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DCI Harry Grimm #10
Blood Trail
A gruesome tradition, a blood-spattered crime scene, and a killer hiding in plain sight.
Detective Harry Grimm is a worried man. When a group of vigilante locals start patrolling the Dales in response to a recent spate of crimes, he is forced to warn them off. Things only get more complicated when he is called out to multiple crime scenes – each with plenty of blood but no bodies.
Very soon, though, body parts start turning up. Delivered in a way that echoes a local poem and an old-but-grisly village ceremony. Faced with the bloody evidence in front of him, Grimm soon realises that his worst fears have come true: someone has already taken the law into their own hands.
With an ancient tradition being used to commit modern-day murder, can this battle-scarred detective stop the lanes of the Dales running red with blood?
Blood Trail is the tenth book in the riveting Harry Grimm police procedural series. If you like compelling characters, twisting plots, and beautiful British countryside settings, then you’ll love David J. Gatward’s nail-biting mystery.
Blood Trail is the tenth book in the DCI Harry Grimm crime thriller series, set in the Yorkshire Dales. Perfect for fans of L. J. Ross, J. D. Kirk, Adam Croft, Simon McCleave, Alex Smith, J. M. Dalgliesh, J. E. Mayhew, and J. R. Ellis.
Detective Harry Grimm is a worried man. When a group of vigilante locals start patrolling the Dales in response to a recent spate of crimes, he is forced to warn them off. Things only get more complicated when he is called out to multiple crime scenes – each with plenty of blood but no bodies.
Very soon, though, body parts start turning up. Delivered in a way that echoes a local poem and an old-but-grisly village ceremony. Faced with the bloody evidence in front of him, Grimm soon realises that his worst fears have come true: someone has already taken the law into their own hands.
With an ancient tradition being used to commit modern-day murder, can this battle-scarred detective stop the lanes of the Dales running red with blood?
Blood Trail is the tenth book in the riveting Harry Grimm police procedural series. If you like compelling characters, twisting plots, and beautiful British countryside settings, then you’ll love David J. Gatward’s nail-biting mystery.
Blood Trail is the tenth book in the DCI Harry Grimm crime thriller series, set in the Yorkshire Dales. Perfect for fans of L. J. Ross, J. D. Kirk, Adam Croft, Simon McCleave, Alex Smith, J. M. Dalgliesh, J. E. Mayhew, and J. R. Ellis.
362 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
April 24, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A flawless, edge-of-your-seat experience.
Blood Trail is everything you want from a top-tier crime thriller—dark, gripping, emotionally charged, and impossible to put down. David J. Gatward once again proves why his books consistently hit that sweet spot between relentless tension and deeply human storytelling.
From the very first page, the novel pulls you into a chilling investigation that feels both urgent and personal. The case at the center of Blood Trail is layered with brutality and mystery, unfolding in a way that keeps you constantly guessing. Gatward masterfully doles out clues, red herrings, and shocking revelations at just the right pace, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
What truly elevates this book is the depth of its characters. The investigative team—especially the lead detective—feels authentic, flawed, and emotionally invested. You’re not just following a case; you’re experiencing the psychological toll it takes on those trying to solve it. The internal struggles, moral dilemmas, and personal stakes add a richness that goes far beyond a standard procedural.
The atmosphere is another standout. Gatward has a talent for creating a bleak, almost haunting setting that mirrors the darkness of the crimes being investigated. Every scene feels vivid and immersive, whether it’s a tense interrogation, a grim discovery, or a quiet moment of reflection that hints at something deeper beneath the surface.
The pacing is razor-sharp. Short, punchy chapters keep the momentum going, making it incredibly easy to say “just one more chapter”… and then suddenly you’re halfway through the book. And when the twists hit—they hit hard. The climax is both shocking and satisfying, tying together the threads of the story in a way that feels earned rather than forced.
Why you should read this book:
If you love crime thrillers with intelligent plotting and real emotional weight, this delivers in full.
The characters feel genuinely human, not just vehicles for the story.
The tension is constant and expertly paced, making it a true page-turner.
The twists are surprising but believable, rewarding careful readers.
It’s another standout entry that reinforces Gatward’s reputation as a master of the genre.
Final Verdict:
Blood Trail is a powerhouse thriller—dark, compelling, and utterly absorbing. It doesn’t just tell a story; it pulls you into a world where every clue matters and every decision carries weight. If you’re a fan of gritty, character-driven crime fiction, this is an absolute must-read.
Blood Trail is everything you want from a top-tier crime thriller—dark, gripping, emotionally charged, and impossible to put down. David J. Gatward once again proves why his books consistently hit that sweet spot between relentless tension and deeply human storytelling.
From the very first page, the novel pulls you into a chilling investigation that feels both urgent and personal. The case at the center of Blood Trail is layered with brutality and mystery, unfolding in a way that keeps you constantly guessing. Gatward masterfully doles out clues, red herrings, and shocking revelations at just the right pace, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
What truly elevates this book is the depth of its characters. The investigative team—especially the lead detective—feels authentic, flawed, and emotionally invested. You’re not just following a case; you’re experiencing the psychological toll it takes on those trying to solve it. The internal struggles, moral dilemmas, and personal stakes add a richness that goes far beyond a standard procedural.
The atmosphere is another standout. Gatward has a talent for creating a bleak, almost haunting setting that mirrors the darkness of the crimes being investigated. Every scene feels vivid and immersive, whether it’s a tense interrogation, a grim discovery, or a quiet moment of reflection that hints at something deeper beneath the surface.
The pacing is razor-sharp. Short, punchy chapters keep the momentum going, making it incredibly easy to say “just one more chapter”… and then suddenly you’re halfway through the book. And when the twists hit—they hit hard. The climax is both shocking and satisfying, tying together the threads of the story in a way that feels earned rather than forced.
Why you should read this book:
If you love crime thrillers with intelligent plotting and real emotional weight, this delivers in full.
The characters feel genuinely human, not just vehicles for the story.
The tension is constant and expertly paced, making it a true page-turner.
The twists are surprising but believable, rewarding careful readers.
It’s another standout entry that reinforces Gatward’s reputation as a master of the genre.
Final Verdict:
Blood Trail is a powerhouse thriller—dark, compelling, and utterly absorbing. It doesn’t just tell a story; it pulls you into a world where every clue matters and every decision carries weight. If you’re a fan of gritty, character-driven crime fiction, this is an absolute must-read.
August 7, 2022
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
June 2, 2022
A fabulous read
I loved this book as much if not more than all the books before it. We get to delve a bit deeper into the characters while trying to work out the who and why of a plot that keeps you guessing.
I loved this book as much if not more than all the books before it. We get to delve a bit deeper into the characters while trying to work out the who and why of a plot that keeps you guessing.
December 24, 2023
Blood Trail is book 10 in the DCI Harry Grimm series by David J. Gatward. DCI Harry Grimm, with his girlfriend, attended a Dale tradition called The Burning of the Bartle. However, during the festival, DCI Harry Grimm had to warm off a group of locals who wanted to develop a vigilante group due to the spread of criminal activity in the Dales. DCI Harry Grimm's fears come true when body parts started turning up over the dales. The readers of Blood Trail will continue to follow DCI Harry Grimm and his team's investigation to discover what happens.
Blood Trail is a book you will have trouble putting down until you finish reading the last page. I enjoy how David J. Gatward includes his fur babies in the story. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. Blood Trail is well-written and researched by David J. Gatward. I like David J. Gatward's description of Blood Trail, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book plot.
The readers of Blood Trail will learn about the Yorkshire deals in The Burning of the Old Bartle Festival. Also, the readers of Blood Trail will learn about the consequences of grief on a person.
I recommend this book.
Blood Trail is a book you will have trouble putting down until you finish reading the last page. I enjoy how David J. Gatward includes his fur babies in the story. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. Blood Trail is well-written and researched by David J. Gatward. I like David J. Gatward's description of Blood Trail, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book plot.
The readers of Blood Trail will learn about the Yorkshire deals in The Burning of the Old Bartle Festival. Also, the readers of Blood Trail will learn about the consequences of grief on a person.
I recommend this book.
June 10, 2023
Good, well written but sort of hard to follow all the characters and all their trials and tribulations
June 2, 2022
Strange goings on in Wensleydale
A very well thought out and fast paced story set in beautiful Wensleydale. From the outset there is something dark and dangerous brewing which is only magnified by the stormy setting and the strange incidents encountered by DCI Harry Grimm and his excellent team. David Gatward's writing hooks the reader from the start and doesn't let go until the very end. He truly is a master of his craft.
A very well thought out and fast paced story set in beautiful Wensleydale. From the outset there is something dark and dangerous brewing which is only magnified by the stormy setting and the strange incidents encountered by DCI Harry Grimm and his excellent team. David Gatward's writing hooks the reader from the start and doesn't let go until the very end. He truly is a master of his craft.
December 6, 2022
Maybe it's me, maybe not. I found this book just a little muddled. There seemed to be too many characters, too many false trails. Four stars but I hope the next Harry Grimm book is better.
September 27, 2023
My Thoughts:
In this book, the locals congregated at the the Temperance Hall next to the Methodist Chapel at Askrigg for their vigilante meeting. Picture on the left is Gayle's Chapel. Don't know if it's Methodist or not. But close enough. Gayle's Chapel picture was taken from David's Gallery.
This book reminded me just how blood thirsty we human beings can get... blood trail, indeed!
And we wonder why evil is all around us...
As usual, love the way Aubrey Parsons narrates this story!
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4
Pace = (9 hrs and 4 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4
Pace = (9 hrs and 4 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
July 19, 2022
It's unbelievable how quickly David J. Gatward cranks out the novels in this series without really missing a step. At this point, I manage to read two other books tops before an new Harry Grimm novel arrives and it's basically always a delight.
Without going into too much detail, Blood Trail deals with the repercussions and consequences of taking the law into you own hands. What begins as a hypothetical "imagine what could happen" argument between Harry and a bunch of local wannabe vigilantes unravels in truely dramatic fashion.
Usually, David J. Gatward portrays the inhabitants of Wensleydale as gruff but generally friendly people. The particular group of people this novel revolves around especially during its early stages though has all the gruff but very little of the friendly. They are a bunch of narrow minded, bigoted and frankly just plain stupid country bumpkins whose idea of justice seems to derive from the middle ages. To be honest, they came across as so immensely dense I felt they were a bit overdrawn.
The case itself takes quite some time to unravel and although I had a rough idea of what might have happened about halfway through the book, there are enough twists, turns and little details to make this one of David J. Gatward's best efforts at spinning a compelling mystery thus far. He has made huge steps in that department, which I guess is to be expected when you crank out a new crime novel every two months.
What I still could do without, and I'm frankly a bit baffled why Gatward even felt the need to come back to this problematic topic after letting it rest for eight novels, is the depiction and treatment of journalists. You might remember that Harry absolutely hates journalists, an attitude that is a somewhat lame cliché in and of itself coming from a police officer who is known to have bent the rules in the past. And although the journalist here is a jerk and one might say a walking lame cliché in his own right, Harry instantly exploding on him and Matt, one of the nicests guys in the whole series, openly threatening him with police harassment left a somewhat bitter taste in my mouth. I don't think this is something that should be encouraged or glorified.
Anyway, this concerns only a very minor part of the novel that actually has no real connection to the rest of the plot whatsoever, which is why I'm so baffled Gatward even felt the need to include it. And while the rest of Blood Trail is a perfectly pleasant reading experience, together with the aforementioned overdrawn idiots this was enough for me to deduct one point.
Without going into too much detail, Blood Trail deals with the repercussions and consequences of taking the law into you own hands. What begins as a hypothetical "imagine what could happen" argument between Harry and a bunch of local wannabe vigilantes unravels in truely dramatic fashion.
Usually, David J. Gatward portrays the inhabitants of Wensleydale as gruff but generally friendly people. The particular group of people this novel revolves around especially during its early stages though has all the gruff but very little of the friendly. They are a bunch of narrow minded, bigoted and frankly just plain stupid country bumpkins whose idea of justice seems to derive from the middle ages. To be honest, they came across as so immensely dense I felt they were a bit overdrawn.
The case itself takes quite some time to unravel and although I had a rough idea of what might have happened about halfway through the book, there are enough twists, turns and little details to make this one of David J. Gatward's best efforts at spinning a compelling mystery thus far. He has made huge steps in that department, which I guess is to be expected when you crank out a new crime novel every two months.
What I still could do without, and I'm frankly a bit baffled why Gatward even felt the need to come back to this problematic topic after letting it rest for eight novels, is the depiction and treatment of journalists. You might remember that Harry absolutely hates journalists, an attitude that is a somewhat lame cliché in and of itself coming from a police officer who is known to have bent the rules in the past. And although the journalist here is a jerk and one might say a walking lame cliché in his own right, Harry instantly exploding on him and Matt, one of the nicests guys in the whole series, openly threatening him with police harassment left a somewhat bitter taste in my mouth. I don't think this is something that should be encouraged or glorified.
Anyway, this concerns only a very minor part of the novel that actually has no real connection to the rest of the plot whatsoever, which is why I'm so baffled Gatward even felt the need to include it. And while the rest of Blood Trail is a perfectly pleasant reading experience, together with the aforementioned overdrawn idiots this was enough for me to deduct one point.
March 18, 2023
A group of locals from the Dales have formed a group, patrolling their farms and streets, determined to eke out their own brand of justice after a string of local petty crimes. DCI Harry Grimm is very worried, not just because of the increase in crime, but he’s seen how very quickly – and violently – such well-meaning assistance can spiral out of hand. Soon, a few crimes scenes are drenched in blood – but where are the bodies? When pieces begin to turn up, Harry knows that he needs to solve this and fast.
I’ve been really enjoying this series and found this book to be an excellent addition. Well into the Harry Grimm series I feel readers will get a fuller understanding if they have read at least a few of the previous books – but that’s not strictly necessary as the main characters and certainly the plot and mystery are very well explained and well contained within this story. Much of the links and camaraderie between particularly Harry’s team and the forensic technicians, however, come from the previous cases and the characters all working together and sharing so much history.
One of the things I really like with this series is just how relatable and “normal” the crimes and plotlines are. This isn’t some organized crime or street gang style deeply convoluted mystery plot. It’s a bunch of local – fairly normal – people being somewhat hot headed and misled. I felt this was a very relatable plot and something most readers should be able to associate with. Equally, I liked how none of the main characters are perfect, Matt is over-tired from being a new father, Harry has a bit of a temper, Rebecca is going stir-crazy on sick leave and jumps the gun getting back to work – they are not picture-perfect characters who never put a foot wrong. I feel this really helps not only keep my interest, but also lets me feel like the characters are more human.
Readers looking for a thoroughly enjoyable police procedural style of murder mystery set in the Dales countryside should find this (and all the other books in this series) a strong and lovely read.
I’ve been really enjoying this series and found this book to be an excellent addition. Well into the Harry Grimm series I feel readers will get a fuller understanding if they have read at least a few of the previous books – but that’s not strictly necessary as the main characters and certainly the plot and mystery are very well explained and well contained within this story. Much of the links and camaraderie between particularly Harry’s team and the forensic technicians, however, come from the previous cases and the characters all working together and sharing so much history.
One of the things I really like with this series is just how relatable and “normal” the crimes and plotlines are. This isn’t some organized crime or street gang style deeply convoluted mystery plot. It’s a bunch of local – fairly normal – people being somewhat hot headed and misled. I felt this was a very relatable plot and something most readers should be able to associate with. Equally, I liked how none of the main characters are perfect, Matt is over-tired from being a new father, Harry has a bit of a temper, Rebecca is going stir-crazy on sick leave and jumps the gun getting back to work – they are not picture-perfect characters who never put a foot wrong. I feel this really helps not only keep my interest, but also lets me feel like the characters are more human.
Readers looking for a thoroughly enjoyable police procedural style of murder mystery set in the Dales countryside should find this (and all the other books in this series) a strong and lovely read.
January 23, 2026
Book 10 of the Harry Grimm stories had me just as gripped as book 1. I could say the same things about every book - they are all so good! DCI Harry is Grimm by name, Grimm by nature. His face scared for life by an IED in Afghanistan, he arrived home in Bristol to find an horrific scene caused by his violent father, he joined the police and even though he rose to his current rank, he couldn't stop searching for his father to take his revenge. So much so that he was sent to the Yorkshire Dales. In book 1 he absolutely hated it. Everything about the place, his new colleagues, working out of a room in the community centre, is all so much different to the life he's used to. However, by this book its nearly a year since he arrived and Harry is well and truly in love with the beautiful Dales and its people, including his team. Unfortunately not everyone feels the same and after a spate of thefts from farms a small group want to take the law into their own hands. In this tragic story, the result of recklessness by one such farmer leads to unforseen consequences. This series by David Gatward is addictive. The characters, the stories are very real and the backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales come to life on the page. Excellent writing and wonderful reading.
June 8, 2022
Always great to catch up with Harry and his team
Another thoroughly enjoyable read. Although you could read as a stand-alone, better to start at the beginning of the series as you get to know the backstory of the character's and the formation of friendships which is a big part of this series, not taking away from the crimes which are always a bit of a puzzle and intriguing. I feel a bit like family now. Harry and his brother seem to have settled now in this quaint part of Yorkshire with all it's foibles and looking to become a permanent fixture. The descriptive writing makes you feel like you are there with them and I can certainly attain to the changes in weather which in this part of the world are awe inspiring. This series will appeal to those who are familiar with this part of the country and understand good old Yorkshire Villages and their traditions. Some really funny laugh out loud moments. Thank you Mr Gatward for another most enjoyable read.
Another thoroughly enjoyable read. Although you could read as a stand-alone, better to start at the beginning of the series as you get to know the backstory of the character's and the formation of friendships which is a big part of this series, not taking away from the crimes which are always a bit of a puzzle and intriguing. I feel a bit like family now. Harry and his brother seem to have settled now in this quaint part of Yorkshire with all it's foibles and looking to become a permanent fixture. The descriptive writing makes you feel like you are there with them and I can certainly attain to the changes in weather which in this part of the world are awe inspiring. This series will appeal to those who are familiar with this part of the country and understand good old Yorkshire Villages and their traditions. Some really funny laugh out loud moments. Thank you Mr Gatward for another most enjoyable read.
August 9, 2023
Oldroyd finds himself in the middle of a revolt by the people who live on the outlier farms. They find that there has been a rash of robberies of equipment at times they are in town. The police have no idea who is continuing to do this destruction until they are called to look at an abandoned pick-up truck with a trailer. The cab of the pick-up has blood on the door, but there is no body.
People in the outlier farms are meeting to discuss the setting up of a local "neighborhood" watch. But they want to go around armed and Oldroyd is afraid they will injure or kill someone by accident. But at the moment he has no way to protect these outlying farms.
A jogger in the hills around Hawes finds a foot. It's just a foot and a boot. The coroner is able to establish that the foot matches the blood found on the pick-up. But it turns out the foot has been frozen and is over two years old. Did the murderer save the body and is now getting rid of it one piece at a time?
People in the outlier farms are meeting to discuss the setting up of a local "neighborhood" watch. But they want to go around armed and Oldroyd is afraid they will injure or kill someone by accident. But at the moment he has no way to protect these outlying farms.
A jogger in the hills around Hawes finds a foot. It's just a foot and a boot. The coroner is able to establish that the foot matches the blood found on the pick-up. But it turns out the foot has been frozen and is over two years old. Did the murderer save the body and is now getting rid of it one piece at a time?
September 6, 2023
OK my original review that I did disappeared because of me and my fat fingers. It was a dual review for Goodreads and on Amazon. So I’m going to try and re-do my review.
The book started off, literally with a bang. And I have to say that throughout the whole book, there were twists and turns that had me baffled. I enjoyed the scenery that was described in the book about the Dales. About Hawes and Leyburn to the point where I had to look at these places, just so I can see what they actually look like. The book was fantastic. There was great detail and I enjoyed that very much.
This author put a lot into details when he writes. And I’m enjoying that immensely. Also, I had stated in a previous review of one of his books that normally I get bored right after maybe three or four books in. But I have to say that I have not gotten bored with this author as of yet. And I’m getting ready to start book 11.
The book started off, literally with a bang. And I have to say that throughout the whole book, there were twists and turns that had me baffled. I enjoyed the scenery that was described in the book about the Dales. About Hawes and Leyburn to the point where I had to look at these places, just so I can see what they actually look like. The book was fantastic. There was great detail and I enjoyed that very much.
This author put a lot into details when he writes. And I’m enjoying that immensely. Also, I had stated in a previous review of one of his books that normally I get bored right after maybe three or four books in. But I have to say that I have not gotten bored with this author as of yet. And I’m getting ready to start book 11.
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.
June 4, 2022
Another fantastic book by David J. Gatward!
He does it every time! I always start and finish his books on the same day! That's how good they are! And this book lived up to the rest! Though, for the first time, I guessed who done it before it was announced! At about chapter 39 that is! This book could be a stand alone, but to get to know these lovely characters, I suggest starting at number one! This was a fast paced read that was both intense and heartbreaking! I truly felt for the suspect, because in so many ways he was a victim too! I really recommend this book, and I can hardly wait for number q
11 to come out!
He does it every time! I always start and finish his books on the same day! That's how good they are! And this book lived up to the rest! Though, for the first time, I guessed who done it before it was announced! At about chapter 39 that is! This book could be a stand alone, but to get to know these lovely characters, I suggest starting at number one! This was a fast paced read that was both intense and heartbreaking! I truly felt for the suspect, because in so many ways he was a victim too! I really recommend this book, and I can hardly wait for number q
11 to come out!
June 8, 2022
Outstanding yet again!
It's amazing that we are now at book 10 in this superb series. I will always remember with much fondness reading book one where Harry started his journey, enjoying the Yorkshire talk as someone born and bred in Sheffield it's common place to end sentences with 'like'. How this series has developed is down to an author who gives his readers such unique fresh stories is a stroke of genius. Completely enjoyed this, with a slow build up to the full impact of the past and present but we'll worth waiting for. Will continue to be a huge fan while Mr Gatward works his magic, thank you. BP Sheffield
It's amazing that we are now at book 10 in this superb series. I will always remember with much fondness reading book one where Harry started his journey, enjoying the Yorkshire talk as someone born and bred in Sheffield it's common place to end sentences with 'like'. How this series has developed is down to an author who gives his readers such unique fresh stories is a stroke of genius. Completely enjoyed this, with a slow build up to the full impact of the past and present but we'll worth waiting for. Will continue to be a huge fan while Mr Gatward works his magic, thank you. BP Sheffield
November 14, 2024
This is my least favorite book of the series so far. Harry is concerned about local farmers who are apparently thinking about taking the law into their own hands in order to punish petty criminals. The whole book pretty much repeats Harry's argument about vigilante justice and how it always leads to more trouble than it solves. I was actually skimming in parts because it was so repetitious and tedious.
I'm not sure what happened because this isn't typical of most of the books in this series. The team was all spread out and there was very little humor. I hope the spark comes back for the next book, but meanwhile I might take a break before starting it.
I'm not sure what happened because this isn't typical of most of the books in this series. The team was all spread out and there was very little humor. I hope the spark comes back for the next book, but meanwhile I might take a break before starting it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2022
Blood Trail lurches from lyrical to try hard caricatures of minor players. I found it incredibly frustrating. The mystery threading through the novel was strong (although I guessed “whodunnit” rather earlier than usual. The author would have us believe that all the people of the Dales are not just stroppy and spoiling for a fight, but catastrophically stupid as well. The unrelenting belligerence wasn’t even vaguely amusing. I’ve read most of the books in this series and I’ve normally enjoyed them, but I’ll think twice before reading another.
June 27, 2023
Twisted and chilling
From light-hearted to blood-curdling to tragic, David never fails to keep us page turning. Expertly read by Aubrey Parsons, this is a tale based on a tale leading to a trail and an unexpected denouement. David Gatward is a wordsmith par excellence, his writing style fresh and always alive with clever figures of speech. The Dales are as much a ‘character’ as the humans, beautiful, haunting, and at times sinister. The tourist board owes David a debt, I think, lol.
From light-hearted to blood-curdling to tragic, David never fails to keep us page turning. Expertly read by Aubrey Parsons, this is a tale based on a tale leading to a trail and an unexpected denouement. David Gatward is a wordsmith par excellence, his writing style fresh and always alive with clever figures of speech. The Dales are as much a ‘character’ as the humans, beautiful, haunting, and at times sinister. The tourist board owes David a debt, I think, lol.
April 16, 2024
Blood Trail: A Yorkshire Murder Mystery (DCI Harry Grimm Crime Thrillers Book10)
what a Book, so mixed up and stories twisted. Two years to unravel but DCI Grimm does it, after all he is the boss. I hope there are lots more of these books you have written David J. Gatward because I shall miss all 5he characters you have created. I have really enjoyed the hours reading about the crime in this lovely place in Yorkshire. I can recommend any of you avid readers out there to read this series. Thank you David J. Gatward x
what a Book, so mixed up and stories twisted. Two years to unravel but DCI Grimm does it, after all he is the boss. I hope there are lots more of these books you have written David J. Gatward because I shall miss all 5he characters you have created. I have really enjoyed the hours reading about the crime in this lovely place in Yorkshire. I can recommend any of you avid readers out there to read this series. Thank you David J. Gatward x
February 4, 2026
Hard
I found this hard to read. Maybe my fault for not paying attention. Convoluted story. Couldn't keep track of all the characters.
The pointless, inaccurate waffle about dog fouling was irritating.
The villagers were all hateful.
Dave, a random character serving no purpose I can think of. Maybe he'll turn out to be a psychopath, who knows.
The story too spread out. Less mention of the team who were in the background but not front and centre.
I don't know. Maybe I took too long to read it but of all the books so far in the series, this is my least favourite.
I found this hard to read. Maybe my fault for not paying attention. Convoluted story. Couldn't keep track of all the characters.
The pointless, inaccurate waffle about dog fouling was irritating.
The villagers were all hateful.
Dave, a random character serving no purpose I can think of. Maybe he'll turn out to be a psychopath, who knows.
The story too spread out. Less mention of the team who were in the background but not front and centre.
I don't know. Maybe I took too long to read it but of all the books so far in the series, this is my least favourite.
June 19, 2022
As has been the case with the previous books in the series, which have been superb, Blood Trail was the same. A terrific read. The characters gel so well and you are keen to read about them and see what they are up to next. There is a crime spree happening with farms and cottages being broken into. Some of the locals want to take matters into their own hands and start patrols. Harry can see that this won't end well. A terrific read.
June 30, 2022
Gatward Hasn't Lost His Touch
This is the 10th book in the Harry Grimm crime thrillers and it's as good as if not much better than his previous 9 books. In other words he hasn't lost his touch at all and just keeps putting out great books. If you haven't read any book in this series, you're lucky. You can start with Book 1 and read in order to get the most out of the Harry Grimm mysteries.
This is the 10th book in the Harry Grimm crime thrillers and it's as good as if not much better than his previous 9 books. In other words he hasn't lost his touch at all and just keeps putting out great books. If you haven't read any book in this series, you're lucky. You can start with Book 1 and read in order to get the most out of the Harry Grimm mysteries.
August 20, 2022
When I finished the last book I thought there is no way he can top this but he sure can… this book is a doozy, hard driven and relentless in its message of when you take matters into your own hands Bad things happen!! Some people lost more than their lives, they lost their souls! Some parts in the beginning are a little vague but it’s OK, all is explained in the end!! Just keep track of who’s who.
August 15, 2025
4.5 stars. This was a frustrating read in all the best ways. Grimm faces off with a group of vigilante townsfolk (the Batman scene cracked me up) all whilst working out how a bunch of strange crimes are all connected. Steve and Chris, two side characters who want to take the law into their own hands, were so frustrating. You loved to hate them. Also loved that we got a little scene from Ben’s POV - he’s come so far!
June 1, 2022
Great story
Every DCI Grimm story is better than the last. The characters develop further and have more depth and history together. Each dangerous moment far the team feels more personal. The setting starts to feel more familiar as the towns and villages appear again and again in the stories. I'm looking forward to more stories in this series.
Every DCI Grimm story is better than the last. The characters develop further and have more depth and history together. Each dangerous moment far the team feels more personal. The setting starts to feel more familiar as the towns and villages appear again and again in the stories. I'm looking forward to more stories in this series.
June 1, 2022
Grimm vigilantes
This instalment of Harry’s life up north is a fast paced mixture of mystery and meanness. The characters are entertaining or infuriating with a great variety of problems that make you want Harry to give some a good kick up the behind. The story was engrossing and drew me in as a reader making it impossible to put down. Brilliant can’t wait for the next
This instalment of Harry’s life up north is a fast paced mixture of mystery and meanness. The characters are entertaining or infuriating with a great variety of problems that make you want Harry to give some a good kick up the behind. The story was engrossing and drew me in as a reader making it impossible to put down. Brilliant can’t wait for the next
June 5, 2022
Blood Trail by David J Gatward
Blood Trail by David J Gatward is book 10 in the DCI Harry Grimm crime thriller series. It is an excellent story and incredibly sad and haunting. The description of the scenery is amazing and makes you want to visit the area for yourself.
Another breathtaking read in the series.
Highly recommended
Blood Trail by David J Gatward is book 10 in the DCI Harry Grimm crime thriller series. It is an excellent story and incredibly sad and haunting. The description of the scenery is amazing and makes you want to visit the area for yourself.
Another breathtaking read in the series.
Highly recommended
June 6, 2022
Outstanding!
Gatward is at the top of his game in this suspenseful storyline. A series of bizarre incidents has the team puzzled. Is there a link, is vigilantism playing a part? As usual the writing is truly amazing. Love the characters and how they continue to develop. The dialogue is spot on and often humorous. This series has my highest recommendation.
Gatward is at the top of his game in this suspenseful storyline. A series of bizarre incidents has the team puzzled. Is there a link, is vigilantism playing a part? As usual the writing is truly amazing. Love the characters and how they continue to develop. The dialogue is spot on and often humorous. This series has my highest recommendation.
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