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The DCI Jones Casebook #1
Perfect Record
A case of diamonds, deception and death for DCI Jones
London mobster and diamond enthusiast DB Parrish is on the hunt for a skilled safecracker. The right man for the job is proving hard to find.
Genius locksmith Sean Freeman has fallen on hard times. Bankrupt and desperate, he’s looking for a lucrative opportunity. When Freeman crosses Parrish’s path, he gets an offer he can’t refuse. But with great reward comes even greater risks.
While Freeman is cracking safes, determined DCI David Jones and his trusted colleague DS Phil Cryer are hard at work cracking cases in the Serious Crimes Unit. When they hear of a series of unsolved jewel thefts, they know there’s a chance the culprits could strike next in their jurisdiction.
Freeman and Jones are both at the very top of their game. But somebody’s perfect record is about to suffer...
A DCI Jones novel from bestseller Kerry J Donovan.
(This book was previously published as 'A DCI Jones Casebook - Sean Freeman')
London mobster and diamond enthusiast DB Parrish is on the hunt for a skilled safecracker. The right man for the job is proving hard to find.
Genius locksmith Sean Freeman has fallen on hard times. Bankrupt and desperate, he’s looking for a lucrative opportunity. When Freeman crosses Parrish’s path, he gets an offer he can’t refuse. But with great reward comes even greater risks.
While Freeman is cracking safes, determined DCI David Jones and his trusted colleague DS Phil Cryer are hard at work cracking cases in the Serious Crimes Unit. When they hear of a series of unsolved jewel thefts, they know there’s a chance the culprits could strike next in their jurisdiction.
Freeman and Jones are both at the very top of their game. But somebody’s perfect record is about to suffer...
A DCI Jones novel from bestseller Kerry J Donovan.
(This book was previously published as 'A DCI Jones Casebook - Sean Freeman')
390 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2015
640 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Kerry J. Donovan
38 books280 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
June 1, 2015
Kerry Donovan and DCI Jones: What a great of a combination!
Mr. Donovan has outdone himself in his newest DCI Jones Casebook series. This installment features master safecracker and bad guy Sean Freeman in a rip-roaring police procedural that absolutely rocks! As complex a plot as possible, with several side trips to boot, this story kept me glued to the pages. It is also obvious that Mr. Donovan not only researched the facts and background thoroughly, he created an iconic figure in DCI David Jones. And as a storyteller, he keeps the reader moving constantly forward, forcing you to turn pages quickly while he draws you through the twists and turns of his latest casebook. When you spend some time following the cast of characters around, the good guys, the bad guys, and the incidentals, you’ll find the ending as much fun as each of its preceding pages
Mr. Donovan has outdone himself in his newest DCI Jones Casebook series. This installment features master safecracker and bad guy Sean Freeman in a rip-roaring police procedural that absolutely rocks! As complex a plot as possible, with several side trips to boot, this story kept me glued to the pages. It is also obvious that Mr. Donovan not only researched the facts and background thoroughly, he created an iconic figure in DCI David Jones. And as a storyteller, he keeps the reader moving constantly forward, forcing you to turn pages quickly while he draws you through the twists and turns of his latest casebook. When you spend some time following the cast of characters around, the good guys, the bad guys, and the incidentals, you’ll find the ending as much fun as each of its preceding pages
February 13, 2017
A jewel thief with a conscience and an old-school detective go head to head as a series of robberies across the United Kingdom escalate.
This book is part of a series in which the author poses interesting questions – in this case, what if the bad guy of the story was someone the reader actually felt a great deal of sympathy for? The result is a very enjoyable read, with great characters and a twisting plot. There was a fair bit of introduction, but once the story really got going I found it hard to put down. Jones and his team are the detectives you want on your side. More than that, you want them by your side. You want to share every moment of their investigations, which is key for a good fictional detective team. And Sean Freeman is an unlikely crook with an interesting personal agenda. Great story, highly recommended.
This book is part of a series in which the author poses interesting questions – in this case, what if the bad guy of the story was someone the reader actually felt a great deal of sympathy for? The result is a very enjoyable read, with great characters and a twisting plot. There was a fair bit of introduction, but once the story really got going I found it hard to put down. Jones and his team are the detectives you want on your side. More than that, you want them by your side. You want to share every moment of their investigations, which is key for a good fictional detective team. And Sean Freeman is an unlikely crook with an interesting personal agenda. Great story, highly recommended.
July 22, 2015
Couldn't put it down
Great story, great story teller. The characters really come alive. (I loved the nod to Thames Valley's Inspector Lewis :)
Great story, great story teller. The characters really come alive. (I loved the nod to Thames Valley's Inspector Lewis :)
April 5, 2023
fantastic
A great first book of the series lots of twist and turns and quite fast paced have book 2 ready to start here we go
A great first book of the series lots of twist and turns and quite fast paced have book 2 ready to start here we go
April 12, 2016
4.5*
The story begins eighteen months previously when Digby Parrish, criminal mastermind, is looking for a locksmith with particular skills. He finds what he’s looking for in Sean Freeman, who is biding his time working in a specific locksmith’s shop for his own reasons. Sean has an agenda. Parrish visits the shop and sets Sean a test – making a perfect copy of a one-off, damaged key.
Back to present day and DCI David Jones has just returned to work after a weeks break and is catching up with his team’s caseload. A spate of unsolved diamond thefts are brought to his attention, involving millions of pounds and someone who is an obvious expert when it comes to locks and electronics.
Ultimately the two storylines merge into a complex, detailed and well thought through plot, incorporating offshoot cases that keep the team on their toes. It kept me guessing too. Great writing, believable dialogue and engaging, well portrayed characters, particularly DCI Jones and his partner, Detective Sergeant Phil Cryer.
I like the slant of knowing who the offender is from the start, and also that there’s more to his story than is, at first, apparent. Hints are dropped as the story progresses, until the full extent of Sean’s story is revealed. Sean Freeman is a likeable rogue and I found myself hoping there would be a favourable outcome for him. Not so much for Digby Parrish and his cohorts, however, who are a combination of the worst aspects of human nature.
Lots of action, unexpected twists and great pacing keeps the story moving forward towards an excellent ending.
The story begins eighteen months previously when Digby Parrish, criminal mastermind, is looking for a locksmith with particular skills. He finds what he’s looking for in Sean Freeman, who is biding his time working in a specific locksmith’s shop for his own reasons. Sean has an agenda. Parrish visits the shop and sets Sean a test – making a perfect copy of a one-off, damaged key.
Back to present day and DCI David Jones has just returned to work after a weeks break and is catching up with his team’s caseload. A spate of unsolved diamond thefts are brought to his attention, involving millions of pounds and someone who is an obvious expert when it comes to locks and electronics.
Ultimately the two storylines merge into a complex, detailed and well thought through plot, incorporating offshoot cases that keep the team on their toes. It kept me guessing too. Great writing, believable dialogue and engaging, well portrayed characters, particularly DCI Jones and his partner, Detective Sergeant Phil Cryer.
I like the slant of knowing who the offender is from the start, and also that there’s more to his story than is, at first, apparent. Hints are dropped as the story progresses, until the full extent of Sean’s story is revealed. Sean Freeman is a likeable rogue and I found myself hoping there would be a favourable outcome for him. Not so much for Digby Parrish and his cohorts, however, who are a combination of the worst aspects of human nature.
Lots of action, unexpected twists and great pacing keeps the story moving forward towards an excellent ending.
April 1, 2017
I have really loved the DCI Jones casebook stories, and would recommend to everyone who loves a good crime book, they are really good stories full of life, death, love and tears, stories that grip you so strongly, you become part of the team and not just the reader, plus the excitement goes on right to the last page, in a word-brilliant.
December 6, 2015
I really enjoy Donovan writing of DCI Jones.
December 9, 2017
I believe John Grisham is the world's finest story teller and when I read his novels I can see him around a camp fire holding everyone engrossed by his tales. He is also my yardstick for comparison with other authors.
By way of comparison Kerry Donovan ticks all the boxes and has the same almost unique skill except that in his case, I can see him in a crowded Dublin bar regaling his audience with on-the-edge-of-your-seat stories.
The DCI Jones Casebook: Sean Freeman is riveting stuff where an incredibly clever but old fashioned police inspector matches wits with an equally smart young criminal. The twists and turns are many and the author brings it together brilliantly to provide a satisfying ending. Better still, this is a genuine STANDALONE series novel...there are no hooks or bait in the last chapter that compel you to buy the next book in the series. That said, the story and the story telling are so good that you going to want to buy and read the next book in the series anyway.
By way of comparison Kerry Donovan ticks all the boxes and has the same almost unique skill except that in his case, I can see him in a crowded Dublin bar regaling his audience with on-the-edge-of-your-seat stories.
The DCI Jones Casebook: Sean Freeman is riveting stuff where an incredibly clever but old fashioned police inspector matches wits with an equally smart young criminal. The twists and turns are many and the author brings it together brilliantly to provide a satisfying ending. Better still, this is a genuine STANDALONE series novel...there are no hooks or bait in the last chapter that compel you to buy the next book in the series. That said, the story and the story telling are so good that you going to want to buy and read the next book in the series anyway.
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May 20, 20234.54
612 ratings49 reviews
A case of diamonds, deception and death for DCI Jones
London mobster and diamond enthusiast DB Parrish is on the hunt for a skilled safecracker. The right man for the job is proving hard to find.
Genius locksmith Sean Freeman has fallen on hard times. Bankrupt and desperate, he’s looking for a lucrative opportunity. When Freeman crosses Parrish’s path, he gets an offer he can’t refuse. But with great reward comes even greater risks.
While Freeman is cracking safes, determined DCI David Jones and his trusted colleague DS Phil Cryer are hard at work cracking cases in the Serious Crimes Unit. When they hear of a series of unsolved jewel thefts, they know there’s a chance the culprits could strike next in their jurisdiction.
Freeman and Jones are both at the very top of their game. But somebody’s perfect record is about to suffer...
A DCI Jones novel from bestseller Kerry J Donovan.
Read most of it. OK.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2023
Utterly enthralling
A totally rivetting story with more twist and turns, ups and downs, than a roller coaster ride. DCI Jones has his work cut out trailing a series of high class, high financed jewellery robberies. Why or even how can somebody be blatently pulling off these most daring of robberies from high ended, security enriched businesses. Who is competent enough to thwart complicated security systems with such ease and aplomb. At the same time how and why is this security expert being apprised of the blueprints of all these situations? Who has the power to make these situations so open ended, and why? Will DCI David Jones finally solve all these mysteries. Read on in amazement.
A totally rivetting story with more twist and turns, ups and downs, than a roller coaster ride. DCI Jones has his work cut out trailing a series of high class, high financed jewellery robberies. Why or even how can somebody be blatently pulling off these most daring of robberies from high ended, security enriched businesses. Who is competent enough to thwart complicated security systems with such ease and aplomb. At the same time how and why is this security expert being apprised of the blueprints of all these situations? Who has the power to make these situations so open ended, and why? Will DCI David Jones finally solve all these mysteries. Read on in amazement.
July 25, 2024
A terrific beginning to this series!
After reading the Ryan Kaine series, I was intrigued by the no-nonsense DCI Jones. It was even better when I discovered this series. I'm not sure if this series will include the characters from the other series, except for one of the main characters in this book, and of course the awesome Corky. Lol! However, even if there are no further crossovers, I'm really looking forward to reading more of this series.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
After reading the Ryan Kaine series, I was intrigued by the no-nonsense DCI Jones. It was even better when I discovered this series. I'm not sure if this series will include the characters from the other series, except for one of the main characters in this book, and of course the awesome Corky. Lol! However, even if there are no further crossovers, I'm really looking forward to reading more of this series.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
December 17, 2021
Excellent
I was a captive reader of this book, in hospital recovering from an operation to fix a badly broken leg. So I had few distractions other than ward rounds pain meds and sleep. It really is a captivating story. They detail we get about the leading characters is extensive, but it all fits into place and isn't the least bit padding.Even in the circumstances I couldn't bear to put the book down, even for a minute. Next in series already downloaded.
I was a captive reader of this book, in hospital recovering from an operation to fix a badly broken leg. So I had few distractions other than ward rounds pain meds and sleep. It really is a captivating story. They detail we get about the leading characters is extensive, but it all fits into place and isn't the least bit padding.Even in the circumstances I couldn't bear to put the book down, even for a minute. Next in series already downloaded.
May 20, 2023
Justice Served
All roads lead to justice. A great suspenseful mystery with an amazing amount of twists and turns before the end. The end sums up all the justice fulfilled for all the main and supporting characters.
A great read. No sex a little violence and foul language from one of the characters. I really enjoyed the character development by the writer.
I hope you enjoy the story as muchas I.
All roads lead to justice. A great suspenseful mystery with an amazing amount of twists and turns before the end. The end sums up all the justice fulfilled for all the main and supporting characters.
A great read. No sex a little violence and foul language from one of the characters. I really enjoyed the character development by the writer.
I hope you enjoy the story as muchas I.
May 28, 2023
I'm not sure if this is a story about DCI Jones or Sean Freeman. It is very involved and doesn't tip it's hand till the very end and you find out Sean's motive for infiltrating Parrish's organisation and how he has played everyone to get his revenge on Parrish. Well thought out and the settings and characters work really well as the story pans out. Perfect as a stand alone story or the start of the series which it is.
June 29, 2025
Perfect Record review
When you open a new book from an author you have never come across before, you don’t know what you will get. From the first page this book was an easy read. It captured and kept my interest going and I have to admit even tempted me to peek at the last page (I did resist). A good read! Thank you Kerry J Donovan. I can’t wait to read what DCI Jones next challenge will be.
When you open a new book from an author you have never come across before, you don’t know what you will get. From the first page this book was an easy read. It captured and kept my interest going and I have to admit even tempted me to peek at the last page (I did resist). A good read! Thank you Kerry J Donovan. I can’t wait to read what DCI Jones next challenge will be.
June 10, 2017
Very good cops and robbers (British version) procedural. I liked how Donovan told two stories in parallel - one each from the good guys' and bad guys' point of view. There is a main protagonist on each side and we end up rooting for both of them to win. The writing was convincingly believable and the story unfolded with a quick pace. I would like to read more about DCI Jones and his crew.
June 22, 2017
This was part of Death, Lies and duct tape. DCI Jones Casebook, Sean Freeman, Excellent want to know more about DCI David Jones. In the Epilogue we learn that David is not is name...mysterious on to,the start of this, but I'll settle for the next one. Even Sean Freeman is not really called Sean Freeman.
December 7, 2021
What a surprise.
Came to this book as a freeby from Hello Books and wow, how happy I did. A mix of Roy Grace and DCI Banks, this is well written with an excellent storyline. OK the plot is a bit far fetched but it has all the makings of a really good film. I'll definately be buying more of this series.
Came to this book as a freeby from Hello Books and wow, how happy I did. A mix of Roy Grace and DCI Banks, this is well written with an excellent storyline. OK the plot is a bit far fetched but it has all the makings of a really good film. I'll definately be buying more of this series.
January 3, 2022
fool me once …..
A heart warming tale of loveable rouge , do they really exist?, intense story , well written with an unexpected twisted ending . The best read I’ve had this year, I throughly enjoyed this novel but I’m strange so please read it for yourself , I would recommend it !
A heart warming tale of loveable rouge , do they really exist?, intense story , well written with an unexpected twisted ending . The best read I’ve had this year, I throughly enjoyed this novel but I’m strange so please read it for yourself , I would recommend it !
July 2, 2023
Good look into a jewelry theft ring from the view of a down on his luck locksmith. More lengthy look into those who chase the ring, the several layers of law enforcement. The writing was engaging, although the story was a little longer than I would have liked. I empathized with the law enforcement hero and the locksmith.
August 11, 2023
Interesting but tangled story line
Knowing Birmingham fairly well I found the driving around interesting but question DCI Jones route home.
The way the back story tempted the reader to question if they were in fact reading the first in a series. More to learn in the next book I hope.
Knowing Birmingham fairly well I found the driving around interesting but question DCI Jones route home.
The way the back story tempted the reader to question if they were in fact reading the first in a series. More to learn in the next book I hope.
December 8, 2023
Perfect Record
Interesting read. I don’t normally like detective stories but this one was pretty good. We’ll written and kept the suspense going. I did feel that it didn’t have the explosive element that would keep me up all night but I do recommend the book as it makes for a pleasant and interesting read.
Interesting read. I don’t normally like detective stories but this one was pretty good. We’ll written and kept the suspense going. I did feel that it didn’t have the explosive element that would keep me up all night but I do recommend the book as it makes for a pleasant and interesting read.
January 20, 2024
Perfect record, perfect read.
A good first book for the DCI Jones series. Introduces characters that will appear in future books, and gives a real feel to them. A lot of the story revolves around the master safe cracker (Freeman), and has a surprising twist at the end that you probably won't see coming. Kerry J Donovan never disappoints.
A good first book for the DCI Jones series. Introduces characters that will appear in future books, and gives a real feel to them. A lot of the story revolves around the master safe cracker (Freeman), and has a surprising twist at the end that you probably won't see coming. Kerry J Donovan never disappoints.
July 21, 2018
- Not my cup of tea, but I read it and it always was most interesting when Freeman was involved. Some of the Detective parts were very slow but as soon as Freeman came into the picture the pace picked up. I enjoyed the close of the story the best.
October 18, 2021
I really enjoyed this book all except the ending. I really need to know what happened to Reg's leg and what his wife thought about the whole thing and if he is still a police officer. Oh well maybe in the next book right?
December 8, 2021
An Imaginative and Original Story
Woowee, this book has it all—wonderfully-developed characters, a plot that’ll knock your socks off, and great descriptions of the areas involved. You kinda sorta knew that a twist was coming but you get no warning of what it might be. Well done!
Woowee, this book has it all—wonderfully-developed characters, a plot that’ll knock your socks off, and great descriptions of the areas involved. You kinda sorta knew that a twist was coming but you get no warning of what it might be. Well done!
January 10, 2022
I enjoyed the story from start to finish.
My favorite character was Freeman, his back story, relationships, and ability to play the long game.
Great use of language and local slang--took me back to my days in the U.K. Wonderfully characters.
Thanks.
My favorite character was Freeman, his back story, relationships, and ability to play the long game.
Great use of language and local slang--took me back to my days in the U.K. Wonderfully characters.
Thanks.
May 12, 2023
This is a solid police procedural, set in the Midlands. Jones - lead protagonist - comes across as a bit wooden, despite the attempts to give him a backstory. But the gleeful con artist who moves the plot along makes the whole thing work nicely.
I'll read more by Donovan.
I'll read more by Donovan.
May 18, 2023
Pretty Good Reading
This is a better-written book about the English police force and its workings. Stuck with the British euphemisms and didn't try to fit in with the crowd. The characters were realistic and likable. A refreshing page-turner. Good job!
This is a better-written book about the English police force and its workings. Stuck with the British euphemisms and didn't try to fit in with the crowd. The characters were realistic and likable. A refreshing page-turner. Good job!
May 19, 2023
unfortunately ‘F’ bomb used
I also suspect that due to the use early on of the f word that other swearing will be liberally used throughout this book. What a pity as the story sounded interesting.
I also suspect that due to the use early on of the f word that other swearing will be liberally used throughout this book. What a pity as the story sounded interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews