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DI Marc Fagan #1
The Dead Will Beckon
Detective Inspector Marc Fagan has seen it all during his four decade stint with Merseyside homicide unit. But his most recent investigation, involving the vicious torture and murder of a six-year-old boy, pushes Fagan over the edge.
When a position for DI becomes available in Monmouthshire, South Wales, Fagan applies for a transfer to Gwent Police. He moves back to the town where he spent the first twenty years of his life, Abergavenny. A town where he was exiled from in 1985.
Hoping for a stroll down memory lane, Fagan’s world is turned upside down when the body of an old flame from thirty-eight years ago turns up dead in the local park. A suspect is quickly arrested and questioned about the murder. But when police are forced to release the suspect, Fagan unravels a dark past that has haunted Abergavenny for decades.
In order to catch the killer Fagan must exorcise ghosts from his own past. But in doing so, he reveals secrets that could tear the local community apart.
Set in the Welsh Market town of Abergavenny, The Dead Will Beckon is a classic tale of homecoming, lost love, murder and redemption. It is the first in a series of stories featuring the Welsh detective.
When a position for DI becomes available in Monmouthshire, South Wales, Fagan applies for a transfer to Gwent Police. He moves back to the town where he spent the first twenty years of his life, Abergavenny. A town where he was exiled from in 1985.
Hoping for a stroll down memory lane, Fagan’s world is turned upside down when the body of an old flame from thirty-eight years ago turns up dead in the local park. A suspect is quickly arrested and questioned about the murder. But when police are forced to release the suspect, Fagan unravels a dark past that has haunted Abergavenny for decades.
In order to catch the killer Fagan must exorcise ghosts from his own past. But in doing so, he reveals secrets that could tear the local community apart.
Set in the Welsh Market town of Abergavenny, The Dead Will Beckon is a classic tale of homecoming, lost love, murder and redemption. It is the first in a series of stories featuring the Welsh detective.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2023
124 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Jason Chapman
93 books44 followersWelsh thriller writer Jason Chapman lives in the small market town of Abergavenny in Monmouthshire.
Jason has eight books currently on sale and has had growing success through the years with science fiction, political fiction and conspiracy fiction.
In 2023 Jason is due to release his first crime fiction series. Set in south Wales, the series will feature Detective Inspector Marc Fagan.
Jason has eight books currently on sale and has had growing success through the years with science fiction, political fiction and conspiracy fiction.
In 2023 Jason is due to release his first crime fiction series. Set in south Wales, the series will feature Detective Inspector Marc Fagan.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 29, 2023
This is the first in a series featuring DI Marc Fagan, formerly of the Merseyside Police, who has a new job in his home town of Abergavenny where is is thrown straight into a murder investigation.
There are a lot of characters in this book, and I was a bit confused about who was who at the beginning, but once I got into the book I was hooked. It is fast paced and the story is told in two timeframes - present day and 1983. The book deals with the sensitive subject of child sexual abuse and is quite graphic at times. The author is obviously a movie buff and I loved all the 1980s film references. Marc Fagan is an interesting character and it was great to hear about his early life in Abergavenny.
Jason Chapman is a new author to me but I'll be listening to the rest of this series as soon as it is available on Audible.
A narrator can make or break an audiobook, but the narrator, Phil Rowe, was superb. His voice was perfect for the book.
There are a lot of characters in this book, and I was a bit confused about who was who at the beginning, but once I got into the book I was hooked. It is fast paced and the story is told in two timeframes - present day and 1983. The book deals with the sensitive subject of child sexual abuse and is quite graphic at times. The author is obviously a movie buff and I loved all the 1980s film references. Marc Fagan is an interesting character and it was great to hear about his early life in Abergavenny.
Jason Chapman is a new author to me but I'll be listening to the rest of this series as soon as it is available on Audible.
A narrator can make or break an audiobook, but the narrator, Phil Rowe, was superb. His voice was perfect for the book.
September 28, 2023
A new author to me and a promising start as we meet DI Marc Fagan who, after more than 30 years working on Merseyside, relocates to his home town in South Wales after a particularly harrowing case. Its not long before a body is discovered and memories, wounds and old feuds are quickly reopened from Fagan's past.
This is a fast paced whodunnit which I initially struggling with as there are a lot of characters introduced at an early stage, however as it progresses, it does become easier to remember them and their relevant connections. The story is told in the present day and the early 80s as we see a totally different side to Fagan and why he left in the first place. It's brutal and unflinching at times, especially during the 80s chapters which are filled with great memories of the time, especially as a film fan.
Strong characters and storyline and a decent start to what hopefully with be a long series.
This is a fast paced whodunnit which I initially struggling with as there are a lot of characters introduced at an early stage, however as it progresses, it does become easier to remember them and their relevant connections. The story is told in the present day and the early 80s as we see a totally different side to Fagan and why he left in the first place. It's brutal and unflinching at times, especially during the 80s chapters which are filled with great memories of the time, especially as a film fan.
Strong characters and storyline and a decent start to what hopefully with be a long series.
December 19, 2023
I was looking for a book set in Wales, and this came up on my Facebook feed. It was perfect because I love a good crime thriller, and this was excellent.
It reminded me of one of those gritty detective thrillers you see on a Sunday night on the television. They always come with a viewer discretion warning. Immediately, you know you are in for a roller coaster ride.
Detective Inspector Marc Fagan returns to his hometown of Abergavenny, to see out his career in the relative calm of a small Welsh town. But of course it doesn’t work out like that when he walks straight into a murder investigation.
The story switches between Marc growing up in the eighties and the man he is today. His friends and enemies are there on both occasions and the comparison between the two timelines is fascinating.
Jimmy Savile visited the area in the eighties, and the truth about that visit emerges with dark secrets from the past. It really isn’t for the faint hearted.
Young Marc is a tough nut always getting into fights and trouble. After spells in prison, it was clear he was heading for a life of crime. But by chance he gets the opportunity to join the police. His career soars with the solving of a high profile case and as he heads towards retirement, he must face his past and old enemies.
The only thing I didn’t like was the overuse of the c word. Although, there is a lot of bad language in this story, most of it is necessary to capture the colloysym and reality the time.
References to films and music makes this a novel readers can associate with.
Overall, I’d say it’s not a story for the squeamish. It’s dark and threatening, raw, and gripping. I recommend it if you are looking for something hard-hitting and entertaining
It reminded me of one of those gritty detective thrillers you see on a Sunday night on the television. They always come with a viewer discretion warning. Immediately, you know you are in for a roller coaster ride.
Detective Inspector Marc Fagan returns to his hometown of Abergavenny, to see out his career in the relative calm of a small Welsh town. But of course it doesn’t work out like that when he walks straight into a murder investigation.
The story switches between Marc growing up in the eighties and the man he is today. His friends and enemies are there on both occasions and the comparison between the two timelines is fascinating.
Jimmy Savile visited the area in the eighties, and the truth about that visit emerges with dark secrets from the past. It really isn’t for the faint hearted.
Young Marc is a tough nut always getting into fights and trouble. After spells in prison, it was clear he was heading for a life of crime. But by chance he gets the opportunity to join the police. His career soars with the solving of a high profile case and as he heads towards retirement, he must face his past and old enemies.
The only thing I didn’t like was the overuse of the c word. Although, there is a lot of bad language in this story, most of it is necessary to capture the colloysym and reality the time.
References to films and music makes this a novel readers can associate with.
Overall, I’d say it’s not a story for the squeamish. It’s dark and threatening, raw, and gripping. I recommend it if you are looking for something hard-hitting and entertaining
December 2, 2023
More a 4.5
I enjoyed the plot, with the multiple timelines aspect being well done to fill in the details & Fagan's backstory. I thought the links to real life wrongdoings (Saville) and important events (e.g. covid, King's coronation) were cleverly used to set the scene.
The characters were well done, was easily absorbed with Fagin's backstory and how it related to present day murder he was investigating.
There were a few inaccuracies such as police using their own phones to record interviews at the police station instead of official equipment but these were forgiven by me as it didn't effect the story bit it may upset other readers.
Bonus star to the narrator Phil Rowe for bringing the book to life and doing a great job on all the different voices (and accents). I've found a new narrator to look out for.
Looking forward to future books and seeing what happens with Fagan's story.
I enjoyed the plot, with the multiple timelines aspect being well done to fill in the details & Fagan's backstory. I thought the links to real life wrongdoings (Saville) and important events (e.g. covid, King's coronation) were cleverly used to set the scene.
The characters were well done, was easily absorbed with Fagin's backstory and how it related to present day murder he was investigating.
There were a few inaccuracies such as police using their own phones to record interviews at the police station instead of official equipment but these were forgiven by me as it didn't effect the story bit it may upset other readers.
Bonus star to the narrator Phil Rowe for bringing the book to life and doing a great job on all the different voices (and accents). I've found a new narrator to look out for.
Looking forward to future books and seeing what happens with Fagan's story.
August 5, 2023
One of the best I've read this year.
This book is set in the Gwent/Monmouthshire town of Abergavenny. The Chapters switch between 2023 and things that happened in 1983. I was brought up in South Wales and can attest to the fact that the behaviour of the teenagers with regard to banter bad language, name calling and drunkenness was typical of the 70s and 80s there. I can also confirm that the descriptions of Abergavenny at that time are accurate.
