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DCI Harry Grimm #5
Restless Dead
Be careful what you wish for.
When no nonsense retired Army Colonel James Fletcher starts seeing his recently deceased wife around the house again, his friends and family are more than a little worried.
But when James turns up dead, and the accident that killed him is found to be anything but, DCI Harry Grimm and his team must uncover the grisly truth before anyone else falls prey.
In a house torn in two by ghosts and betrayal, Harry may soon find that death isn’t always the end. Sometimes, it’s only the beginning...
Restless Dead is the fifth book in the DCI Harry Grimm crime thriller series, set in the Yorkshire Dales, and perfect for fans of L. J. Ross, J.R. Ellis, Margaret Mayhew, Jeanne M. Dams, J. M. Dalgliesh, Roger Silverwood, J. D. Kirk, Adam Croft, and Simon McCleave
When no nonsense retired Army Colonel James Fletcher starts seeing his recently deceased wife around the house again, his friends and family are more than a little worried.
But when James turns up dead, and the accident that killed him is found to be anything but, DCI Harry Grimm and his team must uncover the grisly truth before anyone else falls prey.
In a house torn in two by ghosts and betrayal, Harry may soon find that death isn’t always the end. Sometimes, it’s only the beginning...
Restless Dead is the fifth book in the DCI Harry Grimm crime thriller series, set in the Yorkshire Dales, and perfect for fans of L. J. Ross, J.R. Ellis, Margaret Mayhew, Jeanne M. Dams, J. M. Dalgliesh, Roger Silverwood, J. D. Kirk, Adam Croft, and Simon McCleave
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2021
1870 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
May 31, 2021
Disappointing
I was looking forward to the new Grimm book but, as I got into it, I began to be bored with the storyline. The behavior of a main character was so unbelievable and out of character that I began to ignore large sections in an effort get to a more interesting part of the story. It seemed as though the author was either running out of ideas of dragging the story out in order to have subject matter for future books in the series. Lazy and disappointing writing
I was looking forward to the new Grimm book but, as I got into it, I began to be bored with the storyline. The behavior of a main character was so unbelievable and out of character that I began to ignore large sections in an effort get to a more interesting part of the story. It seemed as though the author was either running out of ideas of dragging the story out in order to have subject matter for future books in the series. Lazy and disappointing writing
May 26, 2021
Restless dead
Another fantastic story from Mr Gatward I wanted to savour it but I couldn’t stop reading and there’s a cliffhanger at the end can’t wait for the next instalment long live Harry Grimm
Another fantastic story from Mr Gatward I wanted to savour it but I couldn’t stop reading and there’s a cliffhanger at the end can’t wait for the next instalment long live Harry Grimm
July 12, 2024
I'm flying through this series. I love the characters. I think I've said that in almost all my reviews of the books in this series. I keep coming back for more about, Harry, Jaden, Matt, Liz, Jim, Fly and Rachel. Small town mysteries. This one has an edge of a ghost story to it. They history of a home the recent victim's family lives at is known for being haunted.
Harry may have made the decision on whether or not he's and his brother are going to stay in Wensleydale.
The end is kind of a cliffhanger, but I have the next book ready!!
x3
Harry may have made the decision on whether or not he's and his brother are going to stay in Wensleydale.
The end is kind of a cliffhanger, but I have the next book ready!!
x3
July 8, 2021
Well written read
This series keeps getting better and better. I love the main characters and the descriptions of the towns and countryside makes me feel like I could be there. The story was a good one to keep us guessing with some nice twists put in. If you like your UK crime I would highly recommend this series, it’s just great.
This series keeps getting better and better. I love the main characters and the descriptions of the towns and countryside makes me feel like I could be there. The story was a good one to keep us guessing with some nice twists put in. If you like your UK crime I would highly recommend this series, it’s just great.
August 22, 2024
I enjoyed it. On to the next one now
Read
July 15, 2024Once more, a winner
I am really getting attached to all the characters in this series. It's really top notch. Excellent story line , splendid characters,Mesmerizing settings
I am really getting attached to all the characters in this series. It's really top notch. Excellent story line , splendid characters,Mesmerizing settings
May 8, 2021
And again a great novel from the Harry Grimm series. And again a very good, well written and pleasantly atmospheric one. Great character development, form book one to this, book five. New element is the introduction of Harry's brother, and Harry now having to decide (or having decided) to remain in the Dales. I won't give away any of the plot, but even though one crime remains unsolved it all makes you wish that the next book would be ready sometime this week. We'll have to wait 'til june 30th...
Anyway, hats off to David J. Gatward. Thank you!
Anyway, hats off to David J. Gatward. Thank you!
May 3, 2021
A great read
I have really enjoyed DCI Grimm right from the first book and each one has improved successively. I have just spent my Sunday morning totally enthralled with the latest instalment and right up to the last word I was waiting for the
next one but oh, David, what have you done?! How does one now wait for book 6? I will of course, with baited breath, as all of the characters (and yes, that includes the Dales and Fly) have become something of a family that I want the best for and by goodness do they get to live a great life, even whilst solving murders!
Great writing, great storytelling and great pace. I love these books and every time I read one I find myself wishing to be exploring Hawes and the surrounding glory of the Dales. You get pulled in to the glory of it and that is as big a part of the story as the actual murder. Funnily enough I think I’ll worry as much about the sheep as anything else. Strange how engrossing some books can be when even the food becomes an important factor. And the beer and cheese of course!
I have really enjoyed DCI Grimm right from the first book and each one has improved successively. I have just spent my Sunday morning totally enthralled with the latest instalment and right up to the last word I was waiting for the
next one but oh, David, what have you done?! How does one now wait for book 6? I will of course, with baited breath, as all of the characters (and yes, that includes the Dales and Fly) have become something of a family that I want the best for and by goodness do they get to live a great life, even whilst solving murders!
Great writing, great storytelling and great pace. I love these books and every time I read one I find myself wishing to be exploring Hawes and the surrounding glory of the Dales. You get pulled in to the glory of it and that is as big a part of the story as the actual murder. Funnily enough I think I’ll worry as much about the sheep as anything else. Strange how engrossing some books can be when even the food becomes an important factor. And the beer and cheese of course!
May 5, 2021
Great read, unusual storyline
I didn't think I'd like Grimm, however over the last 5 books I've come to really appreciate him. The stories are more unusual than some of the books I've read but I have come to really enjoy reading about Grimm. His personality has really come through and I have thoroughly enjoyed all these books. I love the interaction between the characters and he's really grown into the part. It's nice that they've bought his brother into the stories but it's not a focal Point which I like. I don't know anything about the Dales but the storytelling makes you feel part of it. I can't wait for the next book to come out and if you like mysteries and police stories these books are for you you.
I didn't think I'd like Grimm, however over the last 5 books I've come to really appreciate him. The stories are more unusual than some of the books I've read but I have come to really enjoy reading about Grimm. His personality has really come through and I have thoroughly enjoyed all these books. I love the interaction between the characters and he's really grown into the part. It's nice that they've bought his brother into the stories but it's not a focal Point which I like. I don't know anything about the Dales but the storytelling makes you feel part of it. I can't wait for the next book to come out and if you like mysteries and police stories these books are for you you.
July 17, 2021
Play to your strenghts
This writer is at his most convincing by far when writing the police procedural elements of this and his other novels. The mysteries aren't that mysterious and the surprises aren't very surprising but team dynamics and a sense of place make for a comfortable read. The family grief in this one is relevant but went on far too long for my taste.
This writer is at his most convincing by far when writing the police procedural elements of this and his other novels. The mysteries aren't that mysterious and the surprises aren't very surprising but team dynamics and a sense of place make for a comfortable read. The family grief in this one is relevant but went on far too long for my taste.
August 15, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing, as always! I love David Gatwards stories.
Synopsis:
When no nonsense retired Army Colonel James Fletcher starts seeing his recently deceased wife around the house again, his friends and family are more than a little worried.
But when James turns up dead, and the accident that killed him is found to be anything but, DCI Harry Grimm and his team must uncover the grisly truth before anyone else falls prey.
In a house torn in two by ghosts and betrayal, Harry may soon find that death isn’t always the end. Sometimes, it’s only the beginning...
Thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As I have done with David’s other books. This series keeps going from strength to strength. I think this one has been my favourite though, because this one was spooky too! I was sitting in the dark reading it worried if there was any ghosts! Ha! I love the banter between Harry and his team. The story was very atmospheric. At points I kept thinking is his wife really back from the dead? There is one crime that goes unsolved and I think we will find out what happens in the next book. Which I can’t wait to read! If you like crime stories then you’ll love this series set in the Dales. Highly recommend!
Synopsis:
When no nonsense retired Army Colonel James Fletcher starts seeing his recently deceased wife around the house again, his friends and family are more than a little worried.
But when James turns up dead, and the accident that killed him is found to be anything but, DCI Harry Grimm and his team must uncover the grisly truth before anyone else falls prey.
In a house torn in two by ghosts and betrayal, Harry may soon find that death isn’t always the end. Sometimes, it’s only the beginning...
Thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As I have done with David’s other books. This series keeps going from strength to strength. I think this one has been my favourite though, because this one was spooky too! I was sitting in the dark reading it worried if there was any ghosts! Ha! I love the banter between Harry and his team. The story was very atmospheric. At points I kept thinking is his wife really back from the dead? There is one crime that goes unsolved and I think we will find out what happens in the next book. Which I can’t wait to read! If you like crime stories then you’ll love this series set in the Dales. Highly recommend!
November 20, 2024
Deeply disappointing. While the author only mention the Paras 7 times, Harry and the team had a cup of tea over 80 times and that was what this book was about not the murder of James or even the sheep rustling it was about how many cups of tea can one group drink in 278 pages. The answer is a lot!
Between the Paras and gobs of tea there was a murder that happened around the 80% mark of the book, it was then solved 15 pages later.
The sheep rustling wasn’t solved in this story and I was so entirely put off that I won’t be tuning in to another outing by DCI Grimm and his tea swilling team…..I think I’ve mentioned tea enough now.
Between the Paras and gobs of tea there was a murder that happened around the 80% mark of the book, it was then solved 15 pages later.
The sheep rustling wasn’t solved in this story and I was so entirely put off that I won’t be tuning in to another outing by DCI Grimm and his tea swilling team…..I think I’ve mentioned tea enough now.
May 4, 2021
Hauntingly Tragic
The storyline begins with a massive theft of prize sheep, so you think you'll go through the gyrations of investigating who, when, and how. Instead, our mastermind David Gatward leads his readers to another aMAZing case. Really good show, old chap! (You'll understand this last sentence better toward the end of the book.)
The storyline begins with a massive theft of prize sheep, so you think you'll go through the gyrations of investigating who, when, and how. Instead, our mastermind David Gatward leads his readers to another aMAZing case. Really good show, old chap! (You'll understand this last sentence better toward the end of the book.)
May 5, 2021
I am really enjoying the series of DCI Harry Grimm books. This last one 'Restless Dead' was very good and I appreciated the ending where the sheep rustling theme may continue into the next book. I really like all the police team in the books. Their characters are well constructed and thought through and Harry Grimm sits so well in Hawes and the surroundings!
August 28, 2023
I struggled with this. The story seemed to drag in the middle and them terminate at breakneck speed at the end with an uncomfortable twist.
Felt too much of the story filled in details of the temporary characters at the expense of developing the main characters/team. Not sure if I'm going to read any more of the series.
Felt too much of the story filled in details of the temporary characters at the expense of developing the main characters/team. Not sure if I'm going to read any more of the series.
May 30, 2021
What the neck David!?!
No epilogue? No results from the lab on the cigarette butts? Just drop us off in the rain and mud and horse manure?
Kind of getting used to the cliffhanger endings (still don't like 'em),but this is the end of enough!!
No epilogue? No results from the lab on the cigarette butts? Just drop us off in the rain and mud and horse manure?
Kind of getting used to the cliffhanger endings (still don't like 'em),but this is the end of enough!!
August 23, 2021
Unlike the previous books in this series, this one was tedious and a very disappointing ending—quite amateurish.
May 16, 2022
90% filler then a really rushed murder "investigation" at the end. Lucky it was such a short, easy read.
September 27, 2023
My Thoughts:
It seems that this series is taking a dip into the paranormal with this book...
Now, Hawes does not really have a police station, now does it? The police team uses the Community Centre as their base of operations. The image on the left is what the Community Centre looks like. Picture taken from David J. Gatward's Gallery.
As with the previous books in this series, this book has good story telling quality. Beautiful world building. Likeable characters. And enough plot to call it crime fiction.
Aubrey Parsons is being his wonderful self, as usual! Bringing the characters to life!
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 4
World building = 5
Cover art = 3.5
Pace = (6 hrs and 57 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
October 11, 2022
I'm gradually working my way through the Grimm novels and am amazed by how quickly they are produced by this author. The plots aren't complicated but they are decent quality police procedurals. Harry Grimm is a flawed character with a complex background and has been out in a setting which is unfamiliar to him.
This plot has two strands that develop from a car accident and a sheep theft - one of which is neatly concluded and the other of which is pretty much ignored. There is an expectation that the to investigations will merge but that never really seems to happen.
Unsurprisingly, the crimes are not the most important part of this novel - far higher profile is the banter between the police characters as their relationships develop. It is implausible that such a small town has such a high police presence made up of people who seem to do much that is insignificant. However, go with the unlikely fictional setup and this book is OK.
The high number of crimes is making this town become a character is a police soap opera but, again, you have to let that happen.
On a couple of occasions the detail suffers with mistakes. I spotted a couple of extra words which should not have been there - maybe a longer editing time would make for a higher quality product!
There is a feel of an Agatha Christie in the plot, as it is set in the supposedly haunted house with a limited set of suspects.
I thought that the ending was well structured with plenty of clues in its lead up - all being pulled together at the end. It was too fast though and there was not enough time to process what had happened. Grimm's character is progressed satisfactorily though but I thought that the last few paragraphs were just weird - I had to read them a few times to make sure I hadn't missed anything.
This series is getting weaker after a strong start but I'm going to read one more before I give up and see if it is better - I'm not going to rush to it though.
This plot has two strands that develop from a car accident and a sheep theft - one of which is neatly concluded and the other of which is pretty much ignored. There is an expectation that the to investigations will merge but that never really seems to happen.
Unsurprisingly, the crimes are not the most important part of this novel - far higher profile is the banter between the police characters as their relationships develop. It is implausible that such a small town has such a high police presence made up of people who seem to do much that is insignificant. However, go with the unlikely fictional setup and this book is OK.
The high number of crimes is making this town become a character is a police soap opera but, again, you have to let that happen.
On a couple of occasions the detail suffers with mistakes. I spotted a couple of extra words which should not have been there - maybe a longer editing time would make for a higher quality product!
There is a feel of an Agatha Christie in the plot, as it is set in the supposedly haunted house with a limited set of suspects.
I thought that the ending was well structured with plenty of clues in its lead up - all being pulled together at the end. It was too fast though and there was not enough time to process what had happened. Grimm's character is progressed satisfactorily though but I thought that the last few paragraphs were just weird - I had to read them a few times to make sure I hadn't missed anything.
This series is getting weaker after a strong start but I'm going to read one more before I give up and see if it is better - I'm not going to rush to it though.
August 8, 2021
A retired army colonel and his wife are driving home from his birthday celebration when, blinded by a very bright light, they crash and James’ wife Helen is tragically killed. On the same night there occurs a very organized incident of sheep rustling at a local farm. In the family home, a house that already has a reputation for being haunted, James starts to experience spooky goings-on and reports an intruder. Meanwhile DCI Harry Grimm, now minding his brother Ben who is out of prison and on a year’s probation, has a big choice to make about his future in the dales, a place that has crept into his blood over the last few months. Both the intruder and the theft investigations throw up little by way of evidence for the existing and close knit rural team of DI Gordanian “Gordy" Haig, DS Matthew Dinsdale, DCs Jenny Blades and Jayden Okri together with PCSO's Liz Coates and Jim Metcalf, who comes complete with border collie pup Fly (who quite honestly steals the show at times!), based at their office in Hawes Community Centre and it seem there is little more they can do.
Then suddenly events turn much darker for the grieving family and it’s a case of life or death for the police.
I adore this series, which can switch from gentle and heart-warming to deadly series and grisly in the blink of an eye when crime strikes in Wensleydale. Although this is the fifth 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 very 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 want to put down again until the final page. And with an exciting cliff-hanger right at the end, I can’t wait to dive into the next story. Highly recommended. 5*
Then suddenly events turn much darker for the grieving family and it’s a case of life or death for the police.
I adore this series, which can switch from gentle and heart-warming to deadly series and grisly in the blink of an eye when crime strikes in Wensleydale. Although this is the fifth 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 very 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 want to put down again until the final page. And with an exciting cliff-hanger right at the end, I can’t wait to dive into the next story. Highly recommended. 5*
August 12, 2022
DCI Harry Grimm is settling in well to life in the Dales, both the small police force he’s working with and the friendly community. When a road accident tragically kills a woman Harry and his team are drawn into the strange goings on at Black Moss House – which the community whisper tales about, believing it was – and maybe still is – haunted. With the additional stress of a herd of valuable sheep being stolen by a seemingly well-established gang there is plenty going on for Harry and his team.
I really enjoyed this book, an excellent addition to the DCI Harry Grimm series. While the book can be read by itself, I feel readers will definitely get much more out of it having read the previous books in the series. The sheep/animal rustling plot in particular had been started in previous book and the lingering sub-plot of Harry, his brother and their father has been going on in the background for a few books now. The main plot – that of the car accident and death – along with how the family cope with their grief and the strange goings on at their home can certainly be read by itself and I feel the reader can easily enough follow along with the two plots intertwining in this story, so readers shouldn’t be too put off by it being the middle book in a series.
The slower pace and the freshness of the small-town feel and close community really was a pleasure to read, and I enjoyed how the small police force all had easily differentiated characters who were well drawn. I found them engaging and easily got sucked back into this authors world.
Readers who enjoy a solid mystery with interesting characters and a small-town feel should definitely enjoy this book, though I would recommend going back to the start of the series and enjoying each of these works.
I really enjoyed this book, an excellent addition to the DCI Harry Grimm series. While the book can be read by itself, I feel readers will definitely get much more out of it having read the previous books in the series. The sheep/animal rustling plot in particular had been started in previous book and the lingering sub-plot of Harry, his brother and their father has been going on in the background for a few books now. The main plot – that of the car accident and death – along with how the family cope with their grief and the strange goings on at their home can certainly be read by itself and I feel the reader can easily enough follow along with the two plots intertwining in this story, so readers shouldn’t be too put off by it being the middle book in a series.
The slower pace and the freshness of the small-town feel and close community really was a pleasure to read, and I enjoyed how the small police force all had easily differentiated characters who were well drawn. I found them engaging and easily got sucked back into this authors world.
Readers who enjoy a solid mystery with interesting characters and a small-town feel should definitely enjoy this book, though I would recommend going back to the start of the series and enjoying each of these works.
July 29, 2021
Another amazing book in the DCI Harry Grimm Series! I love how seamlessly these books are written, they can be read as a series of as standalone which is amazing. The plot for this novel was very unique and it was a fast paced read. It was gripping from the first chapter and kept the ending as a complete mystery until the very end. I find these books easy to read and very enjoyable. The book throws the reader straight into the plot and sticks to it.
I love how the author maintains the voice of DCI Harry Grimm throughout the series’. I have only read two from the series but I can see the style of voice the author gave the main character. Consistency is key when writing a series, as soon as I started reading this one, I could feel the same aura around the characters I have heard about before. It is also nice to read about these characters as they come across different scenarios, from the two books I have read, they have been very different. It is interesting to read about how the characters solve the mystery and deal with the situation.
I really enjoyed the plot to this book, I thought it was very unique and gripping. The characters were intriguing and entertaining to read about. The build up to the eventful ending was incredible, the author kept the reader guessing as new information was discovered in the investigation. I enjoyed the authors style of writing, it was easy to read and understand making it a quick read for me. There is enough information in this book for a new reader to pick up a book in the middle of this series and understand the lives of the reoccurring characters.
I love how the author maintains the voice of DCI Harry Grimm throughout the series’. I have only read two from the series but I can see the style of voice the author gave the main character. Consistency is key when writing a series, as soon as I started reading this one, I could feel the same aura around the characters I have heard about before. It is also nice to read about these characters as they come across different scenarios, from the two books I have read, they have been very different. It is interesting to read about how the characters solve the mystery and deal with the situation.
I really enjoyed the plot to this book, I thought it was very unique and gripping. The characters were intriguing and entertaining to read about. The build up to the eventful ending was incredible, the author kept the reader guessing as new information was discovered in the investigation. I enjoyed the authors style of writing, it was easy to read and understand making it a quick read for me. There is enough information in this book for a new reader to pick up a book in the middle of this series and understand the lives of the reoccurring characters.
July 30, 2021
📚Book Review 📚
#restlessdead
@davidjgatward
@randomthingstours
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I love a good old creepy detective book and this one did not disappoint.
.
BLURB
Be careful what you wish for.When no nonsense retired Army Colonel James Fletcher starts seeing his recently deceased wife around the house again, his friends and family are more than a little worried.But when James turns up dead, and the accident that killed him is found to be anything but, DCI Harry Grimm and his team must uncover the grisly truth before anyone else falls prey.In a house torn in two by ghosts and betrayal, Harry may soon find that death isn’t always the end. Sometimes, it’s only the beginning . .
This is the 5th book in the DCI Harry Grimm series and while I’ve never read any of the others I was able to pick up on the characters easily and was soon immersed in the addictive, dark, and twisted storyline which keeps you entertained and turning those pages.
A definite must read from me! Loved it!
#bookblog #bookreadersofinstagram #bookcommunity #goodreads #bookaddict #bookworm #booksbooksbooks #nursesthatread #scottishreader #bookmail #bookgeek #bookreviewer #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookobsessed #scottishbookstagrammer #bookaholic #whatiread #readerssupportingauthors #pageturners #booklife #bloggergirl #themagicofbooks #bookwormsunited #readinggoals #newreleasebooks #bookobsessed #bookishcommunity #bookaddicted #freebookreviews #fortheloveofliterature
#restlessdead
@davidjgatward
@randomthingstours
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I love a good old creepy detective book and this one did not disappoint.
.
BLURB
Be careful what you wish for.When no nonsense retired Army Colonel James Fletcher starts seeing his recently deceased wife around the house again, his friends and family are more than a little worried.But when James turns up dead, and the accident that killed him is found to be anything but, DCI Harry Grimm and his team must uncover the grisly truth before anyone else falls prey.In a house torn in two by ghosts and betrayal, Harry may soon find that death isn’t always the end. Sometimes, it’s only the beginning . .
This is the 5th book in the DCI Harry Grimm series and while I’ve never read any of the others I was able to pick up on the characters easily and was soon immersed in the addictive, dark, and twisted storyline which keeps you entertained and turning those pages.
A definite must read from me! Loved it!
#bookblog #bookreadersofinstagram #bookcommunity #goodreads #bookaddict #bookworm #booksbooksbooks #nursesthatread #scottishreader #bookmail #bookgeek #bookreviewer #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookobsessed #scottishbookstagrammer #bookaholic #whatiread #readerssupportingauthors #pageturners #booklife #bloggergirl #themagicofbooks #bookwormsunited #readinggoals #newreleasebooks #bookobsessed #bookishcommunity #bookaddicted #freebookreviews #fortheloveofliterature
April 25, 2022
The Restless Dead is book five in the DCI Harry Grimm series by David J. Gatward. DCI Harry Grimm caught a case of the death of local man Colonel James Fletcher. At first, DCI Harry Grimm did not have a clear motive for the murder of Colonel James Fletcher. However, the more DCI Harry Grimm and his team investigate, he starts to worry about will there be more death before DCI Harry Grimm and his team find the murderer. The readers of The Restless Dead will continue to follow DCI Harry Grimm's investigation into the death of Colonel Harry Grimm to find out what happens.
The Restless Dead is the first book I read by David J. Gatward, and I engaged with the characters and the plot from the first page. I enjoyed that David J. Gatward incorporates some of the social issues people are encountering in the community today. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of the characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. The Restless Dead was well written and researched by David J. Gatward. I like David J. Gatward's description of the settings of The Restless Dead, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Restless Dead will learn about living in the Yorkshire Dales. Also, the readers of Restless Dead will understand the consequences of a bankruptcy for everyone involved.
I recommend this book.
The Restless Dead is the first book I read by David J. Gatward, and I engaged with the characters and the plot from the first page. I enjoyed that David J. Gatward incorporates some of the social issues people are encountering in the community today. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of the characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. The Restless Dead was well written and researched by David J. Gatward. I like David J. Gatward's description of the settings of The Restless Dead, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Restless Dead will learn about living in the Yorkshire Dales. Also, the readers of Restless Dead will understand the consequences of a bankruptcy for everyone involved.
I recommend this book.
August 30, 2021
My one star rating just means that I didn't like it and in all honesty I didn't. I thought that until this point the series has been getting better, with the last book in the series quite enjoyable with a good plot. But I really struggled to finish this book. I did finish it, but the pacing was just way off.
The book introduced two plots fairly quickly. The Sheep Theft went no where and was just a repetitive cycle of one of the team saying, what have we got? And the answer being nothing.
The second plot concerning Black Moss was more interesting and I liked the cast of characters involved but it just went no where. The first event worth reading about was already 75% into the book and then the investigation and culmination was crammed into less than a quarter of the remaining book. The first three quarters of the book is literally just set up and again, it is so repetitive - not just the plot events but the phrasing and writing.
I will hold my hands up and say it hasn't been my favourite series ever. I do mentally compare them to other similar series like J.D. Kirk's Logan series. The Grimm team just fall short for me. The banter doesn't quite work and the plots are hit and miss. But I do like the characters and they are easy reads.
But this one really did not work for me.
The book introduced two plots fairly quickly. The Sheep Theft went no where and was just a repetitive cycle of one of the team saying, what have we got? And the answer being nothing.
The second plot concerning Black Moss was more interesting and I liked the cast of characters involved but it just went no where. The first event worth reading about was already 75% into the book and then the investigation and culmination was crammed into less than a quarter of the remaining book. The first three quarters of the book is literally just set up and again, it is so repetitive - not just the plot events but the phrasing and writing.
I will hold my hands up and say it hasn't been my favourite series ever. I do mentally compare them to other similar series like J.D. Kirk's Logan series. The Grimm team just fall short for me. The banter doesn't quite work and the plots are hit and miss. But I do like the characters and they are easy reads.
But this one really did not work for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2024
This is the fifth in the DCI Harry Grimm series. It starts off with Jim, one of Grimm's team, calling to say that 50 of his father's prize winning sheep have been rustled and his father is on the way to hospital. However, the main mystery is about the death of the wife of retired Army Colonel James Fletcher. He's not handling the loss of his wife well. He keeps phoning the police to say he's seeing someone in the garden. That someone is his dead wife. How can that be? Is there a real intruder or has the man gone mad?
The personal backstory is here, too. Harry's brother Ben has been released from prison on probation. He's living with Harry in the Dales. Also Harry has to decide whether he wants to stay on as DCI in the small town or return to the city of Bristol.
This novel wasn't nearly as gruesome in detail as earlier ones, thank goodness. However, the writing is strong and I'm loving his team. He's developed the whole crew into individuals that I care about. I even care about Harry. He's a lot better person than he wants people to know. In fact, the book is at its strongest when it's told through Harry's point of view and not some other character in the book. I dinged it one star because it ended on a cliff hanger! I really don't like that.
The personal backstory is here, too. Harry's brother Ben has been released from prison on probation. He's living with Harry in the Dales. Also Harry has to decide whether he wants to stay on as DCI in the small town or return to the city of Bristol.
This novel wasn't nearly as gruesome in detail as earlier ones, thank goodness. However, the writing is strong and I'm loving his team. He's developed the whole crew into individuals that I care about. I even care about Harry. He's a lot better person than he wants people to know. In fact, the book is at its strongest when it's told through Harry's point of view and not some other character in the book. I dinged it one star because it ended on a cliff hanger! I really don't like that.
October 12, 2021
This one is a little bit different from the other books in the series because not only does David J. Gatward incorporate a ghost story, a significant part of it also deals more with the relationships between the characters than with an actual crime.
Don't get me wrong, a crime does happen and while it happens rather late in the story, it's fair to say that the author has improved in the game of spinning mysteries quite a bit. Once again, there are several possible suspects and the culprit is not as blatantly obvious as in the first three books. I was actually somewhat surprised about the outcome and the scope of what had actually been going on.
Apart from that, as usual there is a lot of Wensleydale love and I like how Gatward shifts the point of view every once in a while, which gets us readers a bit more invested in the other characters. Anyway, it's wonderful to see an author improving from novel to novel.
Don't get me wrong, a crime does happen and while it happens rather late in the story, it's fair to say that the author has improved in the game of spinning mysteries quite a bit. Once again, there are several possible suspects and the culprit is not as blatantly obvious as in the first three books. I was actually somewhat surprised about the outcome and the scope of what had actually been going on.
Apart from that, as usual there is a lot of Wensleydale love and I like how Gatward shifts the point of view every once in a while, which gets us readers a bit more invested in the other characters. Anyway, it's wonderful to see an author improving from novel to novel.
December 13, 2025
I am a fan of David Gatward's Grimm series. Although they can be read alone, I really think it's a good idea to at least read the prequel "Homecoming" to understand DCI Harry Grimm and what drives him, and why he was sent to the Yorkshire Dales. This book has two crimes, and I really thought they were linked. The main character is actually the house that is the home of the victims of a tragic accident. It has quite an atmosphere. I enjoyed the way the story kept the reader in suspense, giving us a variety of suspects all with their own secrets, with the weather adding to the atmosphere. Harry Grimm also has a secret, which isn't really one at all, revealed at the end. I enjoy the team at the community centre that comprises the police post in Hawes, Yorkshire and the interactions between them. Tea is a big part of life in this area. This story ended dramatically but one of the crimes continues in the next book. Well worth reading!
June 21, 2021
Another great read and the continued development of the characters in more depth and introduction of new ones. Crime closer to home and a mystery and story of a possible haunting.
The beauty of the countryside and local community brings you more into the story and the trials and issues the community faces.
The small police team continue to serve the community and go the extra mile when need be.
Grimm continues to question himself on his future in Wensleydale or back to his job after covering for the previous DCI in Wensleydale.
The book had me laughing out loud at the dry humour and conversations between the characters.
Looking forward to the coming 6th book when it is released and so pleased I found this author and this delightful series that is a good easy read with characters you really come to like and wish they were your friends.
The beauty of the countryside and local community brings you more into the story and the trials and issues the community faces.
The small police team continue to serve the community and go the extra mile when need be.
Grimm continues to question himself on his future in Wensleydale or back to his job after covering for the previous DCI in Wensleydale.
The book had me laughing out loud at the dry humour and conversations between the characters.
Looking forward to the coming 6th book when it is released and so pleased I found this author and this delightful series that is a good easy read with characters you really come to like and wish they were your friends.
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