Improper

DI Gardener #12

by Ray Clark

After going off the radar over the weekend, young actress Sonia Markham is discovered dead in her flat.

When detectives Gardener and Reilly arrive at her luxury apartment, Sonia is found in an armchair with her eyes wide open, and a bowl of soup placed in front of her.

There are no signs of a struggle and the detectives find no evidence of criminal activity. Yet something doesn’t seem right.

Last seen at a club on Saturday night, her friends spotted her speaking to a man that none of them could identify, as well as a known drug dealer. Was either man involved in her death?

With no other leads, and no proof of wrongdoing, Gardener is under pressure to put the case to bed. Even pugnacious pathologist George Fitz believes the death is due to natural causes.

Gardener is clutching at straws, investigating every possible avenue to keep the case open. Will his hunch it was murder prove correct, or is he finally losing his touch?

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2024

About the author

The British Fantasy Society published Ray Clark's first work in 1995 - Manitou Man: The World of Graham Masterton, was nominated for both the World and British Fantasy Awards. In 2009, Ray's short story, Promises To Keep, made the final shortlist for the best short story award from The Tom Howard Foundation. Ray is based in Goole, and has set his Gardener and Reilly crime series in nearby Leeds.

Reviews

[David Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of the IMP____ books by this author. This one is really terrific. A great story, and good characters, and twists that you'll never see coming!

If you like a twisty detective mystery that will keep you guessing, this is the one.

Highly recomended.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Excellent Story

Another excellent story in the Inspector Gardener series and every bit as good as those that preceded it. Great characters and a very good storyline with an exciting ending.Looking forward to reading more.

[The Book Folks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ray Clark is upping the gruesome stakes with this one, but if you want a change from cozy mysteries this is certainly for you!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sonia Markham, 28, is discovered dead by her flatmate. Although it seems suspicious what is the cause of death. DI Stewart Gardener and his team investigate
An entertaining modern mystery