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Detective Inspector Declan Walsh #8
A Dinner to Die For
Sometimes revenge is a dish best served cold.
After a fatal poisoning in Essence, the Michelin-Starred restaurant of celebrity TV chef Leroy Daniels, DI Declan Walsh and the team of the Temple Inn 'Last Chance Saloon' Command Unit find themselves in the middle of a multi-sensory gastro war, following an investigation that takes them deep into the dark kitchens of London, and a group of friends-turned-enemies all vying to become the next breakout venue--no matter what it costs to get there.
But Declan and his team aren't working together this time; DCI Monroe and PC De’Geer are in Edinburgh, fighting for their lives while taking on a notorious Scottish Firm led by Lennie Wright, a man from Monroe’s past with a vicious score to settle, while Declan is fighting for his career, constantly harassed by the secretive DC Ross over the mysterious disappearance and possible murder of Francine Pearce, with Declan still the prime suspect, while also visited by an escaped serial killer from his past with a score to settle.
And as the list of dead chefs increases, with unseen connections between Edinburgh murders and poisoned food critics coming to light revealing the true targets, Declan and his colleagues must finally come together to not only solve a series of impossible murders, but also stop the killer before they poison not only Charles Baker, the bookies' choice for new Prime Minister, and also the Queen herself at a State Dinner...
After a fatal poisoning in Essence, the Michelin-Starred restaurant of celebrity TV chef Leroy Daniels, DI Declan Walsh and the team of the Temple Inn 'Last Chance Saloon' Command Unit find themselves in the middle of a multi-sensory gastro war, following an investigation that takes them deep into the dark kitchens of London, and a group of friends-turned-enemies all vying to become the next breakout venue--no matter what it costs to get there.
But Declan and his team aren't working together this time; DCI Monroe and PC De’Geer are in Edinburgh, fighting for their lives while taking on a notorious Scottish Firm led by Lennie Wright, a man from Monroe’s past with a vicious score to settle, while Declan is fighting for his career, constantly harassed by the secretive DC Ross over the mysterious disappearance and possible murder of Francine Pearce, with Declan still the prime suspect, while also visited by an escaped serial killer from his past with a score to settle.
And as the list of dead chefs increases, with unseen connections between Edinburgh murders and poisoned food critics coming to light revealing the true targets, Declan and his colleagues must finally come together to not only solve a series of impossible murders, but also stop the killer before they poison not only Charles Baker, the bookies' choice for new Prime Minister, and also the Queen herself at a State Dinner...
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2021
871 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Jack Gatland
59 books238 followersJack 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 25, 2021
Love his books!
One of my favorite authors. Wonderfully written, great cast of characters with a sense of humor. Characters seem as though they could be friends. Mysteries are exciting and keep you reading but
without a lot of gory details and no foul language. Truly enjoyable read.
One of my favorite authors. Wonderfully written, great cast of characters with a sense of humor. Characters seem as though they could be friends. Mysteries are exciting and keep you reading but
without a lot of gory details and no foul language. Truly enjoyable read.
December 18, 2021
Great series based at the last chance saloon. Great characters and crew, super stories. A must read.
October 22, 2022
In general, I enjoy this series. I love the Last Chance Saloon unit. That said, how many times can Monroe be beaten up and almost killed? How many times can Declan be wrongfully accused of a crime or malfeasance? I guess it’s easy to produce a lot of books if you just revamp the plot each time, just a little.
November 29, 2021
A Dinner to Die For is book 8 in the DI Declan Walsh series by Jack Gatland. Marshall Howe is a food and restaurant critic and not well liked. Leroy Daniels owns Essence, a Michelin-starred restaurant. The two of them have fought over the years. The Last Chance Saloon team are split between Scotland and London chasing various leads. This is not a straightforward story and you need to keep your wits about you. It has various threads woven through and they are skilfully pulled together to a great conclusion. Loved it.
March 20, 2022
Not good
A bit conflated and somewhat incredible. Not the best Declan Walsh mystery. I got confused more than once. Perhaps the next will be better. Declan is taking over from Monroe what was that speech at the dinner all about.
A bit conflated and somewhat incredible. Not the best Declan Walsh mystery. I got confused more than once. Perhaps the next will be better. Declan is taking over from Monroe what was that speech at the dinner all about.
February 14, 2022
Less muddled
There were fewer characters to muddle you up, but the second storyline was maybe unnecessary, on the whole a tighter read.
There were fewer characters to muddle you up, but the second storyline was maybe unnecessary, on the whole a tighter read.
April 18, 2023
I'm hooked on author Jack Garland's series of England-based stories about the exploits of the detectives of the Last Change Saloon. Protagonist, Declan Walsh, has a lot of help from the men and women for and with whom he works in the City of London Police. One thing is for sure--their cases are never boring, to them or to the reader.
In "A Dinner To Die For," DI Walsh and company are investigating the poisoning death of master chef in his kitchen office, and the poisoning of the top restaurant critic dining in his London restaurant. Was it the food? Was the chef that bad a cook? Since the critic and the chef hated each other to the point of being bitter enemies, anything might be possible.
In a series of interconnected storylines, DI Walsh and Co. uncover links to a previous unexplained murder of a chef/restauranteur in Edinburgh, have one of their main suspects murdered by poison in the London restaurant, and uncover a plot to murder government officials. There are a lot of moving parts, and their are some other pieces of this puzzle that look back into the prior lives of DI Walsh and his boss, DCI Monroe.
The plot is tight, and the story well told. As usual with Garland's novels, it's a page turner that builds and builds up to the climax. Also as usual, the author closes his story's loose ends with a proper denouement. It's one of the things I like about Jack Garland's stories. I also like that his novels are intelligently written and imaginative. He always introduces us to interesting new characters, while continuing to inform us of the lives of his returning characters. Garland's use of dialog is effective, moves the story, and keeps us involved with those characters.
"A Dinner To Die For" is number eight in the DI Declan Walsh series, and it's a great read. I've read them all in order, as I recommend you should, and I've already started on novel number nine. Happy reading.
In "A Dinner To Die For," DI Walsh and company are investigating the poisoning death of master chef in his kitchen office, and the poisoning of the top restaurant critic dining in his London restaurant. Was it the food? Was the chef that bad a cook? Since the critic and the chef hated each other to the point of being bitter enemies, anything might be possible.
In a series of interconnected storylines, DI Walsh and Co. uncover links to a previous unexplained murder of a chef/restauranteur in Edinburgh, have one of their main suspects murdered by poison in the London restaurant, and uncover a plot to murder government officials. There are a lot of moving parts, and their are some other pieces of this puzzle that look back into the prior lives of DI Walsh and his boss, DCI Monroe.
The plot is tight, and the story well told. As usual with Garland's novels, it's a page turner that builds and builds up to the climax. Also as usual, the author closes his story's loose ends with a proper denouement. It's one of the things I like about Jack Garland's stories. I also like that his novels are intelligently written and imaginative. He always introduces us to interesting new characters, while continuing to inform us of the lives of his returning characters. Garland's use of dialog is effective, moves the story, and keeps us involved with those characters.
"A Dinner To Die For" is number eight in the DI Declan Walsh series, and it's a great read. I've read them all in order, as I recommend you should, and I've already started on novel number nine. Happy reading.
May 24, 2022
This was a very interesting episode in the challenges for the Last Chance Saloon team. We begin with a poisoning at a London Restaurant which falls to Declan Walsh and his team to investigate. However, Monroe is off up to Edinburgh, accompanied by De’Geer, to find his newly discovered grand-niece, and attempt to set some records straight with the gang up there who were responsible for the death of his brother. As the poisoning story becomes more tangled and more people begin to die, the help of Monroe and De’Geer becomes invaluable whilst they are up in Scotland, and the mystery begins to unfold – albeit in a very complicated and elaborate way. Eventually Declan has it all worked out – but has he solved the crime soon enough or will more people die as a result of his inability to scratch a very annoying itch.
At the end, once the crime has been solved, things start to become very unsettling for Bullman and the rest of the team – but we will have to await the next in the series to find out what impact it has.
At the end, once the crime has been solved, things start to become very unsettling for Bullman and the rest of the team – but we will have to await the next in the series to find out what impact it has.
April 17, 2025
3.5 but rounding down.
This one was pretty epic (read far-fetched) with having the Queen involved. But was interesting.
Like all other books in this series, there is a brutally long list of characters to keep track of.
Characters doing stupid things.
The blurb about the book is EXTREMELY exaggerated. Monroe and De'Geer aren't fighting for the lives in Edinburg. Some danger, sure, not constant.
DC Ross isn't constantly harassing Declan. Also, I don't believe for one minute would a DC be allowed to arrest/interview a DI. Wouldn't the cop being arrested have the right/respect to be interviewed by someone of a higher rank? But DI Walsh did bring down a DCI, so who knows. But anyway, Ross is annoying but she's barely in the book after the beginning.
The murders, while great and creative, getting someone to commit murder is just way too easy in this world..or these books.
At what point will people stop automatically assuming the worst about Declan after all the times he's had to prove himself and save the day.
This one was pretty epic (read far-fetched) with having the Queen involved. But was interesting.
Like all other books in this series, there is a brutally long list of characters to keep track of.
Characters doing stupid things.
The blurb about the book is EXTREMELY exaggerated. Monroe and De'Geer aren't fighting for the lives in Edinburg. Some danger, sure, not constant.
DC Ross isn't constantly harassing Declan. Also, I don't believe for one minute would a DC be allowed to arrest/interview a DI. Wouldn't the cop being arrested have the right/respect to be interviewed by someone of a higher rank? But DI Walsh did bring down a DCI, so who knows. But anyway, Ross is annoying but she's barely in the book after the beginning.
The murders, while great and creative, getting someone to commit murder is just way too easy in this world..or these books.
At what point will people stop automatically assuming the worst about Declan after all the times he's had to prove himself and save the day.
January 31, 2022
A Dinner to Die For - is my last "Declan Wash" mystery. Too complicated, too removed from reality. There are too many subplots going on. Almost all British have same basic "hero" character with an ex-wife and usually a daughter, which is fine -- but this series is over-the-top with minor characters, multiple suspects, local, British national and international intrigue. Main characters and sub-characters do need to be fleshed out, but Jack Gatland carries it to the extreme.
A good mystery is a stand alone book, and "A Dinner to Die For" does not meet that test. To successfully read this book, you must keep a pen and pad handy to write down all the sub-characters. It would be an asset to have footnotes referring to prior books where Walsh's police team and his numerous local and international villains enter a/o exit the series. Having read all 7 prior books in the Walsh series, it was tedious reading and just not a credible story at so many levels.
A good mystery is a stand alone book, and "A Dinner to Die For" does not meet that test. To successfully read this book, you must keep a pen and pad handy to write down all the sub-characters. It would be an asset to have footnotes referring to prior books where Walsh's police team and his numerous local and international villains enter a/o exit the series. Having read all 7 prior books in the Walsh series, it was tedious reading and just not a credible story at so many levels.
February 28, 2024
The Last Chance Saloon are back!
Rival Chefs, Scorned Pastry chef, loose ends that need tied up. This is what Declan and Team have on their plate. And to beat all, The Red Reaper is loose, tying up his own lose ends. A Gala dinner that includes the Houses of Parliament and the Queen could be served a poison desert, that is unless Declan can stop the dinner before they get to the desert.
Monroe's past finally comes back to bite him, Declan and all the death that occurred while on his watch has come back to haunt him.
Will both of these members of the Last Chance Saloon remain coppers? Only time will tell!
A Dinner to Die For...5 Stars, hands down. Perfect series so far!
Rival Chefs, Scorned Pastry chef, loose ends that need tied up. This is what Declan and Team have on their plate. And to beat all, The Red Reaper is loose, tying up his own lose ends. A Gala dinner that includes the Houses of Parliament and the Queen could be served a poison desert, that is unless Declan can stop the dinner before they get to the desert.
Monroe's past finally comes back to bite him, Declan and all the death that occurred while on his watch has come back to haunt him.
Will both of these members of the Last Chance Saloon remain coppers? Only time will tell!
A Dinner to Die For...5 Stars, hands down. Perfect series so far!
January 26, 2022
Brilliant beginning, hooked immediately, and to the finish
Loved the begging t, but soon realised I was getting information I didn't understand.... Didn't detract from the story, but now I realise I've found this at the end of a series.. My new mission is to start from book one, so I have all the background on these characters and teams.
Loved the begging t, but soon realised I was getting information I didn't understand.... Didn't detract from the story, but now I realise I've found this at the end of a series.. My new mission is to start from book one, so I have all the background on these characters and teams.
February 15, 2025
Two rival chefs dead and a food critic in critical condition from some kind of poisoning. Declan is accused of a killing (he is being set up) and Monroe is in Edinburgh facing his past. A lot going on but such a fun quick read. I'm not happy with the way the book is ending....and I'm not sure I will like the next book but I'll soldier (hint) through.
January 13, 2022
Great suspenseful book
This was another great book of the series with mystery in every chapter. This book will keep you guessing as to who is the real killer. I enjoy this book because there was two mysteries in one book.
This was another great book of the series with mystery in every chapter. This book will keep you guessing as to who is the real killer. I enjoy this book because there was two mysteries in one book.
January 17, 2022
Yet again another cracker
So many twists and turns, so many interlocking stories. It could have been a confusing mess but it works. This series just keeps getting better. Keep them coming.
So many twists and turns, so many interlocking stories. It could have been a confusing mess but it works. This series just keeps getting better. Keep them coming.
May 24, 2022
4.5/5⭐: A bit over the top for the ending where he explains everything but otherwise a page turner. The endings for the books in this series reminds of the way Death In Paradise always wraps up a murder case.
February 18, 2023
What the actual.....
What a read. Breath taking page turning living every moment and the ending don't get me started on the ending. Bloody hell I'm dying here Jack you've put more twists in this than a helter skelter. Amazing read
What a read. Breath taking page turning living every moment and the ending don't get me started on the ending. Bloody hell I'm dying here Jack you've put more twists in this than a helter skelter. Amazing read
August 28, 2023
Another spellbinding adventure
It’s another book you can’t put down. Many things are going on throughout the book, but the author masterly brings everything together. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
It’s another book you can’t put down. Many things are going on throughout the book, but the author masterly brings everything together. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 18, 2025
Old enemies popping up everywhere, but still a puzzling case to solve. There’s to be a huge dinner for the outgoing PM. However, one little problem is the chefs keep dying. The queen will attend so the effort is immense. But will everyone truly enjoy the meal?
July 4, 2025
Gatland has created an entertaining series; however, if it has been a while since you've read the previous book in the series, it can be challenging to recall all the backstories. Fortunately, it is not necessary to understand the current storyline.
December 24, 2025
Oh Dear
I know I am in a minority but, I find these DI DW books, overly long, complex and generally boring
They are the complete opposite to the Tom Marlowe books which, we are told, written by the same author
I know I am in a minority but, I find these DI DW books, overly long, complex and generally boring
They are the complete opposite to the Tom Marlowe books which, we are told, written by the same author
December 25, 2021
3.0 stars.
January 10, 2022
Too dang confusing (and I'm really good at figuring out mysteries). 2.5 stars
January 17, 2022
Skip dessert
Way,way,way too many characters both in the current story and dragged back from previous ones. Poor literary skills. Repetitive. Time for a good editor.
Way,way,way too many characters both in the current story and dragged back from previous ones. Poor literary skills. Repetitive. Time for a good editor.
January 19, 2022
well done
Enjoyable read. A Dinner to Die For is a modern-day Agatha Christie novel. Can’t wait to start the next book!
Enjoyable read. A Dinner to Die For is a modern-day Agatha Christie novel. Can’t wait to start the next book!
March 9, 2022
a Chef’s Maze
Probably the funniest of all the books to date. This mystery was as complicated as a squirrel maze, and just as entertaining.
Probably the funniest of all the books to date. This mystery was as complicated as a squirrel maze, and just as entertaining.
May 4, 2022
Another great read
Many twists & turns in this one with an unexpected ending so can’t wait to get onto the next exciting episode!
Many twists & turns in this one with an unexpected ending so can’t wait to get onto the next exciting episode!
July 16, 2022
Another great instalment in the Declan Walsh series.
Plenty of twists and turns along the way and an interesting epilogue.
Plenty of twists and turns along the way and an interesting epilogue.
January 19, 2024
ANOTHER GOOD BOOK
April 7, 2024
brilliant read
Excellent book kept me hooked all the way through
Highly recommend this book and all the others in the series
Excellent book kept me hooked all the way through
Highly recommend this book and all the others in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews