What do you think?
Rate this book
Ellie Reckless #1
Paint the Dead
Some cases need more than the police...
Meet disgraced ex-DI Ellie Reckless, a self-proclaimed 'cop for criminals', and the person the underworld calls when they can't call the police.
Working for favours, freely given at a time and place of her choosing, Ellie and her team of fallen angels work the cases the police never see--while Ellie builds enough favours to discover who in the force framed her for murder, who ordered it, and who really killed the man she loved. And when Essex Gangster Danny Flynn comes to her, with a case involving art forgeries, dead bodies, and a painting stolen during the 1990 Gardner Museum Heist in Boston, Ellie realises this could be the favour that gives her everything she needs to clear her name. As long as she, her team, and the client can survive until she solves it, that is...
Meet disgraced ex-DI Ellie Reckless, a self-proclaimed 'cop for criminals', and the person the underworld calls when they can't call the police.
Working for favours, freely given at a time and place of her choosing, Ellie and her team of fallen angels work the cases the police never see--while Ellie builds enough favours to discover who in the force framed her for murder, who ordered it, and who really killed the man she loved. And when Essex Gangster Danny Flynn comes to her, with a case involving art forgeries, dead bodies, and a painting stolen during the 1990 Gardner Museum Heist in Boston, Ellie realises this could be the favour that gives her everything she needs to clear her name. As long as she, her team, and the client can survive until she solves it, that is...
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2022
1232 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Jack Gatland
59 books240 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 1, 2023
This was a bit of a rough and tumble from what I'm used to with suspense. The main character used to be a cop, now she's a cop for criminals. It's a great start to the series. I'm now reading the second one.
October 2, 2022
I had the pleasure of listening to this audiobook and thought it was fabulous!
Love the characters in it, the idea of doing ' favours' for gangsters and Ellie is such a well written character, she has sass, wit and a great personality, I can see that she has lots more to come with her past catching up with her.
Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
Love the characters in it, the idea of doing ' favours' for gangsters and Ellie is such a well written character, she has sass, wit and a great personality, I can see that she has lots more to come with her past catching up with her.
Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
June 3, 2022
Ellie Reckless, a new character from Jack Gatland. Lives up to her name
Brilliant, another series to get hooked on. Ellie Reckless (ex cop) works for 'favours ' she operates under the radar of the law. Her team are an unlikely group of characters. Some great dialogue . Waiting for book 2 now, and the next job
Brilliant, another series to get hooked on. Ellie Reckless (ex cop) works for 'favours ' she operates under the radar of the law. Her team are an unlikely group of characters. Some great dialogue . Waiting for book 2 now, and the next job
May 31, 2022
I first read about Ellie Reckless in the Declan Walsh series and didn't like her at all so wasn't expecting to like this book at all but was surprised to find it was a good read and I loved all the characters. Looking forward to the next one.
May 12, 2022
Paint the Dead by Jack Gatland is the first book in a new series. It is released on 29 May and is available to pre-order. The main character is Ellie Reckless, Cop For Criminals. Ellie is an ex-copper, suspected of being involved in a murder. She is trying to prove her innocence. She now does favours for crooks, which then places them in her debt. This is all building her way to finding out who was involved in the murder of the man she loved. In Paint the Dead, Danny Flynn asks for Ellie’s help to find a painting stolen from him. Mind you, this painting was actually not his, but was stolen in 1990 from a Museum in Boston. There is an interesting mix of characters in the book, and I look forward to reading the next book when it is released to see how they develop.
January 7, 2023
Who do crooks go to when they have their stolen goods nicked? Ellie Reckless and her crew. She works for favours off the books as well as on the books for the "insurance agency" recovering stolen goods for cash. Good characters who come across as a motley crew of misfits with Casey the young hacker who is linked to Ellie's past and Tink and Ramsey her backup crew who get her out of the hole when she needs help plus the boss Robbie who is their benefactor. Good background story kicked out of the force for a murder she was framed for and compiling favours from criminals as a way to get back at whoever was the real guilty party she will get there eventually and uncover the bent cop, really hope it's Delgado and Nicky Simpson needs knocking down a peg or two as well. Cameo appearance from DI Monroe her old Guv just to cap it off at the end makes a nice starter for the series.
January 8, 2023
Totally enthralling
Ex police officer, and black sheep, Ella Reckless, is outstanding as a criminal assisting investigator, working on a peculiar system of 'favours for payment' style business. With a small band of apparent misfits she leads investigations which, although not officially sanctioned police functions, still seem to have the same desired effects. This marvellously descriptive and extremely active business produces surprising and effective results, resulting in an extremely enthralling book.
Ex police officer, and black sheep, Ella Reckless, is outstanding as a criminal assisting investigator, working on a peculiar system of 'favours for payment' style business. With a small band of apparent misfits she leads investigations which, although not officially sanctioned police functions, still seem to have the same desired effects. This marvellously descriptive and extremely active business produces surprising and effective results, resulting in an extremely enthralling book.
November 30, 2023
3.5 stars
I enjoy Jack Gatland's Declan Walsh series very much. His new Ellie Reckless series is a spin off and has an interesting and unusual approach. Is it believable? Well, Gatland gets you so involved that in this case, the characters and need to find out more kept me involved.
I've read the first 3 books in the last week or so and have just downloaded book 4. Even as plots get wild, the characters develop, and characters are a major reason I read fiction.
I enjoy Jack Gatland's Declan Walsh series very much. His new Ellie Reckless series is a spin off and has an interesting and unusual approach. Is it believable? Well, Gatland gets you so involved that in this case, the characters and need to find out more kept me involved.
I've read the first 3 books in the last week or so and have just downloaded book 4. Even as plots get wild, the characters develop, and characters are a major reason I read fiction.
September 5, 2024
Although the concept of a group of troublemakers solving was not new (I was reminded of Leverage, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1103987/), this was well done.
Like the best mysteries, the plot starts with one mystery which grows bigger as the investigation proceeds. The characters' backstories are interesting and spun out slowly, often leaving more questions to be answered (I still want to know about Tinker).
It is the beginning of what I hope to be a good series.
Like the best mysteries, the plot starts with one mystery which grows bigger as the investigation proceeds. The characters' backstories are interesting and spun out slowly, often leaving more questions to be answered (I still want to know about Tinker).
It is the beginning of what I hope to be a good series.
April 28, 2025
First book in the spinoff series DI Declan Walsh.
I am going to love this series. Ellie got a bum deal and was totally set up. I love the team she has and another minor being brought in to help..I wonder if Jess and Casey will meet?
The idea of there being a cop for criminals is great. I figured out who did it and some of the how's and why's fairly early on but I still enjoyed the story, getting to know the team, see what Ellie faces in terms of former colleagues. Loved DCI Monroe popping up in this one.
I am going to love this series. Ellie got a bum deal and was totally set up. I love the team she has and another minor being brought in to help..I wonder if Jess and Casey will meet?
The idea of there being a cop for criminals is great. I figured out who did it and some of the how's and why's fairly early on but I still enjoyed the story, getting to know the team, see what Ellie faces in terms of former colleagues. Loved DCI Monroe popping up in this one.
June 26, 2025
Ellie Reckless was a good cop. After being acquitted for the murder of her lover, she was pushed out of the department and became an independent investigator or as she’s widely known, “a cop for criminals.” She works for favors that can be retrieved at any time for any reason. She’s asked to find a stolen painting by a local gangster. There’s a short deadline and a big mystery—just what Ellie and her gang need. Good read. Jack Gatland doesn’t disappoint.
June 12, 2022
Another home run series!
To say I love Declan Walsh and his co workers is an understatement. Now, with the introduction of Ellie Reckless (gotta love the name) and the tie ins with DCI Munroe/Declan, I'm just over the moon. The story was captivating, good plot, twists you never saw and really likable charachters. Can't wait for the next one!
To say I love Declan Walsh and his co workers is an understatement. Now, with the introduction of Ellie Reckless (gotta love the name) and the tie ins with DCI Munroe/Declan, I'm just over the moon. The story was captivating, good plot, twists you never saw and really likable charachters. Can't wait for the next one!
January 13, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, fast paced, lots of twists and turns. Love Ellie and Tinkerbelle, Robert is a nice guy and looking forward to seeing more of Casey. Not so sure about Ramsey.
This team gets things done, am really looking forward to seeing what they get up to in the next book. Love characters that are not the norm.
Jack Gatland you had me when I read the first sentence!
This team gets things done, am really looking forward to seeing what they get up to in the next book. Love characters that are not the norm.
Jack Gatland you had me when I read the first sentence!
July 22, 2022
Reckless by Nature
Ellie is now acting as a vigilante for an insurance outfit, but more for herself. This has a lot of action and Ellie nearly loses everything on more than one occasion. Monroe is still on the scene and she is getting her reputation back from the force.
Ellie is now acting as a vigilante for an insurance outfit, but more for herself. This has a lot of action and Ellie nearly loses everything on more than one occasion. Monroe is still on the scene and she is getting her reputation back from the force.
January 2, 2023
Intriguing plot
I’m not a huge female protagonist reader, but I enjoyed the Tom Marlowe book so much, I gave Ellie a try. The book did not disappoint! Even enjoyed a sweet cameo appearance by a Declan Walsh favorite. Very good!
I’m not a huge female protagonist reader, but I enjoyed the Tom Marlowe book so much, I gave Ellie a try. The book did not disappoint! Even enjoyed a sweet cameo appearance by a Declan Walsh favorite. Very good!
January 5, 2023
blasphemy and foul language
Yeah, so blasphemy and foul language and that was before I finished the very first paragraph. Don’t care how good the story may have been. I’m not reading that junk.
Yeah, so blasphemy and foul language and that was before I finished the very first paragraph. Don’t care how good the story may have been. I’m not reading that junk.
January 12, 2023
Ellie Reckless is my new favorite detective!!!
Ellie Reckless is an ex DI that now working cases for underworld characters.
I love her team and other side characters, they are just as entertaining as Ellie.
Can not wait for the next book!
Ellie Reckless is an ex DI that now working cases for underworld characters.
I love her team and other side characters, they are just as entertaining as Ellie.
Can not wait for the next book!
April 3, 2024
Great book, great main character. Something a bit different for sure.
I really liked the concept of the story, who the main character, Ellie, is, her job.
Paint The Dead is a really good introduction to a new series from Jack Gatland and I'm looking forward to reading more of Ellie's story.
I really liked the concept of the story, who the main character, Ellie, is, her job.
Paint The Dead is a really good introduction to a new series from Jack Gatland and I'm looking forward to reading more of Ellie's story.
Read
June 24, 2022Fun, fast read. Not 100% believable (such clear thinking after a bad car crash/concussion??) but definitely fast paced and entertaining.
July 5, 2022
Loved this book. Reckless is an excellent anti hero and an antidote for all the cop stories out there. Highly recommended
August 18, 2022
At first I struggled getting into it but the characters are all very likeable and it was a real fun read! Looking forward to the next one!
November 5, 2022
Well done! Good start to a new series.
January 3, 2023
Who stole his painting and why??? Interesting audition, wasn't it??? I don't think that I would enjoy riding with Ellie!!! I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
Read
January 18, 2023Read 1/23
January 22, 2023
great story
November 2, 2023
#1 KINDLE
July 27, 2024
I have one descriptive word for this book: absurd.
January 7, 2025
A real page turner from the start. Love all the characters. Just ordered the 2nd one and looking forward to catching up with them all.
June 7, 2025
Stopped read do to language and using the Lord's name in vain. I thought the book was a cozy mystery. It is not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews