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The Dales Detective #10
Date with Destiny
Don't miss the final instalment in the Dales Detective series!
'A rollicking tale of everyday crime life among rural folk' - Daily Mail
From death to danger and malice to mystery, Samson and Delilah have weathered many storms. Finally, things should be going smoothly. Except life’s never that simple in Bruncliffe, is it?
As the couple are beset with worries about their upcoming wedding, a charismatic celebrity comes knocking on the Dales Detective Agency’s door, seeking their services. Samson is initially reluctant to help, for many reasons. But things quickly escalate following a shocking murder at Fellside Court and, as a friend comes under suspicion, Samson and Delilah must set aside their personal problems to catch a killer.
In a case that will bring so many of Bruncliffe’s secrets out into the open, this final investigation for the Dales Detectives may be the one that breaks them for ever . . .
Date with Destiny is the final instalment in Julia Chapman's much-loved Dales Detective series set in Yorkshire.
Praise for The Dales Detective
'Enlivened with numerous subplots, the story moves at a cracking pace' – Daily Mail
'Bags of Yorkshire charm and wit' – Northern Echo
'A classic whodunnit' – Cath Staincliffe, author of Blue Murder
'Full of dry wit and clever plotting' – Countryside
'Chapman delivers on every level' – Lancashire Evening Post
‘As village murder mysteries go, this clever, witty and realistic series is quite out of the ordinary and strongly recommended’ – Crime Review
'A rollicking tale of everyday crime life among rural folk' - Daily Mail
From death to danger and malice to mystery, Samson and Delilah have weathered many storms. Finally, things should be going smoothly. Except life’s never that simple in Bruncliffe, is it?
As the couple are beset with worries about their upcoming wedding, a charismatic celebrity comes knocking on the Dales Detective Agency’s door, seeking their services. Samson is initially reluctant to help, for many reasons. But things quickly escalate following a shocking murder at Fellside Court and, as a friend comes under suspicion, Samson and Delilah must set aside their personal problems to catch a killer.
In a case that will bring so many of Bruncliffe’s secrets out into the open, this final investigation for the Dales Detectives may be the one that breaks them for ever . . .
Date with Destiny is the final instalment in Julia Chapman's much-loved Dales Detective series set in Yorkshire.
Praise for The Dales Detective
'Enlivened with numerous subplots, the story moves at a cracking pace' – Daily Mail
'Bags of Yorkshire charm and wit' – Northern Echo
'A classic whodunnit' – Cath Staincliffe, author of Blue Murder
'Full of dry wit and clever plotting' – Countryside
'Chapman delivers on every level' – Lancashire Evening Post
‘As village murder mysteries go, this clever, witty and realistic series is quite out of the ordinary and strongly recommended’ – Crime Review
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Published March 27, 2025
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About the author
Julia Chapman
29 books414 followersJulia Chapman has led a nomadic existence, spending most of her adult life abroad. Having published a series of novels set in the idyllic French Pyrenees, she has now turned her hand to crime. Currently writing the Dales Detective Series, she lives and writes in the stunning Yorkshire Dales where her books are set. The first in the series, Date with Death, makes its debut in March 2017.
Contact her on facebook (Julia Stagg or Dales Detective) or on Twitter @DalesWriter
Pseudonym for author Julia Stagg
Contact her on facebook (Julia Stagg or Dales Detective) or on Twitter @DalesWriter
Pseudonym for author Julia Stagg
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
January 11, 2025
Ils vont tellement, tellement me manquer. La vie à Bruncliffe va me manquer, Ida, Calimero, les collines, Samson et Delilah.
C’était une si belle conclusion avec une très bonne enquête, pour une si belle saga (bien que ce tome ne sera pas mon favoris).
Merci Julia ♥️
C’était une si belle conclusion avec une très bonne enquête, pour une si belle saga (bien que ce tome ne sera pas mon favoris).
Merci Julia ♥️
June 3, 2025
4.25⭐️
Peut-être que j'ai un peu pleuré en finissant cette merveilleuse saga, et peut-être que c'est encore le cas en écrivant cette chronique.
Ils vont tellement me manquer... J'ai repoussé la lecture de ce dernier tome en me confortant dans l'idée que je pourrais toujours revenir à Bruncliffe. J'ai sincèrement l'impression d'avoir dit au revoir à ma famille, mon chez moi. Oui je suis drama queen mais vous pouvez pas comprendre tant que vous n'avez pas lu ces 10 tomes
L'intrigue était encore une fois bien prenante, même si j'ai deviner le coupable assez vite. Tout le village était présent pour une dernière enquête. Ces personnages hauts en couleur vont rester dans mon coeur. De Calimero à Ida, de Samson et Delilah aux petits vieux de la maison de retraite ❤️
Peut-être que j'ai un peu pleuré en finissant cette merveilleuse saga, et peut-être que c'est encore le cas en écrivant cette chronique.
Ils vont tellement me manquer... J'ai repoussé la lecture de ce dernier tome en me confortant dans l'idée que je pourrais toujours revenir à Bruncliffe. J'ai sincèrement l'impression d'avoir dit au revoir à ma famille, mon chez moi. Oui je suis drama queen mais vous pouvez pas comprendre tant que vous n'avez pas lu ces 10 tomes
L'intrigue était encore une fois bien prenante, même si j'ai deviner le coupable assez vite. Tout le village était présent pour une dernière enquête. Ces personnages hauts en couleur vont rester dans mon coeur. De Calimero à Ida, de Samson et Delilah aux petits vieux de la maison de retraite ❤️
May 8, 2025
A perfect end to the series, what will I do with my time now
January 25, 2025
Massive thanks to Julia Chapman and Pan Macmillan for giving me a copy of this to review.
Wow, what a finish to this series! I have to say, I am glad that this series has a certain end point – some series just sort of finish without a real conclusion, but you get a positive and definite conclusion to this series which is brilliant. I have to admit to crying at the epilogue actually, happy tears for Delilah and Samson.
I just have to say that I called Troy’s pub bet straight away – who else was it going to be (without spoiling anything)? I loved how the Dales Detective Agency has expanded, but there is a sense of change coming hanging over this story. Nathan, Nina, and Gareth come more to the fore as the series comes to its conclusion, alongside Ida. It really is the characters and the backdrop of the close community of the Yorkshire Dales that makes these stories, and this series really come to life and draw you in.
The story is fast paced, though the beginning is a little slow to get going, possibly building tension and setting up all the strings which will come together at the end. There are some emotional, comic, and beautiful moments all mixed together. The murder itself I had no idea who was responsible for ages, but then I had a brainwave which was partly true. The solution is not what you expect, for sure! Though I enjoy being surprised – I find murder mystery books aren’t as enjoyable if you figure it out too easily or early on.
I’m really going to miss returning to Bruncliffe, and seeing the adventures of Samson, Delilah, Ida, and the rest. But I also can’t wait to see if Julia Chapman is going to write something else, and what that might be!
Wow, what a finish to this series! I have to say, I am glad that this series has a certain end point – some series just sort of finish without a real conclusion, but you get a positive and definite conclusion to this series which is brilliant. I have to admit to crying at the epilogue actually, happy tears for Delilah and Samson.
I just have to say that I called Troy’s pub bet straight away – who else was it going to be (without spoiling anything)? I loved how the Dales Detective Agency has expanded, but there is a sense of change coming hanging over this story. Nathan, Nina, and Gareth come more to the fore as the series comes to its conclusion, alongside Ida. It really is the characters and the backdrop of the close community of the Yorkshire Dales that makes these stories, and this series really come to life and draw you in.
The story is fast paced, though the beginning is a little slow to get going, possibly building tension and setting up all the strings which will come together at the end. There are some emotional, comic, and beautiful moments all mixed together. The murder itself I had no idea who was responsible for ages, but then I had a brainwave which was partly true. The solution is not what you expect, for sure! Though I enjoy being surprised – I find murder mystery books aren’t as enjoyable if you figure it out too easily or early on.
I’m really going to miss returning to Bruncliffe, and seeing the adventures of Samson, Delilah, Ida, and the rest. But I also can’t wait to see if Julia Chapman is going to write something else, and what that might be!
November 5, 2024
Offcumden au début de la lecture de cette série, je fini en étant une vraie habitante de Bruncliffe.
J’ai fait traîner ce tome pour en savourer chaque moment. Dire au revoir à chaque personnage. Des les premières lignes j’étais ravie de revenir dans cette ambiance.
Ce tome n’est pas le meilleur des 10 mais reste une belle fin avec encore une belle intrigue et un avancement sur l’histoire d’amour de Samson et Delilah.
Ces histoires me manqueront mais c’est une bonne fin à cette série que je recommande à 200%. Foncez lire ces 10tomes ou vous le regretterez 😉
J’ai fait traîner ce tome pour en savourer chaque moment. Dire au revoir à chaque personnage. Des les premières lignes j’étais ravie de revenir dans cette ambiance.
Ce tome n’est pas le meilleur des 10 mais reste une belle fin avec encore une belle intrigue et un avancement sur l’histoire d’amour de Samson et Delilah.
Ces histoires me manqueront mais c’est une bonne fin à cette série que je recommande à 200%. Foncez lire ces 10tomes ou vous le regretterez 😉
June 1, 2025
I loved this. A great ending to a wonderful series. Will miss the characters but looking forward to the next series 😊
January 16, 2025
4,5 - Rolalala beaucoup trop dur de dire adieu à Bruncliffe et ses habitants et en même temps, cette conclusion était parfaite. C'est rare dans les cosy mystery, mais l'autrice a vraiment choisi le bon moment pour clôturer cette histoire. Le fil rouge s'est terminé dans le tome précédent et il ne manquait plus que la conclusion personnelle de notre duo préféré d'enquêteurs.
Cette dernière enquête était un cadeau pour leur dire tous au revoir, on a retrouvé absolument tous les personnages vivants (petite pensée quand même pour ceux qui ont rendu l'arme à gauche dans les tomes précédents) et on offre une utilité réelle à chacun d'eux.
C'était beau, c'était frais, c'était réconfortant et heureusement comme toujours les gentils gagnent à la vie et vivent heureux.
Je vous avoue qu'il est possible qu'une petite larme se soit versée dans les dernières pages mais c'est à ça qu'on reconnait un recit qui vous touche vraiment.
Au revoir Bruncliffe, merci pour tout !
Cette dernière enquête était un cadeau pour leur dire tous au revoir, on a retrouvé absolument tous les personnages vivants (petite pensée quand même pour ceux qui ont rendu l'arme à gauche dans les tomes précédents) et on offre une utilité réelle à chacun d'eux.
C'était beau, c'était frais, c'était réconfortant et heureusement comme toujours les gentils gagnent à la vie et vivent heureux.
Je vous avoue qu'il est possible qu'une petite larme se soit versée dans les dernières pages mais c'est à ça qu'on reconnait un recit qui vous touche vraiment.
Au revoir Bruncliffe, merci pour tout !
December 6, 2024
Yet another excellent cosy crime novel by Julia Chapman - the final instalment in what has become one of my favourite series. Just like the previous books, Date with Destiny is fast paced, witty, features all the characters we know and love and paints a beautiful pictures of the Dales. The start of this story was maybe a bit slow, but overall it was just as enjoyable as the rest of the series, and I'm very sad there won't be any further books featuring Samson, Delilah and Bruncliffe. I can only recommend this series to anyone! 4.5 stars rounded up
November 5, 2024
Et c’est la fin du saga de 10 tomes.. est ce que j’ai versé ma larme ? Peut-être. Ils me manqueront 💔
June 26, 2025
What will I do now??? I think I was late to the party with these books but I can honestly say that I have loved everyone from start to finish. When I am in the town I actually feel like I am going to see the characters!! Really enjoyed them all and the last one didn’t disappoint xx
Read
April 11, 2025Enjoyed the 10th and final Dales Detective immensely.
April 23, 2025
my favorite cast of fictional characters ever!!! this series was everything!
thank you Julia Chapman!
thank you Julia Chapman!
July 23, 2025
Beyond sad that this is the last book in the series! It was perfect! Looking forward to reading the whole series again in a few years. I can't believe I've been faithfully reading a book a year for 10 years in this series. What will I do now?! Goodbye Bruncliffe!
April 5, 2025
Loved the final book in life in Bruntcliffe. (Settle) So sad it's the last one.
Read it in 2 days and could not put it down book.
Never walked the river walk but will be doing this on my next Tuesday market visit.
Read it in 2 days and could not put it down book.
Never walked the river walk but will be doing this on my next Tuesday market visit.
February 14, 2025
Beaucoup d'émotions dans ce dernier tome, toute la série m'aura régalée du début à la fin. Bruncliffe va me manquer, c'était comme une famille que j'aimais beaucoup retrouver régulièrement !
April 18, 2025
Just perfection 🥰
May 12, 2025
peut-être mon préféré de la série, malheureusement le dernier si j'ai bien compris
March 6, 2025
Date with Destiny was another brilliantly plotted mystery from Julia Chapman and was a fitting end to this great series.
Local boy made good, fashion designer Tyke returns to his home village to stage a huge show. However, he has been receiving death threats and seeks the help of Delilah’s detective agency. Initially, they turn his business down but when he is nearly killed in the market place, they take on the job of protecting him. At the same time, Delilah and Samson should be getting ready for their wedding in a few weeks. However, Delilah is strangely reluctant to discuss the arrangements and Samson is getting worried.
I love this series and definitely feel that it has got better with each book. The books have all the elements of a cosy crime novel but they often have a very dark edge to them. Date with Destiny isn’t as dark as a couple of the previous books but is still an intriguing mystery.
There were plenty of twists in the plot to keep things moving along nicely and as always, the Dales themselves play a part in the story. The ending is the perfect conclusion to the series and although I’m sad that we won’t be seeing these characters any more, I look forward to reading whatever Julia Chapman writes next.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers, Pan Macmillan, for my ARC.
Local boy made good, fashion designer Tyke returns to his home village to stage a huge show. However, he has been receiving death threats and seeks the help of Delilah’s detective agency. Initially, they turn his business down but when he is nearly killed in the market place, they take on the job of protecting him. At the same time, Delilah and Samson should be getting ready for their wedding in a few weeks. However, Delilah is strangely reluctant to discuss the arrangements and Samson is getting worried.
I love this series and definitely feel that it has got better with each book. The books have all the elements of a cosy crime novel but they often have a very dark edge to them. Date with Destiny isn’t as dark as a couple of the previous books but is still an intriguing mystery.
There were plenty of twists in the plot to keep things moving along nicely and as always, the Dales themselves play a part in the story. The ending is the perfect conclusion to the series and although I’m sad that we won’t be seeing these characters any more, I look forward to reading whatever Julia Chapman writes next.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers, Pan Macmillan, for my ARC.
August 2, 2025
Mlle Alice, pouvez-vous nous raconter votre rencontre avec Rendez-Vous avec le Destin ?
"C'est le petit dernier de la série des Détectives du Yorkshire, un cosy que j'apprécie et dont j'avais adoré le tome précédent, il était donc évident que j'allais le lire à un moment ou à un autre."
Dites-nous en un peu plus sur son histoire...
"Un ancien habitant des vallons revient s'y installer pour savourer une retraite bien méritée après des années de célébrité mais son arrivée va semer le trouble parmi les pensionnaires de Fellside Court..."
Mais que s'est-il exactement passé entre vous ?
"C'est clairement le tome de trop. À part les quinze dernières pages, qui auraient fait un parfait épilogue au tome précédent, je n'ai rien aimé. Bien sûr, je suis contente de retrouver l'ambiance et les personnages secondaires mais ça s'arrête là. Delilah m'a agacée dès les premières pages avec son incapacité à communiquer avec son compagnon et si je devais parier à la Toison d'Or sur la pérennité de leur couple, je n'en donnerais pas cher. Les longueurs sont de retour également et on attend deux cent pages pour que le crime soit enfin commis, alors que l'on sait depuis le début qui va mourir et même pourquoi et par qui ! Pour le suspense, on repassera donc. En fait, j'ai l'impression qu'on régresse avec ce tome et que tout ce qui a pu m'agacer à l'occasion dans les précédents est condensé ici. Mais le pompon, c'est Samson et Delilah, et surtout elle encore une fois, qui sont prêts à penser, sans preuve, que leurs amis pourraient être des meurtriers et n'ont même pas l'intention d'enquêter pour prouver le contraire. Il ne manquerait plus que ce soit Ida la coupable aussi, non ?"
Et comment cela s'est-il fini ?
"Comme je l'ai dit, j'ai aimé les quinze dernières pages qui apportent une jolie conclusion que l'on attendait depuis (beaucoup trop) longtemps mais 15 pages sur 450, ça fait paraître le temps long quand même."
http://booksaremywonderland.hautetfor...
"C'est le petit dernier de la série des Détectives du Yorkshire, un cosy que j'apprécie et dont j'avais adoré le tome précédent, il était donc évident que j'allais le lire à un moment ou à un autre."
Dites-nous en un peu plus sur son histoire...
"Un ancien habitant des vallons revient s'y installer pour savourer une retraite bien méritée après des années de célébrité mais son arrivée va semer le trouble parmi les pensionnaires de Fellside Court..."
Mais que s'est-il exactement passé entre vous ?
"C'est clairement le tome de trop. À part les quinze dernières pages, qui auraient fait un parfait épilogue au tome précédent, je n'ai rien aimé. Bien sûr, je suis contente de retrouver l'ambiance et les personnages secondaires mais ça s'arrête là. Delilah m'a agacée dès les premières pages avec son incapacité à communiquer avec son compagnon et si je devais parier à la Toison d'Or sur la pérennité de leur couple, je n'en donnerais pas cher. Les longueurs sont de retour également et on attend deux cent pages pour que le crime soit enfin commis, alors que l'on sait depuis le début qui va mourir et même pourquoi et par qui ! Pour le suspense, on repassera donc. En fait, j'ai l'impression qu'on régresse avec ce tome et que tout ce qui a pu m'agacer à l'occasion dans les précédents est condensé ici. Mais le pompon, c'est Samson et Delilah, et surtout elle encore une fois, qui sont prêts à penser, sans preuve, que leurs amis pourraient être des meurtriers et n'ont même pas l'intention d'enquêter pour prouver le contraire. Il ne manquerait plus que ce soit Ida la coupable aussi, non ?"
Et comment cela s'est-il fini ?
"Comme je l'ai dit, j'ai aimé les quinze dernières pages qui apportent une jolie conclusion que l'on attendait depuis (beaucoup trop) longtemps mais 15 pages sur 450, ça fait paraître le temps long quand même."
http://booksaremywonderland.hautetfor...
March 20, 2025
The Dales Detective Agency are asked by local fashion designer Tyke to investigate who is sending him death threats. Initally turning him down, they have a change of heart once they hear that an attempt was made on his life in broad daylight.
This was a fitting end to a brilliantly written series of books, and am sad to see it end. What makes this series so great is that it doesn't just focus on the current DDA case, but also on the lives of everyone in the "sleepy" village of Bruncliffe, which is a great depiction of what village life is like! From the worries of the elderly residents of Fellside Court, to the stress of the upcoming wedding of main characters Samson and Delilah, you feel like you know everyone there is to know in Bruncliffe! This makes for great storytelling, as it's a series of discoveries by different characters that reveals the final "whodunnit".
I have recommended this series to a lot of my friends and family. Well done Julia Chapman on such a great series!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
This was a fitting end to a brilliantly written series of books, and am sad to see it end. What makes this series so great is that it doesn't just focus on the current DDA case, but also on the lives of everyone in the "sleepy" village of Bruncliffe, which is a great depiction of what village life is like! From the worries of the elderly residents of Fellside Court, to the stress of the upcoming wedding of main characters Samson and Delilah, you feel like you know everyone there is to know in Bruncliffe! This makes for great storytelling, as it's a series of discoveries by different characters that reveals the final "whodunnit".
I have recommended this series to a lot of my friends and family. Well done Julia Chapman on such a great series!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
March 29, 2025
What a glorious way to finish a series of books! This had everything I have come to expect from a Dales Detective story and so much more!
As always, spending time with Samson and Delilah has been an absolute pleasure. The story this time was more layered and stretched back into the past for one of the new characters, to us readers, and the revelations about past romances and the histories of them worked so well alongside the finale of Samson and Delilah’s own story..
This was a beautifully written story with a fair few twists and turns on our way to the last page. It was full of rich, vibrant characters who made the pages turn fast as I needed to learn the truths and most importantly, who was going to win the wager at the pub!
Although this is most definitely a book in a series, it could easily also be read as a standalone as there is enough information included about who everyone is and was but not so much that it would put off those who have read them all, it was just nice little reminders of things that may have been forgotten.
As always, spending time with Samson and Delilah has been an absolute pleasure. The story this time was more layered and stretched back into the past for one of the new characters, to us readers, and the revelations about past romances and the histories of them worked so well alongside the finale of Samson and Delilah’s own story..
This was a beautifully written story with a fair few twists and turns on our way to the last page. It was full of rich, vibrant characters who made the pages turn fast as I needed to learn the truths and most importantly, who was going to win the wager at the pub!
Although this is most definitely a book in a series, it could easily also be read as a standalone as there is enough information included about who everyone is and was but not so much that it would put off those who have read them all, it was just nice little reminders of things that may have been forgotten.
April 21, 2025
Sadly the last book in this excellent series but it all wraps up things nicely in the end. We get a sense of people moving on, as they do in life but Bruncliffe also stays stable. By the end of this book we get to hear from past characters in this series which was lovely.
I didn't guess who Samson's best man would be but the end certainly bought tears to my eyes.
I've thoroughly enjoyed this series but feel this was the weakest of the books. The first half had Delilah over thinking things and I don't enjoy lots of introspection. However once we get over that the book takes off and is really well written with a cracking storyline. I didn't guess any of it and enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot.
I'm sad to see our characters go but I do feel this was just the right time before it became a bit staid. I've enjoyed my time in Bruncliffe and can picture a lot of the town now in my mind. Thank you for being so intriguing.
I didn't guess who Samson's best man would be but the end certainly bought tears to my eyes.
I've thoroughly enjoyed this series but feel this was the weakest of the books. The first half had Delilah over thinking things and I don't enjoy lots of introspection. However once we get over that the book takes off and is really well written with a cracking storyline. I didn't guess any of it and enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot.
I'm sad to see our characters go but I do feel this was just the right time before it became a bit staid. I've enjoyed my time in Bruncliffe and can picture a lot of the town now in my mind. Thank you for being so intriguing.
May 4, 2025
With a title like this and knowing that this is the last in this series, I was expecting something horrible to happen to one of the characters.
However, that aside this is a double story, the first is that the agency has been asked to take on the protection of a fashion designer who has returned to the area to visit his uncle and hold a fashion show. He has been receiving death threats and after a near miss, the agency step up.
The second thing is Delilah appears to be having doubts about the wedding. Samson keeps trying to talk to her, but there is always something else demanding their time. To make it worse, she appears to be close to their client, having known him when they were younger.
There are plenty of red herrings in this book, the reader is led up the garden path several times and the dumped unceremoniously back near the start for another theory.
It's fun and has all the Yorkshire quirks we've come to love.
Thoroughly enjoyed it and wish there was more.
However, that aside this is a double story, the first is that the agency has been asked to take on the protection of a fashion designer who has returned to the area to visit his uncle and hold a fashion show. He has been receiving death threats and after a near miss, the agency step up.
The second thing is Delilah appears to be having doubts about the wedding. Samson keeps trying to talk to her, but there is always something else demanding their time. To make it worse, she appears to be close to their client, having known him when they were younger.
There are plenty of red herrings in this book, the reader is led up the garden path several times and the dumped unceremoniously back near the start for another theory.
It's fun and has all the Yorkshire quirks we've come to love.
Thoroughly enjoyed it and wish there was more.
June 2, 2025
I ended up enjoying this series as a whole after finding the first book a bit slow and confusing with too many characters. However, this last installment was disappointing. It was pretty clear that the murder/death threats were all due to the three new characters suddenly introduced, and it went on far too long. It desperately needed some breathing space in the plot for Samson and Delilah to focus on their upcoming wedding instead of all their issues being resolved in a couple of lines and the wedding tacked on as an epilogue.
I will miss the secondary characters most of all. I really want to know more about Barry! And the journey of Clive Knowles from unkempt farmer to wedded bliss was easily the best character development of the series. As for Samson and Delilah, I'm just glad it's fiction. In real life, his immature jealousy and overreaction every time Delilah is seen smiling at another man would probably end very differently.
I will miss the secondary characters most of all. I really want to know more about Barry! And the journey of Clive Knowles from unkempt farmer to wedded bliss was easily the best character development of the series. As for Samson and Delilah, I'm just glad it's fiction. In real life, his immature jealousy and overreaction every time Delilah is seen smiling at another man would probably end very differently.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
A great end to the series and everything I hoped it would be , just sad it has come to the end of my visits to Bruncliffe.
Samson and Delilah’s wedding is fast approaching ,
A celebrity designer returns to Bruncliffe and asks the Dale’s Detective agency to investigate death threats that are being made against him .
Samson isn’t keen on taking the case on , and is a little jealous of Tyke and his past with Delilah .
Samson is won over and the gang begin watching Tyke’s every move .
Meanwhile in Fellside Court there is a murder and one of the agency’s friend Arty is accused of it .
Ida , Samson and Delilah work hard to clear Arty’s name and things begin to fall in place to who the murderer is .
Delilah is in danger , can she be protected and will the marriage go ahead?
A fast paced and fantastic read.
Full of true to life Yorkshire characters .
Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan .
Samson and Delilah’s wedding is fast approaching ,
A celebrity designer returns to Bruncliffe and asks the Dale’s Detective agency to investigate death threats that are being made against him .
Samson isn’t keen on taking the case on , and is a little jealous of Tyke and his past with Delilah .
Samson is won over and the gang begin watching Tyke’s every move .
Meanwhile in Fellside Court there is a murder and one of the agency’s friend Arty is accused of it .
Ida , Samson and Delilah work hard to clear Arty’s name and things begin to fall in place to who the murderer is .
Delilah is in danger , can she be protected and will the marriage go ahead?
A fast paced and fantastic read.
Full of true to life Yorkshire characters .
Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan .
March 2, 2025
Probably my favourite cosy series ever, and I put off reading this because I knew it was the last book and I didn’t want it to end. I’ve been sat on the ARC for several months, but also know I read these books fast, so, finding myself on a run - fortunately - of enjoyable reads, I figured it was time.
Samson & Delilah and the whole of the Bruncliffe cast are on the trail of a murder and the theft of a David Hockley painting. Motorcycles, undercover work, fell running and fashion design are an eclectic mix in this one, but work well. The plotting is excellent, the mystery a real puzzle, and the characters as solid as ever.
I’ll miss them terribly, but at least can look forward to a TV-series. At last!!
My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the eARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Samson & Delilah and the whole of the Bruncliffe cast are on the trail of a murder and the theft of a David Hockley painting. Motorcycles, undercover work, fell running and fashion design are an eclectic mix in this one, but work well. The plotting is excellent, the mystery a real puzzle, and the characters as solid as ever.
I’ll miss them terribly, but at least can look forward to a TV-series. At last!!
My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the eARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
August 16, 2025
Once again, Julia Chapman delights us with a captivating story in Death with Destiny. Just like in the previous books of The Dales Detective series, the author masterfully blends mystery, humour, and charming characters in an irresistible way.
The narrative is dynamic, filled with clever twists and lively dialogues that make the reading experience addictive. Returning to Bruncliffe always feels comforting, like meeting old friends and following their adventures up close.
I loved this volume just as much as the previous ones. Julia Chapman continues to impress with her consistency and her ability to balance suspense with that warm, human touch that makes this series so special.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for an engaging mystery, endearing characters, and a cosy atmosphere.
The narrative is dynamic, filled with clever twists and lively dialogues that make the reading experience addictive. Returning to Bruncliffe always feels comforting, like meeting old friends and following their adventures up close.
I loved this volume just as much as the previous ones. Julia Chapman continues to impress with her consistency and her ability to balance suspense with that warm, human touch that makes this series so special.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for an engaging mystery, endearing characters, and a cosy atmosphere.
April 14, 2025
Lovely series ending
A lot of the heavy weight currents of the series ended in the previous book. This meant this book gets to shine a bit more, characters could step out of the rigid definitions they were slipping into and show a bit more depth. I liked the fresh new elements and that it had the confidence to not end up with the stupid "Thursday club" books, which I feared was a direction of travel at one point. I enjoyed it a lot more than the last 3, it certainly makes me more inclined to try some of the authors others. Not sure how I pitch this to new readers.... But if you are familiar with books 1-5 then lost interest I reckon you could pick up here and get closure on the series nicely
A lot of the heavy weight currents of the series ended in the previous book. This meant this book gets to shine a bit more, characters could step out of the rigid definitions they were slipping into and show a bit more depth. I liked the fresh new elements and that it had the confidence to not end up with the stupid "Thursday club" books, which I feared was a direction of travel at one point. I enjoyed it a lot more than the last 3, it certainly makes me more inclined to try some of the authors others. Not sure how I pitch this to new readers.... But if you are familiar with books 1-5 then lost interest I reckon you could pick up here and get closure on the series nicely
September 5, 2025
The Dale Detective Series by Julia Chapman has quickly become one of my absolute favorites. From the very first book, I was drawn into the charm of the Yorkshire Dales, with its beautiful landscapes, quirky villagers, and wonderfully cozy atmosphere. The mysteries are clever and engaging, always keeping me guessing, while the characters feel so alive and relatable that I can’t help but root for them.
Julia Chapman has a real gift for blending humor, warmth, and suspense, creating stories that feel both entertaining and comforting. Each book is like stepping into a small community full of secrets, friendships, and surprises – the perfect escape for any cozy mystery lover.
A delightful series that I can wholeheartedly recommend – once you start, you’ll want to read them all!
Julia Chapman has a real gift for blending humor, warmth, and suspense, creating stories that feel both entertaining and comforting. Each book is like stepping into a small community full of secrets, friendships, and surprises – the perfect escape for any cozy mystery lover.
A delightful series that I can wholeheartedly recommend – once you start, you’ll want to read them all!
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