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Detective Inspector Declan Walsh #9
Behind the Wire
Don't ask. Don't tell. Don't die.
Before he was a policeman, DI Declan Walsh was a Corporal in the Special Investigation Branch of the Royal Military Police, resigning after a case went terribly wrong, ending with Declan and his SIB partner, Lance-Corporal Moses killing the main suspect of a case in self-defence.
Now, over ten years later and after the shocking events at the end of A DINNER TO DIE FOR, Declan is approached by his old mentor, Colonel Yates to return to the SIB as a consultant, as the body of Moses has been found on a research base in the Peak District, hidden for a year, and a piece of paper with Declan's name on it, discovered in his wallet, is their only clue as to who did it - or how.
With DCI Monroe alongside him, Declan finds himself returning to a life he thought long gone, in the process not only investigating the events that led to Moses' death, but also learning of an underground fight club between regiments with fatal results, finding himself confronted by old enemies with scores to settle, and working with a Ministry of Defence Police detective with a chilling connection to Declan's past.
And when the other members of the Last Chance Saloon arrive, tasked by the new Prime Minister to investigate a stolen weapon from the same base, Declan realises that not only are these two crimes connected, but both Declan, and those he cares for, are in the firing line...
And this time, it won't be Declan who lives to tell the tale...
Before he was a policeman, DI Declan Walsh was a Corporal in the Special Investigation Branch of the Royal Military Police, resigning after a case went terribly wrong, ending with Declan and his SIB partner, Lance-Corporal Moses killing the main suspect of a case in self-defence.
Now, over ten years later and after the shocking events at the end of A DINNER TO DIE FOR, Declan is approached by his old mentor, Colonel Yates to return to the SIB as a consultant, as the body of Moses has been found on a research base in the Peak District, hidden for a year, and a piece of paper with Declan's name on it, discovered in his wallet, is their only clue as to who did it - or how.
With DCI Monroe alongside him, Declan finds himself returning to a life he thought long gone, in the process not only investigating the events that led to Moses' death, but also learning of an underground fight club between regiments with fatal results, finding himself confronted by old enemies with scores to settle, and working with a Ministry of Defence Police detective with a chilling connection to Declan's past.
And when the other members of the Last Chance Saloon arrive, tasked by the new Prime Minister to investigate a stolen weapon from the same base, Declan realises that not only are these two crimes connected, but both Declan, and those he cares for, are in the firing line...
And this time, it won't be Declan who lives to tell the tale...
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2022
641 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Jack Gatland
59 books239 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
February 21, 2022
Lots of action. intricate and complicated plot. Evil in high places. Plenty Of villains.
March 4, 2024
Declan and Monroe are out, but not for long!
Declan is recruited to go back to his old regiment in the Army, and investigate the mysterious death of his old partner, and since Monroe is under investigation, Declan decides to take his boss with him. Also occurring at the same time, the remaining Last Chance Saloon members are tasked by the new PM, to find a missing weapon, one that the PM is all to familiar with. This too takes place where Declan and Monroe are investigating.
So the whole team back, two cases, intertwined, the Saloon investigates Behind The Wire.
Secret dueling Club, past and present murders, cover ups, there are a lot of High Ranking military fixing to go down.
Declan is recruited to go back to his old regiment in the Army, and investigate the mysterious death of his old partner, and since Monroe is under investigation, Declan decides to take his boss with him. Also occurring at the same time, the remaining Last Chance Saloon members are tasked by the new PM, to find a missing weapon, one that the PM is all to familiar with. This too takes place where Declan and Monroe are investigating.
So the whole team back, two cases, intertwined, the Saloon investigates Behind The Wire.
Secret dueling Club, past and present murders, cover ups, there are a lot of High Ranking military fixing to go down.
April 22, 2023
Behind The Wire is another great story about the exploits of the detectives of The Last Chance Saloon. Our protagonist, DCI Declan Walsh, has resigned from the City of London Police and given his ninety-day notice. While serving out the end of his time, he's assigned to investigate the discovery of a body near an army base. Walsh asks his boss, Alex Monroe, do accompany him and assist. Monroe is on temporary (he hopes) suspension, so he's free to tag along.
The body his a former partner of Walsh's from his military police days. It was found in a cave, wrapped in a body bag, where it had been for more than a year. Since Declan's former partner was still an active member of the military police, it raises all sorts of questions about why he'd never been reported missing.
On the same day the body is found, an army officer serving at the same base near where Walsh's partner's body was found dies when his pacemaker melts (no, I'm not making this up) killing him by heart attack. Was it murder? Pacemaker's don't just melt, do they?
It turns out the dead army officer was working on some top secret weapons for Her Majesty's Government, currently being run by a new Prime Minister, enlists the remainder of The Last Chance Saloon team to accompany Walsh and Monroe to solve the riddle of both deaths. Is it coincidence? Are the two deaths related?
What ensues is another great story by Jack Gatland that weaves a tale of murder, duplicity, and even some international intrigue. Gatland excels in keeping the reader engaged and involved in the story, wondering what happens next, and anxiously turning the pages to unravel the mystery along with DCI Walsh and Company.
It's another great read, and I'm ready to start the next novel in the series. Great stuff.
The body his a former partner of Walsh's from his military police days. It was found in a cave, wrapped in a body bag, where it had been for more than a year. Since Declan's former partner was still an active member of the military police, it raises all sorts of questions about why he'd never been reported missing.
On the same day the body is found, an army officer serving at the same base near where Walsh's partner's body was found dies when his pacemaker melts (no, I'm not making this up) killing him by heart attack. Was it murder? Pacemaker's don't just melt, do they?
It turns out the dead army officer was working on some top secret weapons for Her Majesty's Government, currently being run by a new Prime Minister, enlists the remainder of The Last Chance Saloon team to accompany Walsh and Monroe to solve the riddle of both deaths. Is it coincidence? Are the two deaths related?
What ensues is another great story by Jack Gatland that weaves a tale of murder, duplicity, and even some international intrigue. Gatland excels in keeping the reader engaged and involved in the story, wondering what happens next, and anxiously turning the pages to unravel the mystery along with DCI Walsh and Company.
It's another great read, and I'm ready to start the next novel in the series. Great stuff.
January 17, 2023
Our friend Declan seems to find enemies coming at him from everywhere, even from years gone by. In this story, we get a glimpse of events back when Declan was an RMP and his partner, Eddie Moses are involved in searching for the killer of a friend of theirs. A man is killed and someone is rescued. Current day, Declan's former commander, (now Colonel) Yates advises that Eddie's body has been found - he'd been missing for some time - and could Declan help figure out what happened? In the meantime, Declan's team is suddenly asked to investigate another death - also in the same area. So the whole team is onsite in the Peak District and, of course, there are twists and turns in this story too. And surprises as well. A good read.
June 14, 2022
This really was one of the best of the Declan Walsh novels so far, and that’s hard to say since most of them are exceedingly good. Right from the very start it was interesting and the plot wound its way round some very gripping and tense action, with plenty of twists, turns and red herrings!
As usual, the characters are extremely believable and are now part of the family as far as I am concerned. In fact, I find myself reaching the ending with a real need to know what is going to happen next in their lives. The little romantic touch that we were treated to at the end is definitely a page turner and I am really looking forward to finding out where it is going to lead us.
As usual, the characters are extremely believable and are now part of the family as far as I am concerned. In fact, I find myself reaching the ending with a real need to know what is going to happen next in their lives. The little romantic touch that we were treated to at the end is definitely a page turner and I am really looking forward to finding out where it is going to lead us.
April 17, 2025
Wow, another over the top plot. Declan has resigned and Monroe is suspended pending an inquiry. But his former military commander needs him, so off he and Monroe go to save the day and solve the case.
Jack Gatland has made me believe that every good guy, police, military, etc are all actual bad guys, on the take, dirty, etc. I guess I am just tiring of the corruption angle. I know there's corruption in every profession, but all the way up to the PM and down to the weekend warrior military type person seems to be corrupt.
As fantastical and unbelievable these plots are, they are still enjoyable. Well written for the most part. The cast of characters is, as always, exceedingly long.
Parts made no sense, the mixture of racism, Nazism, nationalism, etc were all convoluted at best.
Jack Gatland has made me believe that every good guy, police, military, etc are all actual bad guys, on the take, dirty, etc. I guess I am just tiring of the corruption angle. I know there's corruption in every profession, but all the way up to the PM and down to the weekend warrior military type person seems to be corrupt.
As fantastical and unbelievable these plots are, they are still enjoyable. Well written for the most part. The cast of characters is, as always, exceedingly long.
Parts made no sense, the mixture of racism, Nazism, nationalism, etc were all convoluted at best.
February 4, 2022
Behind the Wire is book 9 in the DI Declan Walsh series by Jack Gatland. It is a terrific series and this book was just as gripping as the others. Declan hasn’t recovered from the events of the last book, A Dinner To Die For and is on leave. In the Prologue of this book, we get a glimpse of Declan’s time in the Military Police 10 years before, and his time with his partner Eddie Moses. When Eddie’s body is found, in present day, Declan and the Last Chance Saloon are brought in to investigate. They come across fight clubs, spies and extremists. A fabulous story.
February 14, 2022
Will He Make Up His Mind
Another cracking story about our Declan who it must be said has a lot of enemies who are eager to exact their revenge on him whether he likes it or not and the story line easily reflects this. His old Army buddy fairly got himself dead and Declan could have followed him but thankfully he recovered to eventually catching the bad guys once again.
I was surprised to find that Staff Sergeants lived in barrack rooms, whatever happened to the Sgt's Mess!!
Recommended and looking forward to the next book.
Another cracking story about our Declan who it must be said has a lot of enemies who are eager to exact their revenge on him whether he likes it or not and the story line easily reflects this. His old Army buddy fairly got himself dead and Declan could have followed him but thankfully he recovered to eventually catching the bad guys once again.
I was surprised to find that Staff Sergeants lived in barrack rooms, whatever happened to the Sgt's Mess!!
Recommended and looking forward to the next book.
February 22, 2022
Behind the wire
These books never disappoint . The last chance saloon are all great characters that you really become invested in. The stories always catch your interest from page one and if you are a fan of crime thrillers then I strongly recommend you try the Declan Walsh series. But be warned , once you turn that first page you won't rest till you have read every book in the series then like me you will be hanging on for more.
These books never disappoint . The last chance saloon are all great characters that you really become invested in. The stories always catch your interest from page one and if you are a fan of crime thrillers then I strongly recommend you try the Declan Walsh series. But be warned , once you turn that first page you won't rest till you have read every book in the series then like me you will be hanging on for more.
July 9, 2022
great UK crime series
This is such a great series. A good blend of likeable characters, nice, twisty crime stories, bit of humour and some good relationship developments in the mix too.
This one is number 9 and I’m finding them getting better and better as the series goes on, would recommend starting at book 1 so you get to know the characters, backgrounds and relationships between them all.
This is such a great series. A good blend of likeable characters, nice, twisty crime stories, bit of humour and some good relationship developments in the mix too.
This one is number 9 and I’m finding them getting better and better as the series goes on, would recommend starting at book 1 so you get to know the characters, backgrounds and relationships between them all.
May 6, 2022
Complicated!
I have really enjoyed all this series, characters have such connection, the plots easy to understand. Book 9 for me was far too complex where I often found myself having to re read chapters to make more sense. The end was a little silly given the scenario Declan was in, but a nice romantic finish convinced me for book no 10.
I have really enjoyed all this series, characters have such connection, the plots easy to understand. Book 9 for me was far too complex where I often found myself having to re read chapters to make more sense. The end was a little silly given the scenario Declan was in, but a nice romantic finish convinced me for book no 10.
August 13, 2024
I do not buy the cops and criminals all standing around breaking down every detail of the case at the end of each book. It happened like that in old books and episodes of Murder She Wrote and Scooby Doo, but it’s actually genuinely absurd. BUT, besides that, the book held my interest and entertained me.
March 3, 2025
Jack, Jack...et tu? While Britain slides closer and closer to full-on totalitarianism under their left-wing overlords, the best this once-talented scribe can do us make his really evil bad guys "far right wing." How about writing something about immigrant rape gangs terrorizing the countryside, or jack-booted thugs arresting seniors in the middle of the night for things they posted on Facebook?
February 17, 2022
Fantastic!
These books just keep getting better. Jack Gatland really breathes life into his characters. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves crime fiction with great storylines and interesting characters.
These books just keep getting better. Jack Gatland really breathes life into his characters. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves crime fiction with great storylines and interesting characters.
March 17, 2022
Wicked!
Of course, another great plot from Gatland. I’m not sure which series I like the most, as it pretty much appears to be whomever I’m reading at the moment. Walsh, Kett or Grimm, you just can’t go wrong. Well done.
Of course, another great plot from Gatland. I’m not sure which series I like the most, as it pretty much appears to be whomever I’m reading at the moment. Walsh, Kett or Grimm, you just can’t go wrong. Well done.
March 26, 2022
A gripping tale
Declan is conscripted to resolve a cold case of two and the last chance saloon tag along. The police investigation gets caught up with The military and links with spooks helps put information in the right direction. Difficult to put down!
Declan is conscripted to resolve a cold case of two and the last chance saloon tag along. The police investigation gets caught up with The military and links with spooks helps put information in the right direction. Difficult to put down!
February 22, 2023
Breath taking
Declan back to his old stomping ground in the army. Brilliantly written, loving the love in this book. These books are one of the best sets around. If you haven't read any of them you're missing out.
Declan back to his old stomping ground in the army. Brilliantly written, loving the love in this book. These books are one of the best sets around. If you haven't read any of them you're missing out.
May 19, 2025
Seconded to his old military stomping grounds, Declan and his crew are investigating the death of hid former MP partner Eddie. A small town, a lots of secrets, and old traditions are in store. Good book.
August 22, 2025
Took quite a while to get into it
And I didn't care for Declan's whiny self pity, but it ends quite well and best of all, with no cliffhangers. On to the next one, but I'll read another author first as a palate-cleanser.
And I didn't care for Declan's whiny self pity, but it ends quite well and best of all, with no cliffhangers. On to the next one, but I'll read another author first as a palate-cleanser.
April 14, 2022
Way to complicated for me and unbelievable story.
April 28, 2022
un-put downable!
There were so many ‘bad guys’ that this book was ‘un-put downable’. It was so good with many believable plots in the story. Well done!
There were so many ‘bad guys’ that this book was ‘un-put downable’. It was so good with many believable plots in the story. Well done!
May 16, 2022
Review
A very different type of crime novel, but fascinating. I like the way DCIs Harry Grimm and Jack Logan were referred to without directly mentioning names!
A very different type of crime novel, but fascinating. I like the way DCIs Harry Grimm and Jack Logan were referred to without directly mentioning names!
May 26, 2022
3.75/5⭐: A nice look into Declan's past.
July 16, 2022
One of my favourites so far in this series. I always enjoy books from places I’m familiar with and it was great to see the team shipped out en masse from Temple Inn to the Derbyshire countryside.
August 2, 2022
A few technical errors
You rotate the cylinder not the barrel and plugging it will cause it to blow up, not just incapacitate it.
You rotate the cylinder not the barrel and plugging it will cause it to blow up, not just incapacitate it.
September 8, 2022
Love the Declan Walsh books. Lots of plot twists. Especially love the Twins Johnny and Jackie
February 12, 2024
good mystery
This was another good one with an interesting yet different storyline. I definitely want to read more in the series.
This was another good one with an interesting yet different storyline. I definitely want to read more in the series.
July 7, 2024
Kinda jumped ahead, totally by accident. No worries. Back to book 3.
July 20, 2024
My favorite so far, on to the next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews