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Detective Inspector Declan Walsh #12
A Quiver of Sorrows
Sometimes, folklores are real.
When legendary TV actor Montgomery Pryce is shot in the chest by an arrow and killed while on stage during a Robin Hood convention, Detective Inspector Declan Walsh and the team of the Last Chance Saloon are brought in to solve the murder, only to find that nearly everyone there holds a bow capable of loosing the arrow. And when the cast of Pryce's show bring to light terrible jealousies and secrets from their past, and Ryan Gates, one of the co-stars is discovered to have a valid reason for wanting to silence Pryce, Declan finds himself facing paparazzi, managers and brutal personal appearance agents, as the organisers of the convention refuse to cancel it, and the bodycount rises. Running against the clock, and with a suspect list longer than the roll call of Robin Hood's merry men, Declan must find out not only who killed Robin Hood, but also whether he was the actual target in the first place. Because, for the first time... could Robin Hood have been the villain?
When legendary TV actor Montgomery Pryce is shot in the chest by an arrow and killed while on stage during a Robin Hood convention, Detective Inspector Declan Walsh and the team of the Last Chance Saloon are brought in to solve the murder, only to find that nearly everyone there holds a bow capable of loosing the arrow. And when the cast of Pryce's show bring to light terrible jealousies and secrets from their past, and Ryan Gates, one of the co-stars is discovered to have a valid reason for wanting to silence Pryce, Declan finds himself facing paparazzi, managers and brutal personal appearance agents, as the organisers of the convention refuse to cancel it, and the bodycount rises. Running against the clock, and with a suspect list longer than the roll call of Robin Hood's merry men, Declan must find out not only who killed Robin Hood, but also whether he was the actual target in the first place. Because, for the first time... could Robin Hood have been the villain?
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2022
738 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Jack Gatland
59 books235 followersJack Gatland is the pen name of #1 New York Times Bestselling Writer Tony Lee, who has been writing in all medias for over thirty years including comics, graphic novels, middle grade books, audio drama, TV and film for DC, Marvel, BBC, ITV, Random House, Penguin USA, Hachette and a ton of other publishers and broadcasters on licenses such as Doctor Who, Spider Man, X-Men, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Doctors, Wallace and Gromit and Shrek. As Tony, he’s toured the country talking to reluctant readers with his ‘Change The Channel’ school tours.
He’s currently a member of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain, the Society of Authors, The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers and the Crime Writer’s Association.
As Jack, he’s writing a new series of Crime Thrillers starring Detective Inspector Declan Walsh, recently seconded to the City of London Police department known as the Last Chance Saloon.
The first twelve of these, LETTER FROM THE DEAD, MURDER OF ANGELS, HUNTER HUNTED, WHISPER FOR THE REAPER, TO HUNT A MAGPIE, A RITUAL FOR THE DYING, KILLING THE MUSIC, A DINNER TO DIE FOR, BEHIND THE WIRE, HEAVY IS THE CROWN, STALKING THE RIPPER and A QUIVER OF SORROWS are available now, with book thirteen, MURDER BY MISTLETOE released in December 2022 – with further adventures continuing throughout 2023.
In addition to that, the first book in a new series of Adventure Mysteries starring Robin-Hood style con-man forger-turned treasure hunter Damian Lucas, THE LIONHEART CURSE was released in January 2022, and he has both a new series of crime procedurals, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring ‘Cop for Criminals’ Ellie Reckless including PAINT THE DEAD and STEAL THE GOLD, and a new spy series, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring burned MI5 agent Tom Marlowe including SLEEPING SOLDIERS and TARGET LOCKED.
He can be found at www.tonylee.co.uk and www.jackgatland.com.
He’s currently a member of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain, the Society of Authors, The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers and the Crime Writer’s Association.
As Jack, he’s writing a new series of Crime Thrillers starring Detective Inspector Declan Walsh, recently seconded to the City of London Police department known as the Last Chance Saloon.
The first twelve of these, LETTER FROM THE DEAD, MURDER OF ANGELS, HUNTER HUNTED, WHISPER FOR THE REAPER, TO HUNT A MAGPIE, A RITUAL FOR THE DYING, KILLING THE MUSIC, A DINNER TO DIE FOR, BEHIND THE WIRE, HEAVY IS THE CROWN, STALKING THE RIPPER and A QUIVER OF SORROWS are available now, with book thirteen, MURDER BY MISTLETOE released in December 2022 – with further adventures continuing throughout 2023.
In addition to that, the first book in a new series of Adventure Mysteries starring Robin-Hood style con-man forger-turned treasure hunter Damian Lucas, THE LIONHEART CURSE was released in January 2022, and he has both a new series of crime procedurals, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring ‘Cop for Criminals’ Ellie Reckless including PAINT THE DEAD and STEAL THE GOLD, and a new spy series, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring burned MI5 agent Tom Marlowe including SLEEPING SOLDIERS and TARGET LOCKED.
He can be found at www.tonylee.co.uk and www.jackgatland.com.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 20, 2022
I’ve loved this series and eagerly wait for the next book . But I found the plot so complicated, so many loose ends , so many people and reasons, I found it difficult to follow , so I ended up just reading it and forgetting about who did what and why, which spoilt my enjoyment somewhat
March 23, 2024
Robin Hood and a Band of Merry Killers...
Declan and Team get called away to where DeGeer is attending a Robin Hood convention, and the star if the convention is shot dead by an arrow. So now the Last Chance Saloon need to solve the Quiver of Sorrows.
As this case unfolds nothing is as it seems, the Police are being led by a narrative produced by the killer or killers. Hoping that this case would have fallen into the hands of the locals instead of Declan and the City police, the narrative continues to change as another body is found, again with an arrow to the chest.
Another 5 Star story, that will keep you entertained.
Declan and Team get called away to where DeGeer is attending a Robin Hood convention, and the star if the convention is shot dead by an arrow. So now the Last Chance Saloon need to solve the Quiver of Sorrows.
As this case unfolds nothing is as it seems, the Police are being led by a narrative produced by the killer or killers. Hoping that this case would have fallen into the hands of the locals instead of Declan and the City police, the narrative continues to change as another body is found, again with an arrow to the chest.
Another 5 Star story, that will keep you entertained.
May 15, 2023
And now for something completely different . . .
Acting Sergeant De'Geer is a BIG fan, no pun intended, of all things Robin Hood. As luck would have it, he's attending a convention for fans of the various television and film productions that have been made of the merry men of Sherwood over the past forty years or so. Of course, some of those, and some of the characters, are more popular than others, and some of the actors more beloved.
De'Geer and his fellow attendees are clad in the costumes (Cosplay) of their favorite characters. Being the Viking giant that he is, De'Geer is costumed as Little John. There are Maid Marians and Friar Tucks and even some Sheriffs of Nottingham, and they've all gathered at a rural hotel and convention venue to see the famous and infamous performers who are the guests.
The official opening night of the Robin Hood-Con finds all of the guests--the actors--on stage for an official "Hello, and welcome." When one of the more infamous Robins of the past steps forward to force his way into the lights, he's skewered by an arrow taken in the chest, and he's probably dead before he hits the stage floor.
What unfolds is a story of old hatred and jealousies that have festered for decades. They've been fueled by successes and failures of the various players. Although the convention and the crime are not within the jurisdiction of the squad from the Last Chance Saloon, they take on the case because of De'Geer's presence.
What they soon discover is that there is no shortage of suspects . . . or victims. Evidence and testimony points to one and then another of the old acquaintances. To complicate matters, some of the suspects are pressuring to have the local police brought in to take over the case.
Jack Gatland's stories are always complex, and the plots ingenious. "A Quiver of Sorrows" is no exception. This one is a little too much so in places, so the reader needs to pay close attention. I was reminded of advice I once received on reading Russian novels: "Every time you come to a new character, write down their name, and their relationship to every other character." In this particular case, you could add, "Write down who hates whom, and why." In #12 in the DI Declan Walsh series, you can't tell the players without a program.
In the end it's all been worth it. I enjoyed it sufficiently to have already added the next story in the series to my library.
Acting Sergeant De'Geer is a BIG fan, no pun intended, of all things Robin Hood. As luck would have it, he's attending a convention for fans of the various television and film productions that have been made of the merry men of Sherwood over the past forty years or so. Of course, some of those, and some of the characters, are more popular than others, and some of the actors more beloved.
De'Geer and his fellow attendees are clad in the costumes (Cosplay) of their favorite characters. Being the Viking giant that he is, De'Geer is costumed as Little John. There are Maid Marians and Friar Tucks and even some Sheriffs of Nottingham, and they've all gathered at a rural hotel and convention venue to see the famous and infamous performers who are the guests.
The official opening night of the Robin Hood-Con finds all of the guests--the actors--on stage for an official "Hello, and welcome." When one of the more infamous Robins of the past steps forward to force his way into the lights, he's skewered by an arrow taken in the chest, and he's probably dead before he hits the stage floor.
What unfolds is a story of old hatred and jealousies that have festered for decades. They've been fueled by successes and failures of the various players. Although the convention and the crime are not within the jurisdiction of the squad from the Last Chance Saloon, they take on the case because of De'Geer's presence.
What they soon discover is that there is no shortage of suspects . . . or victims. Evidence and testimony points to one and then another of the old acquaintances. To complicate matters, some of the suspects are pressuring to have the local police brought in to take over the case.
Jack Gatland's stories are always complex, and the plots ingenious. "A Quiver of Sorrows" is no exception. This one is a little too much so in places, so the reader needs to pay close attention. I was reminded of advice I once received on reading Russian novels: "Every time you come to a new character, write down their name, and their relationship to every other character." In this particular case, you could add, "Write down who hates whom, and why." In #12 in the DI Declan Walsh series, you can't tell the players without a program.
In the end it's all been worth it. I enjoyed it sufficiently to have already added the next story in the series to my library.
October 13, 2022
A lot of what’s wrong with this book might be me
I jumped in on book 12 in a series
I am not feeling well so I may be distracted
This was recommended by the Amazon algorithm and it was KU
The book just made my head spin
The story is about a series of murders at a Robin Hood convention in Milton Keynes
The team which is lead by ?? Declan consists of a lot of people who go by at least 2 names/ titles and all seem to be oddly involved with one another and truthfully I wasn’t even 100% on their genders which means when She said or he said I was lost
Then the convention stars there are three Robin Hood’s, 2 sheriffs, several people who have stage names and real names, a non de plume, secret identities
Multiple roles my mind was spinning 😵💫
Oh there were even two separate police forces doing the investigation and two DCIs
I have taken a glance at the first book and may give that a shot but I definitely don’t recommend this one as the starting point to the series
I jumped in on book 12 in a series
I am not feeling well so I may be distracted
This was recommended by the Amazon algorithm and it was KU
The book just made my head spin
The story is about a series of murders at a Robin Hood convention in Milton Keynes
The team which is lead by ?? Declan consists of a lot of people who go by at least 2 names/ titles and all seem to be oddly involved with one another and truthfully I wasn’t even 100% on their genders which means when She said or he said I was lost
Then the convention stars there are three Robin Hood’s, 2 sheriffs, several people who have stage names and real names, a non de plume, secret identities
Multiple roles my mind was spinning 😵💫
Oh there were even two separate police forces doing the investigation and two DCIs
I have taken a glance at the first book and may give that a shot but I definitely don’t recommend this one as the starting point to the series
October 2, 2022
Having discovered this great series when they began by way of a fantastic Facebook group, I became an immediate fan, having now read 10 , I can state they are a really enjoyable read, a pleasure to look forward to, and not be disappointed .The latest case for Declan Walsh and the last chance saloon is once again complex, full of skullduggery, a couple of murders and fading thespians of yesteryear, wonderfully imagined.The plot involves archers (clue in the title I think!)
Jack Gatland began this series back in 2020, and the variety of plots keep it fresh and original , along with the various cast of the Last chance saloon, he has created some wonderful comic, yet human characters and their emergence throughout the series makes them seriously enjoyable.
So once again , all my TBR's put to one side as I dive into another fun and thrilling case,La Plante can wait.
Jack Gatland began this series back in 2020, and the variety of plots keep it fresh and original , along with the various cast of the Last chance saloon, he has created some wonderful comic, yet human characters and their emergence throughout the series makes them seriously enjoyable.
So once again , all my TBR's put to one side as I dive into another fun and thrilling case,La Plante can wait.
September 9, 2022
A Quiver of Arrows is book 12 in the DI Declan Walsh series by Jack Gatland. I can’t believe this is book 12. They have all been so good and this one is no exception. This book is centred around a Robin Hood Convention and there is an unusual murder. I have always liked Robin Hood, from the days when it was in black and white with Richard Greene and it was on when I arrived home from school. The plots in Jack’s books are never straight-forward and usually quite complex. They are fascinating, and combined with the characters, are really enjoyable to read. A Quiver of Arrows ticked all the boxes. A great read.
