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Detective Inspector Declan Walsh #10
Heavy Is the Crown
To be the king - you need to kill the king. When East-End gangster and 'frenemy' to the Last Chance Saloon , Johnny Lucas, is accused of murdering a London gangland rival in his boxing club, he claims his brother was the killer. The only problem though is that his brother, Jackie, is actually Johnny's multiple personality. Pulled in to prove the case, DI Declan Walsh and his team soon realise that Johnny might be as innocent as he claims, as a new player is in town, claiming to be Johnny's brother Jackie in the flesh, a man who shouldn't exist yet can prove he does, is starting to carve out his own empire. And as old foes appear with their own agendas against Declan, and as Central London becomes a criminal warzone not seen since the days of the Krays and the Richardsons , Declan finds himself facing a criminal mastermind with more than power on their mind... ...and Declan is the next pawn to be taken off the board... The tenth book in a series of procedural crime thrillers by #1 New York Times bestselling writer Tony Lee writing as Jack Gatland, Heavy Is The Crown is perfect for fans of J.D Kirk, L.J Ross, Ian Rankin, Rachel McLean, Alex Smith, David Gatward and Ann Cleeves, among others.
388 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2022
1355 people are currently reading
155 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 10, 2024
The Last Chance Saloon Back in the saddle!
Declan and team learn of a murder at the Boxing club, A Murder and abduction from club operated by a wannabe gangster, and all of it points to Jackie/Johnny Lucas. But how could it be Jackie, everyone knows Johnny uses Jackie as an alter-ego? But somehow, Jackie is back in the flesh, ready to take back what is rightfully his.
Johnny arrested and in custody for murder of a kidnapped club owner, Jackie out running a muck, and this club owner is the nephew of a Gang leader, the Tsangs, also brothers.
Heavy Is The Crown is a fast paced who done it, rival gangs at war, money that has been making money since the London Olympics, 5 members, all of which have targets on their heads or already dead, and others wanting their cut of the money as well as their piece of London.
Can Monroe, Declan, Billy, Dr. Marcos, Degeer and Jess work out all that does not appear to be true in time to save London from this bloody war?
Declan and team learn of a murder at the Boxing club, A Murder and abduction from club operated by a wannabe gangster, and all of it points to Jackie/Johnny Lucas. But how could it be Jackie, everyone knows Johnny uses Jackie as an alter-ego? But somehow, Jackie is back in the flesh, ready to take back what is rightfully his.
Johnny arrested and in custody for murder of a kidnapped club owner, Jackie out running a muck, and this club owner is the nephew of a Gang leader, the Tsangs, also brothers.
Heavy Is The Crown is a fast paced who done it, rival gangs at war, money that has been making money since the London Olympics, 5 members, all of which have targets on their heads or already dead, and others wanting their cut of the money as well as their piece of London.
Can Monroe, Declan, Billy, Dr. Marcos, Degeer and Jess work out all that does not appear to be true in time to save London from this bloody war?
August 14, 2024
Decent, but I would place it in the lower half of the series over all.
April 30, 2022
Great fun
Great development from the previous books. Good characters and plenty of surprises. Jack Gatland doesn't let us down. Each book keeps getting better.
Great development from the previous books. Good characters and plenty of surprises. Jack Gatland doesn't let us down. Each book keeps getting better.
April 25, 2022
Gang Warfare
Another cracking story from our Declan and his team which started out with lots of twists and turns but it finally started to make sense and we were enthralled with the outcome. As per usual at least don't have to wait too long for the next book.
Another cracking story from our Declan and his team which started out with lots of twists and turns but it finally started to make sense and we were enthralled with the outcome. As per usual at least don't have to wait too long for the next book.
April 26, 2022
All hail The Last Chance Saloon!
What a good story..full of twists and unexpected happenings. Read in one sitting. I like that Jess is in this book too.
What a good story..full of twists and unexpected happenings. Read in one sitting. I like that Jess is in this book too.
April 6, 2022
Heavy is the Crown is book 10 in the DI Declan Walsh series by Jack Gatland and is published on 24 April. It is available to pre-order. This book starts with a bang as Jeffrey Tsang, heir to one of the gangs of West London is abducted. This action could lead to a blood-bath as gangs retaliate. It is a ripper of a yarn with an intricate storyline. It keeps you engrossed as you try to unravel the complexities of the case, with its many layers and characters. When you think you have a handle on what is going on, something happens to send you in a different direction. Love the characters of the Last Chance Saloon and love reading this series to see what they are up to next. Would highly recommend.
April 28, 2025
I've accepted that DI Declan Walsh and his Last Chance Saloon definitely find themselves in far-fetched scenarios, but I have grown to love these characters that I'll overlook this minor issue, lol .
Early on in the novel, Jess and Declan meet up with that dude who's name is have forgotten but works with Declan and dating Liz. Anyway, this guy is going to propose and Declan and Jess are there to help? Jess I can see but Declan. There's some early pressure for Walsh to take things to the next level with Angli but he's not ready.
The oddest transaction I've ever come across in any novel ever occurs during this scene.
Background info:
Jess is 16 years old, a 6th former (as an American, I have deduced this to basically be her Junior and Senior years of HS). She is super close to her dad.
Ok, so Declan and the DCI dude dating Liz are chatting. Declan says to him to allow Jess to consider changing her last name (to the stepdad's name) and not pressure her basically to stop being a Walsh.
I have SO MANY issues with this absolutely irrelevant to the story conversation.
Why would Jess even remotely consider changing her last name to her mom's new husband with will not be a stepdad in the same sense if Jess, were, say 8 years old.
No father would be so casual about this. Not one with the type of relationship he has with his daughter. Why would he even bring this up in a way that makes it sound like he'd be ok if Jess forsook her last name for this new bloke.
Jess has been very clear in her future career path. She's going to be a copper, like her dad and her grandfather, the name Walsh for good or bad, does mean something that way.
There is absolutely no reason at all in any legal, moral, ethical, etc etc way for her to do this. She's not being adopted by this dude.
As a divorced single parent who is from divorced parents, this made no sense and infuriated me. Apparently I have issues. But it stopped from from reading for several hours, my brain just fixated on this and what the point of this was.
I think is an editing error, otherwise a major blow to policing skills: When Cooper and De'Ger (I think it was them) arrive at the apartment they think is Cheryl's and find Paul there, the actual flat owner, Cooper (or was it Davey, grr, I should have take better notes) comment once inside and they spy his luggage that the tags have Czech Republic on them, but he says he's just back from Madrid. It's odd to have her comment on CZ tags and then not question his saying he's back from Madrid.
Jess, a 16 year old minor being involved in these cases is the biggest reality suspension but it is fun. Loved her quip about it always being the daughters...you'll just have to read it to understand it but it was funny....and true.
When I was looking up the next book in this series (a few books ago), saw there's another series that focuses on Tom Marlowe, who has popped into several of the earlier Walsh books, realizing it was a spinoff series. Noticed there was another series, but I didn't recognize the name and promptly forgot it.
When the name Ellie Reckless was mentioned, something began needling in the back of my mind, as Declan and Monroe experience so often, but I let it go. I loved this character instantly and was afraid she was going to be a bad guy, then I saw she has her own series and she's not a bad egg. I absolutely love her character.
I truly did not want Johnny to be dead, I love his bad guy character so much.
Early on in the novel, Jess and Declan meet up with that dude who's name is have forgotten but works with Declan and dating Liz. Anyway, this guy is going to propose and Declan and Jess are there to help? Jess I can see but Declan. There's some early pressure for Walsh to take things to the next level with Angli but he's not ready.
The oddest transaction I've ever come across in any novel ever occurs during this scene.
Background info:
Jess is 16 years old, a 6th former (as an American, I have deduced this to basically be her Junior and Senior years of HS). She is super close to her dad.
Ok, so Declan and the DCI dude dating Liz are chatting. Declan says to him to allow Jess to consider changing her last name (to the stepdad's name) and not pressure her basically to stop being a Walsh.
I have SO MANY issues with this absolutely irrelevant to the story conversation.
Why would Jess even remotely consider changing her last name to her mom's new husband with will not be a stepdad in the same sense if Jess, were, say 8 years old.
No father would be so casual about this. Not one with the type of relationship he has with his daughter. Why would he even bring this up in a way that makes it sound like he'd be ok if Jess forsook her last name for this new bloke.
Jess has been very clear in her future career path. She's going to be a copper, like her dad and her grandfather, the name Walsh for good or bad, does mean something that way.
There is absolutely no reason at all in any legal, moral, ethical, etc etc way for her to do this. She's not being adopted by this dude.
As a divorced single parent who is from divorced parents, this made no sense and infuriated me. Apparently I have issues. But it stopped from from reading for several hours, my brain just fixated on this and what the point of this was.
I think is an editing error, otherwise a major blow to policing skills: When Cooper and De'Ger (I think it was them) arrive at the apartment they think is Cheryl's and find Paul there, the actual flat owner, Cooper (or was it Davey, grr, I should have take better notes) comment once inside and they spy his luggage that the tags have Czech Republic on them, but he says he's just back from Madrid. It's odd to have her comment on CZ tags and then not question his saying he's back from Madrid.
Jess, a 16 year old minor being involved in these cases is the biggest reality suspension but it is fun. Loved her quip about it always being the daughters...you'll just have to read it to understand it but it was funny....and true.
When I was looking up the next book in this series (a few books ago), saw there's another series that focuses on Tom Marlowe, who has popped into several of the earlier Walsh books, realizing it was a spinoff series. Noticed there was another series, but I didn't recognize the name and promptly forgot it.
When the name Ellie Reckless was mentioned, something began needling in the back of my mind, as Declan and Monroe experience so often, but I let it go. I loved this character instantly and was afraid she was going to be a bad guy, then I saw she has her own series and she's not a bad egg. I absolutely love her character.
I truly did not want Johnny to be dead, I love his bad guy character so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2025
I’ve enjoyed every Gatland book up to this one. It’s still entertaining and interesting but I felt as if the author was going far out of his way to make the plot so complicated that it requires many chapters of explanations to pull the threads together. It’s like the Agatha Christie device to bring all the players into a room for the great detective to unpick the plot and finger the villain(s), only taken to mind-numbing extremes.
This book features familiar characters and deals with underworld gangs operating in London so there’s some continuity from earlier books but, again, it’s way too complicated, even if it is interesting to finally understand how the “twins” came to be the twins.
DI Declan Walsh and his team are good and the ending is somewhat satisfactory but I shouldn’t need to keep a spreadsheet or index cards to make sense of the plot.
Too much work and too little reward . . . .
This book features familiar characters and deals with underworld gangs operating in London so there’s some continuity from earlier books but, again, it’s way too complicated, even if it is interesting to finally understand how the “twins” came to be the twins.
DI Declan Walsh and his team are good and the ending is somewhat satisfactory but I shouldn’t need to keep a spreadsheet or index cards to make sense of the plot.
Too much work and too little reward . . . .
September 5, 2022
One thing about Jack Gatland books is that once started they are extremely hard to put down. Coupled with the fact that they are certainly not a quick and easy read – with complex and thrilling plots that rush along at breakneck speed – they are certainly worth getting stuck into. This one was no exception, focusing on a huge gangland war that threatens to change the face of the city of London and the future of the Last Chance Saloon. There are murders, kidnapping and twists galore that keep you turning the page well into the night. The fast-paced action steps up a notch towards the end and it’s certainly a finish that you will not see coming. The main thing that surprised me about this was that I didn't realise just how much I actually liked Johnnie Lucas!
Keeping bringing us these excellent books Mr Gatland – they are like fine wines that get better with every volume.
Keeping bringing us these excellent books Mr Gatland – they are like fine wines that get better with every volume.
June 7, 2022
A cracking read, Jack Gatland has again written a thrilling thriller/police procedural, with characters who are both real and having read all his DCI Walsh books, the backstories from previous in the series, are interwoven in this book, but you can still frerad it as a standalone (although I recommend all of them)
This book revolves around a joint financial alliance between all the OC's firms in London and a cunning plan, thwarted eventually by the Last Chance saloon squad led by Boyd and this time his 15 year old daughter.The villains have all appeared in previous books, but this time there is a consortium and a succession plot.
It is a perfect read by a pool on Holiday!
This book revolves around a joint financial alliance between all the OC's firms in London and a cunning plan, thwarted eventually by the Last Chance saloon squad led by Boyd and this time his 15 year old daughter.The villains have all appeared in previous books, but this time there is a consortium and a succession plot.
It is a perfect read by a pool on Holiday!
October 4, 2023
The ridiculous idea that Walsh's 16 year old daughter would be allowed, not only into the control room with access to their computer systems, but also go out onto the streets with members of the squad totally undermines the story. Bad enough anyway, but the fact that she nearly got killed in the previous book makes the premise worse.
It's a shame because the plot itself probably deserved 4* or I would have given it only 2*
It's a shame because the plot itself probably deserved 4* or I would have given it only 2*
May 8, 2022
twist after twist
If you enjoy the split personality Johnny/Jackie Lucas storyline you’ll like this book. Anjali and Declan continue to explore their relationship with the addition of his daughter Jess, secrets from Dr Marcos’ past emerge, De’Geer continues to inspire urban legends about a Viking avenger, and Billy is still the best dressed cop on the force.
If you enjoy the split personality Johnny/Jackie Lucas storyline you’ll like this book. Anjali and Declan continue to explore their relationship with the addition of his daughter Jess, secrets from Dr Marcos’ past emerge, De’Geer continues to inspire urban legends about a Viking avenger, and Billy is still the best dressed cop on the force.
May 19, 2022
Heavy is the Crown
Wow , arresting Jackie and Johnnie Lucas, I didn't see that coming , and who exactly was going to turn up for the police interview. I greatly enjoyed the twisting turning story of the gang lords and ladies of London. Declan and the last chance saloon were on great form.
Wow , arresting Jackie and Johnnie Lucas, I didn't see that coming , and who exactly was going to turn up for the police interview. I greatly enjoyed the twisting turning story of the gang lords and ladies of London. Declan and the last chance saloon were on great form.
May 28, 2022
4.75/5⭐
Up to this point: Absolutely the best book in this series. This is the kind of Gangster/Detective novel I was expecting with book 2 (Murder of Angels), not that one disappointed, it was very good. That being said this was definitely the better of the 2 books where the "Lucas Twins" play a bigger role.
Up to this point: Absolutely the best book in this series. This is the kind of Gangster/Detective novel I was expecting with book 2 (Murder of Angels), not that one disappointed, it was very good. That being said this was definitely the better of the 2 books where the "Lucas Twins" play a bigger role.
November 19, 2025
Lots of politics among the London gangs, with Walsh and the crew in the middle trying to prevent it from breaking out into a war. An interesting sidelight is that Jess, Decla's daughter, began to play a bigger role, and Ellie Reckless, the main character in another Gatland series, was introduced. It was the first time that the two series intersected.
May 10, 2022
A war is started
The rival factions come to loggerheads only for the team to put a spanner in the works. As a result the existence of the Twins comes to an end and Jess follows in Walsh's footsteps.
The rival factions come to loggerheads only for the team to put a spanner in the works. As a result the existence of the Twins comes to an end and Jess follows in Walsh's footsteps.
May 13, 2022
another great plot
This book not only was one of the best so far, but I was surprised I was actually rooting for one of the villains! More twists & turns to the last chapter kept you guessing the ending.
This book not only was one of the best so far, but I was surprised I was actually rooting for one of the villains! More twists & turns to the last chapter kept you guessing the ending.
June 5, 2022
Another fast paced complex thriller to keep you hooked
Triads, kidnappings and murder, there's a lot going on in this detective thriller. The underworld have their own games to play, and they're not pretty
Triads, kidnappings and murder, there's a lot going on in this detective thriller. The underworld have their own games to play, and they're not pretty
February 27, 2023
Fab
Totally brilliant from start to finish. Good to have Jess back in the books always getting into trouble and mischief. Jack's writing is superb you really feel the emotions of the characters.
Totally brilliant from start to finish. Good to have Jess back in the books always getting into trouble and mischief. Jack's writing is superb you really feel the emotions of the characters.
August 30, 2023
knocked it out of the park
This a book you won’t want to put down. Thrills and suspense throughout! Again lots of things going on in the book, but somehow it comes together, leaving you wanting more in the series.
This a book you won’t want to put down. Thrills and suspense throughout! Again lots of things going on in the book, but somehow it comes together, leaving you wanting more in the series.
March 6, 2025
Lots of twists and turns in this book. Jackie & Johnny Lucas are back...but is there a real Jackie after all...and who is starting a turf war between the crime families. And on top of all that, Jess is assisting the team while on school break.
May 6, 2022
Absolutely loved this series of books can’t wait for more
July 21, 2022
This books just get better. Lots of twists and turns in this book, some you could sense coming, others took me by surprise.
Thoroughly enjoyed Declan Walsh’s latest outing.
Thoroughly enjoyed Declan Walsh’s latest outing.
September 1, 2023
A fantastic book, well written, well narrated and hugely enjoyable. Quite a convoluted plot but cleverly done and it all fits together perfectly.
October 13, 2023
Another very complex and engaging mystery.
May 21, 2025
Declan and the detectives realize a gang war may be brewing. The past rises up to haunt them as they search for leads and suspects. A complex and entertaining story.
June 22, 2023
Excellent storyline. I do like the way these City Police are consistently used by the gang masters and yet always come off worst in the end (well most times).
I have started Book 11 but I thin kI need to get a change so may move back to Conrad Jones after this one for a while as Declan is starting to drag a bit in some areas.
I have started Book 11 but I thin kI need to get a change so may move back to Conrad Jones after this one for a while as Declan is starting to drag a bit in some areas.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews