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Detective Deans #1
Storm Log-0505
The dead need to be heard
The wait is almost over for Detective Andrew Deans; years of agony and despair hanging on the results of his wife’s fertility treatment. But a student is missing. And he must find her.
Compelled to leave his wife in Bath, Deans heads to North Devon, where he encounters Denise Moon, a medium, who exposes him to a psychic dimension he could never have imagined existed, in what soon becomes a murder hunt.
Gripped by inexplicable phenomena attributed to his own ‘paranormal awakening’ and alienated from all but his new mystical muse, Deans is closing in on a sophisticated killer...
...but all is not as it seems, and Deans’ future is about to change.
The wait is almost over for Detective Andrew Deans; years of agony and despair hanging on the results of his wife’s fertility treatment. But a student is missing. And he must find her.
Compelled to leave his wife in Bath, Deans heads to North Devon, where he encounters Denise Moon, a medium, who exposes him to a psychic dimension he could never have imagined existed, in what soon becomes a murder hunt.
Gripped by inexplicable phenomena attributed to his own ‘paranormal awakening’ and alienated from all but his new mystical muse, Deans is closing in on a sophisticated killer...
...but all is not as it seems, and Deans’ future is about to change.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2016
755 people are currently reading
801 people want to read
About the author
James D. Mortain
8 books74 followersFormer British CID Detective with the Avon and Somerset Constabulary turned crime fiction writer, James D Mortain brings compelling action and gritty authenticity to his writing through years of police experience.
He began writing in 2012, following a chance encounter in a Bath bar with SAS veteran, TV personality and author, Chris Ryan. Using his own real-life experiences within a busy CID department, James creates gripping, fast-paced crime thrillers that will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat until the very last page.
His first series has become a Kindle bestseller both in the UK and overseas. Featuring Detective Andrew Deans, these books are a chilling blend of police procedural and the paranormal.
James has also written a soon-to-be-released novel featuring DI Robbie Chilcott, which will start a new urban crime series set in Bristol, UK.
The Detective Deans Mysteries:
STORM LOG-0505
DEAD BY DESIGN
THE BONE HILL
THE DETECTIVE DEANS MYSTERY COLLECTION
THE NIGHT SHIFT (A short story prequel)
The DI Robbie Chilcott Mysteries:
DEAD RINGER - Coming February 2020
Visit James here:
Website: www.jamesdmortain.com
Email: jdm@manverspublishing.com
Twitter: @JamesDMortain
Facebook: James D Mortain and @DetectiveDeansSeries
Instagram: jamesmortain
He began writing in 2012, following a chance encounter in a Bath bar with SAS veteran, TV personality and author, Chris Ryan. Using his own real-life experiences within a busy CID department, James creates gripping, fast-paced crime thrillers that will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat until the very last page.
His first series has become a Kindle bestseller both in the UK and overseas. Featuring Detective Andrew Deans, these books are a chilling blend of police procedural and the paranormal.
James has also written a soon-to-be-released novel featuring DI Robbie Chilcott, which will start a new urban crime series set in Bristol, UK.
The Detective Deans Mysteries:
STORM LOG-0505
DEAD BY DESIGN
THE BONE HILL
THE DETECTIVE DEANS MYSTERY COLLECTION
THE NIGHT SHIFT (A short story prequel)
The DI Robbie Chilcott Mysteries:
DEAD RINGER - Coming February 2020
Visit James here:
Website: www.jamesdmortain.com
Email: jdm@manverspublishing.com
Twitter: @JamesDMortain
Facebook: James D Mortain and @DetectiveDeansSeries
Instagram: jamesmortain
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 22, 2017
When a college girl goes missing, Detective Deans is set to investigate. There is no body, no clues, and suspects are few. But his gut feeling is that the girl is no longer among the living.
Leaving his wife behind as he travels to another district where the girl lived, he meets Denise Moon, a self described medium. Under her guidance, Deans develops his own abilities in order to find the student.
A missing person report turning into a hunt for a killer becomes very personal when his wife is abducted.
An evil serial killer mixed with a bit of paranormal, this is a nicely balanced story. Throw in some personal issues for Deans and his wife and it becomes a riveting thriller. The author has breathed life into his characters.
WARNING: There is a cliff hangar involved
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of STORM LOG-5050. Opinions expressed here are unsolicited, unbiased, and entirely my own.
Leaving his wife behind as he travels to another district where the girl lived, he meets Denise Moon, a self described medium. Under her guidance, Deans develops his own abilities in order to find the student.
A missing person report turning into a hunt for a killer becomes very personal when his wife is abducted.
An evil serial killer mixed with a bit of paranormal, this is a nicely balanced story. Throw in some personal issues for Deans and his wife and it becomes a riveting thriller. The author has breathed life into his characters.
WARNING: There is a cliff hangar involved
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of STORM LOG-5050. Opinions expressed here are unsolicited, unbiased, and entirely my own.
March 11, 2019
What an amazing book, Detective Deans is working on a missing person case of a young collage student, in trying to trace her, his inquiry takes him from Bath to Devon where he receives impossible to deny evidence from a psychic, which moves the case from missing to murder, It's crime with a paranormal twist making for a brilliant book, I have to admit that I was 20% into reading "The Bone Hill" which was so good, that realising it was the 3rd book in the series, I immediately stopped and started reading this one instead, next is book 2 "Dead by Design" and then back to "The Bone Hill.
April 30, 2016
Must be clear here. This is not a book I would normally have picked to read.
I like comedy/humour, factual, fantasy, sci-fi, and family friendly books.
This is gritty crime with a bit of the supernatural thrown in to spice the pot.
So the four stars is partly a reflection of personal taste.
Now some more disclosure here. I met the author who is a delightful man who has drawn on his personal experience in the police C.I.D. to bring a strong sense of reality to the story.
I am temporarily hosting a radio show, with a books theme, and we have had the pleasure of interviewing a number of excellent authors with more to come. James brought copies of his book in for each of us to read; but apart from that I have no axe to grind and no favouritism.
The story is an "inside job" in as much as anyone in the police force is going to have an instant advantage in comprehension over those of us who have only experienced the boys in blue when we have inadvertently strayed above the speed limit or fitted the profile of a recent offender, but the jargon adds verisimilitude without causing it to become incomprehensible.
As to the events, which I won't relate, suffice to say, I was able to predict the major turning event fairly early on. That isn't a criticism exactly. You reach a point when you find yourself saying; "If X doesn't happen then it won't be believable" It happens, and then the story gets right down to the nitty-gritty as Deans tries to juggle his work life balance in one of the toughest professions for marriages there is.
Now we come to the ending. Hmm. How to avoid spoilers?
I guess don't say anything at all?
Let's put it this way. I specifically asked James, during the interview, if he had set up a sequel at the ending of the book.
He answered in the affirmative.
What he didn't say was "In spades"
But I should have known, and indeed, I pretty much did know with about 60 pages to go, that I was going to be cursing him by the end.
I like comedy/humour, factual, fantasy, sci-fi, and family friendly books.
This is gritty crime with a bit of the supernatural thrown in to spice the pot.
So the four stars is partly a reflection of personal taste.
Now some more disclosure here. I met the author who is a delightful man who has drawn on his personal experience in the police C.I.D. to bring a strong sense of reality to the story.
I am temporarily hosting a radio show, with a books theme, and we have had the pleasure of interviewing a number of excellent authors with more to come. James brought copies of his book in for each of us to read; but apart from that I have no axe to grind and no favouritism.
The story is an "inside job" in as much as anyone in the police force is going to have an instant advantage in comprehension over those of us who have only experienced the boys in blue when we have inadvertently strayed above the speed limit or fitted the profile of a recent offender, but the jargon adds verisimilitude without causing it to become incomprehensible.
As to the events, which I won't relate, suffice to say, I was able to predict the major turning event fairly early on. That isn't a criticism exactly. You reach a point when you find yourself saying; "If X doesn't happen then it won't be believable" It happens, and then the story gets right down to the nitty-gritty as Deans tries to juggle his work life balance in one of the toughest professions for marriages there is.
Now we come to the ending. Hmm. How to avoid spoilers?
I guess don't say anything at all?
Let's put it this way. I specifically asked James, during the interview, if he had set up a sequel at the ending of the book.
He answered in the affirmative.
What he didn't say was "In spades"
But I should have known, and indeed, I pretty much did know with about 60 pages to go, that I was going to be cursing him by the end.
August 21, 2017
This was a real page turner! I read it over a few days and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's not normally the sort of book I would read but I became totally engrossed and engaged with the story.
I loved how I identified with Amy and felt like I knew her! The various twists and turns were riveting and I willed 'Deano' to get to the bottom of developments.
Without spoiling anything, the sequel cannot come soon enough. Well done James, a thoroughly enjoyable and well written novel. Thank you.
I loved how I identified with Amy and felt like I knew her! The various twists and turns were riveting and I willed 'Deano' to get to the bottom of developments.
Without spoiling anything, the sequel cannot come soon enough. Well done James, a thoroughly enjoyable and well written novel. Thank you.
February 20, 2018
WARNING: This Book Ends With a Cliffhanger
Like some other Goodreads reviewers/readers, I really dislike authors who throw in outta-left-field cliffhangers in order to sell their books.
Instead of feeling compelled to buy a second book, I won’t buy another book by this author. He might again decide to NOT end the second book.
Like some other Goodreads reviewers/readers, I really dislike authors who throw in outta-left-field cliffhangers in order to sell their books.
Instead of feeling compelled to buy a second book, I won’t buy another book by this author. He might again decide to NOT end the second book.
July 8, 2016
Un-put-downable
Definitely the sort of book you cannot put down once you've started. I read it in 1 day !
Will be waiting on edge of my seat fir next one....
Definitely the sort of book you cannot put down once you've started. I read it in 1 day !
Will be waiting on edge of my seat fir next one....
February 28, 2020
Storm Log-0505 is one of the best crime novels I have ever read. I really liked the police perspective from DC Deans which gave a real insight into police investigations and enabled the reader to follow the investigation and develop their own ideas as the book progressed. The third person perspective of the novel helped the reader to easily recognise the changes and shifts in character perspective.
What made Storm Log-0505 interesting was the use of ‘police vocabulary’, for instance ‘Mispers’ and ‘Storm Log-0505’ since it was different from the range of other crime novels I have read and helps this book stand out. The use of this terminology allows the reader to make connections between it and the book’s title, marginally increasing their awareness of the possible reasons behind the title, which was the 505th call to the police that day.
The novel begins with prologue which explores the thoughts of, what I believed to be, the perpetrator of the crimes towards Amy. This is referenced throughout the first and second chapters, which provides the reader with the background to the crime – almost like a trailer or backstory to the police investigation. This was a very interesting start to the novel and provoked the reader into creating their own initial theories of the crime which is developed or changed throughout the novel.
The changes in character perspective were interesting, especially in chapter 13 where there were a few pages in the perspective of the perpetrator. This was good as it interrupted the main police perspective of DC Deans, which created a different tone to the book. The interruption made the reader question what happened to Amy in the moments leading up to her death, especially due to the snippets of information that is given to them which is primarily through the use of italics. However, the perspective of the perpetrator keeps the reader guessing as it doesn’t reveal too much too soon, which is good as the anonymity is similar to the real investigation. This keeps the reader in the same position as DC Deans and makes them read the book quicker as they are desperate to know what happened. This is also apparent in chapters 26 and 27 where the perspectives shift again to the perpetrator and Amy.
I liked the interview between DC Deans and Carl Groves in chapter 24. It was very detailed and explored different techniques than I have seen, primarily DC Deans getting Carl to mentally go back to the Saturday night to help with the investigation. The gentle approach of DC Deans gives the readers further insight into possible police questioning techniques, such as cognitive interviewing, building upon the knowledge previously given in the book, e.g. using police terminology.
I found the paranormal elements of the novel to be interesting and a different approach to detective mysteries. Denise Moon is a rather strange but intriguing character through her paranormal abilities and the connections she can make to Amy. Also, through her role helping DC Deans with the overall investigation in addition to his abilities.
The ending was a bit frustrating as a reader since we know the perpetrator of Amy’s abduction and murder but just as we thought it was over, a new crime was introduced. This time more personal for DC Deans, with his wife missing. However, the ending is left as an intriguing cliff hanger, leaving the readers waiting impatiently for the next instalment of this amazing crime novel.
I believe that James D. Mortain being an ex-CID detective makes the novel more interesting since he has experience of investigations, which he could draw upon in his writing and arguably improves the novel. I personally find that the better crime books are written by authors who used to be apart of the police or investigative teams and this book is one of them.
One of my favourite moments was when DC Deans was looking around Babbage’s home address with one of the new police officers that had ‘a pouch on his utility belt that was bursting with paraphernalia for every eventuality’ (chapter 43). My favourite quote must be ‘it’s Bear Grylls in uniform’. It made me laugh as it was unexpected. Whilst it broke some of the tension, it didn’t ruin the moment instead it lightened the mood and gave the reader a little break from the action.
I finished this book in about 2/3 days as it was brilliant, probably one of the best crime books I’ve read. The way it was written made it easy to get drawn into the story. Unputdownable and extraordinary!
What made Storm Log-0505 interesting was the use of ‘police vocabulary’, for instance ‘Mispers’ and ‘Storm Log-0505’ since it was different from the range of other crime novels I have read and helps this book stand out. The use of this terminology allows the reader to make connections between it and the book’s title, marginally increasing their awareness of the possible reasons behind the title, which was the 505th call to the police that day.
The novel begins with prologue which explores the thoughts of, what I believed to be, the perpetrator of the crimes towards Amy. This is referenced throughout the first and second chapters, which provides the reader with the background to the crime – almost like a trailer or backstory to the police investigation. This was a very interesting start to the novel and provoked the reader into creating their own initial theories of the crime which is developed or changed throughout the novel.
The changes in character perspective were interesting, especially in chapter 13 where there were a few pages in the perspective of the perpetrator. This was good as it interrupted the main police perspective of DC Deans, which created a different tone to the book. The interruption made the reader question what happened to Amy in the moments leading up to her death, especially due to the snippets of information that is given to them which is primarily through the use of italics. However, the perspective of the perpetrator keeps the reader guessing as it doesn’t reveal too much too soon, which is good as the anonymity is similar to the real investigation. This keeps the reader in the same position as DC Deans and makes them read the book quicker as they are desperate to know what happened. This is also apparent in chapters 26 and 27 where the perspectives shift again to the perpetrator and Amy.
I liked the interview between DC Deans and Carl Groves in chapter 24. It was very detailed and explored different techniques than I have seen, primarily DC Deans getting Carl to mentally go back to the Saturday night to help with the investigation. The gentle approach of DC Deans gives the readers further insight into possible police questioning techniques, such as cognitive interviewing, building upon the knowledge previously given in the book, e.g. using police terminology.
I found the paranormal elements of the novel to be interesting and a different approach to detective mysteries. Denise Moon is a rather strange but intriguing character through her paranormal abilities and the connections she can make to Amy. Also, through her role helping DC Deans with the overall investigation in addition to his abilities.
The ending was a bit frustrating as a reader since we know the perpetrator of Amy’s abduction and murder but just as we thought it was over, a new crime was introduced. This time more personal for DC Deans, with his wife missing. However, the ending is left as an intriguing cliff hanger, leaving the readers waiting impatiently for the next instalment of this amazing crime novel.
I believe that James D. Mortain being an ex-CID detective makes the novel more interesting since he has experience of investigations, which he could draw upon in his writing and arguably improves the novel. I personally find that the better crime books are written by authors who used to be apart of the police or investigative teams and this book is one of them.
One of my favourite moments was when DC Deans was looking around Babbage’s home address with one of the new police officers that had ‘a pouch on his utility belt that was bursting with paraphernalia for every eventuality’ (chapter 43). My favourite quote must be ‘it’s Bear Grylls in uniform’. It made me laugh as it was unexpected. Whilst it broke some of the tension, it didn’t ruin the moment instead it lightened the mood and gave the reader a little break from the action.
I finished this book in about 2/3 days as it was brilliant, probably one of the best crime books I’ve read. The way it was written made it easy to get drawn into the story. Unputdownable and extraordinary!
February 27, 2022
What just happened there? 😮
How on earth is this a debut novel? This was an exceptionally good novel for the "first". I'm impressed! The writing is good, I don't know if there were typos, I don't tend to notice those when I read. If I can understand what's being conveyed, that's what's important to me. I have never read a police thriller with this kind of a plot! It was extremely interesting and gripping! There were many twists and turns, and to me honest, I had no idea who the murderer would turn out to be. The sub plot kept me just as interested, I follow a path that is similar, so I was intrigued to say the least. I loved the cast of characters, and some I loved to hate. I also much appreciate the feelings and emotion that is conveyed throughout this book. It makes me want to go on because I'm interested in what happens to these fictional beings!! I highly recommend this book if you have a bit of an open mind, that's even better. Now I'm off to get the next one and we show fast I can finish that one!
How on earth is this a debut novel? This was an exceptionally good novel for the "first". I'm impressed! The writing is good, I don't know if there were typos, I don't tend to notice those when I read. If I can understand what's being conveyed, that's what's important to me. I have never read a police thriller with this kind of a plot! It was extremely interesting and gripping! There were many twists and turns, and to me honest, I had no idea who the murderer would turn out to be. The sub plot kept me just as interested, I follow a path that is similar, so I was intrigued to say the least. I loved the cast of characters, and some I loved to hate. I also much appreciate the feelings and emotion that is conveyed throughout this book. It makes me want to go on because I'm interested in what happens to these fictional beings!! I highly recommend this book if you have a bit of an open mind, that's even better. Now I'm off to get the next one and we show fast I can finish that one!
May 24, 2018
An enjoyable detective story set in Bath, although a lot of the action takes place in Devon, the scene of the murder of a young student. Andy Deans is a vulnerable but likeable young DC, his work creating tensions in his home life - although he can't resist letting work become an excuse to get away as the book progresses.
The victim's friend is a medium, and comes to Andy's aid when he hits a brick wall with his investigation-a brick wall in the form of uncooperative colleagues from the Devon force.
The book ended rather quickly - I wanted more! - but the case was resolved despite all the obstacles put in Deano's way by people who should have been helping him.
I found the supernatural angle a bit unbelievable (I can hear my DI Jeff Lincoln saying, "Oh, come off it!") but it's certainly going to make this detective series stand out from the crowd. Looking forward to the next in the series.
The victim's friend is a medium, and comes to Andy's aid when he hits a brick wall with his investigation-a brick wall in the form of uncooperative colleagues from the Devon force.
The book ended rather quickly - I wanted more! - but the case was resolved despite all the obstacles put in Deano's way by people who should have been helping him.
I found the supernatural angle a bit unbelievable (I can hear my DI Jeff Lincoln saying, "Oh, come off it!") but it's certainly going to make this detective series stand out from the crowd. Looking forward to the next in the series.
February 27, 2021
Death & The Detective
A detective reluctantly joins forces with a psychic to solve the brutal murder of a beautiful young woman. The detective is under pressure from his job and from his pregnant wife. But the killer has a diabolical obsession with the detective that leads to danger and destruction.
This was a propulsive police procedural. I like Dean, the detective. He had more depth and sensitivity than many lead detectives. However his treatment at the other agency was over the top and hard to believe. In a political and litigious atmosphere supervisors are far more careful and smooth. Although the main story line was resolved, at least as far as who dunnit, the ending was a cliffhanger. 2.5 stars
A detective reluctantly joins forces with a psychic to solve the brutal murder of a beautiful young woman. The detective is under pressure from his job and from his pregnant wife. But the killer has a diabolical obsession with the detective that leads to danger and destruction.
This was a propulsive police procedural. I like Dean, the detective. He had more depth and sensitivity than many lead detectives. However his treatment at the other agency was over the top and hard to believe. In a political and litigious atmosphere supervisors are far more careful and smooth. Although the main story line was resolved, at least as far as who dunnit, the ending was a cliffhanger. 2.5 stars
November 30, 2020
I gave this strangely titled book (I thought it was a spy novel!!) a go on a recommendation and am so glad I did. On the face of it, it's a routine investigation of the disappearance of a young woman but when DI Andy Deans has to move from native Bath to North Devon, the investigation and his personal life take twists galore! It's a cracking read with a slight supernatural edge with thankfully relatively few characters to remember, although one in particular is not a nice person at all!! Its fast paced, gripping and a real page swiper and my only minor gripe is that it seemed to end quite abruptly. Definitely one to recommend.
November 20, 2024
I’ve had this book unread on my Kindle for a long time. Not sure why I didn’t read it sooner as I enjoy reading g both crime and paranormal fiction so the combination of both in the same book should have appealed to me straightaway.
I liked the writer’s measured approach to the creation of the characters and navigation of the storyline. It felt authentic and the main character, Detective Andrew Deans, was relatable and believable despite his paranormal dabbling. The only thing which frustrated me was the cliff hangar ending as it felt like a device to sell the next book. Despite that, I probably will read it.
I liked the writer’s measured approach to the creation of the characters and navigation of the storyline. It felt authentic and the main character, Detective Andrew Deans, was relatable and believable despite his paranormal dabbling. The only thing which frustrated me was the cliff hangar ending as it felt like a device to sell the next book. Despite that, I probably will read it.
November 20, 2024
I’ve had this book unread on my Kindle for a long time. Not sure why I didn’t read it sooner as I enjoy reading g both crime and paranormal fiction so the combination of both in the same book should have appealed to me straightaway.
I liked the writer’s measured approach to the creation of the characters and navigation of the storyline. It felt authentic and the main character, Detective Andrew Deans, was relatable and believable despite his paranormal dabbling. The only thing which frustrated me was the cliff hangar ending as it felt like a device to sell the next book. Despite that, I probably will read it.
I liked the writer’s measured approach to the creation of the characters and navigation of the storyline. It felt authentic and the main character, Detective Andrew Deans, was relatable and believable despite his paranormal dabbling. The only thing which frustrated me was the cliff hangar ending as it felt like a device to sell the next book. Despite that, I probably will read it.
Read
September 1, 2025Rivetting police drama
A totalling rivetting, exhilerating and gripping crime thriller. From the beginning when, Detective Dean's becomes involved in a missing persons investigation, through the ensuing action covering not only Deans immediate area around Bath, Somerset, to the even more disturbing events which flow across in to Devon, there is a gripping story throughout with many unseen and unwanted twists and turns. Deans is put in to a situation that not only threatens himself but also his wife and close family.
Extremely difficult to put down page turner and excellent start to a great series.
A totalling rivetting, exhilerating and gripping crime thriller. From the beginning when, Detective Dean's becomes involved in a missing persons investigation, through the ensuing action covering not only Deans immediate area around Bath, Somerset, to the even more disturbing events which flow across in to Devon, there is a gripping story throughout with many unseen and unwanted twists and turns. Deans is put in to a situation that not only threatens himself but also his wife and close family.
Extremely difficult to put down page turner and excellent start to a great series.
May 24, 2020
Very slow, didn't enjoy at all.
This book was soooo slow. I felt it never really got going at all and on a couple of occasions i almost never bothered finishing it and to be honest when I finally reached the end, I wished I hadn't bothered. It never once kept my interest piqued and although it ends with a supposed climax to get you to read the follow up, I'm afraid for me that will not be happening!!
This book was soooo slow. I felt it never really got going at all and on a couple of occasions i almost never bothered finishing it and to be honest when I finally reached the end, I wished I hadn't bothered. It never once kept my interest piqued and although it ends with a supposed climax to get you to read the follow up, I'm afraid for me that will not be happening!!
February 25, 2021
I really enjoyed this book up until the time Deans met Denise.... then it started to get ridiculous. That was such a shame as up until that point, I was really gripped by the storyline and found it hard to put the book down.
There were too many unanswered questions... ... I felt like I was being blackmailed into reading book two just to get some answers.
Why the cliff hanger ? It wasn’t intriguing, it was just damn annoying!
There were too many unanswered questions... ... I felt like I was being blackmailed into reading book two just to get some answers.
Why the cliff hanger ? It wasn’t intriguing, it was just damn annoying!
March 18, 2021
Storm Logo0505: A gripping crime thriller with a breathtaking twist ( The Detective Deans Mystery Book 1) by James D. Mortain
This is an amazing read with a Detective that is powerful among his colleagues. He is gripped with many strange events, some in the unnatural. He storms ahead and does what he feels is right no matter the consequences. This was a fantastic read and I will continue the series.
This is an amazing read with a Detective that is powerful among his colleagues. He is gripped with many strange events, some in the unnatural. He storms ahead and does what he feels is right no matter the consequences. This was a fantastic read and I will continue the series.
July 20, 2022
I bought this book on recommendation and really enjoyed it. It’s a good murder mystery combined (lightly) with a little of the supernatural, which I can take in small amounts. I really enjoyed the characters (even the nasty ones, not all of whom were murderers!) and the pressures on DC Andy Deans’ home life. There’s a lot to unpack and a lot to look forward to in future books. A really enjoyable read.
June 25, 2017
Amy Poole is missing from Bath. She went to visit her parents in Devon and hasn't returned to her university. Detective Deans is assigned the case and is soon seconded to the Devon and Cornwall force when a body is found. He's struggling to keep up with his work and maintain a relationship with his wife Maria. An enjoyable read with some paranormal thrown in too.
February 25, 2018
Bit confused about the title! Anyway, Bath CID get a misper which is initially ignored until it is realised that the student doesn't have her medication with her. Deanes takes in the case, travelling between Bath and North Devon, trying to balance his home life with his job. Psychic investigator becomes involved, which makes this different. First in a series.
August 26, 2018
I didn't really know what to expect when this book was introduced as a free download but the cover intrigued me.....so I gave it a whirl and what a fantastic book...if you like a bit of paranormal (not vampires or werewolves) strong main character and good story line with twists and turns then this the book to read....enjoy x
September 28, 2018
Frustrated
I was really thrown by the constant use of acronyms. A few I sussed out on my own. As an American who has worked in the justice and penal system it made the story line awkward and irritating. It was a good enough story to make me want to know where Maria is off to. So here I go reading the sequel.
I was really thrown by the constant use of acronyms. A few I sussed out on my own. As an American who has worked in the justice and penal system it made the story line awkward and irritating. It was a good enough story to make me want to know where Maria is off to. So here I go reading the sequel.
January 27, 2019
High Sensory Perceptions Help Solve Crime
I was intrigued by the mystery crime thriller that included a bit of high sensory perception that detective Deans had become aware that he possessed. I liked now the author allowed the detective time to discover and slowly develop this powerful gift to his advantage.
I was intrigued by the mystery crime thriller that included a bit of high sensory perception that detective Deans had become aware that he possessed. I liked now the author allowed the detective time to discover and slowly develop this powerful gift to his advantage.
February 25, 2019
Am glad I stuck with this. I almost gave up a quarter of the way through but it definitely improved. Liked the setting too - good to see the south west take centre stage for once. Not too sure about the paranormal aspects and where they’ll take the next story - and hate the tacked on cliffhanger. But I’ve downloaded the next one so will persevere.
March 31, 2021
Great book
For those, including me, that are not from England the use of the English language on this is a little rough at first. After that it's smooth sailing with a well developed storyline and characters. The plot keeps the page turning through the end. Looking forward to the next one.
For those, including me, that are not from England the use of the English language on this is a little rough at first. After that it's smooth sailing with a well developed storyline and characters. The plot keeps the page turning through the end. Looking forward to the next one.
April 22, 2025
This was a different kind of murder mystery. The main character is very complex and finds he has a sense to connect with the victims. His life is turned upside down while he is investigating a murder and coming to recognize his unique talent. It makes for interesting reading going in very unexpected directions.
May 19, 2025
SPOILER ALERT
Just when this book was getting interesting, the author throws a curveball as if the plot is finished. IT’S NOT!!!!!
Left with more questions than answers, either this is half a book or just a tease to get the reader to buy more……. I don’t play nicely with authors who take the p**s. I will NOT be back.
August 12, 2018
Breath of fresh air
Totally awesome book! Really refreshing to read this !
At last I’ve found an author who truly understands the need to not be a cookie cutter mystery writer!
Thank you so very much.
I’m looking forward to reading all in this series.
Totally awesome book! Really refreshing to read this !
At last I’ve found an author who truly understands the need to not be a cookie cutter mystery writer!
Thank you so very much.
I’m looking forward to reading all in this series.
August 13, 2018
A chilling thriller. James writes with authority, his characters are believable and well written and the story is gripping from the start. Highly recommended read. Cliffhanger ending, can't wait to read book two. Intriguing story that involves murder and the paranormal.
October 11, 2018
Great psych thriller
Interesting psych killer New twist with his daily job. You really start feeling for the detective who at times, seems a broken man but that is way of the mark.
Interesting psych killer New twist with his daily job. You really start feeling for the detective who at times, seems a broken man but that is way of the mark.
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