September 27, 2022
Great read!
I liked the idea of using a Robin hoodcon as a setting. Very unique. The team was at the top of their game. Glad the DCI and Doc FINALLY got engaged. Hopefully her back story will get fleshed our a bit more. Love that Jess was there, and Bullman..she's a firecracker! Hopefully Billy doesn't go with his boyfriend. Can't wait till the next one! Such a good series!
I liked the idea of using a Robin hoodcon as a setting. Very unique. The team was at the top of their game. Glad the DCI and Doc FINALLY got engaged. Hopefully her back story will get fleshed our a bit more. Love that Jess was there, and Bullman..she's a firecracker! Hopefully Billy doesn't go with his boyfriend. Can't wait till the next one! Such a good series!
October 12, 2022
A gripping read about the world of cosplay
Usually Declan Walsh is rushing all over London, but this case is locked down in a hotel in Milton Keynes. And just like lockdown you feel the claustrophobia. So many reasons to kill, but who are the killers. Jack Garland works his magic again on keeping us guessing until the end.
Usually Declan Walsh is rushing all over London, but this case is locked down in a hotel in Milton Keynes. And just like lockdown you feel the claustrophobia. So many reasons to kill, but who are the killers. Jack Garland works his magic again on keeping us guessing until the end.
November 12, 2022
Mr. Gatland twists your head.
I read many different mystery books and writers and love them. Mr. Gatland has so many possible guilty parties in his books that I have difficulty keeping them straight. I have given up trying to guess who did it and just wait and read it! Thank you for so many enjoyable books!
I read many different mystery books and writers and love them. Mr. Gatland has so many possible guilty parties in his books that I have difficulty keeping them straight. I have given up trying to guess who did it and just wait and read it! Thank you for so many enjoyable books!
April 26, 2023
Good, well thought out read
Another great addition to the Declan Walsh series. It was nice to focus a bit on a couple of team members personal lives and that’s why I enjoy these books so much, the combination of crime and personal is nicely balanced so one doesn’t interfere with the other. Another great crime story, well written and plotted so it all flowed nicely.
Another great addition to the Declan Walsh series. It was nice to focus a bit on a couple of team members personal lives and that’s why I enjoy these books so much, the combination of crime and personal is nicely balanced so one doesn’t interfere with the other. Another great crime story, well written and plotted so it all flowed nicely.
July 6, 2024
too much going on.
As much as I like these stories, I do think there is too much going on in each one to really follow the plot.
I also find it frustrating when the detective decides to tell the story of the plot at the end, it’s as though the story is being repeated.
I’m hoping the later books aren’t the same, but so far it’s been the same in every story.
As much as I like these stories, I do think there is too much going on in each one to really follow the plot.
I also find it frustrating when the detective decides to tell the story of the plot at the end, it’s as though the story is being repeated.
I’m hoping the later books aren’t the same, but so far it’s been the same in every story.
March 15, 2025
At a Cosplay Robin Hood convention, scores are being settled when the star actor is murdered with a bow and arrow. So many possibilities as to who shot the arrow, so many threads to unravel. The Last Chance crew takes over the case and another member who is a folklore fan will have their memories dashed when the true culprits are exposed. Another fun book.
April 27, 2025
This one needed some serious editing/proof reading or whatever. A whole load of hissing going on for some reason. No one was just talking/saying things/replying etc. etc. They "hissed". Sometimes three different people "hissed" on one page... Why???
I like this series but what I'll remember about this one will be all the hissing.
I like this series but what I'll remember about this one will be all the hissing.
April 28, 2025
Mental image....The Viking in leather tights and a huge staff.
You're welcome.
I really want more De'Geer background. We know so little about him comparatively, but he's rather deep and complex, and just downright fun with his love of the Robin Hood genre.
Figured out the villain (s) early on, but still enjoyed the ride.
You're welcome.
I really want more De'Geer background. We know so little about him comparatively, but he's rather deep and complex, and just downright fun with his love of the Robin Hood genre.
Figured out the villain (s) early on, but still enjoyed the ride.
October 19, 2022
A Quiver of sorrows
Another cracking outing for Declan and co. Seem just like old friends to me now. Looking forward their next outing and to finding out what they have been up to in between. It's a great series of books and I'm never disappointed .
Another cracking outing for Declan and co. Seem just like old friends to me now. Looking forward their next outing and to finding out what they have been up to in between. It's a great series of books and I'm never disappointed .
October 29, 2022
Another excellent DI Walsh mystery
Excellent plot as usual from Jack Gatland, but particularly liked the continuing development of the, now munched loved, regular characters in his books. Very much looking forward to book 13!
Excellent plot as usual from Jack Gatland, but particularly liked the continuing development of the, now munched loved, regular characters in his books. Very much looking forward to book 13!
March 11, 2023
Robin Hood
What Walsh and his merry men and women get up to is astonishing. Who would. Have thought that we could have a story line worked around robin hood in modern times with twists and turns like this. Some how Jack pulled it off superbly
What Walsh and his merry men and women get up to is astonishing. Who would. Have thought that we could have a story line worked around robin hood in modern times with twists and turns like this. Some how Jack pulled it off superbly
March 18, 2023
Far fetched
A convoluted plan to settle scores gets upset from the start and the team game over. Lots of misleading and inexplicable twists and turns. A bit of a drawn out tale which I found disappointing.
A convoluted plan to settle scores gets upset from the start and the team game over. Lots of misleading and inexplicable twists and turns. A bit of a drawn out tale which I found disappointing.
July 30, 2024
Jack Gatland's story lines are always complex and twisting. I have difficulty predicting where they will go, but that is what makes them so entertaining. I know Declan will figure it out. I also like following the back story with the various team members ranging from his girlfriend to his daughter to his boss. The convolutions are fleshed out with the warmth of the team relations including all the pokes and jabs amongst them. It comes across as very real world of close team dynamics.
August 26, 2024
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars. This seemed quite close to several other mysteries I’ve read recently, and overall had kind of a Scooby Doo vibe that’s not my cup of tea. I will probably still read the next book.
October 9, 2024
The book started out with a listing of various characters from Robin Hood shows and was totally confusing. The book ended with just as much confusion about who all the characters were. The middle of the book was just plain boring.
April 24, 2025
Not one of his best
I found this book very confusing, it seemed to be all over the place, and very disappointing. It's highly unlikely that a whole departure of police officers would be called in for a case like this!
I found this book very confusing, it seemed to be all over the place, and very disappointing. It's highly unlikely that a whole departure of police officers would be called in for a case like this!
May 25, 2025
Robin Hood, multiple Little Johns, costumes and fans everywhere. A modern murder with a medieval weapon keeps the Last Chance detectives busy. Famous and not-so-famous actors are among the many suspects. Good read.
September 2, 2025
Enjoyed this
But gosh was it complicated! Very hard to keep track of all the characters and hard to decide who was a good guy and who wad conning whom. It was interesting learning about bows and arrows.
But gosh was it complicated! Very hard to keep track of all the characters and hard to decide who was a good guy and who wad conning whom. It was interesting learning about bows and arrows.
October 4, 2022
I like the storytelling but I found this one slightly confusing with characters all over the place.
November 23, 2023
Disappointment
Too many characters. Plot too complicated. Poorest one yet. Not up to previous plots and outcome became predictable. Hope next one is better.
Too many characters. Plot too complicated. Poorest one yet. Not up to previous plots and outcome became predictable. Hope next one is better.
October 30, 2025
Loved this series of books. Convoluted but Declan always explains the full plot at the end! Enjoyed the listen…
November 12, 2023
To my mind this wasn’t as good as others in the series.
September 14, 2023
About a quarter of the way through, seems OK so far, although this type of plotline is not my favourite. I tend to prefer the hardcore criminal gang type to the fantasy role-playing type.
Ok...finished it... not my favourite DI Walsh book. Feelings remain as above.
I found the whole plot too silly to be frank.
AUTHOR: needs to fo a proof-reading for the Kindle version. At least twice now I have spotted the word "Henley" when they obviously mean "Hurley".
Ok...finished it... not my favourite DI Walsh book. Feelings remain as above.
I found the whole plot too silly to be frank.
AUTHOR: needs to fo a proof-reading for the Kindle version. At least twice now I have spotted the word "Henley" when they obviously mean "Hurley".
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews