What do you think?
DCI Harry Grimm #9
One Bad Turn
A murderous puzzle.
A compromised crime scene.
One DCI whose determination to nail the killer could cost him his life …
Detective Harry Grimm can’t catch a break. When his much-needed vacation is interrupted by a call reporting a decomposed corpse, he races home to examine the gruesome remains. Learning the young woman was tortured, he’s stunned when the peaceful countryside site explodes, destroying evidence and causing more death.
Uncovering clues from the victim’s car, Grimm struggles to keep up with a cunning killer when he discovers yet another body. But when the seasoned DCI examines the grisly murder and compares forensics, he’s alarmed when the patterns match those of a brutal drug dealer he put behind bars years back.
Can this hardened cop nab a wily crook before his own blood stains the picturesque dales?
A compromised crime scene.
One DCI whose determination to nail the killer could cost him his life …
Detective Harry Grimm can’t catch a break. When his much-needed vacation is interrupted by a call reporting a decomposed corpse, he races home to examine the gruesome remains. Learning the young woman was tortured, he’s stunned when the peaceful countryside site explodes, destroying evidence and causing more death.
Uncovering clues from the victim’s car, Grimm struggles to keep up with a cunning killer when he discovers yet another body. But when the seasoned DCI examines the grisly murder and compares forensics, he’s alarmed when the patterns match those of a brutal drug dealer he put behind bars years back.
Can this hardened cop nab a wily crook before his own blood stains the picturesque dales?
364 pages, Paperback
Published March 2, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
March 9, 2022
Brilliant! Gatward is a genius at crafting a story that combines laugh out loud humor with gut wrenching murder. A nod to Kett and his comedic children, another to Logan(detectives created by fellow authors; Alex Smith and J.D. Kirk) was a great touch. Jadyn and the pickled eggs had me laughing. All this before the complex and puzzling murders began. Gatward creates incredible scenes through his descriptive writing and each page pulls you into the storyline. Love the interaction between Grimm and his team. Highly recommend this exceptional series.
March 4, 2022
So glad I found these
Book 9 did not let me down,another great read,I'm hooked on Grimm, so easy to read and you just can not wait to turn to the next page,the right amount of action, only down side is the books are over too soon, pre ordered Blood Trial,cannot wait.
Book 9 did not let me down,another great read,I'm hooked on Grimm, so easy to read and you just can not wait to turn to the next page,the right amount of action, only down side is the books are over too soon, pre ordered Blood Trial,cannot wait.
March 23, 2022
Another great book in The DCI Grimm series. Love the characters and how they interact and look out for each other. Love the reference to another of my favourite characters- DCI Kett.
Love the descriptive prose about the stunning Dales, such a beautiful way with words. However... the violence and all round gruesome-ness was on another level!! It was horrific in parts and disgusting in others.. sometimes both!! It did put me off a bit but the quality of the writing and the wonderful characters saves it for me. Already pre-ordered the next book. Reminder to self: don't read it whilst tucking into a meal 🤣
Love the descriptive prose about the stunning Dales, such a beautiful way with words. However... the violence and all round gruesome-ness was on another level!! It was horrific in parts and disgusting in others.. sometimes both!! It did put me off a bit but the quality of the writing and the wonderful characters saves it for me. Already pre-ordered the next book. Reminder to self: don't read it whilst tucking into a meal 🤣
March 12, 2022
Crossover and Cameos, and a vicious killer
Well, there sure are a lot of cross-overs lately! I think DCI Webb might be one, but DCI Kett certainly is - and Logan. And Grimm has had a cameo in a Logan book. Neat!
There’s a fair amount of violence in this one, of all kinds. I could almost see it all in my head - you know, the quick glance at the body before moving onto another scene. And an addition to the team. 😊
Well, there sure are a lot of cross-overs lately! I think DCI Webb might be one, but DCI Kett certainly is - and Logan. And Grimm has had a cameo in a Logan book. Neat!
There’s a fair amount of violence in this one, of all kinds. I could almost see it all in my head - you know, the quick glance at the body before moving onto another scene. And an addition to the team. 😊
April 20, 2026
Fantastic Fast Paced Read, Absolutely Perfect Read
One Bad Turn by David J. Gatward is an absolutely fantastic 5-star read and another standout installment in a series that continues to deliver everything a crime thriller should—tension, emotion, razor-sharp plotting, and characters that feel completely real. From the very first chapter, this book grabs hold and refuses to let go.
Gatward has a gift for creating stories that feel grounded, gritty, and deeply human, and One Bad Turn is no exception. The mystery is expertly layered, with twists that arrive naturally and keep the suspense building chapter after chapter. Just when you think you understand where things are headed, the story takes another turn and raises the stakes even higher. It’s the kind of book that keeps you saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly you’ve finished the whole thing.
What truly elevates this novel is the character work. The investigators are compelling, flawed, and believable, carrying the emotional weight of the story while navigating a case filled with danger and uncertainty. Their relationships, instincts, and personal struggles add depth far beyond a standard procedural. You become invested not only in solving the case, but in what happens to them personally.
The atmosphere is another major strength. Gatward paints every setting vividly, whether it’s a quiet village hiding dark secrets or the tense scenes where danger feels just around the corner. There’s a constant sense of unease running through the novel, making every discovery feel significant and every confrontation pulse with urgency.
The pacing is pitch perfect—fast enough to be addictive, but never rushed. Every clue matters, every chapter advances the plot, and the payoff is immensely satisfying. The ending is powerful, clever, and leaves a lasting impression.
David J. Gatward continues to prove why he is one of the best modern crime writers around. One Bad Turn is gripping, emotional, and brilliantly written from start to finish. If you love crime fiction with heart, intelligence, and nonstop suspense, this is an absolute must-read. Easy 5 stars.
One Bad Turn by David J. Gatward is an absolutely fantastic 5-star read and another standout installment in a series that continues to deliver everything a crime thriller should—tension, emotion, razor-sharp plotting, and characters that feel completely real. From the very first chapter, this book grabs hold and refuses to let go.
Gatward has a gift for creating stories that feel grounded, gritty, and deeply human, and One Bad Turn is no exception. The mystery is expertly layered, with twists that arrive naturally and keep the suspense building chapter after chapter. Just when you think you understand where things are headed, the story takes another turn and raises the stakes even higher. It’s the kind of book that keeps you saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly you’ve finished the whole thing.
What truly elevates this novel is the character work. The investigators are compelling, flawed, and believable, carrying the emotional weight of the story while navigating a case filled with danger and uncertainty. Their relationships, instincts, and personal struggles add depth far beyond a standard procedural. You become invested not only in solving the case, but in what happens to them personally.
The atmosphere is another major strength. Gatward paints every setting vividly, whether it’s a quiet village hiding dark secrets or the tense scenes where danger feels just around the corner. There’s a constant sense of unease running through the novel, making every discovery feel significant and every confrontation pulse with urgency.
The pacing is pitch perfect—fast enough to be addictive, but never rushed. Every clue matters, every chapter advances the plot, and the payoff is immensely satisfying. The ending is powerful, clever, and leaves a lasting impression.
David J. Gatward continues to prove why he is one of the best modern crime writers around. One Bad Turn is gripping, emotional, and brilliantly written from start to finish. If you love crime fiction with heart, intelligence, and nonstop suspense, this is an absolute must-read. Easy 5 stars.
July 28, 2026
A woman has been tortured and left for dead. As the team are at the scene, an explosion rips through the property. DCI Grimm’s past comes back to haunt him. A fast-paced and exciting read from the start. Really enjoying this series and the cast of characters.
June 13, 2023
One Bad Turn is book 9 in the DCI Harry Grimm series by David J. Gatward. DCU Harry Grimm was on vacation when he received a phone call that his team was in trouble and rushed back to help. At first, he did not know what was happening until he realised his past had caught up to him. It becomes a rest to find the killer and stop more law enforcement personnel from dying. The readers of One Bad Turn will continue to follow DCI Harry Grimm to discover what happens.
One Bad Turn is a fantastic addition to this excellent series. The more I read books in this series more I engage with the stories and the characters, and One Bad Turn did not disappoint. I was lucky I read this book on the weekend because I had trouble putting this book down. I love David J Gatward's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other. One Bad Turn was well-written and researched by David J. Gatward. I like David J. Gatward's description of the settings of One Bad Turn, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of One Bad Turn will realise that revenge and hatred do not pay. The readers of One Bad Turn will also understand family is not necessary by blood.
I recommend this book.
One Bad Turn is a fantastic addition to this excellent series. The more I read books in this series more I engage with the stories and the characters, and One Bad Turn did not disappoint. I was lucky I read this book on the weekend because I had trouble putting this book down. I love David J Gatward's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other. One Bad Turn was well-written and researched by David J. Gatward. I like David J. Gatward's description of the settings of One Bad Turn, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of One Bad Turn will realise that revenge and hatred do not pay. The readers of One Bad Turn will also understand family is not necessary by blood.
I recommend this book.
March 4, 2022
fantastic fried cake and fast action
This book was gripping from the very beginning, the twists and turns were both unexpected and drew me into the story. The interaction of the characters and the story were gripping and the developing relationships between Grimm and his team are thrilling
This book was gripping from the very beginning, the twists and turns were both unexpected and drew me into the story. The interaction of the characters and the story were gripping and the developing relationships between Grimm and his team are thrilling
March 7, 2022
Good story
Lots of twists and turns as Harry tries to unravel a horrible series of murders tied to an old case. No one is safe, not even Harry's friends and colleagues. There's a bit of suspended disbelief to swallow with respect to the villain, but if you focus on the action, that part doesn't matter so much.
Lots of twists and turns as Harry tries to unravel a horrible series of murders tied to an old case. No one is safe, not even Harry's friends and colleagues. There's a bit of suspended disbelief to swallow with respect to the villain, but if you focus on the action, that part doesn't matter so much.
March 5, 2022
This book is just the latest in an absolutely amazing series. The storyline’s always blow my mind. This here is an author you really need to read ❤️
May 15, 2022
Gasp
For the first half of the story, it was an " On No, not again". Then everything kept dumping on top. He always has to check everything in the murder book. When it comes down to it, I actually did gasp in surprise. The next chapters cleared everything in a brutal battle and answered all the fine points. Extremely we!l done and very different from other mysteries. The cliff hanger at the end was not necessary. I am going to read the next book in the series even without it.
For the first half of the story, it was an " On No, not again". Then everything kept dumping on top. He always has to check everything in the murder book. When it comes down to it, I actually did gasp in surprise. The next chapters cleared everything in a brutal battle and answered all the fine points. Extremely we!l done and very different from other mysteries. The cliff hanger at the end was not necessary. I am going to read the next book in the series even without it.
March 3, 2022
Love the Harry Grimm books
However, this one turned out to be a bloodbath. Perhaps the author went a bit over the top?
No matter I will read the next in line!
However, this one turned out to be a bloodbath. Perhaps the author went a bit over the top?
No matter I will read the next in line!
July 5, 2025
Not my favorite but still a good read.
August 13, 2025
If I could give this more than 5 stars I would. One Bad Turn is absolutely thrilling right from the get-go and is easily the best in the series so far.
April 20, 2022
Not the End
Thankfully, there is another Grimm tale on the horizon. I have enjoyed this series immensely and hope there is no end in the immediate future.
This story involves revenge and a tangle of victims that takes Harry back to Bristol in his search for answers.
The storyline is weaker than some of the others but it's not simply the tale; it's the characters even more. Grimm has find himself a family in his colleagues. He's even got a dog. 😊 There is home of the backbiting that happens in others of this genre. Harry is even getting along with his immediate superior, Swift. He has taken young Jaydn under his wing to help the young constable understand that his PTSD is not the end of his career.
Have a good time and read a good book.
Thankfully, there is another Grimm tale on the horizon. I have enjoyed this series immensely and hope there is no end in the immediate future.
This story involves revenge and a tangle of victims that takes Harry back to Bristol in his search for answers.
The storyline is weaker than some of the others but it's not simply the tale; it's the characters even more. Grimm has find himself a family in his colleagues. He's even got a dog. 😊 There is home of the backbiting that happens in others of this genre. Harry is even getting along with his immediate superior, Swift. He has taken young Jaydn under his wing to help the young constable understand that his PTSD is not the end of his career.
Have a good time and read a good book.
April 5, 2022
I love this series.
The characters are rich and so likeable and the stories are gripping; I can’t put them down. I Google every place that is mentioned in these books to get a visual and now I want to visit this beautiful country to walk where the Wensleydale gang have walked.
P.S. I’ve eaten Wensleydale cheese for years with my cake, learned it from an English man twenty plus years ago. Yum is all I can say. Hard to find in northern British Columbia though.
The characters are rich and so likeable and the stories are gripping; I can’t put them down. I Google every place that is mentioned in these books to get a visual and now I want to visit this beautiful country to walk where the Wensleydale gang have walked.
P.S. I’ve eaten Wensleydale cheese for years with my cake, learned it from an English man twenty plus years ago. Yum is all I can say. Hard to find in northern British Columbia though.
March 18, 2022
Thank God for diligent and hardworking writers that don't keep you waiting for too long with their new police novel. David J Gatward is one of them; he delivers a steady stream of Harry Grimm's adventures in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. The other side of the James Herriot medal, as it were.
And this one is no different from all the others: excellently written with a well thought out crafty plot that simultaneously is entirely new, and on the other hand is leading Harry slowly but surely to his choice of leaving the Dales. Or not, as the case may be. We're left guessing what Harry will do. But I'd sure as hell would like to see Harry walk around the Dales with Smudge a lot more.
And this one is no different from all the others: excellently written with a well thought out crafty plot that simultaneously is entirely new, and on the other hand is leading Harry slowly but surely to his choice of leaving the Dales. Or not, as the case may be. We're left guessing what Harry will do. But I'd sure as hell would like to see Harry walk around the Dales with Smudge a lot more.
March 15, 2022
SUPERB!
One Bad Turn was simply one of my favourite reads ever. DCI Harry and his the team are such believable, lovable characters I find myself smiling as I read. It was a pleasure like always when I read this series, I'm excited when I start can't turn the pages fast enough and what a brilliant story this is throughout with a powerful ending. Thank you Mr Gatward looking forward to book 10. BP Sheffield x
One Bad Turn was simply one of my favourite reads ever. DCI Harry and his the team are such believable, lovable characters I find myself smiling as I read. It was a pleasure like always when I read this series, I'm excited when I start can't turn the pages fast enough and what a brilliant story this is throughout with a powerful ending. Thank you Mr Gatward looking forward to book 10. BP Sheffield x
March 6, 2022
Brilliant
Another brilliant book by David J Gatward. I love his characters and the way they grow with each story. The story has one heart stopping moment after another and keeps you guessing. Highly recommend for anyone who likes great plots and characters and a bit of
humour thrown in for good measure.
Another brilliant book by David J Gatward. I love his characters and the way they grow with each story. The story has one heart stopping moment after another and keeps you guessing. Highly recommend for anyone who likes great plots and characters and a bit of
humour thrown in for good measure.
March 8, 2022
Just gets better
I just love this series, fabulous characters and intriguing storyline with a great twist. Loving Harry's softer side though he's reluctant to admit to this and who couldn't fall in love with Smudge. Some harrowing scenes but lightened by the injections of great humour and banter between the team. I'd give this series a zillion stars if I could.
I just love this series, fabulous characters and intriguing storyline with a great twist. Loving Harry's softer side though he's reluctant to admit to this and who couldn't fall in love with Smudge. Some harrowing scenes but lightened by the injections of great humour and banter between the team. I'd give this series a zillion stars if I could.
March 10, 2022
One Bad Turn by David Gatward
One Bad Turn by David Gatward is DCI Harry Grimm’s book 9 of the Yorkshire Thriller Murder Mystery series. It could be the best book yet. It is totally engrossing and is so clever in the way all the events unfold and link together.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
Highly recommended.
One Bad Turn by David Gatward is DCI Harry Grimm’s book 9 of the Yorkshire Thriller Murder Mystery series. It could be the best book yet. It is totally engrossing and is so clever in the way all the events unfold and link together.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
Highly recommended.
March 16, 2022
Loved watching Harry grow!
It's been a pleasure seeing how Harry changed under the spell of the dales and the people who make up Harry"s new world. The dog was a charming addition. Love her name. Will admit, I greatly enjoyed Harry kicking a bunch of a#$% in One Bad Turn. Thank you Mr Gatward.
It's been a pleasure seeing how Harry changed under the spell of the dales and the people who make up Harry"s new world. The dog was a charming addition. Love her name. Will admit, I greatly enjoyed Harry kicking a bunch of a#$% in One Bad Turn. Thank you Mr Gatward.
March 16, 2022
One Bad Turn
As usual a cracking read from David J Gatwood. A case from Harry's past has caught up with him and someone is killing , maiming, and bombing in his quiet corner of the Dales. Unfortunately I have to work or I would have read this book in one sitting. I'm looking forward to the next in series and hope with fingers crossed that Harry makes the right choices.
As usual a cracking read from David J Gatwood. A case from Harry's past has caught up with him and someone is killing , maiming, and bombing in his quiet corner of the Dales. Unfortunately I have to work or I would have read this book in one sitting. I'm looking forward to the next in series and hope with fingers crossed that Harry makes the right choices.
March 7, 2022
Highly improbable with too many loose ends. And enough with the canines.
September 1, 2023
Smudge
My Thoughts:
This is the book where Grace is starting to take Smudge for training. Go Smudge!
This is also the book where Jadyn's confidence was starting to waver, so unlike his usual self. Unlike the confident and enthusiastic police officer who stood before the congregated Rotary Club members talking about his new role as key liaison with local businesses.
This time around, we are kinda told who the perp is right from the get go. Harry's old life catching up with him and taking out people along the way.
And I want to know what measures were taken to keep Dr. Sally Walker's family safe. Her kids!
The audiobooks in this series has been plagued with "clerical errors" which a good editor would have gotten rid of. So, I am wondering why these audiobooks were sold with these errors still in place... it kinda brought the rating of the whole book down a notch or two.
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4
Pace = (9 hrs and 3 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 5
Audiobook editing quality = 1.5
Character development = 4
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4
Pace = (9 hrs and 3 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 5
Audiobook editing quality = 1.5
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 cherries
July 20, 2022
David J. Gatward is a MASTER
I’ve read all the Harry Grimm novels, lived continuously, joyously, within them, within Mr. Gatward’s profoundly fulfilling World Series. The sun seemed to have broken through the Yorkshire gloom — and, though I had to squint to see it, there appeared, on the horizon, to be an additional continuance of the series! I dearly hope that this, no doubt deeply satisfying, world-continuance is more than a creation of my own desperate desires.
Mr. Gatward, never calling attention to himself (as do so many lesser gods), has created this grim, delicious, terrifying and delightful world. A unique world, is this, with enough carefully placed signposts so that we never lose our way. This world, as described by Mr. Gatward, is keenly observed, lovingly created, with both beauty and terror, using the prose style intrinsic to Mr. Gatward, yet quite outstanding in the impact it awards anyone willing to join him on a tour of his world, ours to visit, to share, as we wish. The author’s prose style, which I’ve come to think of as not only “Gatwardian” but as, more generally, “gruesome poetry”, is one that I eagerly wrap around myself, from it’s first sentence, as if it were a gorgeously intricate, hand-stitched quilt left for me in the most comfortable and comforting chairs, tilted just so toward the fireplace. Once I am snuggled and safe and sitting, I am just close enough to the gently sputtering fire that it illuminates the “pages”, as well as the lives lived within them, and lived within me as I join them for their next bullet-dodging stroll. The perfect flicker of the fire is proffered contentment, a harbinger of anticipation (or is that an anticipation of a harbinger), but, perhaps most important of all, joining him in his creation brings with it a true sense of security. Safety. That, in the hands of a Master, I can stay there by the fire (which, of course, never goes out) as long as I wish, secure, well taken care of, both trusting and trusted.
Gatward respects his readers. He baffles us only with what baffles those within the story he is telling. Never clueing us into anything that the characters are as of yet unaware. I nestle in close (not too close, I could lose an ear), to the amazingly crafted characters; Harry and Jaydon (a particularly unique fellow), Gordy, Smudge, Matt, Jim… with divine satisfaction whenever I find myself lucky enough to be within his often alliterative, always literary, often quite funny (Mr. Gatward knows that humor disarms, lowers the defenses) world. This world that he has so lovingly created for us is so vivid, so real, so bizarre and so recognizable. The coming together of each fascinating character, each detailed and purposeful scene and every either baffling or revelatory incident, all comes together to form, each time, a comprehensive, fully lived-in, humble work of art. Created so seemingly effortlessly that the speed bumps on the road, the incidental remains of the chisel on the marble, blood-splattered statue, the careful, not-really-there brushstrokes on the canvas, made with both impressive control and with the chancy abandon necessary to create something that is both completely surprising, assuredly real, and of unique design. And, it is beautifully framed by the translator.
Well, I’d best get on to what I believe I saw in the distance; a headless, bloodied and limping corpse carrying, in his outstretched, three-fingered hand, the next installment of this expansive, delicate, yet furiously intentional World Series.
I also just want to thank Mr. Gatward for what feels to us as effortless, even inevitable, but is indeed the result of a grueling, obsessive, life-sapping, hard fought, if ultimately deeply rewarding, journey.
I’ve read all the Harry Grimm novels, lived continuously, joyously, within them, within Mr. Gatward’s profoundly fulfilling World Series. The sun seemed to have broken through the Yorkshire gloom — and, though I had to squint to see it, there appeared, on the horizon, to be an additional continuance of the series! I dearly hope that this, no doubt deeply satisfying, world-continuance is more than a creation of my own desperate desires.
Mr. Gatward, never calling attention to himself (as do so many lesser gods), has created this grim, delicious, terrifying and delightful world. A unique world, is this, with enough carefully placed signposts so that we never lose our way. This world, as described by Mr. Gatward, is keenly observed, lovingly created, with both beauty and terror, using the prose style intrinsic to Mr. Gatward, yet quite outstanding in the impact it awards anyone willing to join him on a tour of his world, ours to visit, to share, as we wish. The author’s prose style, which I’ve come to think of as not only “Gatwardian” but as, more generally, “gruesome poetry”, is one that I eagerly wrap around myself, from it’s first sentence, as if it were a gorgeously intricate, hand-stitched quilt left for me in the most comfortable and comforting chairs, tilted just so toward the fireplace. Once I am snuggled and safe and sitting, I am just close enough to the gently sputtering fire that it illuminates the “pages”, as well as the lives lived within them, and lived within me as I join them for their next bullet-dodging stroll. The perfect flicker of the fire is proffered contentment, a harbinger of anticipation (or is that an anticipation of a harbinger), but, perhaps most important of all, joining him in his creation brings with it a true sense of security. Safety. That, in the hands of a Master, I can stay there by the fire (which, of course, never goes out) as long as I wish, secure, well taken care of, both trusting and trusted.
Gatward respects his readers. He baffles us only with what baffles those within the story he is telling. Never clueing us into anything that the characters are as of yet unaware. I nestle in close (not too close, I could lose an ear), to the amazingly crafted characters; Harry and Jaydon (a particularly unique fellow), Gordy, Smudge, Matt, Jim… with divine satisfaction whenever I find myself lucky enough to be within his often alliterative, always literary, often quite funny (Mr. Gatward knows that humor disarms, lowers the defenses) world. This world that he has so lovingly created for us is so vivid, so real, so bizarre and so recognizable. The coming together of each fascinating character, each detailed and purposeful scene and every either baffling or revelatory incident, all comes together to form, each time, a comprehensive, fully lived-in, humble work of art. Created so seemingly effortlessly that the speed bumps on the road, the incidental remains of the chisel on the marble, blood-splattered statue, the careful, not-really-there brushstrokes on the canvas, made with both impressive control and with the chancy abandon necessary to create something that is both completely surprising, assuredly real, and of unique design. And, it is beautifully framed by the translator.
Well, I’d best get on to what I believe I saw in the distance; a headless, bloodied and limping corpse carrying, in his outstretched, three-fingered hand, the next installment of this expansive, delicate, yet furiously intentional World Series.
I also just want to thank Mr. Gatward for what feels to us as effortless, even inevitable, but is indeed the result of a grueling, obsessive, life-sapping, hard fought, if ultimately deeply rewarding, journey.
February 10, 2023
DCI Harry Grimm is called back from a brief vacation when what appears at first to be an ordinary missing person case quickly spirals out of control. With a number of casualties and members of his own team in harms way once again Harry is more determined than ever to uncover what’s going on and return their little section of the Dales to regular life.
I found this book to be an excellent addition into the series. While the team and characters are all working very well together as a cohesive unit, I strongly feel that readers can pick this book up without any of the prior stories and follow along very easily. The characters and their relationships are quickly and simply explained, the central plotline is very well detailed and readers should be able to fully grasp what’s happening with no prior knowledge.
Personally, I really enjoy Grimm’s character and leadership of the local team. Many of the small hitches and awkwardness of getting into a routine and people getting to know each other has long ago smoothed out and the camaraderie and genuine caring has solidified between the team members which to me personally makes for excellent reading. I also was pretty interested right from the beginning in the plot and learning more about the victim. The fact a few unusual things happening near the start of the discovery of the crime scene just made me more eager to find out what was happening, and I felt the pace and action in the plotline was very well handled by the author.
An interesting British murder mystery I feel this book has a lot going for it with strong, layered characters, a good plot with plenty of action and a decent pace that a reader can keep engrossed in. I’m very happy with this story and will definitely be reading more in the series. Recommended.
I found this book to be an excellent addition into the series. While the team and characters are all working very well together as a cohesive unit, I strongly feel that readers can pick this book up without any of the prior stories and follow along very easily. The characters and their relationships are quickly and simply explained, the central plotline is very well detailed and readers should be able to fully grasp what’s happening with no prior knowledge.
Personally, I really enjoy Grimm’s character and leadership of the local team. Many of the small hitches and awkwardness of getting into a routine and people getting to know each other has long ago smoothed out and the camaraderie and genuine caring has solidified between the team members which to me personally makes for excellent reading. I also was pretty interested right from the beginning in the plot and learning more about the victim. The fact a few unusual things happening near the start of the discovery of the crime scene just made me more eager to find out what was happening, and I felt the pace and action in the plotline was very well handled by the author.
An interesting British murder mystery I feel this book has a lot going for it with strong, layered characters, a good plot with plenty of action and a decent pace that a reader can keep engrossed in. I’m very happy with this story and will definitely be reading more in the series. Recommended.
September 7, 2026
Great read and a suspenseful story
I listened to the first 60% and then was so impatient I decided to read the rest so I could get to the conclusion! It’s quite the puzzle though some of the things that Harry eventually clues in on seemed pretty obvious to me. I wish we got more of an explanation at the end for the whole of it. Even with the villain monologue some pretty major elements were never addressed.
Obviously we know Harry makes it out of the puzzle alive because there are more books in the series but it doesn’t diminish the suspenseful conclusion. There’s a bit of a personal cliffhanger in this one as it runs as a sub plot under the main crime story here. It’s kind of a full circle moment plot device and cleverly done I think.
I’m really enjoying this series. There are two British police series I discovered this year and they have been among the highlights of my reading year. One I am fully caught up on except for the newest entry which just released. Getting fully caught up with Harry is my next mission!
I listened to the first 60% and then was so impatient I decided to read the rest so I could get to the conclusion! It’s quite the puzzle though some of the things that Harry eventually clues in on seemed pretty obvious to me. I wish we got more of an explanation at the end for the whole of it. Even with the villain monologue some pretty major elements were never addressed.
Obviously we know Harry makes it out of the puzzle alive because there are more books in the series but it doesn’t diminish the suspenseful conclusion. There’s a bit of a personal cliffhanger in this one as it runs as a sub plot under the main crime story here. It’s kind of a full circle moment plot device and cleverly done I think.
I’m really enjoying this series. There are two British police series I discovered this year and they have been among the highlights of my reading year. One I am fully caught up on except for the newest entry which just released. Getting fully caught up with Harry is my next mission!
April 28, 2022
It's somewhat amazing how David J. Gatward has pushed out 9(!!!) DCI Harry Grimm novels within the last two years and while the ride started out a bit bumpy, he has evolved and improved noticably during that time.
The highlights are once again the author's obvious love for Wensleydale and how the characters have evolved over such a short time. Once again, Gatward partly switches the focus away from Harry to give one of the side characters some room, although this novel is very much about Harry himself, too.
The case was somewhat interesting although a lot of information was held back until very late in the plot, which made it somewhat impossible to guess who the culprit was. But I guess in this case it was ok for the sake of the bigger plot and a deeper delve into the characterisation department.
The highlights are once again the author's obvious love for Wensleydale and how the characters have evolved over such a short time. Once again, Gatward partly switches the focus away from Harry to give one of the side characters some room, although this novel is very much about Harry himself, too.
The case was somewhat interesting although a lot of information was held back until very late in the plot, which made it somewhat impossible to guess who the culprit was. But I guess in this case it was ok for the sake of the bigger plot and a deeper delve into the characterisation department.
December 31, 2024
This series is one of my favourite finds of the year. To say that I am invested is a severe understatement. Harry Grimm is one of those characters that you cannot help but fall in love with. Despite his spiky, ornery demeanour, he is just misunderstood. He believes that he is Grimm by name and grim by nature, but that could not be further from the truth. An army veteran (medical discharge) he joins the force in Bristol, however, his maverick attitude and lack of rule abiding soon has him sent to "coventry" out of sight, out of mind. He is seconded to the Dales, as far from his comfort zone as possible. However, the Dales are magical, and Harry soon becomes to love it there, including the Wensleydale on fruit cake. Each book is fabulously written, the characters are amazing and you cannot help but fall in love with them and the Dales. One of my favourite series.
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