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DCI Harry Grimm #3
Corpse Road
Picturesque hills stained with blood. An MO like no other. Can this senior officer draw on his paratrooper past to catch a twisted mind?
DCI Harry Grimm is still grappling with the Yorkshire Dales custom of eating cheese with cake. But the seasoned big-city cop has more than enough experience getting pulled out of bed in the middle of the night for the grisliest crimes. So the gruesome early-hour discovery of a woman’s savaged remains on the bleakly beautiful terrain has the detective keen to slam an ugly killer behind bars…
With both a clear motive and an obvious offender firmly in his sights, the dedicated policeman hunts relentlessly for the killer. But when the prime suspect goes missing and Grimm reworks the scene, he fears he sees signs of meticulous military planning and a culprit with a long list of victims.
Can the tough investigator get into the head of a murderer before he’s called to the next kill zone?
Corpse Road is the mesmerising third book in the DCI Harry Grimm crime fiction series. If you like razor-sharp cops, insanely bent villains, and dark page-turning plots, then you’ll love David J. Gatward’s wild ride through the moors.
Buy Corpse Road to follow a psychopathic predator’s trail today!
Corpse Road is the third book in the DCI Harry Grimm crime thriller series, set in the Yorkshire Dales, and perfect for fans of L. J. Ross, J. D. Kirk, , Adam Croft, Simon McCleave, Alex Smith, J. M. Dalgliesh, J. E. Mayhew, and J. R. Ellis.
DCI Harry Grimm is still grappling with the Yorkshire Dales custom of eating cheese with cake. But the seasoned big-city cop has more than enough experience getting pulled out of bed in the middle of the night for the grisliest crimes. So the gruesome early-hour discovery of a woman’s savaged remains on the bleakly beautiful terrain has the detective keen to slam an ugly killer behind bars…
With both a clear motive and an obvious offender firmly in his sights, the dedicated policeman hunts relentlessly for the killer. But when the prime suspect goes missing and Grimm reworks the scene, he fears he sees signs of meticulous military planning and a culprit with a long list of victims.
Can the tough investigator get into the head of a murderer before he’s called to the next kill zone?
Corpse Road is the mesmerising third book in the DCI Harry Grimm crime fiction series. If you like razor-sharp cops, insanely bent villains, and dark page-turning plots, then you’ll love David J. Gatward’s wild ride through the moors.
Buy Corpse Road to follow a psychopathic predator’s trail today!
Corpse Road is the third book in the DCI Harry Grimm crime thriller series, set in the Yorkshire Dales, and perfect for fans of L. J. Ross, J. D. Kirk, , Adam Croft, Simon McCleave, Alex Smith, J. M. Dalgliesh, J. E. Mayhew, and J. R. Ellis.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
December 24, 2020
I'm loving this series, each book gets better and better. I love Harry, he's seen the worst in people having been a para but is so compassionate towards his team and the victims. The characters are all developing and we're getting to know them more. Looking forward to book #4. Still haven't tried cake and cheese but it's something I'm definitely going to do! I'd love to visit the area of Yorkshire that these books are set in. The descriptive prose is simply beautiful.... "the sweeping valleys and hills laced together by the thin, ancient threads of drystone walls; houses huddled together in cosy clusters against the elements as though squeezed shoulder-to-shoulder to share heat". I loved Yorkshire as a child, visiting relatives who are no longer here. As soon as lockdown in UK allows, I'm going to book a holiday to Grimm county 😊.
December 27, 2020
Running on empty
I enjoyed the first two Grimm books, but this one is weak in all ways: the plot is unsupported and just plain silly, every character completely undeveloped, dialogue wooden, and the writing listless and juvenile. I sense a writer eager to keep the series going, but a book this flawed and thoughtless brings the momentum to a full stop with discerning readers.
I enjoyed the first two Grimm books, but this one is weak in all ways: the plot is unsupported and just plain silly, every character completely undeveloped, dialogue wooden, and the writing listless and juvenile. I sense a writer eager to keep the series going, but a book this flawed and thoughtless brings the momentum to a full stop with discerning readers.
August 30, 2023
For some obscure reason I accidental read this 3rd book in the series before the 2nd one, even though I have both on my Kindle.
This is another book where the author is writing about the place he grew up in and therefore it has a great feel of authenticity to it. The actual mystery was easy for me to figure out after a couple of, what I thought were obvious, clues. But now and again it's nice of an author to give the reader a sense of accomplishment in that way.
A good read in the 'Yorkshire crime' genre and may be appreciated more by anyone who has actually been there. I look forward to circling back to book 2.
This is another book where the author is writing about the place he grew up in and therefore it has a great feel of authenticity to it. The actual mystery was easy for me to figure out after a couple of, what I thought were obvious, clues. But now and again it's nice of an author to give the reader a sense of accomplishment in that way.
A good read in the 'Yorkshire crime' genre and may be appreciated more by anyone who has actually been there. I look forward to circling back to book 2.
February 3, 2021
We first read about a wannabe soldier – he's got all the kit and read all the books!! This is not his first hunt but it will be his first kill and he relishes the fact that he will get noticed at last. Just why is he taking revenge and what will his followers on the dark web get to see? In Swaledale, Kirsty Emily Jackson is out camping for the first time. She is finally reclaiming her life after ending it with her bully of a husband Daryl and is enjoying the freedom after getting hooked on the idea of wild camping. A relative newcomer to the area is DCI Harry Grimm, temporarily transferred from Bristol. His quiet evening is destroyed by an unexpected call from his estranged father warning him that he is in danger. Grimm wants nothing to do with the man who killed his mother and attacked his brother years ago. That same night Kirsty is killed and the murder is recorded for the killer’s “fans”. Once again Grimm's night is disturbed when DS Matthew Dinsdale phones him in the early hours to tell him a body has been found on the Yorkshire moors by the Swaledale Mountain Rescue team. The body belongs to a female backpacker with a stab wound to the throat. Jim Metcalf, a dedicated and very keen PCSO, complete with land rover and border collie pup, drives Grimm to the scene to await the doctor, pathologist and scene of crime officers. It’s a mess. The name Stacy has been carved into the woman’s forehead and written on her tent in blood. Ominously, the body has been found on the old Corpse Road, a pathway used centuries ago to take the dead to church for burial. Forensics find the woman's purse and the contents identify her as Kirsty. So who is Stacy then? Burnt photos suggest a rift with her husband making him the likeliest suspect but it just doesn’t feel quite right. We hear again the words of the killer as he revels in what he has just done and the many more who are going to get what’s coming to them. Just who are the Ultimate Gentlemen? Back at their office in Hawes community centre and with the rather unwanted help from Detective Superintendent Swift, the detectives review the evidence, some of which is quite baffling. As their enquiries progress, the husband looks more and more to be their prime suspect, but could there be a whole lot more to this case?
Grimm has a great team of officers to work with, including PCSOs who are given proper credit for the work they do and are actually involved in the investigation instead of being sidelined to the boring stuff. It says a lot about Grimm that this team has taken to him so quickly, and despite his somewhat blunt manner at times they know they have a good boss. Grimm’s former training in the paras and some of the team’s outside interests and local knowledge all play a vital part in this case as they battle to save a life and stop a killer. Although this is the third book in the series, all of which I can thoroughly recommend as superb crime novels, it can be enjoyed perfectly well as a stand alone. The characters are well introduced and easy to take to, the plot is excellent and draws the reader along skilfully to a smashing conclusion. It's definitely one of those books you pick up and don’t put down again until the final page.
Wensleydale cheese with cake will probably never be Grimm’s cup of tea but I might just give it a try though! 5*
Grimm has a great team of officers to work with, including PCSOs who are given proper credit for the work they do and are actually involved in the investigation instead of being sidelined to the boring stuff. It says a lot about Grimm that this team has taken to him so quickly, and despite his somewhat blunt manner at times they know they have a good boss. Grimm’s former training in the paras and some of the team’s outside interests and local knowledge all play a vital part in this case as they battle to save a life and stop a killer. Although this is the third book in the series, all of which I can thoroughly recommend as superb crime novels, it can be enjoyed perfectly well as a stand alone. The characters are well introduced and easy to take to, the plot is excellent and draws the reader along skilfully to a smashing conclusion. It's definitely one of those books you pick up and don’t put down again until the final page.
Wensleydale cheese with cake will probably never be Grimm’s cup of tea but I might just give it a try though! 5*
July 4, 2021
Favourite of the series so far
Of the series so far, I definitely enjoyed this one the most. There was more of am insight into the other team members and Grimm himself seems to have settled into his place.
I just felt that the plot was a bit lacking. The killer was.obvious from the moment they were introduced which took away any tension.
I also query the investigative prowess of the team. I know they are fairly rural and may not have experience with murders, but my goodness they don't connect anything or question anything. There were times when I actually rolled my eyes at the neon lit clue that was missed.
I also find elements quite repetitive, not just within the book but the whole series. If I read about cheese and cake again I'm going to throw the book out the window.
I do read these books quickly and I don't want to give up during, but it definitely isn't my favourite series.
Of the series so far, I definitely enjoyed this one the most. There was more of am insight into the other team members and Grimm himself seems to have settled into his place.
I just felt that the plot was a bit lacking. The killer was.obvious from the moment they were introduced which took away any tension.
I also query the investigative prowess of the team. I know they are fairly rural and may not have experience with murders, but my goodness they don't connect anything or question anything. There were times when I actually rolled my eyes at the neon lit clue that was missed.
I also find elements quite repetitive, not just within the book but the whole series. If I read about cheese and cake again I'm going to throw the book out the window.
I do read these books quickly and I don't want to give up during, but it definitely isn't my favourite series.
March 27, 2021
I think this wasn't his best.
Read it please if you enjoy ripping yarns. However be warned you may find that you've guessed who the murderer is about 2/3ds. through! Also there are some glaring errors in Chapter 23, mixing up Jadyns name with Daryls. This suddenly makes you realise this imagined reality is just the muddled thinking of a writer!
Read it please if you enjoy ripping yarns. However be warned you may find that you've guessed who the murderer is about 2/3ds. through! Also there are some glaring errors in Chapter 23, mixing up Jadyns name with Daryls. This suddenly makes you realise this imagined reality is just the muddled thinking of a writer!
June 20, 2023
Love this series! Wanna be soldier, and never had a clue who it was until they figured it out too!
March 17, 2024
Was good
March 22, 2024
Book three in the series. I didn’t connect with this one as much as the previous books but it was still an enjoyable read. The characters are becoming more familiar and the storyline around Grimm’s family continues outside of the key crime(s) of the plot.
November 11, 2025
Once again back to Yorkshire and DCI Grimm and his motley team. This time tackling the murders of an estranged husband and wife. Pleasantly surprised at the turn of events in this book. Not where I thought the plot was going! Another solid team effort, and more breadcrumbs dropped in the secondary plot to maintain momentum. Great read!
October 3, 2021
If I could I would give this 2,5 stars. But since I really like the setting, the characters and the sense of place and since the read is generally quick and enjoyable, I'll give it 3. Wensleydale seems to be a beautiful place, its people a hardy but likable bunch and it's nice to see how the place is growing on Grimm.
The biggest problem with this novel once again was the case itself, which could have been interesting but was kinda ruined by the lack of effort the author put into giving it a little complexity.
So, on the one hand, this series is a beautiful loveletter to Wensleydale with a bunch of very likable characters. On the other hand, David J. Gatward still hasn't managed to write a satisfying or even slightly complex whodunnit, which is why I will probably take a break from this series for now.
The biggest problem with this novel once again was the case itself, which could have been interesting but was kinda ruined by the lack of effort the author put into giving it a little complexity.
So, on the one hand, this series is a beautiful loveletter to Wensleydale with a bunch of very likable characters. On the other hand, David J. Gatward still hasn't managed to write a satisfying or even slightly complex whodunnit, which is why I will probably take a break from this series for now.
April 11, 2026
The story is set in the bleak yet beautiful Yorkshire Dales, where DCI Harry Grimm, a former paratrooper turned detective, is called to investigate a brutal murder.
A woman who had gone wild camping is found stabbed to death on an old “corpse road”—a historic path once used to carry the dead for burial. 
At first, the case seems straightforward:
The victim’s ex-husband appears to be the obvious suspect
There is a clear motive
But things quickly unravel:
The prime suspect vanishes
Grimm begins to notice signs of careful, almost military-style planning
Evidence suggests this is not a one-off crime, but the work of a serial killer 
As the investigation deepens, Grimm realizes:
The killer may be recording or staging crimes
There could be multiple victims
The case becomes a race against time to prevent further murders
Themes & Tone
Dark, atmospheric setting (moors, isolation)
Psychological cat-and-mouse
Modern elements like online/digital influences in crime
A methodical, intelligent killer vs. a seasoned detective.
It’s a fast-paced serial killer thriller where what looks like a simple murder evolves into a complex, chilling hunt for a highly organized predator.Its 4 stars from my side.
Dr. Javed Rasheed
A woman who had gone wild camping is found stabbed to death on an old “corpse road”—a historic path once used to carry the dead for burial. 
At first, the case seems straightforward:
The victim’s ex-husband appears to be the obvious suspect
There is a clear motive
But things quickly unravel:
The prime suspect vanishes
Grimm begins to notice signs of careful, almost military-style planning
Evidence suggests this is not a one-off crime, but the work of a serial killer 
As the investigation deepens, Grimm realizes:
The killer may be recording or staging crimes
There could be multiple victims
The case becomes a race against time to prevent further murders
Themes & Tone
Dark, atmospheric setting (moors, isolation)
Psychological cat-and-mouse
Modern elements like online/digital influences in crime
A methodical, intelligent killer vs. a seasoned detective.
It’s a fast-paced serial killer thriller where what looks like a simple murder evolves into a complex, chilling hunt for a highly organized predator.Its 4 stars from my side.
Dr. Javed Rasheed
January 20, 2022
Very enjoyable book. Well written. Will read on in the series.
December 4, 2022
THE more I read about DCI Griim the more I like the Man, he certainly is the right man for the job
October 28, 2023
Corpse Road is book three in the DCI Harry Grimm series by David J. Gatward. One night, DCI Harry Grimm woke from sleep by his Detective Sergeant asking to come to an awful murder scene on the Corpse Road mountain walk. At first, DCI Harry Grimm and his team thought the husband was the killer, but this changed when they found him murdered. The readers of Corpse Road will continue to follow DCI Harry Grimm to discover what happens.
I love the DCI Harry Grimm series and how David J. Gatward portrays his main character as a crumby and swearing person, and from the first glimpse of him, you will think he was a hard man. However, you will be wrong. He has a hard of gold and will protect them with his life. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Corpse Road is well-written and researched by David J. Gatward. I like David J. Gatward's description of his settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of this book's plot.
The readers of Corpse Road will learn about the Yorkshire Dales tradition of eating cake and cheese. Also, the reader of Corpse Road will learn about the sport of Airsoft Skirmishing and the danger that can caused if the Airsoft guns get in the wrong hands.
I recommend this book.
I love the DCI Harry Grimm series and how David J. Gatward portrays his main character as a crumby and swearing person, and from the first glimpse of him, you will think he was a hard man. However, you will be wrong. He has a hard of gold and will protect them with his life. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Corpse Road is well-written and researched by David J. Gatward. I like David J. Gatward's description of his settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of this book's plot.
The readers of Corpse Road will learn about the Yorkshire Dales tradition of eating cake and cheese. Also, the reader of Corpse Road will learn about the sport of Airsoft Skirmishing and the danger that can caused if the Airsoft guns get in the wrong hands.
I recommend this book.
July 11, 2024
I am not the target audience for this series for sure. The dialogue is forced and they start with an accent in the writing and then never again throughout the whole book.
January 12, 2021
Thanks to Random T Tours & The Author (especially for the little treats too!) for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis:
To catch the hunter, become the prey.When the body of a female backpacker is found on the Yorkshire moors, the killer seems obvious, the motive clear.If only.Because Grimm and his team are up against not just a murderer, but a predator, and when the key suspect disappears, it’s only a matter of time before another body is found. To catch one of the most dangerous killers he has ever faced, and to have any chance of staying alive himself, Grimm will need to not only draw on his skills as a detective, but as a soldier, and to trust his team with his life as he goes to war once more.But at least he won’t have to eat cheese and cake. Hopefully . . .
Thoughts: 💭 You honestly can’t beat a good detective story can you? This book is the third in the DCI Grimm series. It did well as a stand alone; although now I’m excited to read the other two. Grimm is a really likeable character, a bit bad tempered, swears quite a bit, good banter, really good detective. Previously from down South he’s now in Yorkshire. Where he just can’t understand why they are eating cake & cheese? Although I must admit I didn’t know that was a thing either and now I really want to try! The team have a really good dynamic and ofcourse there’s Grimm’s grumpy awful boss! The Murder itself was quite gory and different, it reminded me of an episode of criminal minds the way it unfolded. The way it ended to, there must be plans for another story! I even guessed the murderer and usually I don’t, so I was happy with myself. Ha! Highly recommend!!
Synopsis:
To catch the hunter, become the prey.When the body of a female backpacker is found on the Yorkshire moors, the killer seems obvious, the motive clear.If only.Because Grimm and his team are up against not just a murderer, but a predator, and when the key suspect disappears, it’s only a matter of time before another body is found. To catch one of the most dangerous killers he has ever faced, and to have any chance of staying alive himself, Grimm will need to not only draw on his skills as a detective, but as a soldier, and to trust his team with his life as he goes to war once more.But at least he won’t have to eat cheese and cake. Hopefully . . .
Thoughts: 💭 You honestly can’t beat a good detective story can you? This book is the third in the DCI Grimm series. It did well as a stand alone; although now I’m excited to read the other two. Grimm is a really likeable character, a bit bad tempered, swears quite a bit, good banter, really good detective. Previously from down South he’s now in Yorkshire. Where he just can’t understand why they are eating cake & cheese? Although I must admit I didn’t know that was a thing either and now I really want to try! The team have a really good dynamic and ofcourse there’s Grimm’s grumpy awful boss! The Murder itself was quite gory and different, it reminded me of an episode of criminal minds the way it unfolded. The way it ended to, there must be plans for another story! I even guessed the murderer and usually I don’t, so I was happy with myself. Ha! Highly recommend!!
February 1, 2021
Wow!! This was brilliant, just my sort of read!
This is the 3rd book in the DCI Harry Grimm series, but my first read by this author, and I'll definitely be checking out the first two books and adding them to my wishlist.
As I said this was my kind of read, a great detective story, a murder, great plot and storyline, with lots of gruesomeness. It worked well for me as a standalone.
There were so many plot twists as the police team struggled to piece together the new evidence that kept presenting itself.
I found the plot original and it kept my attention throughout. I've struggled to put this book down. Always a sign of a good read!!
I had a hunch at one stage who the perpetrator could be, but then kept second guessing myself. I definitely didn't work out who it could be until near the end.
Highly recommend a read of this. It's excellent and addictive.
This is the 3rd book in the DCI Harry Grimm series, but my first read by this author, and I'll definitely be checking out the first two books and adding them to my wishlist.
As I said this was my kind of read, a great detective story, a murder, great plot and storyline, with lots of gruesomeness. It worked well for me as a standalone.
There were so many plot twists as the police team struggled to piece together the new evidence that kept presenting itself.
I found the plot original and it kept my attention throughout. I've struggled to put this book down. Always a sign of a good read!!
I had a hunch at one stage who the perpetrator could be, but then kept second guessing myself. I definitely didn't work out who it could be until near the end.
Highly recommend a read of this. It's excellent and addictive.
July 12, 2024
Another great read from the Harry Grimm series. I am already on to the next book.
I love the setting, I love the characters, the author has made me care about them.
Harry has his past demons he has to deal with, personal issues with family that are on his mind while he has to work to solve this murder. His past is a mystery that is unfolding through the series. Hopefully the next book has more details.
This mystery was not as easy to solve as it first looks.
Harry and his team work together to find the killer before he adds one of their own to his tally.
×3
I love the setting, I love the characters, the author has made me care about them.
Harry has his past demons he has to deal with, personal issues with family that are on his mind while he has to work to solve this murder. His past is a mystery that is unfolding through the series. Hopefully the next book has more details.
This mystery was not as easy to solve as it first looks.
Harry and his team work together to find the killer before he adds one of their own to his tally.
×3
April 25, 2021
I was enjoying this book until the end when Gary began his ridiculous talk about his lot in life. I have read about men who believe such stuff, but the dialogue with the victim was so ridiculous that it changed my rating. I like Harry and his crew, but this was not my favorite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2025
I'm not really excited about the main character. I love the supporting cast! The mystery was pretty good. I kind of got the biggest clue that was shared in the beginning. It was talked around/about a few times and I made wrong assumptions that made it not a clue in my mind. I was wrong. So close!
March 31, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A Dark, Gritty Masterpiece That Grips You From Start to Finish
Corpse Road by David J. Gatward is nothing short of a haunting, pulse-pounding triumph. From the very first page, Gatward pulls you into a bleak and atmospheric world where every shadow feels alive and every step forward leads deeper into something sinister.
Set against a stark, almost oppressive backdrop, the novel wastes no time establishing its tone—this is a story drenched in tension, unease, and a creeping sense of dread that never lets up. Gatward’s writing is razor-sharp, cinematic, and deeply immersive, painting scenes so vividly you can practically feel the cold air and isolation pressing in around you.
At the heart of Corpse Road lies a mystery that is as intricate as it is disturbing. The plot unfolds with expert precision, layering clues, red herrings, and shocking revelations in a way that keeps you constantly second-guessing. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, Gatward masterfully pulls the rug out from under you, delivering twists that are both surprising and completely earned.
The characters are another standout element. They are flawed, human, and deeply compelling—each carrying their own burdens and secrets. The emotional depth Gatward brings to his cast elevates the story beyond a standard crime thriller, grounding the horror in very real human stakes. You don’t just follow these characters—you feel their fear, their desperation, and their determination.
What truly sets this book apart is its atmosphere. There’s an almost suffocating tension that runs through every chapter, amplified by Gatward’s ability to balance action with quiet, unsettling moments. The pacing is flawless—never rushed, never dragging—building to a climax that is as explosive as it is emotionally satisfying.
And that ending… absolutely phenomenal. It doesn’t just conclude the story—it leaves a lasting impression, the kind that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.
Corpse Road is more than just a crime novel—it’s an experience. Dark, gripping, and expertly crafted, it showcases David J. Gatward at the very top of his game.
If you’re a fan of intense, atmospheric thrillers with unforgettable characters and jaw-dropping twists, this is an absolute must-read.
Verdict: A flawless, edge-of-your-seat thriller that deserves every one of its five stars.
Corpse Road by David J. Gatward is nothing short of a haunting, pulse-pounding triumph. From the very first page, Gatward pulls you into a bleak and atmospheric world where every shadow feels alive and every step forward leads deeper into something sinister.
Set against a stark, almost oppressive backdrop, the novel wastes no time establishing its tone—this is a story drenched in tension, unease, and a creeping sense of dread that never lets up. Gatward’s writing is razor-sharp, cinematic, and deeply immersive, painting scenes so vividly you can practically feel the cold air and isolation pressing in around you.
At the heart of Corpse Road lies a mystery that is as intricate as it is disturbing. The plot unfolds with expert precision, layering clues, red herrings, and shocking revelations in a way that keeps you constantly second-guessing. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, Gatward masterfully pulls the rug out from under you, delivering twists that are both surprising and completely earned.
The characters are another standout element. They are flawed, human, and deeply compelling—each carrying their own burdens and secrets. The emotional depth Gatward brings to his cast elevates the story beyond a standard crime thriller, grounding the horror in very real human stakes. You don’t just follow these characters—you feel their fear, their desperation, and their determination.
What truly sets this book apart is its atmosphere. There’s an almost suffocating tension that runs through every chapter, amplified by Gatward’s ability to balance action with quiet, unsettling moments. The pacing is flawless—never rushed, never dragging—building to a climax that is as explosive as it is emotionally satisfying.
And that ending… absolutely phenomenal. It doesn’t just conclude the story—it leaves a lasting impression, the kind that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.
Corpse Road is more than just a crime novel—it’s an experience. Dark, gripping, and expertly crafted, it showcases David J. Gatward at the very top of his game.
If you’re a fan of intense, atmospheric thrillers with unforgettable characters and jaw-dropping twists, this is an absolute must-read.
Verdict: A flawless, edge-of-your-seat thriller that deserves every one of its five stars.
September 27, 2023
Fly
My Thoughts:
And I have a new favourite side-kick! Fly!
I am looking forward to how the author is going to spin the side plot of Harry's brother and father in subsequent books...
I also like the fact that Harry is getting more entrenched into his temporary post at Wensleydale...
I am also really hoping that the author will kill off Detective Superintendent Swift soon! Really!!...
This book also made me look up Airsoft gun playing which lead me to this youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5epV.... It turns out, Airsoft gun playing in the UK is more heavily regulated than it is in the US. You have to be a real hobbyist of Airsoft gun playing to be able to buy one.
Aubrey Parsons again is being his wonderful self with his masterful narration!
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 3
Pace = (7 hrs and 9 mins listening time)
Plot = 4.5
Narration = 4.5
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
May 31, 2021
Grave crimes and the battle of cake and cheese continues.
Book 3 in this series and have to say the level of detail and layers to the crimes, surroundings and characters have more depth, twists and turns. My favourite one yet as could really get the feel of the crimes committed and the stress and tension these cause the police.
DCI Gill has really found his feet with in his team and developing a love for the community and countryside around it as it continues getting under his skin.
Personal issues come back to haunt him and his Boss continues to treat him as a outsider from the South and every chance he gets reminds Harry he just doesn't belong.
Description of the crimes explained in detail but not for effect or over the top but to get the reader involved as if watching from the shadows but also you get the feeling of the pain, fear and and trauma they must feel.
I did figure out how a important clue prior to the police working it out and those involved. But this did not detract from a easy flowing read that at times made me laugh out loud at Harry's dry humour and saying. Some of the descriptions I had to read out to my husband as just so precise and could visualise them even though it made you go "Oh no" Almost bad taste but makes you laugh.
If you have not tried this series I recommend as it flows and a easy read. Police procedural within a small rural community team who all are great characters in their own right.
Only outstanding question the challenge of cake and cheese will Harry try it?
Book 3 in this series and have to say the level of detail and layers to the crimes, surroundings and characters have more depth, twists and turns. My favourite one yet as could really get the feel of the crimes committed and the stress and tension these cause the police.
DCI Gill has really found his feet with in his team and developing a love for the community and countryside around it as it continues getting under his skin.
Personal issues come back to haunt him and his Boss continues to treat him as a outsider from the South and every chance he gets reminds Harry he just doesn't belong.
Description of the crimes explained in detail but not for effect or over the top but to get the reader involved as if watching from the shadows but also you get the feeling of the pain, fear and and trauma they must feel.
I did figure out how a important clue prior to the police working it out and those involved. But this did not detract from a easy flowing read that at times made me laugh out loud at Harry's dry humour and saying. Some of the descriptions I had to read out to my husband as just so precise and could visualise them even though it made you go "Oh no" Almost bad taste but makes you laugh.
If you have not tried this series I recommend as it flows and a easy read. Police procedural within a small rural community team who all are great characters in their own right.
Only outstanding question the challenge of cake and cheese will Harry try it?
March 27, 2026
Another gripping read but these cops are dense
I am really enjoying this series and DCI Grimm is a compelling character. But I’ve got to say none of these cops are the sharpest tools in the shed. I’ve noticed it in the previous books but it was glaring in this one. I pegged the villain right from the beginning and so many of the clues were obvious. Now of course they could have also been red herrings but in either case none of these cops picked up on any of them. I don’t know if they don’t listen to each other, if they’re blinded by their cozy little location, if they just want things to be easy (like the very annoying DSI) or what but Harry certainly should be quicker on the uptake.
But even given all that it didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the story (even if it is a bit annoying) and it certainly gives me the charge I like to get from mysteries when I figure it out before the detectives. One thing I really like about these books is the author certainly drops the clues for the reader to put pieces together. And that’s what I really like in a mystery author. Mystery readers like to play detective, question everything, hypothesize, theorize. I hate it when authors get too cute by half and leave out key information or bury it so deep virtually no one would spot the clue. So I’ll definitely keep reading this series as it fits my enjoyment of mysteries. Plus we’ve got some kind of big overarching storyline going on now which gives us another mystery to slowly (no doubt) unravel. Off to download book four!
I am really enjoying this series and DCI Grimm is a compelling character. But I’ve got to say none of these cops are the sharpest tools in the shed. I’ve noticed it in the previous books but it was glaring in this one. I pegged the villain right from the beginning and so many of the clues were obvious. Now of course they could have also been red herrings but in either case none of these cops picked up on any of them. I don’t know if they don’t listen to each other, if they’re blinded by their cozy little location, if they just want things to be easy (like the very annoying DSI) or what but Harry certainly should be quicker on the uptake.
But even given all that it didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the story (even if it is a bit annoying) and it certainly gives me the charge I like to get from mysteries when I figure it out before the detectives. One thing I really like about these books is the author certainly drops the clues for the reader to put pieces together. And that’s what I really like in a mystery author. Mystery readers like to play detective, question everything, hypothesize, theorize. I hate it when authors get too cute by half and leave out key information or bury it so deep virtually no one would spot the clue. So I’ll definitely keep reading this series as it fits my enjoyment of mysteries. Plus we’ve got some kind of big overarching storyline going on now which gives us another mystery to slowly (no doubt) unravel. Off to download book four!
August 11, 2022
Coming to give this book a review, I'm stunned by the number of people who have previously reviewed it - hugely popular series by the look of it.
I've read the first couple of books in the series - they are easy to read and good enough to make me want to read more.
My worry is the speed at which they are published and how that will inevitably effect the quality of the novel (although shows no signs of any problems yet....)
The book is 279 pages with 39 chapters.
The story of the crime is the main focus of this novel and it's a good one with a brief build up. There is an obvious first suspect once the identity of the victim has been established.
There are then 2 further elements to this novel that make it strong. Firstly, the recurring characters, who are continuing to develop, using back history (mainly for Harry) and present day events. Secondly, the environment - the author describes the terrain and the weather (both interlinked) beautifully and it is always worth slowing down to properly soak in the authors atmospheric language.
I'm concerned about how quickly the police reach conclusions about the people involved with very little evidence - it makes for an exciting book but isn't any way near realistic, for example the husband's behaviour is bizarre but it doesn't make him a killer.
I also found this plot predictable and could see where it was going - didn't stop me enjoying it but the author needs to be careful not to make the novels too easy for the reader.
I've read the first couple of books in the series - they are easy to read and good enough to make me want to read more.
My worry is the speed at which they are published and how that will inevitably effect the quality of the novel (although shows no signs of any problems yet....)
The book is 279 pages with 39 chapters.
The story of the crime is the main focus of this novel and it's a good one with a brief build up. There is an obvious first suspect once the identity of the victim has been established.
There are then 2 further elements to this novel that make it strong. Firstly, the recurring characters, who are continuing to develop, using back history (mainly for Harry) and present day events. Secondly, the environment - the author describes the terrain and the weather (both interlinked) beautifully and it is always worth slowing down to properly soak in the authors atmospheric language.
I'm concerned about how quickly the police reach conclusions about the people involved with very little evidence - it makes for an exciting book but isn't any way near realistic, for example the husband's behaviour is bizarre but it doesn't make him a killer.
I also found this plot predictable and could see where it was going - didn't stop me enjoying it but the author needs to be careful not to make the novels too easy for the reader.
March 1, 2021
Another Outstanding Case for DCI Harry Grimm
David Gatward has Donovan outstanding job with this series. I love that he gives the color, the background of the setting at the end of each book.I understand to write a truly compelling book one should write what they know abkut. The setting and location of this series is in and of itself just as strong and richly written as the characters themselves!es. I am so much enjoying this series. The writing and storytelling is so beautifully crafted. I'm completed I bested with the complexity of Grimm. His team has proven themselves to be up to big city crime fighting standards and now I'm just waiting for Harry to enjoy a slice of cake and cheese. The introduction of "Fly" was brilliant. It absolutely reveals the softer side of Harry we all knew existed. Off to the next in the series. If it were cast properly this could be an excellent crime series for BBC. I'm enjoying the books here in the States. I high!y recommend this series if you enjoy British Crime with lots of authentic local color. You won't be disappointed.
David Gatward has Donovan outstanding job with this series. I love that he gives the color, the background of the setting at the end of each book.I understand to write a truly compelling book one should write what they know abkut. The setting and location of this series is in and of itself just as strong and richly written as the characters themselves!es. I am so much enjoying this series. The writing and storytelling is so beautifully crafted. I'm completed I bested with the complexity of Grimm. His team has proven themselves to be up to big city crime fighting standards and now I'm just waiting for Harry to enjoy a slice of cake and cheese. The introduction of "Fly" was brilliant. It absolutely reveals the softer side of Harry we all knew existed. Off to the next in the series. If it were cast properly this could be an excellent crime series for BBC. I'm enjoying the books here in the States. I high!y recommend this series if you enjoy British Crime with lots of authentic local color. You won't be disappointed.
November 5, 2024
DCI Harry Grimm is a big city cop who's still stuck in the Dales up north from Bristol. Things are normally pretty slow crime wise and there's only a small group of police for a large farming area. In this book a woman is brutally murdered and so Harry works with this team to solve it. It's a very gruesome scene and then there's another murder. There's apparently a serial killer on the hunt for prey. Who's the next victim?
I have to say I did not like this third novel as well as the first two. The biggest issue I had was different points of view throughout. In the previous books, it was all about Harry Grimm. In this one we've got the POV of the killer, the victims, various team members and Harry, too. I really hate being in the head of a killer. It also doesn't help focus or improve the story. The killings were also extremely graphic in detail. This book is not for someone who doesn't like explicit violence. If the series goes on like this, I'll give it a miss. I like a single, well-focused story, not one that's all over the place.
I have to say I did not like this third novel as well as the first two. The biggest issue I had was different points of view throughout. In the previous books, it was all about Harry Grimm. In this one we've got the POV of the killer, the victims, various team members and Harry, too. I really hate being in the head of a killer. It also doesn't help focus or improve the story. The killings were also extremely graphic in detail. This book is not for someone who doesn't like explicit violence. If the series goes on like this, I'll give it a miss. I like a single, well-focused story, not one that's all over the place.
August 12, 2021
Thrilling and chilling!
5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
This is my favorite crime series and my favorite police procedural mystery series. This third book was extremely addictive, especially with Aubrey Parsons’s superb narration. The crimes were scary without being too graphic. My heart raced along with Harry’s at the remarkable climax. I also loved how a few chapters were told from the perspectives of a few more members of the police team. These characters are wonderful, and the writing is tense while still having friendly interactions. I can’t wait to listen to the next book. My one tiny complaint is that too many clues were given to the reader (not to the police) in the first two chapters, so I was able to figure out the killer’s identity way too early, but it was still fascinating seeing how Harry and his team figured it out. I loved every minute of this marvelous audiobook.
5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
This is my favorite crime series and my favorite police procedural mystery series. This third book was extremely addictive, especially with Aubrey Parsons’s superb narration. The crimes were scary without being too graphic. My heart raced along with Harry’s at the remarkable climax. I also loved how a few chapters were told from the perspectives of a few more members of the police team. These characters are wonderful, and the writing is tense while still having friendly interactions. I can’t wait to listen to the next book. My one tiny complaint is that too many clues were given to the reader (not to the police) in the first two chapters, so I was able to figure out the killer’s identity way too early, but it was still fascinating seeing how Harry and his team figured it out. I loved every minute of this marvelous audiobook.
December 30, 2024
This series is one of my favourite finds of the year. To say that I am invested is a severe understatement. Harry Grimm is one of those characters that you cannot help but fall in love with. Despite his spiky, ornery demeanour, he is just misunderstood. He believes that he is Grimm by name and grim by nature, but that could not be further from the truth. An army veteran (medical discharge) he joins the force in Bristol, however, his maverick attitude and lack of rule abiding soon has him sent to "coventry" out of sight, out of mind. He is seconded to the Dales, as far from his comfort zone as possible. However, the Dales are magical, and Harry soon becomes to love it there, including the Wensleydale on fruit cake. Each book is fabulously written, the characters are amazing and you cannot help but fall in love with them and the Dales. One of my favourite series.
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