This book is very well written with some interesting characters. Some readers may be out off by some of the content which includes graphic descriptions of sexual abuse, including that of children.
This book really impressed me so much so that I have already bought the sequel.
This book is set in the Gwent/Monmouthshire town of Abergavenny. The Chapters switch between 2023 and things that happened in 1983. I was brought up in South Wales and can attest to the fact that the behaviour of the teenagers with regard to banter bad language, name calling and drunkenness was typical of the 70s and 80s there. I can also confirm that the descriptions of Abergavenny at that time are accurate.
This book is very well written with some interesting characters. Some readers may be out off by some of the content which includes graphic descriptions of sexual abuse, including that of children.
This book really impressed me so much so that I have already bought the sequel.
October 2, 2024
This is the first in a series and I will definitely be reading more. DI Marc Fagan has returned to his home town to try to have an easier time for the last few years towards retirement. He immediately gets into the swing of things with the discovery of a murdered woman who turns out to be his old girlfriend from nearly forty years ago.
This had me gripped from the start. The storyline flts between the early eighties which gives a great insight into the relationships between the friends and locals, and the present day with Marc trying to get justice for events back then and now. It is quite hard-hitting with a recurring abuse theme. The ending was a surprise and leaves the main story finished but other stories to be continued. I can't wait to read more.
This had me gripped from the start. The storyline flts between the early eighties which gives a great insight into the relationships between the friends and locals, and the present day with Marc trying to get justice for events back then and now. It is quite hard-hitting with a recurring abuse theme. The ending was a surprise and leaves the main story finished but other stories to be continued. I can't wait to read more.
November 6, 2023
The amazing narration of Phil Rowe, who brings you back in time and you feel the suspense and action.
DI Marc Fagan has retired after 30 years working on Merseyside, and has moved to South Wales. It is not long before a body is found and brings back memories. The person murdered is an ex-girlfriend he hasn't seen or spoken to since he left Abergavenny
We are taken form 2023 to 1983 and things that happened in 1983. We are bought in a time that is typical of the 1980's, with the language of the time. We have banter, bad language, descriptions of sexual abuse, including that of children.
DI Marc Fagan has retired after 30 years working on Merseyside, and has moved to South Wales. It is not long before a body is found and brings back memories. The person murdered is an ex-girlfriend he hasn't seen or spoken to since he left Abergavenny
We are taken form 2023 to 1983 and things that happened in 1983. We are bought in a time that is typical of the 1980's, with the language of the time. We have banter, bad language, descriptions of sexual abuse, including that of children.
October 26, 2023
I just loved this, I had to put everything down and listen to it. I got so absorbed into the story, which I wasnt expecting to do. The two timelines worked so well and really brought the story to life. The little touches like the movies in the 80s brought back so many memories.
At the beginning the author does a little note which describes the research he has put into the book and thanks the relevant people, I mention this as you can really tell how well researched the book is.
The narration really worked it just fit into the Welsh atmosphere.
At the beginning the author does a little note which describes the research he has put into the book and thanks the relevant people, I mention this as you can really tell how well researched the book is.
The narration really worked it just fit into the Welsh atmosphere.
May 4, 2023
Really enjoyed this book which is set in Abergavenny in Wales. It was a great storyline. DI Marc Fagan returns to Abergavenny after being away for decades. He has come back to get away from all the murders and violent crimes he has had to deal with so far in his police career. He is confronted with a murder, the first for years in the town. And not just any murder but his ex-girlfriend. I look forward to reading the next in the series which is out later in May.
March 1, 2025
This is a brilliant book. A detectictive inspector who comes home after thirty years away, to find his childhood sweetheart dead in the local park.
I found it a very harrowing read in some places, a ex policeman plagued by the death of his son, who was Marc Fagan's best mate at school.
I loved the parts back in the eighties, it brought back a lot of memories when I was a child growing up in South Wales. I have just downloaded the second book in the series and look forward to that.
I found it a very harrowing read in some places, a ex policeman plagued by the death of his son, who was Marc Fagan's best mate at school.
I loved the parts back in the eighties, it brought back a lot of memories when I was a child growing up in South Wales. I have just downloaded the second book in the series and look forward to that.
November 24, 2025
Format: audiobook
Narrator: Phil Rowe
This is the first in this series and a new author to me so it’s always a thrill to find my gamble on an unfamiliar author pans out.
This was a good start and I’ll happily be looking forward to see more from this stand series.
The Narrator has good delivery and I love the Welsh accent it’s pleasant and a joy to listen to.
My only annoyance is there are places where audio lines were clearly added at a later date.
Narrator: Phil Rowe
This is the first in this series and a new author to me so it’s always a thrill to find my gamble on an unfamiliar author pans out.
This was a good start and I’ll happily be looking forward to see more from this stand series.
The Narrator has good delivery and I love the Welsh accent it’s pleasant and a joy to listen to.
My only annoyance is there are places where audio lines were clearly added at a later date.
December 13, 2023
This book is told in the 1980s and modern times, as DI Mark Fagan returns to Abergavenny, the town he grew up in. He is faced with the murder of an old girlfriend and uncovers dark secrets that had been kept hidden since his childhood, which had affected the lives of many people he knew. A good start to a new series.
October 21, 2025
An excellent read!
I read this book within 2 days.
I couldn't put it down!
DI Marc Fagan is brilliant!
A no fuss, no frills detective!
For any one out there who likes a 'tough cop' read then I recommend this series.
Very very good.
10/10
I read this book within 2 days.
I couldn't put it down!
DI Marc Fagan is brilliant!
A no fuss, no frills detective!
For any one out there who likes a 'tough cop' read then I recommend this series.
Very very good.
10/10
November 21, 2025
Admittedly, I almost dropped this book in the first couple of chapters, but I am glad that I stuck with it and thus, got to know the main character, DI Fagan, and the village of Abergavenny. I look forward to further adventures.
February 4, 2023
I was lucky enough to read this as a beta reader, so the version I read will not be the final one, but very close to.
DI Fagan returns to Abergavenny to in hopes of a quiet life after a rough stint in Manchester. Only first day on the job, he gets a murder. And not just any murder, an ex-girlfriend he hasn't seen or spoken to since he left Abergavenny in the first place. The case drags Fagan back to a time he would clearly rather not remember, to investigate not only his friends but also some of the dark secrets they kept from themselves.
This book deals with some dark and unpleasant themes that can be hard to read, but they should be. If it was easy to read, it wouldn't suit the topic.
I know Abergavenny as a town I've visited a number of times, but only as a visitor I never lived there. The descriptions are good, even the ones of the fictionalised places. The book does give a good sense of place.
I had some issues with chapter one, all were reported to the author, so he may well have resolved them. And if not - push through chapter one and it's fine after that.
I did enjoy the book, if enjoy is the right word given the topics, but as a crime book I think it stands up well in the marketplace and I would recommend giving it a read.
DI Fagan returns to Abergavenny to in hopes of a quiet life after a rough stint in Manchester. Only first day on the job, he gets a murder. And not just any murder, an ex-girlfriend he hasn't seen or spoken to since he left Abergavenny in the first place. The case drags Fagan back to a time he would clearly rather not remember, to investigate not only his friends but also some of the dark secrets they kept from themselves.
This book deals with some dark and unpleasant themes that can be hard to read, but they should be. If it was easy to read, it wouldn't suit the topic.
I know Abergavenny as a town I've visited a number of times, but only as a visitor I never lived there. The descriptions are good, even the ones of the fictionalised places. The book does give a good sense of place.
I had some issues with chapter one, all were reported to the author, so he may well have resolved them. And if not - push through chapter one and it's fine after that.
I did enjoy the book, if enjoy is the right word given the topics, but as a crime book I think it stands up well in the marketplace and I would recommend giving it a read.
August 23, 2023
Excellent read
A real page turner. I could not put it down. Can’t wait for the next one in the series to come out
A real page turner. I could not put it down. Can’t wait for the next one in the series to come out
November 26, 2023
Very enjoyable and tackled hard subjects well - narrator brings the story to life and I am certainly adding other books with DCI Fagan to my list!
January 8, 2024
Outstanding novel of intrigue, shattering secrets and murder. This book is well written, fast paced, action-packed brought to life by the talents of Phil Rowe. I highly recommend this audiobook.
May 9, 2025
Sorry but have found this book very hard to get in to.
August 19, 2025
A great first in series
Ok I'm hooked I really want to read more about the surviving characters and about their pasts.
Looking forward to next in series.
Ok I'm hooked I really want to read more about the surviving characters and about their pasts.
Looking forward to next in series.
September 25, 2025
Great read
Got this as a free book one of the best I have read this year plenty of twists and turns and great storyline.
Will definitely read more from this author and purchase
Got this as a free book one of the best I have read this year plenty of twists and turns and great storyline.
Will definitely read more from this author and purchase
January 5, 2026
This was a pretty good read. There were a lot of flashbacks, which took a bit of getting used to, but all in all an enjoyable reading experience.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews