The Kings Copse Killer

DI Jack Dawes #10

by Frances Lloyd

Married couple Allegra and Brian are found shot dead in their luxurious converted-barn home on the banks of the River Richington.

Detective Inspector Jack Dawes is called to investigate. It seems Brian shot his wife and then turned the shotgun on himself.

Allegra was a hot-shot divorce lawyer, known to sleep around. She always described Brian as her ‘starter marriage’. He was a music teacher whose colleagues refuse to believe he could have done such a heinous thing.

Then disgraced magistrate Felix ‘Butcher’ Barrington is found hanged from a tree in Kings Copse. And forensic evidence connects him to the double murder of the unfortunate couple.

Every time Jack starts thinking he’s cracked this fiendish case, he uncovers a new tangle of secrets and lies. And now fungus hunters have dug out one more secret . . .

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2022

About the author

Frances Lloyd was born in Essex but spent a nomadic childhood being carted between RAF stations until mercifully, she was allowed a crack at a proper education in Cheltenham, studying English and Classics. As an adult, she eventually fetched up in the south west of England but by then, had become something of a wandering minstrel with no physical or spiritual roots apart from work.
Frances has always been a writer. The job that paid the mortgage was in government communications, writing speeches and other parliamentary material for some well-known politicians.

Reviews

[Hearty · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Frances Lloyd has given me so much satisfaction in reading about the exploits of Jack and Corrie and the whole MIT team. My favourite characters are Bugsy and Carlene which shows how well she writes even with the supporting characters. Most of all, there is always something to learn in every book whether it's through the culinary quips or amusing police team banter. I love that throughout, the writer never forgets the feeling of humanity which (to me) inspires moral growth.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good

I always am excited when a new book in this series comes out. The whole team is so carefully designed. Their roles and quirks just so well done. I really like how they all click. Jack is an inspiring Inspector and of course his wife and that whole side of the story that gets woven in so nicely is great fodder and gives the series a very well grounded dimension. I think these books are brilliant and a lovely distraction from life's every day commitments. Read the series in order so you can see how the team goes as well as Jack's wife's business. I'd love to see this as a television series.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Excellent Story

Another excellent story in the Inspector Jack Dawes murder mystery series. Full of the usual great characters and information on the food that his wife prepares in her business. These are more than enough to keep you gripped from start to finish. The style of writing is such that you don't want to put the book down and keep thinking just one more chapter. Hope there are many more to follow.

[Julian Tremayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from Frances Lloyd. I especially like the gruff and humourless Garwood who is more concerned about his career than managing the team properly. As usual Jack Dawes (and his wife Corrie) get to the nub of the issue - in this case involving a past crime for which no obvious solution had been found, until now. On to No. 11
Julian Tremayne, Cromer, Norfolk

[John Keeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved It

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and highly recommend it. It was fairly easy to figure out who did what and why. The reader may or may not agree with the ending but I was fine with it.

[Christiane Ambler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Couldn't put this book down, same for the others. I like all the characters, the D I doesn't have any personal problems, he is very friendly and a great boss, he is happily married! A big happy family and great plots.

[MRS G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series of easy reads.

[Alistair Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read

With so many twists and turns you are kept wondering 'who did it?' So that's why it's a good read.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and keeps you on your toes

[Wendy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love 💕 the characters

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just completed the entire DI Jack Dawes series and loved each and every book.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a story.

This is my first reading of Frances Lloyd,and boy did I enjoy it,from beginning to end it kept me entertained.