What do you think?
Rate this book
DC Smith #7
Time and Tide Lib/E
Change is afoot at Kings Lake Central police station. A most unexpected new detective inspector takes up his post this Monday morning, and the oldest detective in the place takes a momentous decision. Around them, other officers are considering their own situations, and even the building itself seems to be facing an uncertain future. But life and death go on, nevertheless, and by lunchtime someone will make a grim discovery on the Norfolk saltmarshes. A stranger seems to have suffered a slow and agonising death out there. As the team from Kings Lake uncover his story, they reveal another, much older one with its origins far back in the previous century. In the tide that governs the affairs of men, it seems, love and loss, betrayal and revenge are timeless themes. Readers of Colin Dexter, P D James and Ruth Rendell have all found much to enjoy in DC Smith's previous investigations.
Audio CD
First published January 1, 2017
738 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Peter Grainger
47 books863 followersA British author, the writer Peter Grainger is a well known novelist of mystery fiction, largely focused on detective lead investigations. This his been the prime focus for much of his career, as he takes much of his inspiration from that of other infamous British detectives, such as Inspector Morse. The influence is clearly evident here, as he brings his own detective, DC Smith, to life, along with other books as well. Setting his mysteries firmly within the world of British detective fiction it is clear where his tastes lie as an author of his increasingly popular stories, stories that only increase in popularity as time goes on.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
June 13, 2023
Anyone who loves British police procedurals and is a grammar nerd, needs to check out this series. “If Tarek was trying to provoke him, the regular use of such cliches was certainly one way to go about it. But there was nothing, not the slightest acknowledgement of that superbly exhausted phrase… almost as if he’s finally given up trying to single-handedly save the English language from the barbarians.”
This series is infused with a dry humor. My husband is always asking why I’m chuckling when I’m reading a book in this series. This book is no exception.
This time, the story starts as DC Smith has left a letter on DCI Reeve’s desk. And he’s reporting to a new DI. The case involves a dead body found in the salt marshes. The man obviously did not die a natural death.
I adore DC. He doesn’t suffer fools gladly, but he’s always willing to share his wisdom. He’s no fan of modern technology, and he’s a great reminder on the value of good old fashioned policing. I wish he would never retire, but I know from having read a few of the Kings Lane series (and the lack of additional books in this series) that he does.
As with the best police procedurals, all the team needs to be interesting characters. And this meets the bill. Waters continues to grow under Smith’s wing. Serena Butler is as loyal as the day is long, often willing to sacrifice herself to make a point. “ You need all sorts to make a good team, you need an immovable object, a rock like John Murray, you need a sideways thinking daydreamer like Christopher Waters, you need a bundle of impatient static energy like Serena Butler.”
These aren’t fast paced stories, They’re character rich, utterly believable police procedurals. I highly recommend it for fans of Louise Penny and Martin Walker.
Gildart Jackson is the perfect narrator for this series. He totally captures DC.
February 20, 2018
Peter Grainger has created a truly unique detective in D.C. Smith. I have read a LOT of mysteries and detective novels, populated by quite a variety of detectives. Irascible, wise, perceptive, debauched, self-destructive, cynical...they are all fascinating in their way. But D.C. Smith, what a gem. I adore his distrust of all the modern gadgets, his dismay at the way grammar is butchered by his co-workers and suspects alike, the fact that he meditates to keep stress at bay, the way he is able to appreciate beauty in nature. He honors the memory of his late beloved wife and is trying to move on. I find myself laughing aloud at some of his comments. He is simultaneously modern and old-fashioned.
For some reason, all seven of the D.C. Smith books are available through my local public library on audiobook. I have no recollection how I found them, but I really hit the jackpot! I have tried to obtain hard copies of these titles to check if I like them as much on the page but they are impossible to find. They seem to have been published only on Kindle, alas I don't read e-books. So I am at a loss to know how much my enjoyment of these books is attributable to the excellent performance of Gildart Jackson, who is the narrator on all seven D.C. Smith titles.
In Time and Tide, Smith has submitted his resignation letter (this happens at the beginning so I'm not giving anything away). As he works on solving the mystery of who killed a former boxer whose body is found in the swamps, he's also mulling over what he'll do with his retirement, the direction of the modern police force as technology is championed over good old detective work, and what's going to happen to his protegees, Chris Waters and Serena Butler, under the direction of a new boss.
Are there going to be more D.C. Smith books?? Gosh I hope so. Several threads were left flapping in the breeze. That book that his friend Jo is working on about the Andretti case? Jo, herself, as a possible love interest? A son that he never knew existed? I would be perfectly happy to keep reading about D.C. into his retirement and golden years. I'll keep my fingers crossed for some more books in the series, meanwhile will start at the beginning and listen to them all again. They're that good!
For some reason, all seven of the D.C. Smith books are available through my local public library on audiobook. I have no recollection how I found them, but I really hit the jackpot! I have tried to obtain hard copies of these titles to check if I like them as much on the page but they are impossible to find. They seem to have been published only on Kindle, alas I don't read e-books. So I am at a loss to know how much my enjoyment of these books is attributable to the excellent performance of Gildart Jackson, who is the narrator on all seven D.C. Smith titles.
In Time and Tide, Smith has submitted his resignation letter (this happens at the beginning so I'm not giving anything away). As he works on solving the mystery of who killed a former boxer whose body is found in the swamps, he's also mulling over what he'll do with his retirement, the direction of the modern police force as technology is championed over good old detective work, and what's going to happen to his protegees, Chris Waters and Serena Butler, under the direction of a new boss.
Are there going to be more D.C. Smith books?? Gosh I hope so. Several threads were left flapping in the breeze. That book that his friend Jo is working on about the Andretti case? Jo, herself, as a possible love interest? A son that he never knew existed? I would be perfectly happy to keep reading about D.C. into his retirement and golden years. I'll keep my fingers crossed for some more books in the series, meanwhile will start at the beginning and listen to them all again. They're that good!
September 19, 2023
A better effort than, "In this bright Future," in my opinion. To sum it up in a word, the detecting is cunning. 6 of 10 stars
![Profile Image for Terence M [Quot libros, quam breve tempus!].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1712357414i%2F6658001._UY200_CR4%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 17, 2025
4-Glowing-Stars for DC Smith's
Penultimate Police Adventure!
I simply love this series and I am quite sad that it is coming to an end!
RTC, etc, to come...
In the meantime, extracts from my Reading Activity:
"Peter Grainger - DC Smith #7 - Time & Tide"
Audible Direct: 13:29 Hours - Narrator: Gildart Jackson
Commenced: June 5, 2025: Heard: 01:45 Hours - Balance: 11:44 Hours
"This is an enjoyable series, and while definitely a police procedural, DC Smith #7 is a little lighter than the Harry Bosch series that I have been re-reading (re-hearing) over the past several weeks. :)"
June 8, 2025: Heard: 06:44 Hours - Balance: 06:45 Hours
"DC Smith (his initials are DC, he's actually a DS) is a relatively quiet, gentle soul, and an articulate, clever detective. I love this series!"
June 11, 2025: Heard: 10:20 Hours - Balance: 02:49 Hours
"Some may say that the writing in this book is 'drawn-out' and they may be right, but that's NOT my opinion. Grainger's story-telling is splendid, and the dialogue between all the characters and Gildart Jackson's narration, are delightful."
June 15, 2025: Heard 13:28 Hours - Balance: 00:01 Hours
As GR reviewer, Liz, said:"Anyone who loves British police procedurals and is a grammar nerd, needs to check out this series"... "I adore DC. He doesn’t suffer fools gladly, but he’s always willing to share his wisdom."
Very well said, Liz!"
Penultimate Police Adventure!
I simply love this series and I am quite sad that it is coming to an end!
RTC, etc, to come...
In the meantime, extracts from my Reading Activity:
"Peter Grainger - DC Smith #7 - Time & Tide"
Audible Direct: 13:29 Hours - Narrator: Gildart Jackson
Commenced: June 5, 2025: Heard: 01:45 Hours - Balance: 11:44 Hours
"This is an enjoyable series, and while definitely a police procedural, DC Smith #7 is a little lighter than the Harry Bosch series that I have been re-reading (re-hearing) over the past several weeks. :)"
June 8, 2025: Heard: 06:44 Hours - Balance: 06:45 Hours
"DC Smith (his initials are DC, he's actually a DS) is a relatively quiet, gentle soul, and an articulate, clever detective. I love this series!"
June 11, 2025: Heard: 10:20 Hours - Balance: 02:49 Hours
"Some may say that the writing in this book is 'drawn-out' and they may be right, but that's NOT my opinion. Grainger's story-telling is splendid, and the dialogue between all the characters and Gildart Jackson's narration, are delightful."
June 15, 2025: Heard 13:28 Hours - Balance: 00:01 Hours
As GR reviewer, Liz, said:"Anyone who loves British police procedurals and is a grammar nerd, needs to check out this series"... "I adore DC. He doesn’t suffer fools gladly, but he’s always willing to share his wisdom."
Very well said, Liz!"
April 13, 2020
This is a good police procedural in which each member of the team contributes unlike most where only the main character and perhaps his/her sidekick have all the brilliant insights.
And, of course it has the wonderful DC Smith who was once a DCI but got himself demoted to DS while retaining his benefits!
It also contains a good discussion about detectives including:
"Do detectives measure their successes by the lengths of sentences handed down? Of course they do."
And good detectives:
"There is a doggedness about them – a tenacity, something tireless and indefatigable – a willingness to go over the same ground time and again until the scent is found or re-found, and the hunt can go on.
And allied with that, though more crucial to the work that they do, is the ability to think in a remorselessly logical way. This is probably innate. It certainly has nothing to do with formal academic achievements – the quality can lurk undiscovered as much in a bored supermarket cashier or an apprentice electrician as it might in a philosophy graduate. It isn’t pure logic, of course – it is the applied variety that is required, the ability to understand the motivations and to rationalise the strange behaviours of others, allied to an apparently infinite capacity for doubt. A born detective never needs to be told that everybody lies – he or she has always known it."
And, of course it has the wonderful DC Smith who was once a DCI but got himself demoted to DS while retaining his benefits!
It also contains a good discussion about detectives including:
"Do detectives measure their successes by the lengths of sentences handed down? Of course they do."
And good detectives:
"There is a doggedness about them – a tenacity, something tireless and indefatigable – a willingness to go over the same ground time and again until the scent is found or re-found, and the hunt can go on.
And allied with that, though more crucial to the work that they do, is the ability to think in a remorselessly logical way. This is probably innate. It certainly has nothing to do with formal academic achievements – the quality can lurk undiscovered as much in a bored supermarket cashier or an apprentice electrician as it might in a philosophy graduate. It isn’t pure logic, of course – it is the applied variety that is required, the ability to understand the motivations and to rationalise the strange behaviours of others, allied to an apparently infinite capacity for doubt. A born detective never needs to be told that everybody lies – he or she has always known it."
August 9, 2023
This one really has that 'time slipping through our hands' feeling for Smith and that Faulkner quote "The past is never dead. It's not even past." is resonant throughout. Bittersweet goodbyes and new beginnings are in the air.
In that spirit the case is solved by on the page noticeable contributions by the whole squad and the change that's come to Lake is unexpectedly good.
In that spirit the case is solved by on the page noticeable contributions by the whole squad and the change that's come to Lake is unexpectedly good.
May 26, 2023
3.25 stars?? I CAN'T STAND the new DI.
August 6, 2017
I had a nifty review typed up and hit some key combination that erased it entirely. I shall attempt to remember the brilliance of my first draft...but am tempted to just say that I loved the book and skip the typing. It had been almost 1.5 years since I read the #5 DC Smith book, so I was keen to read #6 when I became aware of it. [Incorrect numbering - I had forgotten #6 Rags of Time that I read back in January, whoops! This is #7]
DC Smith is back with his team. He has a new boss (Terek). Reeve is promoted. He has already tendered his letter of resignation with plans to work to the end of the year - a Christmas retirement.
A male body washes up in the Marsh, sited by a tourist on a seal-viewing boat. Smith's team is given their assignments. Arriving at the site, "Smith got out of the car feeling strangely grateful that he had made it one more time to one of Sheila's favourite places. He took a deep breath of the marsh air, which is subtly different to sea air, and thought, next spring I might finally do it - I might finally buy one of those little dinghies and go paddling about all day. I might live my life ruled by the tide and not by the time on someone else's clock."
..."he took down his present Alwych notebook, realising that this one would see him out, leaving three in their cellophane wrappers and wondering what use he might find for them afterwards. He began a new page, as always for a new case, and wrote with a fountain pen filled with his currently favourite ink - Waterman's Intense Black. And, as always the heading was prosaic and factual - 'Barnham Staithe, body of unidentified male', followed by the date."
There are amusing grammatical references throughout the book as Smith works with younger people who depend on their i-Pads and use shortcuts in conversation. He falls into it himself after so much daily exposure: "'So, what are you doing now?' This 'so' thing was proving to be highly contagious."
But then there is the contrast between Smith's ways and methods and the younger crowd. "I accept that I'm not old, not these days, when we're all expected to live to a hundred and three and lead fulfilling lives as well, but I am old-school, Chris. I'm not going to get on board with all the tech stuff, no matter how hard they push it at me. That's Terek's world, and it's yours, but it's not mine."
With the old rivalries and some bitterness between groups, Smith's group gets the job done. It is a very satisfying conclusion and I sincerely hope there will be yet another DC Smith Investigation!
DC Smith is back with his team. He has a new boss (Terek). Reeve is promoted. He has already tendered his letter of resignation with plans to work to the end of the year - a Christmas retirement.
A male body washes up in the Marsh, sited by a tourist on a seal-viewing boat. Smith's team is given their assignments. Arriving at the site, "Smith got out of the car feeling strangely grateful that he had made it one more time to one of Sheila's favourite places. He took a deep breath of the marsh air, which is subtly different to sea air, and thought, next spring I might finally do it - I might finally buy one of those little dinghies and go paddling about all day. I might live my life ruled by the tide and not by the time on someone else's clock."
..."he took down his present Alwych notebook, realising that this one would see him out, leaving three in their cellophane wrappers and wondering what use he might find for them afterwards. He began a new page, as always for a new case, and wrote with a fountain pen filled with his currently favourite ink - Waterman's Intense Black. And, as always the heading was prosaic and factual - 'Barnham Staithe, body of unidentified male', followed by the date."
There are amusing grammatical references throughout the book as Smith works with younger people who depend on their i-Pads and use shortcuts in conversation. He falls into it himself after so much daily exposure: "'So, what are you doing now?' This 'so' thing was proving to be highly contagious."
But then there is the contrast between Smith's ways and methods and the younger crowd. "I accept that I'm not old, not these days, when we're all expected to live to a hundred and three and lead fulfilling lives as well, but I am old-school, Chris. I'm not going to get on board with all the tech stuff, no matter how hard they push it at me. That's Terek's world, and it's yours, but it's not mine."
With the old rivalries and some bitterness between groups, Smith's group gets the job done. It is a very satisfying conclusion and I sincerely hope there will be yet another DC Smith Investigation!
August 5, 2017
FANTASTIC SERIES
While these books can be read as stand-alones, I HIGHLY recommend that you start at the beginning. There are only 7 books and each is a joy to read.
This is one of finest detective series I have read in more than 40+ years. The writing is clever, smart, devoid of sexual content/filthy language.
DC Smith is smart, well mannered even to the criminals which tends to throw them off their game. His team is smart and loyal to a fault, but after 30+ years, this is his last case and they'll have to make some serious career choices all while trying to catch a killer.
THIS ISN'T A BEACH READ OR A BEDTIME READ (can't put it down).
I'm going to really miss this series, the characters are so well written, it's hard not to wonder what happened to them.
While these books can be read as stand-alones, I HIGHLY recommend that you start at the beginning. There are only 7 books and each is a joy to read.
This is one of finest detective series I have read in more than 40+ years. The writing is clever, smart, devoid of sexual content/filthy language.
DC Smith is smart, well mannered even to the criminals which tends to throw them off their game. His team is smart and loyal to a fault, but after 30+ years, this is his last case and they'll have to make some serious career choices all while trying to catch a killer.
THIS ISN'T A BEACH READ OR A BEDTIME READ (can't put it down).
I'm going to really miss this series, the characters are so well written, it's hard not to wonder what happened to them.
May 2, 2025
2025: still 4 stars.
2022: 4* Repeat listen. Extra: an older woman reflects on the heartache of not being able to have children after a backstreet abortion.
2020: 4* Repeat listen.
I still think it’s a shame that Grainger sees the need to have Waters in a run of flash-in-the-pan relationships in this series; a new book inevitably seems to introduce a next new girlfriend or a relationship ending:
2018: 3*
2022: 4* Repeat listen. Extra: an older woman reflects on the heartache of not being able to have children after a backstreet abortion.
2020: 4* Repeat listen.
I still think it’s a shame that Grainger sees the need to have Waters in a run of flash-in-the-pan relationships in this series; a new book inevitably seems to introduce a next new girlfriend or a relationship ending:
2018: 3*
August 13, 2017
Time and Tide takes the long way 'round, passing thru the 60's music scene [again], before finally solving the murder, which takes several coincidences, one illegal maneuver, a last minute eye-witness, and a lot of luck. But solving the murder doesn't seem to be the raison d'être of T&T anyway. The purpose seems to be to leave every one, and everything, up in the air. Hardly a novel ploy, just never a welcome one.
March 27, 2025
Did it keep my interest? 4.5. My favorite detective stays on top.
Did I enjoy the topic? 4 This murder was methodically figured out by DC Smith and his team. Smith is starting to let his team fly on their own, which is lovely and sad at 9nce.
Was the dialogue realistic? 4.5. I love how after seven books DC Smith’s team is starting to talk and act like him. Not just their dogged, intelligent police work, but in the way they share wisecracks and insults.
Smith is a stickler for using proper language and he admonishes his team for starting thoughts with ‘So….’. Later in the book Smith starts saying it to and he gets so mad himself. These silly little asides make these books so lovely.
Would I recommend to Jen (smart, discerning reader)? 5. I wonder why you can’t get these books in print? I wanted to send them to Jen’s mom, who I know would like them.
Would I have recommended to my Mom (read for entertainment)? 5. I wonder if I could have gotten Mom to listen to the audio version? Which is also what I’m thinking about for Jen’s mom. We head to Texas to visit her in a few months, I’ll see if I can get her on Libby.
Quality of narrator? 5. Gildart Jackson. This is my 7th of his DC Smith and I’m running out of new factoids about him. How about this… he was in the movie When Billie Beat Bobby starring Holly Hunter as Billie Jean King.
Did I enjoy the topic? 4 This murder was methodically figured out by DC Smith and his team. Smith is starting to let his team fly on their own, which is lovely and sad at 9nce.
Was the dialogue realistic? 4.5. I love how after seven books DC Smith’s team is starting to talk and act like him. Not just their dogged, intelligent police work, but in the way they share wisecracks and insults.
Smith is a stickler for using proper language and he admonishes his team for starting thoughts with ‘So….’. Later in the book Smith starts saying it to and he gets so mad himself. These silly little asides make these books so lovely.
Would I recommend to Jen (smart, discerning reader)? 5. I wonder why you can’t get these books in print? I wanted to send them to Jen’s mom, who I know would like them.
Would I have recommended to my Mom (read for entertainment)? 5. I wonder if I could have gotten Mom to listen to the audio version? Which is also what I’m thinking about for Jen’s mom. We head to Texas to visit her in a few months, I’ll see if I can get her on Libby.
Quality of narrator? 5. Gildart Jackson. This is my 7th of his DC Smith and I’m running out of new factoids about him. How about this… he was in the movie When Billie Beat Bobby starring Holly Hunter as Billie Jean King.
October 14, 2023
4.25 Stars
My Notes: This series is getting better.... will continue listening
My Notes: This series is getting better.... will continue listening
November 2, 2017
Peter Grainger's series of DC Smith detective novels are excellent, very much worth buying and reading. I rank him as one of my five top crime writers, and I read hundreds of them. So why the four stars? In truth, all the DC Smith books deserve five stars, they are that good and that much better than others. But Grainger uses a strange device that I can't get past. He depicts DC Smith as an old man, aging, nearly decrepit, always worrying about losing his grip on things as he slides into very old age. But he is fifty-five! Those traits may apply to Smith in another ten or twelve years, but a fifty-five year old is in his prime. I speak from deep experience.
There is another problem with this particular Smith book that by no means hurts it fatally. In fact I wouldn't have mentioned it except that the mistake is so antithetical to Detective Smith's own nature that it grates. Grainger has created a detective who values accuracy, competence, always checking and rechecking his facts. This value permeates the book. But Grainger has used the wrong name for one of the perps - four times he uses another (minor) character's name instead of the right one. That causes confusion - why would a writer who builds a character on the value of carefulness let himself be sloppy? I certainly spot many mistakes in ebooks. But I found it disconcerting here because I like DC Smith so much.
There is another problem with this particular Smith book that by no means hurts it fatally. In fact I wouldn't have mentioned it except that the mistake is so antithetical to Detective Smith's own nature that it grates. Grainger has created a detective who values accuracy, competence, always checking and rechecking his facts. This value permeates the book. But Grainger has used the wrong name for one of the perps - four times he uses another (minor) character's name instead of the right one. That causes confusion - why would a writer who builds a character on the value of carefulness let himself be sloppy? I certainly spot many mistakes in ebooks. But I found it disconcerting here because I like DC Smith so much.
January 9, 2023
A very good read. A body is found in the sea which brings D.C. Smith and his team to the coastal resort town on England's East Coast. Action centres mainly about the village pub and it's landlord, and includes the lady who lives in the flat above who was once a famous pop star. Inquiries extend to London where former associates of the pop star are believed to be involved in the murder. The book includes a great deal about police interviewing techniques which I found very interesting.
December 3, 2022
I highly recommend the DC Smith series by Peter Grainger - it is absolutely my favorite British crime procedural. The narrator is excellent and the characters are well drawn. This was another good one, not my absolute favorite in the series, but excellent nonetheless.
April 29, 2018
Another delightful DC Smith book. I haven't gotten tired of these yet! Sadly, I am all caught up.
January 28, 2025
Last DC Smith. I wish it wasn’t so. Can’t think of any modern detective writer who equals Peter Grainger. He’s in the same category as authors like Dorothy Sayers, Josephine Tey and Marjorie Allingham. (How come these are all women?) Like Peter Grainger, their main focus is the character; the story writes itself.
January 4, 2024
Good story. A bit to slow.
December 8, 2023
D C Smith is an interesting and entertaining character. This book had a transitional theme to it. The mystery was interesting but a little sad. If you have enjoyed others in this series you will like this one.
October 16, 2023
Oh no. The book starts with Sargent Smith resigning in a few months. While you can golfers like the more developed characters should move on, I am not ready for this intricate police procedural to end soon. We are left hanging at the end of this one. Perhaps the next case will be his last!
April 28, 2024
I have enjoyed this series. I didn't read them in order, but I didn't have any difficulties. They stand alone on their own well enough.
June 3, 2024
I just love this series DC is an absolute star a great character i would thoroughly recommend
August 13, 2017
DC Retires?
I have bought and read each DC book and all are fantastic reads of a Detective in his mid 50. He handed in the resignation and now a dead body is found floating in the quay. He needs to care for his staff members and make sure the new mgmt see their strength while solving perhaps his last case. Say it isn't so.
I have bought and read each DC book and all are fantastic reads of a Detective in his mid 50. He handed in the resignation and now a dead body is found floating in the quay. He needs to care for his staff members and make sure the new mgmt see their strength while solving perhaps his last case. Say it isn't so.
June 26, 2022
I had 4 of the DC Smith series in the hopper -- ## 4, 5, 6, and 7 – and read them back-to-back over three days. This is an excellent crime/detective/thriller series. D.C. Smith is a Detective Sergeant on a British police force near Norfolk. Before the start of the series, he had been a Detective Inspector but asked to move back a level to Detective Sergeant because he wanted to be in the field. He’s one of two Detective Sergeant’s under DI Reeves, a woman whom he had trained. Smith is past the age when he could retire with a full pension, but he likes his job.
I've put the summaries of the other three in spoilers.
In #7, things are changing. Reeves has been promoted and a new DI hired – the investigator who put him on the suspect list in #4. Smith decides to retire. He tells his team and works to get them recognized by the new DI. The case involves a body plucked from the water by a tourist boat in the rural area of the district. The new DI and Smith are the first at the scene. After some initial tentativeness, the new DI recognizes Smith’s value and how well-trained his team is.
Smith’s team and others at the King’s Lake precinct are always present in these books. They are all interesting characters. The reader sometimes gets the story from one of their points of view. Also, in these four books, Smith, a widower of five years, starts a tentative relationship with a younger woman.
I've put the summaries of the other three in spoilers.
In #7, things are changing. Reeves has been promoted and a new DI hired – the investigator who put him on the suspect list in #4. Smith decides to retire. He tells his team and works to get them recognized by the new DI. The case involves a body plucked from the water by a tourist boat in the rural area of the district. The new DI and Smith are the first at the scene. After some initial tentativeness, the new DI recognizes Smith’s value and how well-trained his team is.
Smith’s team and others at the King’s Lake precinct are always present in these books. They are all interesting characters. The reader sometimes gets the story from one of their points of view. Also, in these four books, Smith, a widower of five years, starts a tentative relationship with a younger woman.
September 18, 2017
Time and tide waits for no man or in this case change In the form of a new DI, technology and the modern face of policing. DS DC Smith feels unwilling to make more adjustments and has handed in his request for retirement but it seems there is one last case for him before he goes. A body is found floating in the sea off Barnham Staithe in North Norfolk. With no identification the Kings Oake team have their work cut out to find out who he is and how he ended up dead.
I thoroughly enjoyed Time and Tide which is the seventh novel in this excellent series. It is a straightforward police procedural in the best sense. The team start with a body and methodically work the detail until they find a solution. It's not glamorous but it's incredibly well plotted with several red herrings and blind alleys to keep the reader guessing. It also seems very realistic with the brass getting excited when "names" may be connected and the team just plodding on.
The novel would not be as good without the inspired creation of DC Smith. Although the novel is a third person narrative it all revolves around him, his thoughts and actions. He is a Machiavellian character who always seems to get his own way, not in a bad sense as he has a wealth of experience to call on which trumps his superior officers' modern procedural ways. "Managing up" he calls it. He also has a nice line in natural, dry humour which lightens the read. It is also heartwarming to see the loyalty he engenders in his team and the trouble he can cause his superiors and suspects if the situation requires it.
I would be sad to see the end of the series if that is what Mr Grainger intends as every novel has been a joy to read, nicely balancing the personal with clever, absorbing plots and excellent characters who, by now, feel like old friends. I have no hesitation in recommending Time and Tide as a great read.
I thoroughly enjoyed Time and Tide which is the seventh novel in this excellent series. It is a straightforward police procedural in the best sense. The team start with a body and methodically work the detail until they find a solution. It's not glamorous but it's incredibly well plotted with several red herrings and blind alleys to keep the reader guessing. It also seems very realistic with the brass getting excited when "names" may be connected and the team just plodding on.
The novel would not be as good without the inspired creation of DC Smith. Although the novel is a third person narrative it all revolves around him, his thoughts and actions. He is a Machiavellian character who always seems to get his own way, not in a bad sense as he has a wealth of experience to call on which trumps his superior officers' modern procedural ways. "Managing up" he calls it. He also has a nice line in natural, dry humour which lightens the read. It is also heartwarming to see the loyalty he engenders in his team and the trouble he can cause his superiors and suspects if the situation requires it.
I would be sad to see the end of the series if that is what Mr Grainger intends as every novel has been a joy to read, nicely balancing the personal with clever, absorbing plots and excellent characters who, by now, feel like old friends. I have no hesitation in recommending Time and Tide as a great read.
October 24, 2017
DC Smith, like time and tide, waits for no one
If you appreciate a good mystery series, you’ll delight in Peter Grainger’s DC Smith series. An ex-Detective Chief Inspector, DC Smith (his initials, not rank) has taken a cut in rank and responsibilities but no step back on crime solving.
Smith is an interesting character whose nuances unfold across the series. He’s an excellent leader and it’s great fun to watch him develop his team’s skills. These mysteries always fascinate, leading me to google certain terms, cultural practices and even history. (As an American, I needed more background on 1970’s Ireland while reading “In This Bright Future”.) The reader (me) wanting to be that involved with the storyline is a sign of outstanding writing.
Grainger gives Smith a wonderfully dry sense of humor, surprising talents, and a plausible work environment and cases. If this book hails the end of the series, I will truly miss the gang at Kings Lake. Especially Smith. If you haven’t read the series, you should!
If you appreciate a good mystery series, you’ll delight in Peter Grainger’s DC Smith series. An ex-Detective Chief Inspector, DC Smith (his initials, not rank) has taken a cut in rank and responsibilities but no step back on crime solving.
Smith is an interesting character whose nuances unfold across the series. He’s an excellent leader and it’s great fun to watch him develop his team’s skills. These mysteries always fascinate, leading me to google certain terms, cultural practices and even history. (As an American, I needed more background on 1970’s Ireland while reading “In This Bright Future”.) The reader (me) wanting to be that involved with the storyline is a sign of outstanding writing.
Grainger gives Smith a wonderfully dry sense of humor, surprising talents, and a plausible work environment and cases. If this book hails the end of the series, I will truly miss the gang at Kings Lake. Especially Smith. If you haven’t read the series, you should!
October 24, 2020
Sgt. DC Smith at his finest!
DC once again demonstrates his skills as a Detective Sergeant. Methodical, disciplined, and dogged, he emulates what a seasoned CID man should be. A very good police procedural that keeps us wanting more. Mr. Grainger’s writing is superb as is his character development. This is not a novel with shootings, muggings, sex, or gratuitous violence. It is, however, a breath of fresh air away from all that, which lets you escape to a world of criminal investigation that immerses and fully entertains you. Isn’t that the whole point of reading fiction?
DC once again demonstrates his skills as a Detective Sergeant. Methodical, disciplined, and dogged, he emulates what a seasoned CID man should be. A very good police procedural that keeps us wanting more. Mr. Grainger’s writing is superb as is his character development. This is not a novel with shootings, muggings, sex, or gratuitous violence. It is, however, a breath of fresh air away from all that, which lets you escape to a world of criminal investigation that immerses and fully entertains you. Isn’t that the whole point of reading fiction?
October 24, 2017
an extremely well written and entertaining book but the plot is not very exciting
December 10, 2021
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S TIME AND TIDE ABOUT?
A new DI has been named at King's Lake—and it's a person we've run into before—and it's a bridge too far for DC Smith. He's been thinking about retiring since the first book, and that thought's been getting louder. He'd probably stick it out for a little longer if not for this new boss, but...so he turns in his papers and starts to prepare to leave.
But first, there's a murder to solve. Smith sets out for what's likely the last time with his team and their new DI to solve the case of a suspected figure in organized crime being murdered in a small tourist town.
Everyone tries to treat this as just a typical investigation, but the specter of Smith's retirement looms over everything. This is Smith's last chance to impart his training on his team—Chris Waters in particular. Waters is doing his best to prove to his mentor that he's ready to fly solo (all the while trying to soak up anything he can). Smith's also busy trying to put his team in the best positions for their career—even if their immediate future is under the DI that led him to resign.
Also, he should probably figure out what he's going to do when he doesn't have a job anymore.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT TIME AND TIDE?
So, I know there are more books in the series, which takes a little sting out of it, but I wasn't ready for Smith to leave Kings Lake.
I thought the story meandered a bit more than I'm used to, but it worked. It felt appropriate for the time. It's not just Smith's upcoming retirement, there's a lot about changing of times, former careers/lives, the past defining people, and so on. It's probably the most obvious that Grainger's been about matching the themes of the plotlines, but I'm not going to complain.
Like I said, I know there are more books to come in the series, so it's not an ending—or really the beginning of the end—it's a transition novel. Things are going to change, and while I'm not necessarily a fan of change, I'm betting that Grainger's going to pull it off. He's doing so already.
On top of that, we get the typical wise and witty Smith with his very capable team unearthing secrets, and making sure the truth is revealed. Narrated by the man who continues to make these characters come to life and elevates the already well-written text. You really can't go wrong with this series.
---
WHAT'S TIME AND TIDE ABOUT?
A new DI has been named at King's Lake—and it's a person we've run into before—and it's a bridge too far for DC Smith. He's been thinking about retiring since the first book, and that thought's been getting louder. He'd probably stick it out for a little longer if not for this new boss, but...so he turns in his papers and starts to prepare to leave.
But first, there's a murder to solve. Smith sets out for what's likely the last time with his team and their new DI to solve the case of a suspected figure in organized crime being murdered in a small tourist town.
Everyone tries to treat this as just a typical investigation, but the specter of Smith's retirement looms over everything. This is Smith's last chance to impart his training on his team—Chris Waters in particular. Waters is doing his best to prove to his mentor that he's ready to fly solo (all the while trying to soak up anything he can). Smith's also busy trying to put his team in the best positions for their career—even if their immediate future is under the DI that led him to resign.
Also, he should probably figure out what he's going to do when he doesn't have a job anymore.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT TIME AND TIDE?
So, I know there are more books in the series, which takes a little sting out of it, but I wasn't ready for Smith to leave Kings Lake.
I thought the story meandered a bit more than I'm used to, but it worked. It felt appropriate for the time. It's not just Smith's upcoming retirement, there's a lot about changing of times, former careers/lives, the past defining people, and so on. It's probably the most obvious that Grainger's been about matching the themes of the plotlines, but I'm not going to complain.
Like I said, I know there are more books to come in the series, so it's not an ending—or really the beginning of the end—it's a transition novel. Things are going to change, and while I'm not necessarily a fan of change, I'm betting that Grainger's going to pull it off. He's doing so already.
On top of that, we get the typical wise and witty Smith with his very capable team unearthing secrets, and making sure the truth is revealed. Narrated by the man who continues to make these characters come to life and elevates the already well-written text. You really can't go wrong with this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews