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Detective Inspector Declan Walsh #14
Beneath the Bodies
When you go digging, don't be surprised at what you find... When a decades-old body is discovered in an underground cell in Temple Church, DI Declan Walsh and the team of the Last Chance Saloon are sent to discover more on it - in particular, why a twenty-year old body has been dug up from their place of rest, and deliberately placed in a room known only as the 'penitential cell', once used by the Knights Templar to punish the unholy.
And when they realise this is one of several bodies, all dug up and placed in similar positions across the city, their investigations reveal more about the bodies original deaths and also how they're connected to the recent kidnapping of a Temple Inn police officer, while discovering the message being given by their grisly returns - a message that promises a new wave of murders.
With time ticking down, and facing a decades-old conspiracy that includes his own father, Declan has to face an enemy with a personal hatred of the Walshes...
...But if he digs too deep, then he'll be the next body unearthed...
The fourteenth book in a series of procedural crime thrillers by #1 New York Times bestselling writer Tony Lee writing as Jack Gatland
And when they realise this is one of several bodies, all dug up and placed in similar positions across the city, their investigations reveal more about the bodies original deaths and also how they're connected to the recent kidnapping of a Temple Inn police officer, while discovering the message being given by their grisly returns - a message that promises a new wave of murders.
With time ticking down, and facing a decades-old conspiracy that includes his own father, Declan has to face an enemy with a personal hatred of the Walshes...
...But if he digs too deep, then he'll be the next body unearthed...
The fourteenth book in a series of procedural crime thrillers by #1 New York Times bestselling writer Tony Lee writing as Jack Gatland
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2023
777 people are currently reading
113 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 26, 2023
DI Declan Walsh and his fellow coppers at the Last Chance Saloon have a lot of history. More of that history pops up in "Beneath The Bodies," which is number fourteen in Jack Gatland's series.
For those of you who don't know the history, the Last Chance Saloon is a special unit of City of London Police. The team has been assembled by Detective Chief Inspector Alex Monroe, who has collected a small group of misfits. The one thing they all had in common was they were good coppers, at least in DCI Monroe's opinion, but they were outcasts from the mainstream police management team. Maybe Monroe saved them because he was a bit of a misfit and outcast, himself, but the team works well together. They have proven the Guv, Monroe, right about one important thing--they're good coppers.
Like the first thirteen stories, the plot is unique and intriguing. The telling of the story is crisp, and keeps the reader involved. Like the first thirteen of the Declan Walsh books, the continuing characters have evolved, but they stay true to themselves as they mature in front of us. Gatland is a good storyteller, and he's done it again, here.
This story starts with the discovery of a body in what had once been a cell in the basement of an old Templar church. At one time in its history, the cell had been used to hold religious heretics. Now, it held the skeletal remains of a man all dressed up for his funeral.
It doesn't take the forensics team from the Last Chance Saloon long to realize this "body" was the dug-up remains of somebody long buried. Why? Who'd dig up this dead guy and place him to be found in a Templar cell?
The question is further complicated by the fact that the long-deceased had been a policeman with a sketchy history, who allegedly had been killed in the line of duty--something long doubted by those "in the know." Further exacerbating the problem is the connection the long-dead copper had to current members of Declan Walsh's team, from top to bottom.
What follows is the unravelling of the mystery, through its many twists and turns. Still, Gatland holds our interest--sometimes with the expected, but often with the unexpected.
Like all of the previous stories in the DI Declan Walsh series, it's a great read. Unlike the first thirteen, number fourteen is the last in the series until the release of number fifteen in July 2023. Bummer. I have to wait two months to read the next chapter in the lives of the coppers of the Last Chance Saloon--but I will, and you should, too.
For those of you who don't know the history, the Last Chance Saloon is a special unit of City of London Police. The team has been assembled by Detective Chief Inspector Alex Monroe, who has collected a small group of misfits. The one thing they all had in common was they were good coppers, at least in DCI Monroe's opinion, but they were outcasts from the mainstream police management team. Maybe Monroe saved them because he was a bit of a misfit and outcast, himself, but the team works well together. They have proven the Guv, Monroe, right about one important thing--they're good coppers.
Like the first thirteen stories, the plot is unique and intriguing. The telling of the story is crisp, and keeps the reader involved. Like the first thirteen of the Declan Walsh books, the continuing characters have evolved, but they stay true to themselves as they mature in front of us. Gatland is a good storyteller, and he's done it again, here.
This story starts with the discovery of a body in what had once been a cell in the basement of an old Templar church. At one time in its history, the cell had been used to hold religious heretics. Now, it held the skeletal remains of a man all dressed up for his funeral.
It doesn't take the forensics team from the Last Chance Saloon long to realize this "body" was the dug-up remains of somebody long buried. Why? Who'd dig up this dead guy and place him to be found in a Templar cell?
The question is further complicated by the fact that the long-deceased had been a policeman with a sketchy history, who allegedly had been killed in the line of duty--something long doubted by those "in the know." Further exacerbating the problem is the connection the long-dead copper had to current members of Declan Walsh's team, from top to bottom.
What follows is the unravelling of the mystery, through its many twists and turns. Still, Gatland holds our interest--sometimes with the expected, but often with the unexpected.
Like all of the previous stories in the DI Declan Walsh series, it's a great read. Unlike the first thirteen, number fourteen is the last in the series until the release of number fifteen in July 2023. Bummer. I have to wait two months to read the next chapter in the lives of the coppers of the Last Chance Saloon--but I will, and you should, too.
March 14, 2023
Beneath the Bodies by Jack Gatland is book 14 in the DI Declan Walsh series. Declan and his Last Chance Saloon crew are a great mix of personalities and really add to the story. As well we see the return of some old foes. Jack tells such a great yarn and ropes you into it from the very beginning. The story has a few layers and is quite intricate so you need to pay attention. I always learn some bits of history reading Jack’s books, which I love. The Verger of Temple Church discovers a dead body, or rather a skeleton, while giving a woman a tour of the Church. It is the body of a policeman who died 20 years ago. Someone is after revenge.
April 5, 2023
Beneath the Bodies
Yeah another cracker from Jack Gatland. I'm a huge fan of this series which just keeps getting better and better. How many more secrets are lying in wait for Declan involving his father's career. Will he or won't he stay at the last chance saloon. Johnny Lucas a politician . Never saw that one comming. By the way Johnny Lucas is my favourite criminal ever. The Book is cleverly written as always and I couldn't put it down. Waiting eagerly for the next installment.
Yeah another cracker from Jack Gatland. I'm a huge fan of this series which just keeps getting better and better. How many more secrets are lying in wait for Declan involving his father's career. Will he or won't he stay at the last chance saloon. Johnny Lucas a politician . Never saw that one comming. By the way Johnny Lucas is my favourite criminal ever. The Book is cleverly written as always and I couldn't put it down. Waiting eagerly for the next installment.
April 5, 2024
Be careful of what is hidden beneath the bodies...
Declan and Team grab a case of a former copper dug up and displayed out in a cell, but by whom and why? The body belonged to a disgraced cop that had ties to Monroe and Declan's Dad, and a missing $2 million.
As Patrick Walsh is also dug up, Declan's old boss and soon to be husband to his ex kidnapped, the team needs to figure out where this stolen money is, who us behind this mystery.
Beneath The Bodies is another 5 star book in the series.
Declan and Team grab a case of a former copper dug up and displayed out in a cell, but by whom and why? The body belonged to a disgraced cop that had ties to Monroe and Declan's Dad, and a missing $2 million.
As Patrick Walsh is also dug up, Declan's old boss and soon to be husband to his ex kidnapped, the team needs to figure out where this stolen money is, who us behind this mystery.
Beneath The Bodies is another 5 star book in the series.
April 8, 2023
Walsh at his best
This really is the best in the series so far. Brilliantly wrote with great detail. You are feeling the emotions of everything that happens in these books. Up with the best books around. Jack Gatland is a fabulous author and takes me away from our current troubles. Amazing thank you Jack
This really is the best in the series so far. Brilliantly wrote with great detail. You are feeling the emotions of everything that happens in these books. Up with the best books around. Jack Gatland is a fabulous author and takes me away from our current troubles. Amazing thank you Jack
March 28, 2025
Seemed like a shorter book or maybe just so fun it read fast....A 20 yr dead police is dug up from his grave and found in a church penitent cell....why....the a PC is taken and abused...what is the connection. Police corruption from Patrick Walsh's day is rearing its head to haunt Declan and others.
September 11, 2025
Why is Declan’s and Anjli’s relationship status an issue. They are living together.
Liz’s attitude towards Declan. He’s a f**king cop. You divorced him and are marrying his former boss. Declan has no control over what criminals do. He’s a good cop so it pisses the bad guys off
Declan rising; Luke laughing. That’s what love about you Declan always quick to action. How would he even know?
Liz’s attitude towards Declan. He’s a f**king cop. You divorced him and are marrying his former boss. Declan has no control over what criminals do. He’s a good cop so it pisses the bad guys off
Declan rising; Luke laughing. That’s what love about you Declan always quick to action. How would he even know?
April 8, 2023
A fast paced sting
A case from the past raises its head in an effort to recover some missing money. The Last Chance Saloon sail close to the wind in bringing the main perpetrator to justice, but not before old issues are dug up.
A case from the past raises its head in an effort to recover some missing money. The Last Chance Saloon sail close to the wind in bringing the main perpetrator to justice, but not before old issues are dug up.
April 30, 2023
I love this author
You know when you start reading JACK GATLANDS books you're in for a treat. There are always so many twists and turns you get immersed in plots you have no chance of guessing the outcome.
You know when you start reading JACK GATLANDS books you're in for a treat. There are always so many twists and turns you get immersed in plots you have no chance of guessing the outcome.
May 26, 2023
Another brilliant read
I chose the 5 star rating because it was another first rate rendering of police procedure in an imaginative form. Well done for your vivid imagination it's time this was a tv series. Come on you directors its go get out time
I chose the 5 star rating because it was another first rate rendering of police procedure in an imaginative form. Well done for your vivid imagination it's time this was a tv series. Come on you directors its go get out time
May 30, 2023
Another good read
Yet another good book. The interplay between the characters is still as fresh as it was in the first book. The plot solid. In my opinion a good way to spend some time.
Yet another good book. The interplay between the characters is still as fresh as it was in the first book. The plot solid. In my opinion a good way to spend some time.
June 25, 2023
Another winner!
I started this series, a bit blind, not knowing this author. Each book is better than the last. I can’t read them fast enough!
To day they’re well written, is just too simple. If you’re a fan of British Crime, you need to read these books!
I started this series, a bit blind, not knowing this author. Each book is better than the last. I can’t read them fast enough!
To day they’re well written, is just too simple. If you’re a fan of British Crime, you need to read these books!
November 5, 2023
Grand Plot and Ripping Characters
A fantastic convoluted story line revolving around a group of characters all who are both good and bad with just enough black humor sprinkled in to make this a dish of a read.
A fantastic convoluted story line revolving around a group of characters all who are both good and bad with just enough black humor sprinkled in to make this a dish of a read.
March 27, 2023
Excellent read!!!
Great characters. Start series at beginning, you won't be sorry. Or maybe you will be because you have to wait for the next Declan book, as I am waving to do.
Great characters. Start series at beginning, you won't be sorry. Or maybe you will be because you have to wait for the next Declan book, as I am waving to do.
May 3, 2023
Really a 2.5
This latest installment of the Last Chance Saloon was better than some of the previous books. The plot was a bit more original this time and certainly more engaging.
This latest installment of the Last Chance Saloon was better than some of the previous books. The plot was a bit more original this time and certainly more engaging.
May 27, 2023
Beneath The Bodies
For Mystery readers that like intriguing mysteries that have you guessing what is going on, there is of twists that leads you to the sequel.
For Mystery readers that like intriguing mysteries that have you guessing what is going on, there is of twists that leads you to the sequel.
January 14, 2024
beneath the bodies
I love this series and author and enjoyed this book, but at times there where so many things happening, it was hard to keep track.
I love this series and author and enjoyed this book, but at times there where so many things happening, it was hard to keep track.
May 29, 2025
The body of a man who’s been dead for 20 years shows up in a church. This begins a series of events that lead to murder, kidnapping, and the hunt for a treasure. Good read.
September 14, 2025
Quick read
Or rather, I read it to the detriment of work and housework! Not too many characters to keep track of and the story was interesting.
Or rather, I read it to the detriment of work and housework! Not too many characters to keep track of and the story was interesting.
December 30, 2025
OK British murder book
August 9, 2024
Not one of my faves, but still a good read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews