What do you think?
Rate this book
The theft of the eggs of a rare golden eagle leads to a murder investigation and a serious questioning of loyalties
A man is killed by being pushed over the edge of a quarry. There is no doubt about who the culprits are, so why can't DCI Harris lay a finger on them?
Surly and abrasive, veteran detective Jack Harris at times shows more concern for the wildlife in his beloved Pennine Hills than keeping up cordial relations at work. Indeed, when a trio of local criminals try to steal the eggs of a rare bird, DCI Harris treats it almost like a personal insult and readies to envelop them in the long arm of the law.
Yet when two of the criminals descend from the hills into Harris’ snare, rather than the expected three, Harris finds himself with a murder investigation on his hands. But far from being an open and shut case, it is one that will wrench him out of his rural idyll, and back into the gritty criminal underworld to solve.
The murdered man is formally identified as a gangland member and Harris is beset by a troubled local community and doubts amongst his colleagues that he can bring the killer to justice. Doing so will force Harris to confront a nasty episode in his own past and question the loyalties of those around him.
This novel is set in the fictional town of Levton, nestled in the bleak and blustery Pennine Hills in the north of England. It is the first in a series of titles featuring Jack Harris and the Levton Police Force.
A man is killed by being pushed over the edge of a quarry. There is no doubt about who the culprits are, so why can't DCI Harris lay a finger on them?
Surly and abrasive, veteran detective Jack Harris at times shows more concern for the wildlife in his beloved Pennine Hills than keeping up cordial relations at work. Indeed, when a trio of local criminals try to steal the eggs of a rare bird, DCI Harris treats it almost like a personal insult and readies to envelop them in the long arm of the law.
Yet when two of the criminals descend from the hills into Harris’ snare, rather than the expected three, Harris finds himself with a murder investigation on his hands. But far from being an open and shut case, it is one that will wrench him out of his rural idyll, and back into the gritty criminal underworld to solve.
The murdered man is formally identified as a gangland member and Harris is beset by a troubled local community and doubts amongst his colleagues that he can bring the killer to justice. Doing so will force Harris to confront a nasty episode in his own past and question the loyalties of those around him.
This novel is set in the fictional town of Levton, nestled in the bleak and blustery Pennine Hills in the north of England. It is the first in a series of titles featuring Jack Harris and the Levton Police Force.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2008
833 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
John Dean
133 books82 followersJohn Dean is a freelance journalist who has runs his own business and draws heavily on his years as a crime reporter for newspapers and magazines to create his novels.
He is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association and cites Sherlock Holmes as his all-time favorite detective. He lives in the South West of Scotland.
(Also writes under the pseudonym John Stanley)
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
He is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association and cites Sherlock Holmes as his all-time favorite detective. He lives in the South West of Scotland.
(Also writes under the pseudonym John Stanley)
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 23, 2018
3.5 stars. This book was ok but I found it a bit confusing. The cast of the characters was listed at the end. Of course reading it on kindle I didn't see it until I was finished. It would have been helpful to have had it at the beginning.
August 20, 2019
First book in the series. I will try another one. Lots of new characters. Main character took some time to warm up to. Not sure yet?? Bought the 2nd book and we shall see.
December 4, 2017
Very slow to get plot moving it does pick up nicely towards the conclusion. At just 200 pages it took far too long to get the motor running. Certainly an interesting protagonist in Jack "Hawk" Harris. With this being the first book in the series, I'd have to read another to really make up my mind about author John Dean. Three stars out of a possible five stars. A read for when there isn't anything else on the nightstand.
June 9, 2017
If there's one thing I love, Its a good British Police story, especially when its set in the north as this one is, There is so much going on, which keeps you riveted while DCI Jack Harris follows every lead, Great characters, Brilliant story, A really good read.
August 6, 2018
I struggled with this complex story..
January 1, 2026
This was the first story in the box set I have, introducing Jack Harris, a chief inspector in the north of England.
I liked how Jack preferred animals to people and though abrasive in many ways, he was funny and honourable. The rest of the characters were also well defined if not all likeable.
A body is found...
This was a twisty tale, well-written and engaging.
Recommended.
I liked how Jack preferred animals to people and though abrasive in many ways, he was funny and honourable. The rest of the characters were also well defined if not all likeable.
A body is found...
This was a twisty tale, well-written and engaging.
Recommended.
December 2, 2018
"Terrific police procedural"
You can't beat a good British detective yarn. The northern landscapes are breathtaking and this type of story translates superbly on the small screen. If the plot falters , or the dialogue becomes stilted for a few moments there's always the magnificent scenery to lift your spirits. Those moments are rare in this edge-of-the-seat thriller. The action comes thick and fast, DCI Harris has a large supporting cast - some on the right side of the law, others not. The original case is complicated, but the plot alters tack throughout the book and the true motives are only uncovered at the very end - in true British police procedural style. All the potential suspects weren't gathered in the library by the inspector in this one, but you get my drift. Great stuff.
You can't beat a good British detective yarn. The northern landscapes are breathtaking and this type of story translates superbly on the small screen. If the plot falters , or the dialogue becomes stilted for a few moments there's always the magnificent scenery to lift your spirits. Those moments are rare in this edge-of-the-seat thriller. The action comes thick and fast, DCI Harris has a large supporting cast - some on the right side of the law, others not. The original case is complicated, but the plot alters tack throughout the book and the true motives are only uncovered at the very end - in true British police procedural style. All the potential suspects weren't gathered in the library by the inspector in this one, but you get my drift. Great stuff.
May 8, 2017
Excellent murder mystery. Interestingly different. Great characters, particularly Jack Harris.
Great storyline concerning illegal egg collecting. Loved the description of the local landscape.
Lots going on to hold the readers interest throughout.
All in all, a fascinating enjoyable book.
Great storyline concerning illegal egg collecting. Loved the description of the local landscape.
Lots going on to hold the readers interest throughout.
All in all, a fascinating enjoyable book.
July 25, 2018
This is a nice, tight little thriller with an interesting setting and lively characters. It has a gritty feel that suits its northern hero.
The plot is complex with some lovely twists and turns but the author never loses control and draws the reader in. I shall be seeking out further books in the series.
The plot is complex with some lovely twists and turns but the author never loses control and draws the reader in. I shall be seeking out further books in the series.
March 20, 2014
This is the first book that I've read by John Dean. It is a fairly fast moving crime thriller with an interesting twist involving the central character, Jack Harris.
I gather this was the first of the Jack Harris series
It makes me want to read more books by this author.
I gather this was the first of the Jack Harris series
It makes me want to read more books by this author.
May 8, 2017
"Wildlife" in the natural sense
DCI Jack Harris acquired his nickname 'Hawk' because of his interest in supporting and protecting wildlife in his native country, when the bad guys come calling he has his eye focused on protecting both the people and the birds.
DCI Jack Harris acquired his nickname 'Hawk' because of his interest in supporting and protecting wildlife in his native country, when the bad guys come calling he has his eye focused on protecting both the people and the birds.
December 5, 2019
When a breeding pair of golden eagles take up residence on a high cliff in the northern Pennines, this gets attention in the national press. Not only nature lovers have an interest in those rare animals, but their eggs can also be sold for serious amounts of money to collectors. DCI Jack Harris, an admirer of the majestic birds, wants to catch the perpetrators red-handed, but his boss orders him to focus his attention on a string of break-ins in garden sheds. When some renowned egg thieves turn up in the vicinity, he gets there asap. He finds 2 known criminals, no eggs and the corpse of another infamous associate of the arrested men. What appears to be an accident, prooves to be foul play. Those men in custody declare complete ignorance of everything and lawyer up immediately. While trying to solve the puzzle, Harris has to deal with a very impatient super and a sergeant with a theory of his own.
The story is told in a leisurely pace, that fits perfectly and allows the reader to find out some background information about both the main character (DCI Harris) and some of the suspects that he happened to grow up with. Information that's kinda crucial for the first book in a new series. Harris is a man that's easy to like because of his love for nature and his dog. The protection of birds of prey isn't always appreciated in a farming community, but he follows his conscience in this as well as in other matters. A set back is that he has a 1-track-mind. When he has a theory, all else doesn't matter and he doesn't even hear what others say or try to tell him (he pushes Allison aside when she tries to tell him what Corbett said to her).
I had read and enjoyed some books of John Dean's other series, about john Blizzard, and I must say that this new series is even better. Maybe because the main character here is more sympathetic and open. The pace and even some parts of how the author describes the DCI made me think of Peter Robinson and his DCI Banks. I'm curious how the character will develop and have already bought another part in this series. I'll still read the Blizzard books when I come across them as well, so if you enjoy this series, it may be worth to check out the other one as well.
The story is told in a leisurely pace, that fits perfectly and allows the reader to find out some background information about both the main character (DCI Harris) and some of the suspects that he happened to grow up with. Information that's kinda crucial for the first book in a new series. Harris is a man that's easy to like because of his love for nature and his dog. The protection of birds of prey isn't always appreciated in a farming community, but he follows his conscience in this as well as in other matters. A set back is that he has a 1-track-mind. When he has a theory, all else doesn't matter and he doesn't even hear what others say or try to tell him (he pushes Allison aside when she tries to tell him what Corbett said to her).
I had read and enjoyed some books of John Dean's other series, about john Blizzard, and I must say that this new series is even better. Maybe because the main character here is more sympathetic and open. The pace and even some parts of how the author describes the DCI made me think of Peter Robinson and his DCI Banks. I'm curious how the character will develop and have already bought another part in this series. I'll still read the Blizzard books when I come across them as well, so if you enjoy this series, it may be worth to check out the other one as well.
November 10, 2022
I had a hard time getting into this, in part because DCI Jack Harris had anger management issues, and I wasn't happy about that. Eventually, though, I did get into the story and ended up liking it rather well.
There seems to be some issues with locals trying to steal eggs from golden eagle nests. DCI Jack Harris is out helping stop this. He sees three potential thieves out in the hills, but only two of them show up when he goes down to confront them. The third is eventually found down at the bottom of a mine shaft, but appears to have been thrown down after he had been murdered. The two egg thieves who were apprehended are taken in custody on the assumption they were involved in the murder.
DCI Harris' sergeant, Matt Gallagher, gets it into his head that there might be some relation between the current apparent murder and the missing of one Jimmy Roscoe some ten years previously. It seems that Jimmy's brother, Gary, has been involved in some car thieving activities with a Paul de Luca, one of the egg thieves. Also, it turns out, that DCI Harris was once a not-so-nice young lad who was involved in petty crime with the likes of the de Lucas and Roscoes. I dunno, it all gets a bit convoluted.
Anyway, it took me a while to get into this, but, as I said, I got into the story eventually and liked it enough that I might read some more of DCI Harris' adventures.
There seems to be some issues with locals trying to steal eggs from golden eagle nests. DCI Jack Harris is out helping stop this. He sees three potential thieves out in the hills, but only two of them show up when he goes down to confront them. The third is eventually found down at the bottom of a mine shaft, but appears to have been thrown down after he had been murdered. The two egg thieves who were apprehended are taken in custody on the assumption they were involved in the murder.
DCI Harris' sergeant, Matt Gallagher, gets it into his head that there might be some relation between the current apparent murder and the missing of one Jimmy Roscoe some ten years previously. It seems that Jimmy's brother, Gary, has been involved in some car thieving activities with a Paul de Luca, one of the egg thieves. Also, it turns out, that DCI Harris was once a not-so-nice young lad who was involved in petty crime with the likes of the de Lucas and Roscoes. I dunno, it all gets a bit convoluted.
Anyway, it took me a while to get into this, but, as I said, I got into the story eventually and liked it enough that I might read some more of DCI Harris' adventures.
February 7, 2021
This is my first outing with John's book series. I found it an excellent read,many may not like the style, but I enjoyed getting to know his team at the rural Pennine town he worked at. Plenty of villian's you will love to hate and come to a nasty end that leaves you fist punching the air with a cheer. I enjoyed it so much that I brought the 2nd one of his series of 8, The Vixen's Scream and read it straight after I finished this one. After reading these great thrillers I am going to treat myself to the rest of his series, one a month. Enjoy.
October 21, 2021
No to this!
I am stopping at the halfway point where Harris puts a choke hold on an attorney - in a courtroom!!! What absolute rubbish!
Add to this jerk of a main character the lackluster plot and why would I - why would anyone - read this to the end? And I might as well throw in the sloppy writing/editing with omitted words, male characters called "she" in one sentence, he in the next, annoying repetition, etc. And throughout it all, Harris so rude and boorish that it is noted the few times that he almost acts like a regular guy.
Sub par in every way...
I am stopping at the halfway point where Harris puts a choke hold on an attorney - in a courtroom!!! What absolute rubbish!
Add to this jerk of a main character the lackluster plot and why would I - why would anyone - read this to the end? And I might as well throw in the sloppy writing/editing with omitted words, male characters called "she" in one sentence, he in the next, annoying repetition, etc. And throughout it all, Harris so rude and boorish that it is noted the few times that he almost acts like a regular guy.
Sub par in every way...
September 15, 2023
It was ok. I liked the idea of the moody setting on the Penninies. Probably not my cup of tea overall so it may well be a writing style others would enjoy more. The patter between the characters felt somewhat stereotypical, particularly the interactions with one of the women. But some good action near the end. It DEFINITELY would have been useful to have that character list at the beginning. (Gutted when I found it in the end😂) Keeping up and remembering all the characters did lose momentum for me little.
October 30, 2025
I really can't quite make my mind up about Hawk. He is a fairly dull and uninspiring character with very little depth.
It appears I have the 2nd book in my library already so I will read that next and hope for a bit more excitement than Book 1 gave me as I like to give authors a chance and many times the 2nd book in a series is better than the first as the author gets to know his characters.
A bit more on the background of his oppo wouldn't go amiss either. The reader really has no idea about this guy, except he wants a transfer out (not really a spoiler).
Overall, a bit disappointing as Hawk is portrayed as a male Vera without any inspiration.
It appears I have the 2nd book in my library already so I will read that next and hope for a bit more excitement than Book 1 gave me as I like to give authors a chance and many times the 2nd book in a series is better than the first as the author gets to know his characters.
A bit more on the background of his oppo wouldn't go amiss either. The reader really has no idea about this guy, except he wants a transfer out (not really a spoiler).
Overall, a bit disappointing as Hawk is portrayed as a male Vera without any inspiration.
February 11, 2021
I enjoyed the setting. It seems the mountains hold a lot of deep mine shafts. I would get confused with the number of names. Part of the plot hold on the reader is being able to remember all the names. The only memorable one was Harris because his nickname was Hawk. Mostly this plethora of names had me flabbergasted throughout the read. The ending where all the names are tied up worked, but I wasn't keen on the "telling" of the ending.
September 3, 2024
Having finished John Dean's series about DCI John Blizzard, I decided to venture into a new one. I wasn't disappointed. The location is more remote, and there's a lot of emphasis on wildlife, but the basic attention to police procedural without a lot of frills and distractions is fine with me. Harris is gruff and usually ignores his boss, who is clueless much of the time, but he solves the case.
July 8, 2025
A good introduction to Jack Harris. A countryman through and through as well as a damn good copper. An avid interest in birds of prey earns him his nickname of Hawk.
And this story starts with protecting eagle eggs but soon turns into murder. Quite a number of characters come into play, so, pay attention.
I enjoyed the twists and turns that made this a rather interesting case to solve. Now the next in the series.
And this story starts with protecting eagle eggs but soon turns into murder. Quite a number of characters come into play, so, pay attention.
I enjoyed the twists and turns that made this a rather interesting case to solve. Now the next in the series.
October 29, 2025
A Good Start To A New Series
DCI Jack Harris is a keen bird lover and when he discovers people are too near an eagle's nest he fears they are egg collecting and confronts them. They have no bird's eggs in their possession but Jack is sure there should be three people not just the two he has apprehended. When the third person does not appear Jack is afraid it is about to turn into a murder investigation. This is a good start to a new series.
DCI Jack Harris is a keen bird lover and when he discovers people are too near an eagle's nest he fears they are egg collecting and confronts them. They have no bird's eggs in their possession but Jack is sure there should be three people not just the two he has apprehended. When the third person does not appear Jack is afraid it is about to turn into a murder investigation. This is a good start to a new series.
November 23, 2018
I liked the thrilling interactions in between the middle of the story. The twisting plot and compact grip of the story made this book an enjoyable and satisfying read. Though there are places where I found the phases a bit stretched, but still it is capable to make the reader hooked with it. Recommendable for one time read.
August 15, 2019
I would give it 3-1/2 stars, if it were possible.
The plot was very good with twists and surprises. Some I saw coming; others I did not. Jack Harris is human with faults. I could not believe how one particular character would admit to some crimes. That is why give this 3 stars. If not for that, I would give it four.
The plot was very good with twists and surprises. Some I saw coming; others I did not. Jack Harris is human with faults. I could not believe how one particular character would admit to some crimes. That is why give this 3 stars. If not for that, I would give it four.
September 4, 2019
Interesting read
The story hangs together fairly well, but became too convoluted as to who was who and what each had done as the book progressed. Still, in saying that, I enjoyed reading it.
It is my first reading of this author, so I’m not sure if this is how all his books are, but I will venture into his world once again at some point and see how well he fares.
The story hangs together fairly well, but became too convoluted as to who was who and what each had done as the book progressed. Still, in saying that, I enjoyed reading it.
It is my first reading of this author, so I’m not sure if this is how all his books are, but I will venture into his world once again at some point and see how well he fares.
October 27, 2019
Not that gripping
I read the Blizzard series before starting this series. While Blizzard was a well rounded character Jack Harris is not. He comes across as quite misogynistic, as do several other characters. This does not make him endearing, just kind of creepy. I will try one more book, but I am not hopeful.
I read the Blizzard series before starting this series. While Blizzard was a well rounded character Jack Harris is not. He comes across as quite misogynistic, as do several other characters. This does not make him endearing, just kind of creepy. I will try one more book, but I am not hopeful.
June 5, 2024
First book that I've read from this author. A complicated story with a protagonist whose character is difficult - in his interactions with others and with me. It moved a little slowly at first, and the ending was not what I thought it was going to be (good for the author!). Going to read the next one of this author and see how it goes.
March 10, 2017
When a man is found dead in a quarry in the Pennines, DCI Harris has every reason to expect foul play. But when the evidence sheds light on the policeman's own shady youth, who will remain loyal to him?
A well-told tale with a likeable but slightly flawed detective and a convincing murder squad.
A well-told tale with a likeable but slightly flawed detective and a convincing murder squad.
August 27, 2017
Really good
I really enjoyed this first of series book and looking forward to reading the rest. I found the main character took a bit of time to warm to but really liked him by the end of the book. The story was enjoyable and the other characters well written too.
I really enjoyed this first of series book and looking forward to reading the rest. I found the main character took a bit of time to warm to but really liked him by the end of the book. The story was enjoyable and the other characters well written too.
July 16, 2018
Was he pushed or did he fall, either way DCI Jack Harris can't prove it. But suspicions can lead elsewhere.
An interesting and enjoyable mystery set in the Pennines of Northern England. Having likeable and a varied list of characters is always a bonus. A good start to a new series
An interesting and enjoyable mystery set in the Pennines of Northern England. Having likeable and a varied list of characters is always a bonus. A good start to a new series
December 4, 2018
A Great Mystery!
I enjoyed this book. It was hard to determine who were the killers. I enjoyed the main characters and how determined they were to solve the unique crimes. The setting was unusual which made it mysteriously too. It was a wonderful read.
I enjoyed this book. It was hard to determine who were the killers. I enjoyed the main characters and how determined they were to solve the unique crimes. The setting was unusual which made it mysteriously too. It was a wonderful read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews