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A dead cop. A brutal murder. A dangerous game.

DCI David Jones is no stranger to murder cases. But when DS Charlie Pelham is found dead in a dirty, disused house in Birmingham, Jones is shocked by what he sees and disturbed to be faced with the murder of a former colleague.

Brutally butchered and stripped naked, Charlie’s body is only recognisable by the tattoo on his forearm. There isn’t much in the way of evidence but a St Christopher medallion left at the scene could have belonged to the killer. The last time Jones saw Charlie, he had him sent to a desk job working on cold case files. Could this also be a vital clue?

Worryingly, Charlie isn’t the only person to die in mysterious circumstances. Fortunately, new Forensic Scene Investigator Dr Robyn Spence is on hand to assist with the investigation. With her help, Jones might be able to crack the case. But can he do it before the death toll rises?

The next tense novel in the DCI Jones series, from bestseller Kerry J Donovan

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2021

133 people are currently reading
43 people want to read

About the author

Kerry J. Donovan

36 books284 followers
#1 bestselling author with the US-based Lucky Shores romantic suspense series and the Ryan Kaine military action thrillers, and creator of the popular DCI Jones Casebook series of police procedurals, Kerry J Donovan was born in Dublin, before spending many formative years in West Wales.

Kerry earned a first-class honours degree in Human Biology and a PhD in Sport and Exercise Sciences. A former scientific advisor to The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, he helped UK emergency first-responders prepare for chemical and biological attacks in the wake of the 9/11 atrocities. This background adds a keen scientific edge to Kerry’s writing.

Kerry’s life experiences help him add an extra layer of realism to his stories and his characters. For example, readers will discover the water-borne adventures of his action hero, Ryan Kaine, a former member of the Royal Navy’s Special Boat Services, as authentic and exciting as a night-time dip in the Bay of Biscay.

As the owner of a “pristine” Honda NC750X, you’ll often find him touring the less well-known regions of Europe in search of interesting locations for his novels. A life-long sports enthusiast and open-water swimmer, the moment Kerry catches a glimpse of the ocean, it’s off with the bike leathers and on with his wetsuit.

A citizen of the world, Kerry recently returned from spending two decades living in the heart of rural Brittany and now lives with Margaret in a recently renovated bungalow in Nottinghamshire, UK.

When not writing, Kerry enjoys riding his motorbike, jogging, swimming, spending time with his four wonderful grandchildren, and travelling the world.

To find out more about Kerry’s books, read the first chapter of each book free, download his Press Kit, or get in touch via his contact page or social media.

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5 stars
876 (76%)
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227 (19%)
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39 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Angela.
3,407 reviews33 followers
July 28, 2024
A definite must read book and series

This was an intense, complex, and twisted story that will hook you from beginning to end. Nothing is ever simple with DCI Jones and his team's cases, but this one hits closer to home. When one of their own is murdered, it takes all of them to work together to figure out the subtle clues left behind. It's certainly not a story to be missed.
By looking at the release dates of the books in this series, it seems as though this is the final book. I'm really hoping that there will be many more stories for this series, as it was an absolutely fantastic series that I would definitely love to see more of. Also, I have stated in a previous review that I would recommend reading the Ryan Kaine series prior to this one. I realized afterwards that I was wrong. (Although book #5 in this series would make more sense if you had read the Kaine series first-JMO!) This series was written before the Ryan Kaine series, but I would highly recommend checking out the author's website for the correct reading order.
I will say that I highly recommend reading both series. They're all fantastic stories,and you certainly won't be disappointed!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
2 reviews
April 27, 2024
Great book.

I've really enjoyed reading this series. The book was full of suspense and detailed the process in which Homicide cases are investigated, complete with brainstorming with your partner(s) and other detectives. Being a retired Homicide detective, I've been involved in a lot of these sessions and distributing assignments to other detectives and completing the investigation. I also enjoyed reading the Ryan Kaine series by Mr. Donovan. I hope that this isn't the end of these two fine series.
67 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2024
I have really enjoyed all this authors books

I had read some of the Ryan Kaine books previously but am ok with re-reading. I have binge read all this authors works over the last 3 days as when I find a GREAT author I get “target fixation” (with some op sec I hope.). Please write more DCI Jones book soon. Thank you.
927 reviews
December 26, 2021
Brilliant Jones has to use all his wits to find who is killing police officers and does an excellent job while tracking a girl from a terrible fate after she is kidnapped twice with help from his French connection .Can't wait for next book lots of action and characters are good .
324 reviews4 followers
December 26, 2021
A wonderful read with a new DCI Jones novel. Jones as always "plods" his way but is lead ny his gut instinct rather than being rushed by the new Chief. Also we have a new SOCO, woops sorry a new FSI leader that leaves Jones a little flustered. Well done once again Kerry.
269 reviews
May 16, 2022
family time again

Great characters..great interaction,…great storyline…..all good from me….would have given it4.9/5 if I could…
Just so good to read…easy page turning detective story…very well written.
95 reviews
November 18, 2022
Another winner for me. The descriptions of the various scenes are detailed and out the reader in the space. Enjoyed the growth of a new relationship in the series. As the story unfolded I kept waiting for confirmation of my guess as to who was principle. Great job of tying a bow around the story.
118 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2024
Kerry does it again.

I have yet to read a Kerry J. Donovan that I didn't enjoy. Yes, some are better than others but none of them have been a let down. Good police procedural thrillers with gruesome murders and Poster Boy is no exception.
5 reviews
March 26, 2025
Pure brilliance

The whole series of 6 books are superbly structured and written. A very believable police story, never over egged or filled with stupid assumptions. Every step is explained. I hope there are going to be more.
705 reviews4 followers
December 21, 2021
Jones is on fire

Another great case, maybe a new romance in the works great plot and characters as always. Can't wait for the next one.
412 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2022
Another terrific DCI Jones book!

Thanks for the thrilling story. DCI Jones and staff tell great stories, details are clearly outlined and results seem to end in great surprises.
2 reviews
August 15, 2022
DCI Jones

Read the book in one day, unable to put it down. Throughly enjoyed the series of all the DCI Jones books
Profile Image for Mrs Linda A Barber.
322 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2022
good read

I first came into contact with DCI Jones in the Ryan Kaine series and have thoroughly enjoyed reading his own series.
68 reviews
March 25, 2023
Great Read

This action filled book was hard to out down. Meeting Jones thru the exploits of Ryan Kaine has me looking forward to the ones I've missed.
6 reviews
May 3, 2023
Good reading

Read all so far and like the way he keeps going back to other books. Nice to be able to read and be able to know what is going on.
6 reviews
August 1, 2023
Another gripping novel

Although this was the second maybe third time of reading, it kept me stuck to my chair, not being able to put it down!
3 reviews
September 4, 2023
Red hot from start to finish

Mr Donovan is a story teller of the highest order each book gets better and that is hard to achieve love them
1 review
November 23, 2023
brilliant read

More DCI Jones, fantastic. Really enjoyed this book. Hope there will be another book soon as I have now read all of these and the Ryan Kaine series.
2 reviews
December 30, 2023
Fascinating criminal romp

Excellent story just about believable great characters throughout the plot
Can't wait to read the next exciting tale
Thank you
2 reviews
January 9, 2024
Excellent

That’s all the Ryan Kaine and DCI Jones books read, and I must say it’s been compulsive reading. Very enjoyable. Here’s hoping for some follow-ons .
2 reviews
January 17, 2024
Real.

The police works. And here are the investigative team and different departments interacting. Nice job of it. My second book from Donovan
19 reviews
March 18, 2024
Increasing plot

A good read the plot turning and twisting and interconnected with previous book plots
Lots of interesting scientific scenes to challenge ones understanding.
13 reviews
April 3, 2024
Have loved all the DCI Jones books and the Ryan Kane series, couldn't put them down and they always keep you guessing! Can't wait for the next one!
597 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2024
Excellent detective work from DCI Jones

A complex cases, tied up with the previous one. Real team work with a few shocks along the way. A bit gruesome but highly recommended.
36 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2025
Hard to put down….

Wonderful book, great story and enough twists to give you whiplash. It went far too fast. Loved it . On to the next!


Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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