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Sometimes the quietest villages have the loudest secrets…

Ten years ago, DCI Patrick Walsh found himself hunting The Red Reaper; a serial killer so cunning that every body found with his calling card was reluctantly classed as a suicide.

Never seen, never found, never caught.

Now, DI Declan Walsh, suspended and on injury leave following the harrowing events of HUNTER HUNTED, finds himself pulled back into this unsolved case of his late father, when a series of new bodies start to appear in his village; all seemingly suicides, and all with the same calling card.

With the Last Chance Saloon now disbanded and under review, it's up to Declan and his colleagues to take matters into their own hands, as they investigate a serial killer casethat takes them back to the fall of the Berlin Wall, and a cunning, brutal psychopath who was believed to be killed five years ago...

But who seems to be back, and has started again...

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 4, 2021

1110 people are currently reading
206 people want to read

About the author

Jack Gatland

59 books238 followers
Jack Gatland is the pen name of #1 New York Times Bestselling Writer Tony Lee, who has been writing in all medias for over thirty years including comics, graphic novels, middle grade books, audio drama, TV and film for DC, Marvel, BBC, ITV, Random House, Penguin USA, Hachette and a ton of other publishers and broadcasters on licenses such as Doctor Who, Spider Man, X-Men, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Doctors, Wallace and Gromit and Shrek. As Tony, he’s toured the country talking to reluctant readers with his ‘Change The Channel’ school tours.

He’s currently a member of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain, the Society of Authors, The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers and the Crime Writer’s Association.

As Jack, he’s writing a new series of Crime Thrillers starring Detective Inspector Declan Walsh, recently seconded to the City of London Police department known as the Last Chance Saloon.

The first twelve of these, LETTER FROM THE DEAD, MURDER OF ANGELS, HUNTER HUNTED, WHISPER FOR THE REAPER, TO HUNT A MAGPIE, A RITUAL FOR THE DYING, KILLING THE MUSIC, A DINNER TO DIE FOR, BEHIND THE WIRE, HEAVY IS THE CROWN, STALKING THE RIPPER and A QUIVER OF SORROWS are available now, with book thirteen, MURDER BY MISTLETOE released in December 2022 – with further adventures continuing throughout 2023.

In addition to that, the first book in a new series of Adventure Mysteries starring Robin-Hood style con-man forger-turned treasure hunter Damian Lucas, THE LIONHEART CURSE was released in January 2022, and he has both a new series of crime procedurals, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring ‘Cop for Criminals’ Ellie Reckless including PAINT THE DEAD and STEAL THE GOLD, and a new spy series, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring burned MI5 agent Tom Marlowe including SLEEPING SOLDIERS and TARGET LOCKED.

He can be found at www.tonylee.co.uk and www.jackgatland.com.

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5 stars
2,344 (62%)
4 stars
1,119 (29%)
3 stars
249 (6%)
2 stars
30 (<1%)
1 star
22 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
1,287 reviews
March 25, 2021
Love Jack Gatland’s DCI Declan Walsh and the Last Chance Saloon series. The latest one is Whisper For the Reaper and is book 4 if the series and is released on 4 April. After Declan’s medical suspension and all the happenings in the previous book, the Last Chance Saloon has been quietly dispanded. When The Red Reaper murders and his previous murders come to light, Declan gathers the team together to investigate unofficially. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. There is quite a bit going on in the book and Jack does a fabulous job keeping it all focussed during the book and making sense and bringing it all together in the end. A thrilling ride.
2 reviews
Read
July 24, 2024
Great read!! Twist throughout the story were awesome!!
Profile Image for Linda.
472 reviews
January 21, 2022
Absolutely brilliant

Oh my goodness, these books just keep on getting better and, despite the plots of the first two having been quite complex, I am now finding them so exciting and readable that I just don’t want to stop.

I really loved this story as it’s extremely interesting and is set in an area near to where I live. I’m a golfer and have heard of Temple Golf Club, so I feel it’s something I can identify with. The plot is very ingenious and I found myself becoming immersed right from the start. There is a lot of historical background involved and, clearly the author must have done quite a bit of research. The idea behind the killer is quite macabre and frightening, but it’s also quite intriguing trying to work out who it is and how they are achieving their murders. Declan Walsh, despite being put on sick leave and looking towards suspension and eventual dismissal, is called upon by a higher force to investigate a cold case. One that his father had worked on before his death and a serial killer who has suddenly reappeared to kill again. In order to stand a chance of solving the case he calls upon his trusted team from the now, seemingly disbanded, Last Chance Saloon who are keen to help catch the murderer and deliver him for justice. Many secrets are divulged throughout and we learn more about the members of the team. Naturally, the investigation does not run smoothly and there are a huge number of surprises and twists not to mention plenty of danger and death defying moments. The final outcome is an extremely satisfying conclusion and the start of a new chapter for this extremely efficient team of detectives. I’m so looking forward to joining them.

Just to mention that I also enjoy the information given in the author's notes at the end of every book where he describes the locations he uses and gives a very interesting history. It is always worth reading these even when the book is done because it makes it all the more realistic.
142 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2024
Suicide or murder? That is the question. Over the period of more about thirty years, fifteen unexplained suicides have occurred across Europe, starting in Germany, but mostly in England. The unexplained part of the investigations were that no weapon or tool used in the very apparent suicide wasn't present with the body. Oops. Although many suspected foul play, they were all "officially" labeled suicides.

That is until a clandestine unit answering directly to some super-secret operation in Whitehall tasks DI Declan Walsh and the Last Chance Saloon coppers to solve the mystery surrounding the mysterious deaths. To complicate matters for DI Walsh, it looks as if his mother and father's relatively recent deaths may be among the mystery killings, and his next-door neighbor is one of the primary suspects. Bummer.

I won't tell you any more of the plot because I don't want to spoil any of your fun. Getting to the end of this wild ride is where it's at. This is a true page-turner, and you'll love every one of them. This is number four in the DI Declan Walsh series, and in my opinion it's the best. Enjoy.
19 reviews
June 5, 2023
Binging this wickedly addictive series!

I started this series with Book 1, and have just completed Book 4. What a wild ride! Just like the earlier books, the fast-moving plot really kept me guessing. But it's the rich characters that have collectively grabbed me and kept me coming back for more-- brilliant and determined DI Declan, irascible and Glaswegian-to-the-core DCI Monroe, fearless PC Anjli, conflicted cyber whiz Billy, and unconventional pathologist Doctor Marcos. All are great company. Learning more about the Berlin Wall before and after its demise was another plus. Highly recommended!
627 reviews5 followers
October 7, 2025
A full construction on the Temple Crime Unit starts in less than a week. One point made was that Patrick Walsh and Karl Schnitter killed Wilhelm Müller but he later said a man was killed directly after the wall came down. Pretty amazing all the cards were of the same print run. The 12 year run between 1990-2012 were from Berlin to Hurley - but I thought Schnitter arrived shortly after the wall fell. If they were just random murders with the card that might be ok - but the murders they detailed the reasons were ones that were very specific and would be known to people in that village not people passing through. Other things were complicated - Wintergreen (who saves the day with just a few minutes notice, was Marlowe just hanging out), how scarred is Jess after her experience. So I am vested in the story but still may not continue so much wrapped up in the past would prefer their work was on current cases
Profile Image for Ed Napiorkowski.
632 reviews4 followers
November 8, 2025
A solid continuation of the earlier book in this series.
There were a number of times where I felt the clues, leads or proof of these appeared to conveniently. This was especially the scenario in some of the cold case follow ups. Had me asking why these things were not so conveniently available to those who visited and investigated previously. Nevertheless despite it being a common observation in the series it isn't a show stopper, well not for me anyway.
the twists and turns, plots and sub plots are entertaining. some factor more obvious that others but all interesting and well paced.
the ending is nicely done, dramatically drawn out but nicely done.
What happened to that syringe?
four stars from me and an easy recommendation.
Profile Image for Karen.
306 reviews
September 6, 2021
Heads or tails what will the out come be.

Great read again as the series continues. Fast paced lots of layers ,twists and turns.

The last chance saloon team all over the place. Some just coping and some may throw the towel as enough is enough. Friendships broken and new ones made all on a toss of a coin. Truth be finally known but at what cost?

Has Declan stepped to far over a line and lost everything he holds dear.

This series you must read in order as the web of crimes, characters stories flow from one book to the next. Look forward to the next book to continue the on going story line in these fast paced multi layered stories.
Profile Image for Anthony Brooks.
256 reviews7 followers
December 27, 2023
You Will Not Be Disappointed With The Series!

Walsh and Team are all off, either convalescent, or slightly suspended. But Walsh, gets an opportunity to hunt the elusive Red Reaper, A killer that doesn't get his hand dirty, rather, he gives the victims options...kill yourself, or your loved ones will be killed. After new suicides spring up Walsh goes to the latest, allowed some space and gathering his team, the get on the hunt. But, finding the true identity of the Reaper does not prove easy. The German police are also hunting this killer, so, that does not make this hunt easy. A Whisper For The Reaper is an outstanding book, you will not be disappointed!
Profile Image for Julie.
896 reviews8 followers
March 7, 2022
Reading Episodic Television 👍

This really does read like episodic television. Indeed, this particular one reminded me of a “Sherlock” episode featuring a villain with the same M.O. (more or less) It’s also no surprise that I’ve read more pop culture geeky references in this series than I have in all the other Tartan and English mystery procedural I’ve read lately since the author has worked on that stuff for years. It has the same beats, pacing and scenes you’d find in a tv series. That’s not bad. 👍
1 review
October 21, 2022
What a great read!!! All characters were exciting and love the humor with their little quips and side glances that say so much. ( Yep, see me nod in agreement ) Lots of twist and turns up to the moment of saying to myself, “aaah, ok, I was suspicious of that person!” Well, not really, he fooled me again. Totally recommend this series of books. Ladies, the main character is available to date!!!! I’m on to the next book in the series, #5! Recommend reading them in order. I don’t know all the roads he mentions as I’m an American yet would love to visit and see these towns/Hamlets!
Profile Image for Lora King.
1,071 reviews6 followers
January 22, 2025
What a good book, the Berlin wall has fallen and a serial murderer who worked for the EGermans escapes and begins a killing spree in UK. He persuades people to kill themself...and Declan believes that's what happened to his father. (I skipped #3 as I'm tired of gov't stuff and that plot line but back on track with #4) the gang along with daughter Jess will have their hands full when a brother sister pair from Germany come to town and are searching for the Red Reaper. Thoroughly enjoying this series.
24 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2021
Hire a competent copy editor, perhaps?

The plot and storyline held my interest. However, the numerous errors in spelling, grammar, and syntax detracted significantly from my enjoyment of this book. Not to mention the several plot errors -- DCI Esposito morphs into DCI Espinoza; murder victim Nathanial becomes Nathan then goes back to being Nathanial; etc. Mr. Gatland, would it kill you to employ a competent copy editor? Sheesh!
100 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2021
Best of the lot, so far

This is the first I read all through. Nicely put together I thought.
However why doesn’t someone proofread these books. It is a SIGNET ring, not cygnet which is a baby swan. Also some of the language is wrong. Rufus Harrington “extorts” Billy. Exhorts, exclaims but I’m darned sure he’s not using extortion. This was just one of the irritating little errors which stop the flow of the book.
I’ll still read the next one though!
101 reviews
October 3, 2024
Masterful Suspense

Jack Gatland never fails to give his readers a rip-roaring and expertly crafted suspense novel. None of his characters are stereotypes; all, both goodies and baddies, are memorable. The introduction of Jess, DI Walsh’s daughter, was a brave move from Gatland, although we might not see her again. (No spoiler). If you like a rollercoaster suspense mystery, I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,013 reviews10 followers
May 22, 2025
Format: audiobook
Narrator: Robin Laing

DI Declan Walsh finds himself investigating a case his late father worked on but never solved when deaths (apparent suicides) with the same calling card from the early cases seem to point to the killer being back!

Can Declan do what his dad couldn’t and catch the killer? The solution may be closer than he thinks.

The narrator does a great job bringing this story to life.
9 reviews
May 18, 2023
what an enjoyable series

This, being the forth book in the DI Declan Walsh series, continues the fast pace set by each of the previous books, ang goes further to cement the characters firmly in your mind as good guys.
Highly recommend this series to anyone who likes a good read. DF
82 reviews
January 10, 2024
Reaper ( DCI Declan Walsh)

Once you get into it, you’ll want to read it all. There is murder, mayhem, a sociopath, a lot of german words you can’t pronounce, and history as to the who what, where and why. So, sit down take a load off. Join the “last chance “ on a tale of murder and a case of twist and turns.
30 reviews
February 8, 2024
Love these books

I really like the suspense in the DI Walsh books. I hate putting them down at the end of the day.
But, I would like to offer some free proof reading services to amazon. This book was particularly frustrating. It wasn't just the occasional grammatical error. Towards the end of the book there were a lot of repeating and omitting of words.
104 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2021
Another cracking story told in his immutable style which at long long last answered the questions that have permeated the previous books.


Having ordered the next book in the series it will interesting to find out in what direction they all go in there refurbished offices.
Profile Image for Veronica Flowers.
95 reviews
October 28, 2021
This is a great suspenseful Book

I highly recommend reading this book as it has been well written plus the storyline is tops. I don't have anything bad to say about this book or the series thus far as it is fantastic!!
45 reviews
November 11, 2021
Whisper for the Reaper

I never expected thus read to be as it was. Somehow I thought someone tricked a person into using a murder weapon to kill themselves but this one stumped me. Seems to me the person killing themselves must be susceptible to being put into a spell. Jackfire
300 reviews
January 4, 2022
Brilliant!

This series just gets better and better! What an incredible plot. Mr. Gatland must have been an engineer in a previous life as setting out his plots must take incredible precision and forethought. Massively well done.
371 reviews3 followers
February 6, 2022
A crime from several years ago, a serial killer.. Di Walsh involved again

DEclan still believes his father's death was murder, not an accident. A serial killer, or another suicide point to the same.. This shows connection s.. But who to?
Profile Image for M R B Davis.
708 reviews5 followers
February 13, 2022
Exciting Chase with misleading twists

The Last Chance Saloon gets a revamp and the team grows while Declan pulls the strings in an unconventional way. Again links between them and other secret services exist. All comes to a satisfactory conclusion.
98 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2022
Excellent!

A really good book which had plenty of twists & turns….. finally tying up the loose ends around Declan’s parents. Would thoroughly recommend but read in order with other Declan Walsh books.
Profile Image for Kirk.
615 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2022
Fully enjoying these books.

Well written, I really do enjoy the main characters. An outstanding team, of older and younger generations, working to solve some really well thought out crimes.
Profile Image for James Dobbins.
105 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2022
Another winner

This is the best one yet in the series. The characters are more complex, the story line more complex, the pacing perfect, and even the copyediting is first rate. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
72 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2022
Almost brilliant

Lots of twists and turns in a well written book, i really enjoyed it. Why only a 3 then?
There was a big plot bhole in the story the antagonist tells at the beginning that spoiled the plot for me.
Otherwise loved it.
79 reviews
January 24, 2023
Just love these books

Page turning brilliance again from Jack Gatland Walsh is a superb character and bring Bullman in is a touch of genius. This story line is best the one yet had everything including car crimes and a trip to Germany. Thanks for the great read Jack
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews

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