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Detective Inspector Declan Walsh #13
Murder by Mistletoe
You'd better not laugh... you'd better not die.
Father Christmas, otherwise known as good ol' Santa Claus is dead, murdered in the street, poisoned with a fatal cocktail laced with mistletoe for that 'Christmas touch'. But he wasn't the first, and he won't be the last - because across London, people in Father Christmas hats are being poisoned. Homeless Santas, shopping store grotto Santas, it doesn't matter, as the killer seems to be hunting anyone wearing the hat. With one of his own team now a witness in a diplomatic murder and taken off the Last Chance Saloon, DI Declan Walsh is an officer down and on the back foot, as he travels a world of red-nosed reindeers and snowy scenes, hunting a grinch that doesn't just have a hatred of anyone who plays the jolly, red-clothed figure, but instead has a mysterious, unknown higher purpose, one that leads back to Charles Dickens and A Christmas Carol... Can Declan and his team find and stop the killer before Christmas, or will he be stuck on the naughty list forever?
Father Christmas, otherwise known as good ol' Santa Claus is dead, murdered in the street, poisoned with a fatal cocktail laced with mistletoe for that 'Christmas touch'. But he wasn't the first, and he won't be the last - because across London, people in Father Christmas hats are being poisoned. Homeless Santas, shopping store grotto Santas, it doesn't matter, as the killer seems to be hunting anyone wearing the hat. With one of his own team now a witness in a diplomatic murder and taken off the Last Chance Saloon, DI Declan Walsh is an officer down and on the back foot, as he travels a world of red-nosed reindeers and snowy scenes, hunting a grinch that doesn't just have a hatred of anyone who plays the jolly, red-clothed figure, but instead has a mysterious, unknown higher purpose, one that leads back to Charles Dickens and A Christmas Carol... Can Declan and his team find and stop the killer before Christmas, or will he be stuck on the naughty list forever?
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2022
1144 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Jack Gatland
76 books243 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 29, 2024
It's Christmas, That Means Murder!
Declan and Team are called away to solve the mysterious death of a homeless man named Santa Mick. A man with a past that took him from riches to the streets, to murdered. But who would want to kill a happy jovial homeless Santa? Well, as we fund out, there were a few suspects that may want him dead.
Aptly titled, Murder By Mistletoe is a fast paced story of how a holy zealot, and a vengeful accomplice set out to cast out the demons and bring closure for a small group of mens past misdeeds.
Truly love this entire series, you will not be disappointed!
Declan and Team are called away to solve the mysterious death of a homeless man named Santa Mick. A man with a past that took him from riches to the streets, to murdered. But who would want to kill a happy jovial homeless Santa? Well, as we fund out, there were a few suspects that may want him dead.
Aptly titled, Murder By Mistletoe is a fast paced story of how a holy zealot, and a vengeful accomplice set out to cast out the demons and bring closure for a small group of mens past misdeeds.
Truly love this entire series, you will not be disappointed!
May 20, 2025
I'll admit I do enjoy it when novel-series have characters from previous installments make another guest appearance.
The story was interesting but not too hard to unravel - sort of. I figured out the who pretty quickly and the why but the how (and with who helping) was luckily a bit trickier to untangle.
I am very glad the whole Jess keeping her last name was resolved but it was brought up again at the beginning of the book and it pissed me off, again.
The Billy storyline was frustrating but not unexpected, I mean both Monroe and Bowman weren't spot on but not too far off the mark.
My guess is Joanna will be heading off to join Ellie Reckless' team from the teaser at the end.
The story was interesting but not too hard to unravel - sort of. I figured out the who pretty quickly and the why but the how (and with who helping) was luckily a bit trickier to untangle.
I am very glad the whole Jess keeping her last name was resolved but it was brought up again at the beginning of the book and it pissed me off, again.
The Billy storyline was frustrating but not unexpected, I mean both Monroe and Bowman weren't spot on but not too far off the mark.
My guess is Joanna will be heading off to join Ellie Reckless' team from the teaser at the end.
November 27, 2022
Murder By Mistletoe by Jack Gatland is book 13 in the DI Declan Walsh series. Santa Mick has worn a Santa hat for years and turned up without fail every Sunday night at St Benedicts for a meal. However, this particular Sunday he is definitely not his normal self and then he is found dead. Jack Gatland’s books certainly read like an adventure story, and they are fast-paced and great stories with great characters. Declan’s team, The Last Chance Saloon, are a great mix of characters and they add so much interest. There are several threads to this story, and I was kept on my toes following it along, trying to guess the outcome.
July 8, 2024
Good stories and plot twists but...
I have always liked how I could not guess killer till wnd and the fast pace of the stories. However, I find it's so cringe to have everyone in the same unit paired up. And De Geer with PC Cooper dating is the last straw. I might not read the next book. It was cute with DCI Monroe and Dr. Rosanna Marcos, annoying and superfluous with DI Walsh with a much younger hot Asian Woman. It's like pandering to middle aged men fantasies.
I have always liked how I could not guess killer till wnd and the fast pace of the stories. However, I find it's so cringe to have everyone in the same unit paired up. And De Geer with PC Cooper dating is the last straw. I might not read the next book. It was cute with DCI Monroe and Dr. Rosanna Marcos, annoying and superfluous with DI Walsh with a much younger hot Asian Woman. It's like pandering to middle aged men fantasies.
December 26, 2022
Murder by Mistletoe
Yeah another great read by Jack Gatland. Read all the books in the series and am never disappointed. I love the way the characters have developed along the way. The last chance saloon becoming as much a family as a workplace. Took me some time to work this one out and never really sure until the end . Looking forward to Declan Walsh next outing.
Yeah another great read by Jack Gatland. Read all the books in the series and am never disappointed. I love the way the characters have developed along the way. The last chance saloon becoming as much a family as a workplace. Took me some time to work this one out and never really sure until the end . Looking forward to Declan Walsh next outing.
March 20, 2025
Yeah it's a Christmas setting book but doesn't go overboard on the festivities. A homeless man who wears a santa hat dies on the street and this lead the team to believe it or not 2007 and the looming crash of 08. Decisions made by a group from a mens club that was semi philanthropic set in motion a lot of ruined lives... that's not all.... Billy's lover is accused of murder. Fun read.
April 27, 2025
It’s been a while since I’ve read the previous books, but I definitely wouldn’t have continued on if they had been this bad. The detectives mostly lucked into solving the case, the humor fell flat, and the plot was very Scooby Doo. I tend to cut more slack in believability to holiday mysteries, but even so, I can’t round up to 2 stars. Very disappointed.
November 15, 2025
didn't even finish it. maybe if I had read the previous books in the series I would have, but for me there were just too many references to previous events, which I didn't care about, and couldn't keep up with the various other characters mentioned. I just wanted to know what happened to Santa Mick.
December 27, 2022
Another gripping narrative
Not sure what I like more, the Last Chance Saloon's camaraderie or the interesting challenges they go up against or the realistic characters Jack Gatland creates with his words.
Can't wait for book # 14 and hope there's no end in sight for this series.
Not sure what I like more, the Last Chance Saloon's camaraderie or the interesting challenges they go up against or the realistic characters Jack Gatland creates with his words.
Can't wait for book # 14 and hope there's no end in sight for this series.
January 27, 2023
Entertaining!
Love these books. Declan Walsh has a treasure. Between the gritty streets of England, and his motley crew of the best Police officers, DI’s, computer nerds, are some amazing books!
Love these books. Declan Walsh has a treasure. Between the gritty streets of England, and his motley crew of the best Police officers, DI’s, computer nerds, are some amazing books!
September 11, 2023
The roller coaster of mysteries
This series is rich in history and culture. I’ve found in reading the series there is a lot going on, many characters come into play that take you on ride that’s unbelievable and exciting. Once you start a book you just can’t put it down.
This series is rich in history and culture. I’ve found in reading the series there is a lot going on, many characters come into play that take you on ride that’s unbelievable and exciting. Once you start a book you just can’t put it down.
January 29, 2024
Walsh Christmas
This was my first DI Walsh book. I was a little confused with the characters, but caught on. A lot of action, several plots. This was quite interesting. Different kind if Christmas novel. Enjoyable
This was my first DI Walsh book. I was a little confused with the characters, but caught on. A lot of action, several plots. This was quite interesting. Different kind if Christmas novel. Enjoyable
March 2, 2024
Whilst I enjoyed the plot of this book, there was so much unknown history between the characters, that it took you out of the story for a moment as you pondered the why's. I wish I had read some of the earlier books in the series first. That'll teach me.
February 18, 2025
Always a thriller
And always keeps you guessing to the end. A wonderful book that chops and changes throughout. As I’m working my way though the series I can confirm that book 13 was certainly not unlucky!
And always keeps you guessing to the end. A wonderful book that chops and changes throughout. As I’m working my way though the series I can confirm that book 13 was certainly not unlucky!
May 28, 2025
It’s almost Christmas but all is not merry and bright for the detectives at the Last Chance Saloon. A homeless man dies in the middle of the street and Billy’s boyfriend is missing. A seasonal story with a few twists.
December 16, 2022
Enjoyable
I quite enjoyed Declan and the crew solving the murder mystery. Good book to cozu up with during the winter evenings. Nicely done.
I quite enjoyed Declan and the crew solving the murder mystery. Good book to cozu up with during the winter evenings. Nicely done.
February 12, 2023
Continued success
DI Declan is a natural good hearted human being in a tough game of detecting. His story just keeps on giving and is a must read.
DI Declan is a natural good hearted human being in a tough game of detecting. His story just keeps on giving and is a must read.
April 2, 2023
Brilliant
Another page turning fabulous read. Love how Jess it's becoming more involved. This book has the lot murder mystery and demons. What more could you want from a book
Another page turning fabulous read. Love how Jess it's becoming more involved. This book has the lot murder mystery and demons. What more could you want from a book
August 5, 2024
These seriously just keep getting better and better!!
September 7, 2024
Slow moving story, quirky and dysfunctional main characters, interesting.
September 3, 2025
I liked this one a lot
Two cases and sort of another one, and not far-fetched. A good mix of characters but not too many to keep track of for a change. Motivation was unique.
Two cases and sort of another one, and not far-fetched. A good mix of characters but not too many to keep track of for a change. Motivation was unique.
December 17, 2025
I have read a few of the Declan Walsh series. Each has a different theme but is intertwined with previous books in the series. I like the characters in the books especially grumpy old Munro.
December 17, 2022
Was always the ongoing adventures of the 'last chance Saloon and DCI Boyds is hugely enjoyable , a myriads of plots that conclude satisfyingly.As always Jack Garland raises the bar with each new title.
March 25, 2024
Another great addition to the series. I love the way the characters are developing with each book. Great narration as usual.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews