven so if you are looking for a fast-paced police procedure read this may not be the book for you, but if like me, you like to have a better understanding of the characters you read about then I would highly recommend this book. At certain points of this book there were scenes that were emotionally charged, and I found myself sympathetic to Dylan’s plight, something I wasn’t expecting. There are a couple of plots running through the book, and although not fast-paced or shocking, both added to my enjoyment of this book. I should mention the author’s police background adds an air of authenticity to the story that some police crime thrillers can lack. Poetic Justice is the perfect read for new fans of the series and for those who are already big fans of this series, it’s a worthy addition to the Jack Dylan series.

All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve observed previously that a prequel provides both opportunities and challenges for authors, although maybe more of the former than a sequel does. The opportunities include the ability to delve more deeply into the past of the main character, to explain the background to decisions or actions they may take in later books, to fill in more of their back story. The authors have certainly taken full advantage of this opportunity in Poetic Justice.

The main challenge is that the author can’t change what is going to happen in later, already written, books. It’s no spoiler to say that the reader knows however dangerous the situations in which he finds himself, Jack Dylan isn’t going to die in Poetic Justice but, of course, he doesn’t know that. And, of course, the same doesn’t necessarily apply to those around him…

Soon after being introduced to DI Jack Dylan, the reader becomes aware that his marriage to Kay is in trouble and that Isla, his adopted daughter, is in a precarious mental state. Unfortunately for Jack, tragedy and turmoil will follow – as if the life of a police officer wasn’t challenging enough already. I’ll admit I found it hard to have sympathy for Kay who seems to be trying to ‘have her cake and eat it’ although even she doesn’t deserve what transpires. I found it much easier to empathise with Isla who is going through a tough time but whose inner goodness and touching relationship with Jack nevertheless shines through.

In Jack Dylan, the authors have created a character who is principled, incorruptible (although some may try), diligent, determined and has an eye for the details that others may miss. At this point, you may be interested to read this guest post by the authors: https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpress.c...

The authors’ knowledge of police procedure comes across clearly in the authentic detail but the story never gets bogged down in too much information or jargon. Quite the opposite in scenes such as the dramatic opening to the book and the later powerful and moving scenes involving Jack, Kay and Isla.

Poetic Justice introduces the reader to characters who will no doubt feature significantly in future books in the series, notably new recruit Jennifer Jones who has a similarly troubled private life. There’s also a side story involving vulnerable children that, unfortunately, is all too reminiscent of real-life events in the news over the past few years.

I really enjoyed Poetic Justice. It’s gritty, atmospheric and full of drama. It’s only fair to warn you that by the end – like me – you’re likely to be adding the other books in the series to your wishlist!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetic Justice is the brilliant prequel to the already fantastic DI Dylan crime series. So fear not if you haven’t yet read any of the books in the series as it doesn’t matter one iota. This is where it all starts. If like me you are already a fan of the series, then you really will not want to miss reading this novel as it is an absolute must read.

I love Jack and Jen, so was dying to see how their relationship all started out. For me though, this is very much Jack’s story. Yes Jen features in it and we get to see a glimpse of her past, but mainly the story focuses on Jack Dylan and boy what a roller coaster of a ride the authors take us on.

What comes across more than anything through out this story is Jack’s inner strength. Life really does hit him with everything at once and I think what he goes through would mentally cripple most of us, not Jack though. Even though he is still deeply affected, his fight for truth and justice sees him through.

I really enjoyed how the authors centre the story round Dylan. I’m not quite sure what I was expecting in this prequel but what I got was more than I had hoped for. I certainly hadn’t envisioned that the case that the police would be working on would involve the man himself. What is more frustrating is that as it involves him, he can’t work directly on it. This made Larry, his work colleague really stand out with his support for Dylan, keeping him in line when there’s signs of Dylan stepping over it and keeping him informed with everything that is going on. It really does make for a compelling read.

Poetic Justice is the authors best book to date. The story line made this feel more personal and if I wasn’t already a big enough #TeamDylan fan, then without a doubt I am even more so now. Guaranteed to win over new and old fans to the series, Poetic Justice is an enthralling, page turner of a read that held some surprises and had me an emotional wreck in places. Absolutely loved it and really can’t praise it highly enough.

My thanks to The Dome Press for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetic Justice by R C Bridgestock.
The Bonnie and Clyde of the Crime Writing World – my 5* review
By Jane Risdon
There hasn’t been a crime duo since Bonnie and Clyde which has got my imagination working over-time in such a delightful manner. OK, they are on a different side in the criminal world, but just imagine if they weren’t; 50 years of high level knowledge and experience in West Yorkshire Police put to another use! Doesn’t bear thinking about. Thankfully, Bob and Carol Bridgestock are on the side of the goodies. They write about the baddies. They are a team of crime fighters turned crime writers.
Poetic Justice is the prequel to their other, equally enjoyable and enthralling books in the DI Jack Dylan series, which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. It is how and where it all began for their believable police detective whose private life would have driven another man to commit the crimes he usually investigates.
Jack Dylan is on a police course and his wife Kay, is playing away, unknown to Jack, although he has his suspicions. Their daughter, Isla, is away at University but her life is spiralling out of control and when Jack returns from his course he finds his life will never be the same again.
His wife is dead - apparently the victim of a car accident in Jack’s car, but she wasn’t driving. Who is the man lying in hospital and why was he driving Jack’s car with Kay as his passenger? Jack has to find out.
To top it all someone tries to kill him as he waits for a train and Isla is fading fast from drug use and self-neglect, even so, Jack is determined to soldier on and his grief will have to wait.
As if he didn’t have enough to cope with a local residential home for children seems to be at the heart of a child sexual exploitation ring, so he hardly has time to catch his breath, to grieve for his wife, and cope with his daughter’s failing health whilst investigating two teens who’ve gone missing from the home.
Poetic Justice helps put Jack Dylan into perspective, his back-story is fascinating and explains so much about the detective featured in the initial books in the series. I’ve read their series and Poetic Justice is the icing on the cake for me. It all adds to the reader’s understanding and enjoyment of Jack Dylan and what makes him the credible, and likeable, but determined character he is. The experience and in-depth knowledge of Bob and Carol Bridgestock shines through every chapter of this absorbing page turner.
Peter James has Roy Grace and his Sandy keeping readers gripped from book to book and now there is Jack Dylan and the lovely Jen who stir up the same emotions and loyalty to the writers and the DI Jack Dylan series.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grimly determined, showing great attention to detail, and an imagination which allows him to work out motive and opportunity, Jack Dylan is that rare thing, the “copper’s copper”. His dedication to the job is much admired by his colleagues, even those who have no ambition to emulate it. Sadly, despite his guilt at perhaps not paying enough attention to his family, he is to experience more challenges in a short time than anyone could reasonably expect. This stunning prequel to the brilliant DI Dylan series combines personal problems with procedural detail to great effect to create a memorable novel. I was very pleased to receive a copy of this book to read and review from Dome Press.
The novel opens with a report of a terrible accident from the nervous Frank Bland, who has witnessed a car career from the road and down into a ravine. Realising that the chances of anyone in the car surviving were reducing by the minutes, he hastens to use a telephone box. As help arrives, the emergency services are uncertain where to begin, but soon discover the body of a woman. It emerges that the car belongs to Jack Dylan, and Detective Sergeant Larry Banks assumes that his immediate senior officer is the driver. To prolong the suspense, the narrative reverts to ten days previously. Jack is seen to be in London, just having finished an intensive course for police negotiators, and having forgotten to charge his mobile phone. This small detail, as in real life, leads him to use a public phone, and witness an arrest. It is this sort of incident which brings the novel alive, which keeps it based in an understandable reality. As he is not met from the train when he arrives back home in Yorkshire, his journey on foot is interrupted by a sudden surprising attack. While painful and significant, it serves to indicate that Jack is at once vulnerable but resilient, determined to carry on with his work. His wife, Kay, is struggling with guilt at her affair with Kenny, and guilt mixed with resentment at his job’s demands make her harsh when she picks him up from the hospital. She is coming to realise that Kenny will not be easily rejected, and may prove difficult to deal with over the next few days. Jack witnesses the close affection of another married couple, and sadly reflects on his own unsatisfactory relationships. To make matters worse, his step daughter, Isla, has been caught with drugs and is behaving in unpredictable way, which has meant that she has been brought home from University. Kay fights her feelings for Kenny, her guilt and her fear concerning Jack, and her unexpressed resentment of Isla, Jack is placed under pressure from home and work. He becomes emotionally involved when teenagers in care are desperately abused, and his anger as his own world begins to collapse is expressed in no uncertain terms. Meanwhile, an administrative worker, Jen Jones, is facing her own challenges, as her mentally unstable partner is proving more trying, and it seems that her superior is very against her. What will happen as the powder keg explodes?
I found this novel moving and powerful as it became imperative to discover what would happen next. The authors have a real gift for recalling the type of incidents which lend reality to the story, while dealing with enormous challenges. As with other books in this series, this is novel is a contemporary tale of lives integral to society but which most prefer not to involve themselves with; it is a mature witness to the procedure and skills of vulnerable and imperfect people trying to do an incredibly difficult job as well as live their own lives. I recommend this as a both a perfect place to start reading about Jack Dylan, and an essential addition to the series for those familiar with the other books who want to know how it all began.

[Karen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been aware that the DI Jack Dylan series is immensely popular with lovers of police procedurals for some time but must admit that up to now I haven't managed to read one myself. As a newly written prequel to the series, Poetic Justice was a fascinating prospect allowing new readers like myself to be introduced to Dylan while giving existing fans the chance to learn more about some of the moments from his past which have helped shape the man they have grown to know and love. I was also intrigued to see how the authors approached the challenge of ensuring the plot stays true to what has already become canon for the series while still writing crime fiction which has some surprises and moments of tension.
Poetic Justice opens with the aftermath of a fatal car accident; an elderly man who witnesses the crash manages to shakily call the emergency services for help but despite their best efforts, the rescue team are unable to save the female passenger of the car. However, the male driver is taken to hospital albeit suffering from terrible burn injuries which leave him unidentifiable. When the registered owner of the car turns out to be a Mr Jack Dylan, his police colleagues have the unenviable task of investigating whether it was indeed Jack and his wife, Kay in the car. The book then goes back ten days earlier and as events unfold, we eventually learn the terrible truth about what led to the car accident.
Alongside the main narrative which leads us to the point where Kay came to die in the crash and Dylan's response to discovering his wife's infidelity, there is also a rather bleak subplot featuring missing children. The investigation allows readers to learn more about Dylan and his team and to see how they work together. It involves some shocking developments and has obvious parallels with real-life cases; some of the scenes are difficult to read but are a sensitive yet honest reflection of how some of society's most vulnerable members too often suffer at the hands of those with more power.
Poetic Justice is primarily about Jack Dylan, however, and it's fair to say he goes through some traumatic times during the course of the novel. His wife, Kay is a difficult character to sympathise with and although their marital woes are the responsibility of them both, it's clear that she is the one whose actions are the most wilfully destructive. They are unable even to put on a united front for Jack's stepdaughter, Isla who is suffering from severe mental health issues. If anything particularly informs new readers as to the sort of man Dylan is then I would argue that it is the interactions between him and Isla; he is far more empathetic towards her than Kay and the bond between the pair is truly touching. The book also introduces Jennifer Jones who has only recently moved to Yorkshire from the Isle of Wight. I realised from the blurb that she is a significant person in Dylan's life and enjoyed seeing how they first meet. I'm sure readers who already know the series will also welcome the chance to learn what first brought the pair together. Jack and Jen's blossoming relationship proves to be a distinct contrast to the destructive toxicity both experienced previously and is a welcome ray of happiness in what is otherwise a frequently emotionally difficult time for Jack.
I loved Poetic Justice and am most definitely a new recruit to #TeamDylan but this isn't just a book for newcomers to the series. I'm sure that with such well-crafted, considerate characterisation, a compelling and emotional plot - I was moved to tears at times - and the vivid sense of place which sees the communities of Yorkshire so beautifully rendered, those who already love the series will also welcome this look at Jack Dylan's dramatic past. Highly recommended.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve got to admit, I’ve been meaning to introduce myself to DI Jack Dylan for some time after hearing some fantastic things about this police procedural series.

This book may be a prequel to the series however, I personally think it is an excellent opener introducing Dylan and the team. I really liked Dylan as a character, he’s just as I’d expect a detective inspector to be like. He’s got the back of his team and he’s got their respect. But he’s by no means got a perfect life. He causes friction at work, he’s got problems at home, he’s a man under pressure!

I thought the horror of being the newbie in the office for Jen was portrayed perfectly. We’ve all been there, facing the opinions of others, dealing with the attention from the office perv, working out who is an ally and who will stab you in the back for their own gains. I really felt for Jen but I’ve got a feeling she’s going to be an invaluable member of the team!

I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent police procedural and I will be working my way through this series, getting to know the team better, following their investigations and intruding into their personal lives. If you’ve not met Jack Dylan, this is the best place to do so!

[Tracy Petterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from the writing duo

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since I read a police procedural novel in one sitting but Poetic Justice has been such a great introduction into DI Jack Dylan’s world that I had difficulty leaving it for any longer than it took to make myself a restorative cup of tea, in my #Team Dylan Mug.

For those who have already read the series, this prequel into how Jack Dylan’s literary life began will be a lovely bonus as I am sure regular readers will already be acquainted with what makes this enigmatic Detective Inspector tick. However, for those readers, like me, who are completely new, this is a grand introduction to a series, which is, with the publication of Poetic Justice, already nine books in. I really can’t wait to get my hands on them all!

The story opens with a dreadful accident, the bleakness of the scene, and the only witness account as he telephones for help is quite chilling, bringing the cold air of a winter night sharply into focus. The results of this accident will have far reaching consequences, not just for the police team leading a complicated investigation, but also for Jack Dylan who is intimately involved with one of the accident victims.

Poetic Justice is not all about Jack Dylan, and even though he does play a major role in events there is a limit to just how much sadness one man can cope with, and Jack Dylan certainly has his share of heartache. So it was refreshing for the investigative team to have other cases to work on, and one involving a local children's home and two missing children adds an interesting complexity to an already complicated story line. As I would expect from two writers who have spent most of their time working within a major police force, the police procedural aspect is particularly well done. What comes across is the banter between colleagues, which is often jokey and irreverent but always clever and precise, showing just how the police service, when under pressure, allow the professional to take over from the personal.

I absolutely loved this story from start to finish and, I think, what struck me most as I read along was just how visual the story was, because even as the words were being processed in my brain, I already had a clear visual image of events, rather like I was watching a TV drama unfold.

Having read Poetic Justice, I have to say that Jack Dylan is now my new hero, and as the writers so cleverly maintain, “If you had to choose to be on anyone’s team, you’d want to be on Team Dylan any day of the week”....I couldn’t agree more!

[Linda Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

When an elderly man witnesses a car accident, this is just the start of a terrible chain of events.

Poetic Justice is a real tour de force. Fast paced, complex and multi-faceted there is something for every crime thriller or police procedural lover between its pages.

Although it isn’t over dominant, I loved the sense of place created by the authors so that Yorkshire becomes an integral part of the story. This effect is created with a lightness of touch with descriptions that are natural and which support the action perfectly. I think it’s obvious that the authors are used to working with television dramas as they fully understand the most effective way to engage the reader with a location, especially through sight and scent.

Also hugely successful is the way in which the multiple strands of the story and the complexities of Jack Dylan’s life illustrate the realities of police work in a large county. I felt there was a pleasing authenticity to the narrative because there is no let up in pace – much as I imagine working in this environment to be. Indeed, Poetic Justice races along at a breath taking speed, making for an exciting and engaging read.

As this is a prequel to other Jack Dylan stories, I found the creation of character, particularly of Jack Dylan, fascinating. He really does come across to the reader as a real man, as well as a dedicated police officer, so that I cared about what happened to him. Occasionally I found I was having to concentrate on the number of participants in Poetic Justice to remember their place in the story properly and again this felt like a genuine representation of what it must be like to have several investigations on the go at once. Having been a police lay visitor in the past, I felt each of the people I met between the pages of Poetic Justice I’d also seen in the custody suite of my city’s police stations because they were so authentic.

However, the real success of Poetic Justice for me is the way in which the entire gamut of life is held within its pages. Society’s concerns and issues of mental health, crime, corruption, different forms of abuse from sexual to drug and alcohol, relationships and identity all form part of the rich tapestry that underpins plot and character. This may be a fairly short novel but it is packed with action and issues that give plenty for the reader to think about. I really enjoyed it.

[Andy Wormald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opening with the discovery of a crashed car which has left one victim dead and one badly injured, the car is registered to Jack Dylan, however who was in the car. Flashback to 10 days earlier Dylan is returning home from a course, as he departs from the train and starts to leave the station he is subjected to an unprovoked attack. A series of events is about to turn his world upside down.

Dylan soon starts to discover that his wife may not be the woman he knows and loves, in addition his adopted daughter has dropped out of university. Soon two teenage girls disappear from home and Dylan must put aside his personal problems to lead the investigation.

In the previous books in the series we have had a glimpse into Dylans past, however, with the prequel Poetic Justice takes us back to the where it all began what made Dylan and Jen the people they are.

Whilst the book mainly focuses on Dylan and what made him the man he is, Jen plays a vital and important role in shaping the future books.

The authors have a keen attention to the little details that bring those authentic touches which go into a real life investigation and makes for not only a fantastic read but makes the reader feel as though they are living the investigation as it unfolds in real time.

R C Bridgestock have managed to bring the reader a gripping read with a total sense of realism, also one full of tension mixed with compassion and at times heart wrenching as Dylan must face up the realities of life whilst remaining professional in the face of adversity.

The pacing is spot on, one feature of the books is the characters full of depth written with a style that makes them all believable

R C Bridgestock have brought all their years and real life experiences within the Police force to the fore and combined it with a quality of writing which is guaranteed to bring the reader a compelling and highly addictive read.

These have been one the most highly enjoyable Police procedural series I have read and in Poetic Justice we have for me the best to date.

Highly recommend

[Mary Baldwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the February pick for a local book group; and it’s a genre I often enjoy so I was excited to get stuck in. I really wanted to enjoy the book as I have with so many police procedural/crime-thriller-esque books previously.

It wasn’t until I reached the end and reflected on my notes that I realised the things I disliked completely typify a prequel. This is a prequel and it reads exactly like a series of unrelated points that aim to set the scene for a future series.

Not all prequels are like that, in this case it gave the book a very disorganised and superficial feel.

The start of the book read very much like a report, not totally unusual for this kind of read, and things did pick up a bit once some characters were properly introduced.

However, the perspectives shift far too quickly (sometimes between paragraphs!)

In general there was no buy in to the plot for me, mainly down to the number of disparate sub plots which were given very superficial treatment and felt like an attempt to cram the book with as many themes as possible.

In some cases that gave too much brevity to sensitive topics (CW: death, suicide, child abuse) which felt like they had been added purely to cover either stereotypes or common tropes.

As a result I didn’t have any connection to the plot or to the characters, a sensible beginning, disorganised middle and a hurried end.

I’d be interested to see if the subsequent series featuring the main character is more promising.

[Bucks, Books & Beyond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn’t necessarily call this a fast paced police procedural in comparison to some others I have read. But there are quite a few threads of drama running through the characters in this book which keeps the tension up. I found myself more interested in the outcomes of the characters than what would actually happen overall. As this book is the first I have read in this series I think the authors have set a really good base of characters here that I personally would want to read more about. The benefit for me is that there already is a whole series I can now go and read about them in!

[Claire Thackray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another BRILLIANT book by these mega talented authors! Love this book as it explains beautifully how it all began. Every police force should have their very own DI Dylan

[Simon Fenwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good exciting story but the Kindle set up is weird. Instead of just following on, there's a 'page turn' after almost every single paragraph. Why it was set up like this I haven't a clue! Can't mark the author down for that though as it's the fault of whoever formatted it for Kindle.

[Lise Dufour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good author always a good sense of humour

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good police novel with a different, more personal approach
The finale is a bit predicable but still and engaging read.

[Karen McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

gripping

A gripping prequel to the DI Jack Dylan series. After having read all the books in the series, I hope there are more to come. An excellent series

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty mid. I feel like it’s a good intro though. Was good enough for me to be tempted to try next in series at least.

[Lora King · Rating 5 out of 5]

well this was the story of Jack's first wife, daughter and how he met Jen. And we get to see Larry who really was a dick in action.