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DCI Harry Grimm #12

Unquiet Bones

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When move-in day turns fatal, will facing up to his past prove deadly?

Detective Chief Inspector Harry Grimm has the keys to hope. Excited but nervous over claiming his new house, he’s tying himself even tighter to his adopted community. But he can’t contain his horrified surprise when a mutilated corpse in the lounge makes him the owner of a gruesome crime scene.

With markings on the body showing a disturbing link to his time in Afghanistan, Grimm shivers with alarm as his team discovers the victim’s identity. And when he’s taken off the case, the stoic cop pursues answers on his own out of fear he’s about to be shattered by his bloody past.

Will he hunt down the killer…or is Grimm about to become the prey?

Unquiet Bones is the page-turning twelfth book in the DCI Harry Grimm Crime Thrillers series. If you like besieged heroes, races against time, and nail-biting mysteries, then you’ll love David J. Gatward’s restless pursuit.

Buy Unquiet Bones to bury grisly truths today!

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.

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2022

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David J. Gatward

38 books563 followers

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5 stars
3,826 (67%)
4 stars
1,444 (25%)
3 stars
312 (5%)
2 stars
53 (<1%)
1 star
27 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa.
29 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2022
Another great Grimm tale!!

The Grimm books just keep getting better… SO GOOD! So much backstory in this one, and I feel like I am on the journey with Harry as his life changes. I love every single character, and the writing is fantastic. PLEASE keep them coming!!
Profile Image for Hayley Speed-Kay.
55 reviews
December 8, 2022
great

Enjoyed this one. Have read this series from the start and reckon this has been my favourite book so far
Profile Image for Breia.
1,083 reviews33 followers
January 23, 2023
This is such a great series and so happy I stumbled upon it. Harry is stuck an awesome character and the setting is spectacular. You know its good when you become invested in the characters lives - I'm so happy for Harry!
Profile Image for Hans.
362 reviews9 followers
October 2, 2023
For the most part one of the best DCI Harry Grimm novels so far, were it not for one glaring flaw that I will come to later. But first the good stuff.

The crime perpetuated in this novel is quite gruesome and the resulting case is intriguing and keeps readers guessing. Furthermore, while there are still the usual little subplots and the by now typical Wensleydale worshipping, this time the plot delves deep into Harry's personal past and focusses more on him and his background than the last couple of novels.

We learn more about his horrible experiences as a soldier in Afghanistan and cudos to David J. Gatward for shining a light on the terrible toll PTSD can take on those who suffer from it and the people around them. You can really tell that this is a topic close to the author's heart.

What really annoyed me was once again the constant journalist bashing. Admittedly, the reporter in this one and the previous books in the series is a grade A asshole: morally bankrupt, completely ruthless when it comes to chasing down a good story and not particularly bothered by facts or truth. Don’t get me wrong, I’m ok with a character being written like that when such foul behaviour actually comes from said character being a complete jerk.

What I have a problem with is that this is obviously David J. Gatward‘s general opinion of all journalists. Why I think that? Well, because basically ALL of Gatward‘s characters keep repeating the same mantra of „you journalists are all the same“ and there is no representation whatsoever of what a good journalist is supposed to look like. There is one sentence where Harry ponders that there might be good journalists out there but that he hasn’t met any of them, that’s it. Back to spreading the idea that all journalists are nosy pariahs who would do anything for a good story, no matter who they hurt in the process.

This is a highly toxic and clichéd depiction of journalism, especially nowadays. That journalism and the freedom of the press are pillars of a functioning democracy seems to be a concept Mr. Gatward doesn't quite agree with, which I find especially sad because otherwise he seems like a rather openminded guy writing diverse and openminded characters. Furthermore, the whole subplot about the journalist just seemed to be shoved in there so the author could once again show us what horrible people journalists are.

Hence, only 3 stars for an otherwise pretty good book that for the most part could have been a real highlight in the series.
Profile Image for Maxine Burton.
44 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2022
Excellent

Another amazing book that I could not put down some unexpected twist and turns. As always David puts you in the places he writes about so detailed you can almost belive you are there. Fantastic 💯 recommend
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,378 reviews75 followers
January 7, 2024
Unquiet Bones is book twelve in the DCI Harry Grimm series by David J. Gatward. A significant commitment was happening for DCI Harry Grimm. He purchased his first home in a beautiful area of the Dales. However, on his moving day, DCI Harry Grimm found the body of his father in the lounge room of his new home. DCI Harry Grimm was immediately removed from the case by his Dectivtive Supperatent. Will DCI Harry Grimm go rogue or leave the investigation to his team? The readers of Unquiet Bones will continue to follow DCI Harry Grimm to find out what happens.

Wow, what a fantastic twist David J. Gatward put into this book. I sometimes realise what the twist would be about halfway into the book—however, not this time. I engaged with this book from the first page until the end. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. Unquiet Bones is well-written and researched by David J. Gatward. I like David J. Gatward's description of the settings of Unquiet Bones, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

The readers of Unquiet Bones will learn about the medical condition called Chronic Atherosclerosis. Also, the readers of Unquiet Bones will understand the issues of children who believe their parents do not love them.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Christine Rennie.
3,050 reviews43 followers
December 18, 2022
Unquiet Bones by David J Gatward

Unquiet Bones by David J Gatward is book 12 in the DCI Harry Grimm crime thriller series and it is a really good read. As someone who has read the other books in the series and I am sure other readers will agree this was a book that resolves and concludes many of Harry Grimm’s earlier life experiences and the book ends with a happy conclusion and a lead into book 13.
Highly recommended
I have also read A Grimm Christmas by David Gatward, which is a short story for Christmas by David and is an excellent Christmas story.
Profile Image for Michelle Nash.
763 reviews9 followers
May 14, 2023
Wow!

If you've not read the previous 11 novels in this series, DO NOT START WITH THIS ONE.

A lot of backstory and history in this one; some re-explained and some you'll have to remember from other installments.

General thoughts on the series, not necessarily just this novel:

While I love Grimm and Co, sometimes I feel Grimm is still way too heavy handed, short-tempered in replies, and full of distrust. He states how well his team works but he rarely gives them a moment to explain or tell him something 'crucial.' He snaps at them and either they don't get around to telling him something key or there's a lack of wow in the reveal because of his sharpness. Everyone talks about how different he is but this has not changed since book one and honestly, it's bothersome.

Also, I understand his brother's past but he also doesn't seem to give his brother the benefit of the doubt or trust in him to not immediately relapse. It seems that any bump in the road, Harry is afraid his brother will relapse, but he's proven to be far stronger than Harry gives him credit for.

And as I've said in other reviews (or maybe I've just thought it and not said since I don't often write full reviews) I feel like we go from hmmm, no idea to all wrapped up in 2 minutes. It's way too fast and there's a lack of peeling the layers back and putting the pieces to together.
76 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2023
I've liked this series, but this particular book was very disappointing. I don't want to spoil anything but to me the perpetrator of the murder was completely preposterous and unbelievable. I'm also tired of the one-sided journalist bashing. Journalists perform a necessary (and often thankless) service. Also, I think it's just getting to be almost cliched - the team (and team adjacent folks) are all absolutely wonderful in every possible way. Fingers crossed that the next book is at least a Smudge more nuanced.
Profile Image for Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews.
5,516 reviews175 followers
May 28, 2023
DCI Harry Grimm has finally taken the plunge and bought himself a small home in the Dales. Happy in his new area and job, with a dog, a girlfriend and his brother all comfortably settled Harry is finding life just grand. Until the new, temporary DSup arrives with horrifying news about his father, and Harry uses his brand new keys to unlock his home and finds a murdered corpse in his living room. Nothing can ever come easily, and Harry is determined to find out what, exactly, is going on.

As the twelfth book in the series, I was pleased with this addition. While there is quite a bit of history now between Harry and his police team, it was lovely to read how well they all work together and yet the author still managed to make it appear fresh and interesting. I feel readers should absolutely be able to pick this book up and not need to have read any of the previous installments – though obviously they’re all good and the series is much richer and deeper with all that background knowledge.

I have to admit I enjoyed the character of the new DSup. She appeared to be quite an interesting and intelligent character and I hope she sticks around for the next few books. I felt she added a breath of fresh air to the storyline, and I really enjoyed her character. I also enjoyed the fact there was a good blend between the faster pace of a murder/mystery novel and the slower pace of the small countryside setting. I do feel readers will need to suspend some disbelief at the high rate of serious crime in such a small and sleepy little area – but that’s a small price to pay for such a picturesque setting for these murder mysteries and the police unit having so many crimes to figure out.

There were a few twists in the plot towards the end of the book – one of which I had guessed somewhere in the middle of the story. That said, the introduction of a new character was something I hadn’t guessed, and I found to be a delightful and surprising addition to the story. I really hope that rekindled friendship continues in the coming few books as well as I’d love to learn more about the history there with Grimm and see if more could be added to the friendship and built into the future.

The author does an excellent job to my mind of balancing all these different elements and making an interesting plot work so well with vibrant characters and I really enjoy this series. This is a good book and one I enjoyed.
Profile Image for Cherry Mischievous.
597 reviews293 followers
September 27, 2023
My Thoughts:

A lot of things happened in this book. Which I will not mention because that would be spoilery. Anyway, it makes me wonder... we spend billions of pounds on military budget but not enough on veterans. That shouldn't be but I don't know how to change that...

This book made me cry many times...

In my reviews of previous books I whinged about the predictability factor in the plot. However, this time around, there was none of it here. Having said that, I kinda did guessed who the perp was at the end. But, at the end, not the start or in the middle. Even though I guessed who it was, I was still in denial that it could be that person! So, there it is! Not predictable anymore.

There are still some "clerical errors" in the audiobook, but not as bad as the previous book in this series. Not by a long shot.


Quantitative Evaluation:

Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4
Pace = (10 hrs and 30 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 5
Audiobook quality = 4.5


Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Profile Image for Grey853.
1,557 reviews61 followers
January 18, 2025
This is the 12th book in the DCI Harry Grimm series. Some of the previous books were quite graphic, but this one is even more so than usual. Harry has bought a house and it's moving day. He's taken leave so that he can get into his new place. Unfortunately, when he arrives, he finds a housewarming present he never expected, a mutilated corpse in his lounge. If that wasn't shocker enough, when he finds out the identity of the dead man, he's completely floored. I won't say more than that about the plot so as not to spoil it more.

The author has built a community in this series. He's got regular characters and developed them nicely. He's done the same with Harry, revealing new layers with every new book. The writing is excellent and the dialogue lively and realistic.

I was caught up in the horror of the case and learning more about Harry's background as well as his time in Afghanistan. The only reason I gave this a 4 star review and not a 5 star is the last few chapters got too outlandish and unrealistic to me. However, it's an excellent book. Just beware that there are detailed descriptions of torture and corpses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Wendy S Mottart.
79 reviews4 followers
Read
November 30, 2022
Simply brilliant.

Well, yet again, another brilliant book by Mr. Gatward. I really enjoyed learning the backstory of Harry and his time in the paras. What a story that was, so very sad and quite horrific to read. This was quite a different book to the previous 11 as Harry had to take a backseat to the main plot, something he found very hard to do. However, it allowed us as readers to understand his character a lot more and I liked that. There were a few different threads running this time and most were tied up, one however may appear again - that's all I'll say! I really don't know how this author does it with his writing, but I just seem to keep turning the pages, not being able to stop until I have finished the book. Every blooming time this happens, now I've a long wait until book 13. The sign of an outstanding writer methinks. Bravo David, job well done.
Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,907 reviews323 followers
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.
319 reviews2 followers
December 10, 2022
Excellent

Another excellent addition to this series, in fact this is my favourite so far. Harry certainly has a lot to contend with, a case that brings his past to the forefront with Harry reliving memories he'd tucked well away. His house move is scuppered and everything seems to be going wrong with no end in sight. His team are a constant support and his partner Grace and Smudge of course. The characters feel so real and you have a vested interest in them all, as for the descriptive writing not only the character's come alive but also the beautiful setting of the Yorkshire Dales. I just absolutely love this series and I am always sad when I come to the end, looking forward to book 13, keep them coming please 😁.
Profile Image for Sharon.
425 reviews23 followers
May 11, 2025
I was worried for a minute!

It is so hard to review the Harry Grimm books without giving spoilers! I have to say that I guessed who the murder victim was almost immediately. And I was almost worried that Harry was losing his usually spot on discernment of character when a certain person showed up to help...
I guess what I'm saying is that this one was my least favorite. Maybe having been a caregiver for a few loved ones out me off a bit about the tiny little wife of Harry's Para buddy being able to handle his care basically all alone for decades stirred up the critic in me, Mr Gatward. It was well written, with terrific characters, yet just seemed too busy for me to get a grip on the new ones. I'm surely not giving up, though.
305 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2023
David Gatward has totally out done himself with this book! I have to say it has to be his best one yet! This !am has one neck of an imagination, and he knows the words to get one invested. I am still feeling from all that happened. I was on the edge of my chair awhile reading this book. I love this series, DCI Grimm and his team are just outstanding. And the fact that Grimm is settling down, and found a home and a companion is fantastic. I know he won't leave this area or his team. I.mean he just bought a home. Obviously, I recommend this book. You an read just this one, but I suggest starting with the 1st one and work your way through. It will make more sense then!
101 reviews
June 30, 2023
Wow! Just Wow!

If it’s at all possible, David’s writing just gets better and better. The horror of PTSD, not only for those who are direct victims, but also on others close to them is depicted with heart-felt realism. The mystery and suspense of the ongoing plot is masterfully dealt with. ‘And just when you think it’s safe to …’ a final twist with the introduction of a new character who is not who we think he is, and the opening beats of what might be a whole new conspiracy. On to Book 13, with the anticipation that David J Gatward will not let us down. And thanks to Aubrey for the vivid narration.
129 reviews
December 5, 2022
A Brilliant, Intense read from David Gatward. This book came at the perfect time in the series. By book twelve the characters were very familiar as was the countryside in which they lived. Bringing Harry's past life into the story added so much to understanding the demons that seemed to be plaguing Harry from the start of the series. As with all the books in the series it cleverly ended with still another mystery to involve the whole team. A very clever ending making me eager for David Gatward's 13th book. As my Great nephew said after a movie he LOVED. I give this a 25 out of 5.
Profile Image for Simone Wallnöfer.
156 reviews3 followers
December 7, 2022
Another mysterious case for Grimm and his team. Harry has to stand back on this one, but because of that we learn a little more about what happened yo him and his comrades when they were in the paras.
By now I know that I will enjoy a book in this series even before I've started, David Gatward is a guarantee and hoing backninto the world of Harry Grimm and Company is like putting on an d pair of slipper: comfortable and reassuring.
I've become very attached to all the main characters, they've become almost real.
I'm already looking forward to the next instalment.
22 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2022
Best yet…..again!

Dave Gatward’s writing get better and better as the lives and experiences of DCI Harry Grimm’s team mature, just like Margaret’s fine wine. I love reading the book, hate finishing them, and wait impatiently for each and every one to be released. I have never been disappointed.
If you want to get immersed in a good book, feel part of a community, wish you could move to Wensley Dale then these books are just what you’re looking for. Something very special about the whole experience.
I’m now in the impatient phase…..:)
Profile Image for David Ward.
Author 2 books17 followers
January 3, 2023
Around books 10 and 11, I was thinking that DCI Harry Grimm books were going off the boil. Unquiet Bones is right back, steaming its way to five stars.

It centres around Harry moving into his new home, a move that doesn't go well at all. A surprise awaits him, developing into a big personal mystery.

We get an insight into his days in the army, and meet some of his old colleagues.

This book moves along at a decent pace. Towards the end I had to know how everything resolved itself, so I had a late night and an early morning to find out. I suspect you will too.
57 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2023
Excellent

This has rapidly become my favourite detective series. Not only are all the characters so well drawn but the author is just wondrous at describing the Dales. The love for the setting shines though. There's a lot of ups and downs in the story. The usual wry humour in the interplay between the characters, the shock of Grimm finding a body in the house he's about to move into and the bigger shock of who that body belongs to . We also learn a lot more about Grimm's past and the horrific wartime event and its effects on all his comrades. Another tour de force.
548 reviews3 followers
April 18, 2023
Great as expected. SPOILER ALERT:!!!

Two of the force have family members that make appearances, some outgoing and boisterous, one none of the above, one dead as a door nail. Great mystery as usual with wonderful and mostly likeable characters.
I do have a question. When the pathologist goes over the injuries to the murder victim, what happened to the severely broken arm and concussion from a previous incident? Hands tied together with a cast on one arm? No question if the head injury could have been a possible cause of death?
315 reviews2 followers
December 2, 2022
A really tough, gritty, story set against the wonderful Dales. The experience pushes Harry to his limits, trying to explain the reason his past has caught up with him in such a shocking manner. David Gatward brings it right home to Harry's front door - literally - and sends him on a chase across the country and indeed his prior life. Gripping to the end, can't wait for no. 13 next year.

Julian Tremayne
89 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2022
Got to know more of Harry's story

I enjoyed this book. We learn more about Harry's Army background which weaves its way through the story. Kept me up till 6am ad I couldn't put the Kindle down till I'd finished the book.
Harry has a wonderful team backing him up and the ending was not what I expected. I look forward to more of Harry Grimm and his team! Well written and full of surprises.
104 reviews
December 12, 2022
Pure Pleasure

I have read all of Mr. Gatward’s novels and this one is delightful! We are seeing a new DCI Grimm in this thriller. He has evolved from an angry detective living in the Dales to a mature detective with a horrific wartime past that now calls the Dales his home. The team is in fine form, as usual, that always has Harry’s back. Delightful, thrilling, and splattered with bits of comic relief. Enjoy!
1,343 reviews
December 13, 2022
What a journey Harry has been on since he left the Paras and it hasn't finished yet. This is probably the most confronting for some as far as violence goes but I didn't find it so. The characters are certainly like old friends. Particularly liked Jadyn in this book as he is certainly growing into his role. He has an unwanted visit from his family which has unexpected consequences. Definitely recommend this series.
Profile Image for Leigh .
63 reviews
December 25, 2022
Another good one in this series

In this book, Harry's move to a new house is suspended when he finds a body in the house on moving day. As the murder is being investigated, Harry has to face his past and reconnect with the men he served with. The men who, like Harry, remain scarred by the war in Afghanistan. Harry begins to suspect that a killer is targeting his family, his former mates, and him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews

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