The Bradgate Park Murders

by Dawn Brookes

Private Investigator Carlos Jacobi wants to spend time in London with his girlfriend and his favorite pooch. But after recovering stolen puppies to smash a dog-theft ring, he’s still upset that the mastermind escaped when he gets a call about strange fatalities in Leicester. And with the victims’ wives asking for help, he allows himself to be roped into investigating a possible triple murder. Buried in half-clues and conflicting evidence, Carlos struggles to provide a link to reveal the obscure motive behind the deaths. And as he tracks the elusive perpetrator, the haunted investigator finds himself on the wrong end of a brutal beating meant to throw him off the trail. Can the clever sleuth untangle a web of corruption before he’s ensnared in a deadly trap? The Bradgate Park Murders is the twisty second book in the Carlos Jacobi private eye series. If you like determined detectives, jaw-dropping surprises, and detailed investigative work, you’ll love Dawn Brookes’s latest book.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

674 pages, ebook

Published May 2, 2021

About the author

Dawn Brookes is an award winning cosy mystery and crime writer who also writes memoirs and children's books.
She has an MA in Creative Writing with Distinction.

Dawn writes most days and publishes regularly, to keep up to date visit her website.

Rachel Prince Mysteries:

#1 A Cruise to Murder set during a Mediterranean cruise
#2 Deadly Cruise set during a transatlantic crossing to New York.
#3 Killer Cruise set during a Baltic cruise.
#4 Dying to Cruise set during a cruise around Australia and New Zealand.
#5 A Christmas Cruise Murder set on a Canary Island cruise.
#6 Murderous Cruise Habit set on a Caribbean cruise.
#7 Honeymoon Cruise Murder set on a Mediterranean cruise.
#8 A Murder Mystery Cruise set on a cruise to the Norwegian Ffords.
#9 Hazardous Cruise set on a Mediterranean and Adriatic cruise.
#10 Captain's Dinner Cruise Murder
#11 Corporate Cruise Murder set in India.
#12 Treacherous Cruise Flirtation set in Hawaii.
#13 Toxic Cruise Cocktail set on a SE Asia cruise.
#14 Cruise into Darkness

The Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe Mysteries

#Prequel Novella Death of a Blogger
#1 Murder at the Opera House
#2 Murder in the Highlands
#3 Murder at the Christmas Market
#4 Murder at a Wimbledon Mansion
#5 Murder in a Care Home
#6 Murder at the Regatta
#7 Murder on a Bus Tour

Carlos Jacobi PI

#1 Body in the Woods Award winning novel.
#2 The Bradgate Park Murders
#3 The Museum Murders

Nursing Memoirs

#1 Hurry up Nurse: memoirs of nurse training in the 1970s

#2 Hurry up Nurse 2: London calling
#3 Hurry up Nurse 3: More adventures in the life of a student nurse

Books are available in paperback, hardback, large print, kindle ebook, and audiobook.

Dawn grew up in Leicester, England and trained as a nurse. She later moved to London to undertake further training in the East End. Dawn worked in the NHS in England for the best part of thirty-nine years and during that time gained a wide range of experience as well as academic and professional qualifications. She also holds an MA in Creative Writing.

Dawn's website can be found at: https://www.dawnbrookespublishing.com

Children's Books

Dawn has written a number of children's books including:

Suki Seal and the Plastic Ring

Gerry the One-Eared Cat

Danny the Caterpillar

Ava & Oliver's Bonfire Night Adventure

Ava & Oliver's Christmas Nativity Adventure

Jesus Feeds a Big Crowd

Jesus Heals a Man on a Stretcher

Dawn founded a literature festival in her locality which aims to engage readers and authors with all things literature.

Reviews

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is just getting better and better. I just had to keep listening to it to find out what happened, all the strands worked.
The narration worked brilliantly - Carlos is brilliant and his love for lady is perfect. I have to go back and listen to the original series based on the reviews.

I was given a free copy via the book club -audible listeners but the review is entirely my own.

[Skyesmum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this audio whilst I carried on with my day job and I really enjoyed it!
The setting is relatively familiar to me and the initial investigation of Carlos piqued my interest straight away.
I like his friendship with Fiona and was good to see her taking the lead as SIO.
Looking forward to hearing the next one very much.

[Margaret Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Carlos Jacobi PI series. If you have read and enjoyed # 1 in the series you will not be disappointed with this one. For readers of Dawn Brookes Murders aboard cruise ships Carlos is now married to Rachel. They met in book 1 of the Rachel Prince series.
It begins with thefts of puppies, which are then taken to the Leicestershire area. Carlos and his companion 'Lady' - a Springer Spaniel - (Lady was involved in book 1) head to Leicester in search of the puppies. Carlos had been to Leicester before as he had been hired by Sheila, to see if her husband was being unfaithful. Not long into looking for the puppies, 3 bodies are found in Bradgate Park. One of the casualties is the husband of Sheila. The detective assigned to the case was Masters, who asked for Fiona to assist him. We met these in book 1. I will not say any more in case you have not read book 1. All I will say is Carlos knows them both. The 3 wives join forces to employ Carlos to find out how the 3 men died. Masters believs it to be drugs.
I really enjoyed the Carlos book 1. But with this book Dawn has excelled. This is even better. I fully recommend it.

I want to say thankyou to the publishes for ARC in exchange for an honest review which is freely given.

As a footnote. Bradgate Park, is a real place and is beautiful. I live in Leicestershire and know it well. It was also the birthplace of Lady Jane Grey, the 9 day Queen. If you are interested, there is plenty of information and photos on line.

[Ashli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carlos Jacobi may only be on his second official solo case, but for longtime fans of Dawn Brookes, he already feels like an old friend. Having previously made memorable appearances in the Rachel Prince series, it's been a delight to watch this quietly determined private investigator step into the spotlight-and The Bradgate Park Murders is his most gripping case yet.
Carlos is hoping for a break in London with his girlfriend and loyal pup, Lady, after busting up a puppy-theft ring. But peace is short-lived when he's called to Leicester to investigate a string of suspicious deaths. With the victims' widows pleading for answers and the police baffled, Carlos dives headfirst into a case riddled with
conflicting evidence, corruption, and secrets best left buried.
This installment delivers a faster-paced, grittier tone than Brookes' female-led cozy mysteries, yet it never loses the charm of a distinctly British whodunit. Carlos and Lady make an irresistible duo-sharp, tenacious, and always one step ahead (well, almost). As a reader, I was completely enthralled and found myself eagerly piecing together the clues alongside him, trying to solve the puzzle before the final reveal.
Brookes balances intricate plotting with emotional depth, and Carlos' vulnerabilities-especially following a brutal warning meant to derail him— add just the right touch of realism and tension.
If you love clever private investigators, twisting mysteries, and a dash of canine charm, The Bradgate Park Murders is a must-read. I can't wait to see what Carlos and Lady uncover next.

[kelly freaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

PI, Carlos Jacobi is on the trail of a ruthless killer after three men are found dead following an illegal camping party...
When three men are found dead near to the ruins of Bradgate House, the evidence points towards accidental deaths following drugs overdoses.
The wives of the men don't believe their husbands took drugs and are determined to find out what really happened. They club together to hire Carlos to investigate.

This book is fast paced, twisty and a brilliant read. Meeting Calos and Fiona again this time in a new city a new case, felt like a warm blanket you don't want to get out of. The book draws you in straight away, not knowing what the outcome will be but guessing anyway with the little breadcrumbs left behind.
The story had me hooked right until the end. I can't wait for the next book

[Carol Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carlos Jacobi is a very likeable character and also Lady his faithful companion (springer spaniel) he is a private detective and does have a very good friend Fiona in the police force, they get on well and very often get to work together. He has just finished one of his cases a dog napping ring but did fail to get the top man but Carlos is not the type of person to let go easily.
This time he has been hired by 3 women whose husbands have been murdered. Trying to solve this is a bit hit and miss for our detective and with Fiona and Lady, he does get a bit of help even if Fiona & Carlos use each other as sounding boards.
This is the 2nd Carlos book well written and the narration by Tim Bruce is always a pleasure to listen to, such a comforting voice.
I'm sure there will be a 3rd book in this series.

[Livia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audible Review Title: Another case solved 👌🏽

This time 3 old school chums met their maker under suspicious circumstances. Their widows team up and hire Carlos to look in their murders because as we all know the police don't always get it right on the first go round. An old murder of young Ben gets connected to the 3 old school chums, and a young man gets framed by the real mastermind behind their murders.

Carlos and Fiona worked together smoothly and also separately to figure out who that mastermind was. I really enjoyed the pairing of P.I. sleuthing Carlos and police detective Sargent Fiona. And, a special shout out goes to Lady, the four-legged P.I.
companion of Carlos.

The narration was superbly done. Bravo, Tim! 👏🏽

Final thought:
👍🏽👍🏽

[Pam G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book as Bradgate Park is a favourite place for us to visit and it was great to picture all of the familiar landmarks such as Old John and the ruins of Bradgate House.
I love the characters of private investigator Carlos and Fiona, his police officer friend and accomplice, but Lady the springer spaniel steals every scene she appears in.
I thought the dog kidnapping story which started this book was different and really kept me hooked.
I listened to the book via Audible. The narration was clear and understated which for me is a good thing - strident voices drive me mad!
I think this series has legs and I am left wondering if Carlos’s new assistant will feature in book 3. Looking forward to it already!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another don’t miss hit by Dawn Brookes. She’s one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. Her characters are well drawn and her mysteries tend to keep me guessing. Dawn Brookes has three separate mystery series. While each is a stand alone series, characters from one series may have a cameo or larger appearance in one of the other series. Each series has its own character and tone, but I wasn’t sure the ‘spin off’ series would captivate me as much as the original Rachel Prince series. But they have. I’m a huge fan of the Carlos Jacobi series and I can hardly wait until the next book in the series is released.

[Melanie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel I know Carlos Jacobi very well, having been introduced to him by his lovely girlfriend, Rachel Prince, star of Ms Brookes' Cruise ship series and now bumping into him again with book 2. He's such a likable character and it's an example of how well written these books are is the fact I feel as if I know him well. There is just inference to darkness and trauma within him, which stops him being too perfect. Is it bad that I love his assistant Lady as much? And police officer Fiona is just the icing on top of a delicious cake - totally credible and adorable. Highly recommended and I can't wait for book 3

[Helen Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable read, plenty of intrigue and mystery with twists and red herrings along the way. I completed the book in one day whilst on holiday as the style was very easy to read and engaging. I loved that the book was set in the area that I grew up in and the descriptions of the places gave a fantastic backdrop. The links to a criminal underworld and how the pasts of the murder victims cleverly interlinked was very well written and the second storyline of dogs being stolen was intriguing and very current. Thoroughly enjoyable I’m definitely going to seek out more titles by this author.

[Mindy Hartwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carlos Jacobi and his canine pal Lady are on the trail of a sinister nemesis when their paths cross again with his police detective friend Fiona!
This story has lots of twisting plot turns that keep the reader glued to the pages ( or in my case the headphones! ) written as a sequel, it's great as a standalone. The narrator is top-notch and adds to the positive experience. While written as a spin-off from the Rachel Prince Series, this is definitely a strong series all on its own and I'm genuinely looking forward to the next book.

[Vanessa Krushner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book two in the series but it could be read as a stand a lone.
Carlos Jacobi is a private detective clearing up a case of stolen puppies when gets a call from an old reporter friend. Three men have been found dead in Bradgate Park.
I really enjoyed Carlos Jacobi in the first book so I felt quite at home diving straight into this one.
It is a plot of corruption and a web of lies which keeps you guessing to the end. I would recommend this one as I thoroughly enjoyed it

[William Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and action packed

There is not enough to say about your books. I don’t understand some of the British words but it works out. I love all of your Carlos and Racheal series I can’t put the books down and read them in a day. Your writing keeps you on the edge trying to figure out who did it. Keep them going I can’t wait for the next adventure through your books, it’s like you are in the scene with them working to figure it out. These series are fabulous reading.

[Janet Mahlum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this mystery. Carlos is a really great guy. And I loved his springer spaniel, Lady. Reminded me of 2 liver-and-white spaniels I knew many years ago, Dinah and Molly. This is book 2 and I could only find it on Chirp. I would love to read #1 but don't need to buy any more books. Although not entirely a stand-alone, it can be read without reading #1 with no problem. I never did guess the murderer, but was glad it was who it was.

[Josie Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and enjoyable murder

Having read the first Carlos Jacobi book, it was good to follow his investigation into the mysterious deaths of three campers, leading to a complex case involving some really nasty bad guys. I thoroughly enjoyed this plot and look forward to finding what happens next when the next in the series comes out.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the series but don’t let that put you off. I hadn’t read book 1 but you didn’t need to as this book can be read as a stand alone book. I will go and read book 1 though. Who would go and look at puppies in Leicester and not long later be investigating 3 bodies on bradgate park. Carlos would. Need book3 now

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is the second book in the series it could easily be read as a stand alone.
The book is easy, face paced reading and you get into the story very quickly as the characters are so believable.
There are many twists and turns, more than one red herring and keeps you guessing until the end.
The only thing this series needs is book three!

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, and I found it very enjoyable. Carlos Jacobi is a Private Investigator, and is in Leicester to follow up on a dog napping ring. His friend Fiona is a Detective with the local police force, and she is investigating a triple murder and ropes him in to help. This is the third series I have read by this author and I have enjoyed them all.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good follow up to the first Carlos Jacobi book. Interesting storyline with the dog stealers and then the murder plot. Really interesting how it all tied together with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Love lady and her relationship with Carlos. Looking forward to no 3.
Thank you

[MRS PAULINE PUFFETT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and good strong characters.

Really brought this book only because the story is based near where I live. But I really enjoyed the story, and found the story line interesting. Shall be reading more from this author. Love a good murder mystery.

[Geeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read both books in the series and look forward to the next book.
Carlos Jacobi is a likeable character with his sidekick Lady on hand to assist and he pairs up with Fiona again.
The story was easy to follow and I would recommend it.

[Frances Ann McGinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

UK Master Mystery

Outstanding mystery progression.
It keeps you coming back for more.
Thanks for sharing your skills while intertwining your various series characters as they march through their adventures within your imagination.

[Anne Tompkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the second in the Carlos Jacobi PI series. The characters are well developed and Dawn Brookes knows how to keep you guessing until the very end. She has a well developed plot line and the characters are realistic and relatable. Can’t wait to read the next one.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK

Not only does it feature wonderful characters who I am in love with it also always gives a nod to my favourite crime solver on the sea as well which always makes me smile. I love this series and I’m sitting on the edge of my seat now waiting for the next one!

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved being reunited with Carlos and especially Lady.
Being a huge dog fan, made me extra passionate to the part about the dog napping.
The story had my interest right from the start and kept me entertained throughout.
A successful part 2 to this series.
The narrator suits the story.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely Binge-worthy❣️
Very anxious to read more . . .
Next please⁉️ More and more difficult to put down . . .

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for everyone who likes fast paced murder stories! Can't wait for the next book in this series

[Eve Tiffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book!

Loving these books-can’t to read the next one! Hoping there will be more in the series soon-come on Dawn, get writing!

[Luke Robert-Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent as always! A real page turner right up to the end!
The way the author captures your imagination is marvellous.
Bravo!