The Camera Man

D.C. Smith #14

by Peter Grainger

Jo told him the phone call had been about a woman who wanted to have her husband declared dead. Smith thought for a moment and then said, ‘Hmm. There must be a few million women in this country who feel like that. I take it her husband’s been missing for a while and she’s decided it’s time to move on. In the absence of a body, which is always a nuisance, she wants Diver and Diver to confirm there’s no proof he’s alive. And I’ve told Jason a dozen times I’m not getting involved in anything matrimonial. I have enough trouble sorting out my own relationships.’

But on this occasion Smith has it wrong. The insurance company which will have to pay out a very substantial amount of money if Amanda Fitch obtains her certificate of presumed death has engaged Diver and Diver Associates to look into the disappearance of Gerald Fitch, more than five years ago now. As Jason Diver says, he has the very man for the job. All he has to do is to persuade that man to take it on.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Crime, Detective, British Literature, Procedural

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2023

About the author

A 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.

Reviews

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A snapshot review
of "The Camera Man":

This compelling, well-written police procedural is the 10th book in Peter Grainger's "DC Smith" series.

It is also a standalone read.

After a man's second wife wants to have her missing husband declared legally dead in order to cash in on a hefty insurance claim, retired DC Smith is retained by the woman's insurance company to confirm that her husband is no longer alive.

DC Smith was a likable and endearing protagonist with an investigative approach that was detailed and methodical.

The author's characterizations were strong and the storyline was well-plotted.

At times, the author rambled, but, overall, the book was engaging and satisfying.....

I listened to the audiobook read by Gildart Jackson who "delivered a performance totally in synch with the persona of a detective like no other."

I will definitely be circling back and listening to the earlier books in this series.

[Cindy Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great DC Smith investigation. Old friends and faces but entirely satisfying new story! Bravo, Peter Grainger!

[Susann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good But Not My Favorite of This Series

The writing is evocative and poetic at times, the story intriguing and Layla is a peach. This last volume seemed to develop very tediously and it wasn't until the last third that things got exciting. I miss the interplay Smith had with his ex-colleagues at the police station and the pace they ran at. This seemed much more cerebral and plodding as he was working on his own as a private detective without much support or backup at all. He got there in the end but I stuck with it really only because the other books in the series were so good. Jo irritated me and came across as quite shrewish. Still, a worthwhile read as Smith settles into his new life as a part time retiree. It will be interesting how this develops going forward.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest installment in the DC Smith (offshoot of Kingslake) series. What a wonderful book. From the very first paragraph I felt completely at home with the characters I have come to know and love. Peppered throughout with Smith's humour, carried along by a great plot and descriptions of the Norfolk coast. You are a wonderful story teller Mr Grainger and as always I look forward to the next book (a return to Kingslake I believe).

[Annery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series. Smith continues to be Smith and Gildart Jackosn is nothing short of brilliant.

[Cathy]

Like stepping back into a conversation with old friends, there’s something warming about listening to a new DC Smith book by Grainger. I’m almost tempted to break my own self imposed rule on not giving star ratings (I’m too inconsistent and changeable in my moods). Greatly enjoyed listening to this one.

[LindaJ^ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this latest addition to the DC Smith series. I thought it was done with #8, so the next two have been bonus books for me. DC Smith, retired policeman, is toying with being a private detective. At the end of #9, it was not clear whether he'd continue but it now seems that he will be. It is definitely a change of pace plus we now have DC's partner Jo involved. I rather miss the other detectives, who only make a rare appearance. There is less action in this one but it's still good.

DC's job is to determine if a man missing for five years is still alive. The man's second wife has asked the court to declare him dead and if that happens, the wife will then ask for a payout of his life insurance, the premiums of which she has continued to pay at the request of the insurance company until the five years post disappearance have finished. The insurance company wants a last look for the man, since the policy is large. DC starts with the second wife and senses something is not quite right.

I think DC Smith and Masie Dobbs are kindred spirits. Both need to wrap things up -- all the loose ends -- and both have heightened sensitivity, discerning when something is amiss or someone knows more than he or she is saying.

[Pat K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoy this series. It was quite awhile since I’ve read one, so I went back and listened the the previous book, Truth, again.
These books are very much police procedural stories, and focus on the characters. Not a thriller or suspenseful. These are intelligent police mysteries, possibly too slow for some.

[Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint about Peter Grainger's books is that I can't slow down and savor every beautiful word. David Smith is a wonderful character, intelligent, intuitive, and clever. When his private employer on behalf of a life insurance agency asked him to find what happened to a man who had mysteriously disappeared five years before, Smith used his investigative skills plus intuition, doggedness, curiosity and clearly some OCD in his attempts to find the missing man alive or prove his death. His wife is eager to have him declared presumed dead so she can collect the quite substantial benefits from his life insurance policy. Although he seemingly disappeared without a trace, Smith finds evidence he he may have called his daughter but hung up when she answered.

I was on the edge of my seat through the whole book while also enjoying snippets from Smith's personal life in "retirement" with his author partner Jo and their dog Layla living on the Norfolk coast.

I look forward to more wonderful books from this author.

[Linda Rowlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grainger’s writing is so perfect. I listened to this book, as with Grainger’s other novels, and the reader is perfect as well. The “voice” that Grainger uses to tell the story is always sympathetic to the quirkiness of D. C. Smith, the central character, but sometimes Grainger injects a sneaky irony. The reader captures the tone perfectly.

The descriptions in the novel are, as always, luminescent. The opening sequence, which has nothing to do with the plot, was so lovely. I listened to it twice. And Grainger cleverly invoked it at the ending.

The mystery and investigation develop slowly. I imagine some would find the development plodding, but I think it is perfect.

There are many subtle allusions to past Smith investigations. I recommend reading the books in order.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thoughtful winner

Peter Grainger is one of my favourite authors and his thoughtful writing style is unique in my experience. I really enjoy his books about his detective hero, DC Smith, and look forward to the next one. Smith is a wise rounded character and I enjoy being in his company.

[Virginia B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the furthest along of this terrific series that I’ve read. DC Smith is my idea of the ideal police officer, although now he’s a private investigator, this time bringing to justice a very nasty person. I like reading about the methodical details of how he goes about his business, the description of his private life on the edge of the North Sea, his patience during an investigation, and how he interacts with the different sorts of people he encounters. This might make him sound like a cardboard cutout of a policeman, but far from it. Will continue reading these books as I come across them.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

good detective series, set in Norfolk England. Told in third person. Very good mystery. Some surprising plot twists. Likable main characters and their circle of friends, offset by some quite nasty criminals. Some danger scenes with gunshots, stalking, other deadly situations.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favorite of the series. It was hard to put down and had many twists and turns. Things wrapped up nicely in the end which some of the others in the series have not. It is important to read others in the series before this one so you understand the characters and setting.

[Gail Radka · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sad that there isn’t another book out in this series, please keep them coming. A great storyline i love the style of writing and the characters, i feel like i know them.
Cant wait for the next book

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

His best yet-I hope there are more!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

DC Smith is one of my favorite detectives. I was so happy to see the series continuing.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books! For the life of me I cannot understand why they have not taken off and become best sellers. Read them, start at the beginning, and prepare to fall in love.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS REVIEW MIGHT LEAD YOU TO BELIEVE IT CONTAINS SPOILERS.

It was a good surprise to find that the DC Smith series was continuing even after his retirement, and this the second book after that event was excellent. DC Smith has been avoiding taking on cases with Diver and Diver after the outcome of the previous one, but he is pulled into the investigation for an insurance company which is looking to make a large payment to a woman whose husband disappeared five years ago and whom she now wants declared dead. But is he in fact, dead, or is he still alive? And it's incredibly difficult to find someone who really doesn't want to be found even as all the signs lead to his presumed death years ago.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did it keep my interest? 5. One day listen. I’ve got to make these DC Smith last longer. I can’t help but listen straight through, I find them that enjoyable.

Did I enjoy the topic? 4.5. Missing person. Smith working for insurance company to verifying the claim of death. More witty banter. More brilliance by Smith. More of my favorite detective series ever

Was the dialogue realistic? 5. Smith gets served very bad tea and it’s described as a cup of horror. I love that

Would I recommend to Jen (smart, discerning reader)? 5. Jennie is moving along the series nicely.

Would I have recommended to my Mom (read for entertainment)? 4. I know this would be a perfect series for Jen’s mom, but she doesn’t listen to books and doesn’t have a Kindle. And these books are, sadly, not published in print.

Quality of narrator? 5. Has there ever been a better fit between main character and narrator than this series and Gildart Jackson?

[PIETER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Grainger certainly knows how to write. This tenth book in the DC Smith Investigations continues with extraordinary character development around a complex and interesting plot. And always a Grainger book feature is his philosophical life approach which separates him from average crime whodunits. I appreciate his lingering explorations of the Norfolk marshlands in plants, water and animals. He introduces the first human characters in the book from the point of view of an observing curlew. Grainger describes this seabird's memory of a distant man and dog in a way that is thought-provoking. The bird remembers but in a way that of course has no human references. Curlews have a different sense of time or maybe no sense of it at all. I love reading this author.

[Rana (This City That Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review of the whole 11-book series…

*************************************

I stumbled upon An Accidental Death on Audible while browsing for something that came free with my subscription — and a few minutes in, I was completely hooked. I had no idea at the time that this would become not only my favorite detective series, but one of my favorite series of all time. When I discovered there were ten more books in the DC Smith Investigation series by Peter Grainger — all included in my subscription — I was ecstatic!

What sets this series apart is its quiet brilliance. The writing is elegant but unpretentious. The plots are thoughtful and cleverly woven, not rushed or overly dramatized. Each case stands on its own while contributing to a greater arc, and every single book holds up — something I rarely experience with long-running series. There wasn’t one installment that felt like a dip in quality. If anything, the series just kept getting better with every new release.

DC Smith himself is one of THE most memorable, charming, and well-drawn characters I’ve ever encountered. Dry, intelligent, modest, and often quietly hilarious, he feels like someone you genuinely know — someone you’d trust, listen to, and be endlessly intrigued by. Over the course of the series, more characters are introduced and fleshed out, and soon enough, they start to feel like a real team, with dynamics and inside jokes that made me feel like I was right there with them.

The character development is what truly makes this series exceptional. These people aren’t just solving crimes — they’re living their lives, with quirks, backstories, ambitions, relationships, and heartbreaks. It’s all so well-balanced. The pacing never lags, and the humor, subtle as it often is, brought a warmth that made the series deeply enjoyable, even when dealing with darker themes.

The narrator, Gildart Jackson, deserves just as much praise as the author. His performance brought the entire cast to life. The tone, delivery, and emotional nuance he brought to each character elevated the writing — and I genuinely believe this series owes a large part of its success to how perfectly he captured its voice.

I only wish these books were available in print — I would absolutely own physical copies in a heartbeat. I’ve recommended this series to everyone who would listen, and I truly believe it deserves more attention. There’s also a spin-off series (or perhaps two?) featuring some of the characters, and I fully intend to listen to that next. I will actually read EVERYTHING Peter Granger writes, period!

In short: this series is a gem. If you’re looking for a smart, character-driven detective series that builds a world you’ll never want to leave — this is it. In my humble opinion, DS Smith belongs with the best of them – Sherlock, Miss Marple, Poirot, Dupin, etc… Just please go read those books. They’re the epitome of brilliance.

[Tuesdayschild · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. I like how DC's life is evolving after retiring from the Police Force and that he is getting to use his skills in his retirement years to help others. Jo is a perfect counter-foil for him and has the strength of character to keep DC on his toes.
Once again Grainger touches on first world social issues, and the struggles that can surround them.
Looking forward to seeing where the next book in this series goes - this one ended a little hanging -and if DC and Polly, both employed by Diver and Diver Investigators, will end up solving a case together.

(I had a repeat-read via the audiobook in Nov 2023. All five stars for the audiobook.)

[Kamlesh Gandhi · Rating 2 out of 5]

10 days and I struggled listening to a pathetic narration and poor plot. Long winded , poor plot which the author drags in trivial incidents and conversation.
Truly I finally gave in disgust the last 2 hours of listening time in utter frustration.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery itself is good, but the detective is pedantic, pompous and has OCD. Do we really need to know he steeps his tea for exactly 4 minutes, or that he achieves this perfection by TIMING it?

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this audiobook. OKAY. I have listened to the audio version of the D.C. Smith series as well as most of the King's Lake series, it's spin off. I don't know why I don't switch to the ebook versions because I dislike the narration. BUT - I have FINALLY found a solution. I make the playback read at 1.25 times normal. Now the pedantic D.C. sounds normal and the other characters don't sound like chipmunks. I will never listen to this series at 1.0 speed ever again. Whew- got that off my chest. In this book D.C. is still retired from the King's Lake police and he still lives with his true-crime writer partner. He works when he wants to work for Diver and Diver Investigations. They love employing him because of his extensive experience. He agrees in this book to look into the disappearance of a man 5 years ago. His second wife wants him declared dead a little earlier than is customary so that she can collect the millions of pounds in the estate. The life insurance company doesn't want to sign off on the declaration until certain that the man is dead. Gerald Fitch simply vanished one night. He has no credit cards or any other paper trail. D.C. agrees to look into the case. The more he looks, the more he believes the man is alive somewhere, somehow. He methodically looks at the wife, the business associates, and finally finds Gerald's daughter, who was estranged from her father when he left. But she thinks he might be alive, and D.C. starts pulling at threads that finally lead to Gerald. But what he learns about the disappearance leads to understanding and even more help from the resourceful D.C. A very good book at a little more than sedate listening speed.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve become a huge fan of the DC Smith series, so I’m thrilled that Peter Grainger is continuing the series even after DC has retired from the force. This story represents the first time David (as he now refers to be called) takes on an independent investigation for Diver and Diver. A man went missing five years ago and his wife, a much younger second wife, wants him declared dead so she can claim a large life insurance policy. Of course, the insurance company wants it investigated before they pay out.
These aren’t fast paced stories. But the plot is smart, concise and kept me engaged throughout. Another reviewer used the term “thoughtful” ( thank you Penny) and it totally fits. It helps that David is a character I truly enjoy spending time with. He believes in a full investigation, a methodical approach in which no detail escapes notice. Grainger also has the ability to develop even secondary or transitory characters, sometimes with just a few well written sentences.
There is always a subtle humor to Grainger’s writing, which I think is one of the reasons I enjoy this series so much.
My only complaint is that I’m now forced to wait until Grainger gets around to writing book 11.
Gildart Jackson perfectly captures DC’s character and his voice has the perfect blend of gravitas and emotion.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Today,  I am  reviewing a few of the audiobooks from the DC Smith series by Peter Grainger.  I have read the series which follows in this world, Kings Lake Investigation .  In Kings Lake series,  DC Smith is retired and Chris Waters is our main point of view on the cases.  So now I wanted to go back and read the foundation series.. I own several of these audiobooks which I bought at Audible sales.  The ebooks are in KindleUnlimited currently.

Now I am up to date in the DC Smith series. Smith had no intention of working another case for the Divers.  But they want him, so Jason tries to find cases which would interest him.  Smith wants to be careful to only work a case which will not put him in the way of the police.  Finally, there is a case with a missing person.  The man has been missing for 5 years.  The wife wants to declare him dead and collect the insurance. The insurance wants to do a better investigation.  The police aren't really looking.

Smith interviews the wife, his old co-workers and other family and friends.  He gets a sense of the man and his successes and failures.  Smith again runs afoul of some dangerous people who don't want the man to be found.  They want to use Smith to locate the man and then kill him.

I love the careful questioning and specific details which allow Smith to progress on figuring out what happened and what didn't.  He's very personable to take the right attitude to question people in their style and get the best information. Another amazing investigation in this series I love so well.

Narration:
Gildart Jackson is a favorite narrator.  I seem to be able to enjoy him in multiple series without getting him stuck in my head as just one character. I was able to listen comfortably at my usual 1.5x speed.

[Janet Mahlum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a weak 4 stars. It was certainly better than The Truth, but not as good as most of the others in the series. DC was trying to figure out the why the man would take such pains to completely disappear. And when he started thinking this, he should have already known the answer. I guessed it as soon as the reason presented itself. As DC always says, "I don't believe in coincidences." I was appalled when Jo was offered a contract for an audiobook and was told they would like her to read it because, "Listeners prefer to hear the author reading." HA! I have listened to hundreds, lots of hundreds, of audiobooks and if I now discover the author is doing the narration, I pass on the book. One other thing I liked - a woman accepted the invitation to lunch when she knew there would be a dog. YES! Me, too. Or, would DC say, "That should be 'I'" I love that DC is also a grammar policeman. I am appalled at the incorrect grammar used by even highly educated people. They don't teach grammar any more.

[DrJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unabridged audio e version read by Gildart Jackson borrowed from the Norfolk Libby App.

This was DC Smith's second investigation with Diver and Diver, and it was delightful to be back in his company again as he uses his highly honed detective skills to track down a missing person. He needs a couple of lucky breaks, but Grainger shows the hard work that goes in to generate those moments of serendipity. But what I love about this series is not the main crime but everything else - DC's musings, his interaction and compassion for others, his growing relationship with Jo and their dog, Layla, the decision to buy a second car, the descriptions of the Norfolk coast. I usually struggle with audio books without an accompanying text, but I'm finding this series to be perfect. I love it. I hope Grainger continues and the Norfolk Libby App keep stocking them.