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DI Fenchurch #9
The Last Thing to Die
Hope is the last thing to die
DCI Simon Fenchurch has everything under control. His marriage, his family, even his job, where he’s starting to lose the imposter syndrome that has plagued him.
But a mysterious death on the border with the City of London leads Fenchurch into a murder inquiry crossing three jurisdictions.
All signs point to one man.
Dimitri Younis, recently released from prison and running the East End with an iron fist, spreading his talons into London. And even more determined to appear to be squeaky clean.
As Fenchurch homes in on a witness with evidence that could put Younis away forever, the tables are soon turned.
Is Fenchurch going to be the last thing to die? Or will it be the hope that he can live a normal life?
Murder is intercut with humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set on the gritty streets of East London. Perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, JD Kirk, Alex Smith and Ian Rankin.
DCI Simon Fenchurch has everything under control. His marriage, his family, even his job, where he’s starting to lose the imposter syndrome that has plagued him.
But a mysterious death on the border with the City of London leads Fenchurch into a murder inquiry crossing three jurisdictions.
All signs point to one man.
Dimitri Younis, recently released from prison and running the East End with an iron fist, spreading his talons into London. And even more determined to appear to be squeaky clean.
As Fenchurch homes in on a witness with evidence that could put Younis away forever, the tables are soon turned.
Is Fenchurch going to be the last thing to die? Or will it be the hope that he can live a normal life?
Murder is intercut with humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set on the gritty streets of East London. Perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, JD Kirk, Alex Smith and Ian Rankin.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2022
164 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 8, 2025
DCI Simon Fenchurch is struggling with his knee, with an operation for a knee replacement seemingly months in the future, forcing him to survive on pain medication. A promising young footballer is found dead at the City end of the Millennium Bridge and the team must determine whether it was in fact murder or something else. And to complicate matters, Younis is back in charge of his criminal empire. Life if never simple for Fenchurch. Well-plotted with deep empathy for those suffering from debilitating pain and the risk of addiction. Highly recommend the series.
November 23, 2024
Another good read!
A good end to the trilogy. Looking forward to seeing what happens next for the team, nicely poised for something new! Possibly
A good end to the trilogy. Looking forward to seeing what happens next for the team, nicely poised for something new! Possibly
November 16, 2022
DCI Simon Fenchurch is getting very fed up with his gammy knee which is intruding into every aspect of his life. Yes, he's a Chief Inspector and supposed to do the job from his desk but that's never stopped him from chasing down the criminals until now. Called to a suspicious death, his heavy duty pain relief only just prevents him from making a fool of himself but when he sees who the victim is everything else slips away.
A lifelong West Ham supporter Simon begins an investigation into the death of one of their star players which takes him inside the club he loves and attends regularly. Before long the clues lead out towards old adversaries and colleagues as well as down avenues which strike far too close to home for comfort. Can he discover who killed his son's idol and why or will this case be a step too far?
This is book nine in the excellent DCI Fenchurch series and as usual he's up against it! Ed James is one of my favourite authors and was an IT Specialist in a previous life so its no surprise his knowledge shines through in the more complex areas of the storyline. Fenchurch has gradually become a relatable and favourite main protagonist of mine in one of this author's best loved series and I thoroughly enjoyed this installment. From the notes in the back of the book there are at least three more visits to Simon Fenchurch's manor and I will be waiting for all of them.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to the author and publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. Once again Ed James has written a fast moving and engaging novel it is easy to recommend.
A lifelong West Ham supporter Simon begins an investigation into the death of one of their star players which takes him inside the club he loves and attends regularly. Before long the clues lead out towards old adversaries and colleagues as well as down avenues which strike far too close to home for comfort. Can he discover who killed his son's idol and why or will this case be a step too far?
This is book nine in the excellent DCI Fenchurch series and as usual he's up against it! Ed James is one of my favourite authors and was an IT Specialist in a previous life so its no surprise his knowledge shines through in the more complex areas of the storyline. Fenchurch has gradually become a relatable and favourite main protagonist of mine in one of this author's best loved series and I thoroughly enjoyed this installment. From the notes in the back of the book there are at least three more visits to Simon Fenchurch's manor and I will be waiting for all of them.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to the author and publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. Once again Ed James has written a fast moving and engaging novel it is easy to recommend.
December 5, 2022
Master storyteller Ed James's ninth DCI Simon Fenchurch outing delivers with plenty of action and emotion. Sadly Fenchurch still has a badly damaged knee he's awaiting surgery for. It's been one delay after another. Meanwhile the sketchy Dr. Edwin Deacon has prescribed large doses of Oxycodone. Simon wrestles with his conscience that he may be 'hooked" like a junkie. His mobility shrinks day by day. When the body of star football player Curtis Archer turns up on a local bridge Simon must determine as to whether or not foul play has occurred. Archer is just 22 and has missed two seasons of football due to a severe knee injury. After two knee operations Archer is still in pain and not dealing with pain management very well. Has the shady Dr. Deacon been getting Archer large doses of oxy ? I really enjoyed this outstanding read as all the regulars have returned: PC Chloe Fenchurch, Acting DI Kay Reed, And former cop the disgraced Jon Nelson. Also with a large part to play is Fenchurch's arch nemesis the evil and vile Dmitri Younis. As the plot unwinds we find out Younis is up to his eyeballs in crime. Using a shady outfit known as BRO Capital to launder money Younis has his fingers in may pies. Fenchurch is stunned when the cause of death comes back on Archer he's got way too may suspect and little evidence. A healthy 375 some pages Kindle this one reads very quickly. Author Ed James Fenchurch series seems to get better with each new entry. A must read in a must read series without question. Don't hesitate ! Check it out.
January 5, 2023
Sorry but I struggled with this one. Whether it be football or cryptocurrency, neither of which I know anything about, I found the read rather laborious. I also missed the laughs that I usually have at Fenchurch’s antics, even in the most serious of circumstances. I am sure that the humour is in there but I struggled to find it on this occasion.
Having said all of that, I am not at all put off. It’s just that the subject matter this time was not for me. However, all you Fenchurch footy-crypto fans out there should definitely read this book. It is extremely well written, as always. I have read all of the previous Fenchurch books and thoroughly enjoyed them. Also, I have already pre-ordered the next book. I am still a huge fan of Ed James but I am sure that his readers will agree that reviews need to be independently honest.
Having said all of that, I am not at all put off. It’s just that the subject matter this time was not for me. However, all you Fenchurch footy-crypto fans out there should definitely read this book. It is extremely well written, as always. I have read all of the previous Fenchurch books and thoroughly enjoyed them. Also, I have already pre-ordered the next book. I am still a huge fan of Ed James but I am sure that his readers will agree that reviews need to be independently honest.
February 28, 2025
The Last Thing to Die is the ninth book in the DCI Fenchurch series by Ed James. I have read all the previous books but unfortunately in my opinion this one didn’t meet the same standard.
Life is a lot better these days for DCI Simon Fenchurch, he is managing to keep the right balance between his marriage, his family, and his career. But when a mysterious murder occurs on the border of the City of London, he finds himself caught in a complex case. Suspicion falls on Dimitri Younis released crime boss who is determined to expand his empire while keeping his public image spotless.
Just as Fenchurch closes in on a key witness the tables turn, and the case becomes deeply personal. His own life is suddenly at risk and he must navigate a world of deception, corruption, and violence, where no one is safe and nothing is certain.
A good read but in my opinion not quite there.
Life is a lot better these days for DCI Simon Fenchurch, he is managing to keep the right balance between his marriage, his family, and his career. But when a mysterious murder occurs on the border of the City of London, he finds himself caught in a complex case. Suspicion falls on Dimitri Younis released crime boss who is determined to expand his empire while keeping his public image spotless.
Just as Fenchurch closes in on a key witness the tables turn, and the case becomes deeply personal. His own life is suddenly at risk and he must navigate a world of deception, corruption, and violence, where no one is safe and nothing is certain.
A good read but in my opinion not quite there.
January 12, 2023
Riveting read
Another excellent addition to the Fenchurch Series even though I'm not much of a football fan and Bitcom and crypto confuse the hell out of me. Starts off looking like it could be self inflicted death due to opioids misuse, but it turns out to be much more complicated than that. Fenchurch himself is also struggling due to his knee injury and is on the same medication as the deceased footballer. The investigation leads to his old adversary Younis who is now out of jail and upto his old tricks. A complicated crime which holds your interest and tests your braincells. I've really enjoyed this series and look forward to the next.
Another excellent addition to the Fenchurch Series even though I'm not much of a football fan and Bitcom and crypto confuse the hell out of me. Starts off looking like it could be self inflicted death due to opioids misuse, but it turns out to be much more complicated than that. Fenchurch himself is also struggling due to his knee injury and is on the same medication as the deceased footballer. The investigation leads to his old adversary Younis who is now out of jail and upto his old tricks. A complicated crime which holds your interest and tests your braincells. I've really enjoyed this series and look forward to the next.
December 2, 2022
Fenchurch always delivers
This very cleverly brings together a few stories of some of my favorite charachters in the series. Fenchurch admitting he had a issue, and how machivellian it came to be. I'm glad for John, good result. I laughed so hard at the scenes between Yunis and his mother. Pure gold. HOWEVER. I can not stand Abby. She's selfish and is out at the first sign of trouble. Great read.
This very cleverly brings together a few stories of some of my favorite charachters in the series. Fenchurch admitting he had a issue, and how machivellian it came to be. I'm glad for John, good result. I laughed so hard at the scenes between Yunis and his mother. Pure gold. HOWEVER. I can not stand Abby. She's selfish and is out at the first sign of trouble. Great read.
December 28, 2022
Great read
Curtis Archer, football star, is found dead and Simon Fenchurch is tasked with solving what killed him. Fenchurch is himself struggling to cope with severe pain from the need for a replacement knee and has found himself addicted to very strong painkillers through, as he later finds out, no fault of his own. A complicated story with lots of twists and turns but a successful outcome. Well worth reading!
Curtis Archer, football star, is found dead and Simon Fenchurch is tasked with solving what killed him. Fenchurch is himself struggling to cope with severe pain from the need for a replacement knee and has found himself addicted to very strong painkillers through, as he later finds out, no fault of his own. A complicated story with lots of twists and turns but a successful outcome. Well worth reading!
December 13, 2022
Maintains the high Fenchurch standards
Having read all the previous Fenchurch novels I approached this new one hoping Ed had not allowed the quality to drop. He hasn't! Another fast moving, entertaining tale with loads of contemporary references. If you like a well-plotted engaging modern police story this is one for you.
Having read all the previous Fenchurch novels I approached this new one hoping Ed had not allowed the quality to drop. He hasn't! Another fast moving, entertaining tale with loads of contemporary references. If you like a well-plotted engaging modern police story this is one for you.
July 12, 2023
Pure brilliance!
I waited to review until I read all nine books. It’s my autism, I’m sure, that makes me think I’ll give something away to people reading the reviews. I read all 9 back to back in 9 days! Unputdownable and I needed to know what happens next as I care about the characters. Roll on October for book 10! Read them and you’ll love them I promise!
I waited to review until I read all nine books. It’s my autism, I’m sure, that makes me think I’ll give something away to people reading the reviews. I read all 9 back to back in 9 days! Unputdownable and I needed to know what happens next as I care about the characters. Roll on October for book 10! Read them and you’ll love them I promise!
February 8, 2025
Amazing
I love these books and their many characters. This book was close to home for me as I took oxycontin and after watching a documentary on it I titrated my dose down until I no longer took it. This book captures the struggle of dealing with chronic pain but also the negative and dark side of opiates.
I love these books and their many characters. This book was close to home for me as I took oxycontin and after watching a documentary on it I titrated my dose down until I no longer took it. This book captures the struggle of dealing with chronic pain but also the negative and dark side of opiates.
February 6, 2023
Ed James does it again, what a read, another brilliant addition to the series, certainly put Fenchurch through his toughest case yet, absolutely loved it, hooked from first page like an Oxy addiction
March 20, 2023
brilliant story again, Ed never fails to deliver something new, every time!
Genius to make such flawed, amazingly relatable characters so admirable and lovable. Well done again Ed, thank you, keep them coming!
Genius to make such flawed, amazingly relatable characters so admirable and lovable. Well done again Ed, thank you, keep them coming!
April 23, 2023
I enjoy the Fenchurch series but I found this plot encompassing football, oxycodone addiction, drug dealing, cryptocurrency, sexual harassment and marital strains too complex for the story to maintain momentum. So, only 3 stars this time.
June 4, 2023
Loved it
Storyline went somewhere unexpected. Couldn’t put the book down for several reasons. Clever as always and great characters you grow to care about. Serious subjects mixed in with some laugh out loud moments. Bring on book 10.
Storyline went somewhere unexpected. Couldn’t put the book down for several reasons. Clever as always and great characters you grow to care about. Serious subjects mixed in with some laugh out loud moments. Bring on book 10.
July 10, 2023
Not as good as the other books in the series. Found it hard work at times! Just felt like there was something missing, but Did feel sorry for Fenchurch with his knee and how easy it is to get stuck on painkillers.
March 31, 2024
I quite like the early books but this one was so confusing at the end I still didn’t really know what had happened and to whom
With everything going wrong for Fenchurch I would expect everyone to keep well clear of him
With everything going wrong for Fenchurch I would expect everyone to keep well clear of him
January 14, 2026
Addiction
An interesting story covering whether it was murder or not and the various other issues. Also the individuals own stories which includes Dci Fenchurch knee problem and unknown addiction to the drug which was to ease the pain.
An interesting story covering whether it was murder or not and the various other issues. Also the individuals own stories which includes Dci Fenchurch knee problem and unknown addiction to the drug which was to ease the pain.
January 3, 2023
Another classic DI Fenchurch adventure as the hop a long cop fights his deepest demons tablet by tablet.
May 28, 2024
Another great book by Ed James. Read all his books and highly recommend.
December 27, 2022
Always enjoy the Fenchurch books and this latest does not disappoint. As always, intriguing and entertaining storyline, and raised some interesting questions on drugs and addiction. Recommend this series if you enjoy a detective thriller
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews