Letter from the Dead

Detective Inspector Declan Walsh #1

by Jack Gatland

"By the time you read this, I will be dead..."

A twenty year old murder... A Prime Ministerial Leadership Campaign... A paranoid, homeless ex-minister... A TV Evangelist with a murderous secret...

Detective Inspector Declan Walsh has had better days...

Recently blacklisted from the police for punching a priest on live TV (long story), D.I Declan Walsh is one step away from quitting the force for good - and privately investigating the mysterious death of his father, Chief Superintendent Patrick Walsh, who died shortly after writing a tell-all memoir of his time on the force.

But when his father's old partner, Detective Chief Inspector Alex Monroe, arrives with an offer, Declan is forced to take it. For Monroe now leads a City of London task force that concentrates on cold cases, and filled with officers just like Declan; officers that are too valuable to lose, but at the same time have a history in the force. Nicknamed 'The Last Chance Saloon', it's currently investigating a decades old murder - and one that Declan's father supposedly solved.

When Victoria Davies was pushed off her stately home's roof in 2001, all evidence pointed to her husband, Michael. But now, twenty years later a letter has appeared, written by Victoria before her death; a letter that was never received, and a letter that brings new suspects into the fray; Labour MPs Shaun Donnal, Andrew MacIntyre, and Charles Baker.

But two decades on, life has changed for these men. Donnal is now a paranoid alcoholic living on the streets of London, 'Andy Mac' is a popular YouTube Evangelist and Charles Baker is the current Conservative Secretary of State, and the bookie's choice for next Prime Minister in the upcoming Leadership Election.

Now Declan and his new team must navigate a minefield filled with political intrigue, adulterous affairs, money laundering aristocrats and brutal, bloody murder, as each suspect leads them to a new problem and another skeleton to fall out of the closet.

And at the same time, as he investigates Patrick Walsh's death, Declan learns that not only was his father connected to an old school London crime family, but also that Patrick (and by default Declan's new boss, Monroe) might not have been as clean as people believed...

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Detective

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2020

About the author

Jack Gatland is the pen name of #1 New York Times Bestselling Writer Tony Lee, who has been writing in all medias for over thirty years including comics, graphic novels, middle grade books, audio drama, TV and film for DC, Marvel, BBC, ITV, Random House, Penguin USA, Hachette and a ton of other publishers and broadcasters on licenses such as Doctor Who, Spider Man, X-Men, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Doctors, Wallace and Gromit and Shrek. As Tony, he’s toured the country talking to reluctant readers with his ‘Change The Channel’ school tours.

He’s currently a member of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain, the Society of Authors, The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers and the Crime Writer’s Association.

As Jack, he’s writing a new series of Crime Thrillers starring Detective Inspector Declan Walsh, recently seconded to the City of London Police department known as the Last Chance Saloon.

The first twelve of these, LETTER FROM THE DEAD, MURDER OF ANGELS, HUNTER HUNTED, WHISPER FOR THE REAPER, TO HUNT A MAGPIE, A RITUAL FOR THE DYING, KILLING THE MUSIC, A DINNER TO DIE FOR, BEHIND THE WIRE, HEAVY IS THE CROWN, STALKING THE RIPPER and A QUIVER OF SORROWS are available now, with book thirteen, MURDER BY MISTLETOE released in December 2022 – with further adventures continuing throughout 2023.

In addition to that, the first book in a new series of Adventure Mysteries starring Robin-Hood style con-man forger-turned treasure hunter Damian Lucas, THE LIONHEART CURSE was released in January 2022, and he has both a new series of crime procedurals, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring ‘Cop for Criminals’ Ellie Reckless including PAINT THE DEAD and STEAL THE GOLD, and a new spy series, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring burned MI5 agent Tom Marlowe including SLEEPING SOLDIERS and TARGET LOCKED.

He can be found at www.tonylee.co.uk and www.jackgatland.com.

Reviews

[Genevieve Paquette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been trying to make the most of my Kindle Unlimited subscription, and came upon this while searching for new police procedural series.
For a free-to-borrow book, this was good. The writing was accomplished, and the story was well put together, with a solid conclusion and a nice introduction to elements that look like they will carry through the series.
I'm not a fan of political intrigue, but it still managed to keep my attention. The characters were hit or miss in terms of development, and I admit to struggling a little to feel invested, but I mean, overall? Pretty good.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start to a new series. Not my favorite ex-SIB London-based crime solver, but not bad. There was a while where I wanted to yell at the main character because there was a very very obvious thing he was missing (can't say what it is without spoilers, but if you read the book you'll probably see it too) and that brought my experience down a little but it did make me feel extra smart so it generally evened out.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book advertised on Facebook and, on reading the synopsis, decided it would be a great read. I am so pleased I took the chance because this was really enjoyable right from the start. Although there is a prequel to this series – Liquidate the Profits – which I have not read yet, I found it was easy to get into this novel and got to know the characters fairly quickly. Declan Walsh is a likeable character with an interesting past which is slowly revealed throughout the book. He has been suspended from the police and is not sure where his future lies. However, a cold case suddenly rears its head and needs solving and DCI Monroe knows just the man. With an unrefusable invitation to join the Last Chance Saloon Crime Unit and the offer of saviour for his career, Declan steps into solve a murder that was supposedly closed years previously.

I love the way this book has been written, with plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing. The plot is highly complex and requires a great deal of concentration to understand what is going on, but this is the sort of book I enjoy – something that you really have to read rather than skim through. Yes, there are parts that seem unbelievable or too fanciful to be true, but if you suspend your belief and just sit back and enjoy the ride you won’t be disappointed.

I loved it so much that I have already started on the second in the series and plan to keep going as I have discovered a new author with a great new series and just can’t put them down. Oh, and if you want to know more about Declan Walsh’s history – join the author’s mailing list and get the short prequel free, I have and I look forward to reading it.

[☼Bookish in Virginia☼]

Guess this isn't my series. I tried books 1 and 2 (because sometimes the first book in a series stumbles along) but to no avail.

For me the tone was too old-fashioned, if you know what I mean: the hard-boiled detective shtick.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

It has taken me over a month to read this book because I just couldn't get into it.

None of the characters were likable. The plot wasn't overly engaging or exciting. In cact at times it was buried beneath random wonderings. There were a few times when it turned into bloody Encyclopedia Britannica, huge passages of random facts about politics or buildings etc.

There was so much repetition in the writing style and phrases. Shot for every 'the man in the unrimmed glasses' or 'there was something off about it'.

The only reason I pushed through to the end, and even this is tenuous because I was skipping alot by the end, was because I was completing a reading challenge and I needed to finish.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
Jack Gatland is a pen name, better known as US best selling writer Tony Lee. It’s his first delve into the world of crime.

I had the 🎧audiobook version. The narrator is very good doing a good range of voices. I especially liked Monroes voice.

The protagonist is DI Declan Walsh who has been seconded to the last chance salon dept (cold cases) after a suspension for punching a priest on live tv
He is investigating a cold case of 20 years when a letter turns up following Victoria’s death. He has to wade through politics, adultery, money laundering to get to the bottom of things.
I’m not a fan of political intrigue, but it kept my attention.
There’s also a second thread surrounding the death of Declan’s father.

It has a decent pace, with plenty going on. It has complex motivations and plot. Sometimes stretching believability, but it’s entertaining.
I liked Declan who has had adversities both professional and personal to deal wife, I’d like more character development. There is more emphasis on plot and motivation.

Don’t know why the man with the rimless glasses can’t have a name.

Favourite quote ‘A year is a long time in politics’

I was disappointed with one aspect of the ending. The main story has a clean ending, the epilogue sets up the next book.

[Nancy Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't care how it ends

I am at 86% with much skimming along the way, but I won't waste another moment on this. For one thing, I can't bear encountering "the man in the rimless glasses" even one more time. By this I mean the writer referring to a character only by this description - up to six times on a page!!! What was he thinking - or not - with this juvenile, senseless annoyance? The plot is ridiculously convoluted and contrived with cardboard characters. Altogether one hot mess of senseless drivel.

[Jason McCracken · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. 42%. It's fair to say that the author has never met a cliche he didn't love... this book isn't exactly awful, but it's just so generic and by-the-numbers that I can't be bothered finishing because I just don't care.

[Mrs Karen Mitchell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hard work

I struggled from the start with this book. Too many characters introduced at the beginning and all with complicated story lines, some of the details I found irrelevant to the story just padding the story line out I persevered but really it didn’t hold my attention and I gave up half way. I think this is the first time I have ever given up on a book. Not for me.

[Jonann loves book talk❤♥️❤ · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Letter From the Dead" by Jack Gatland is a British thriller. This is Book One in "A Detective Inspector Declan Walsh Novel" There is also a prequel called "Liquidate the Profits". Some readers will recognize Jack Gatland's writing style because that is the pen name for well known author Tony Lee.

The fast paced audiobook involves a politically corrupt cast of characters with greed, murder, infidelity, and money at the heart of the story. The main protagonist, Declan Walsh is a washed up investor who is offered the chance to get to the bottom of the evil. Readers can't help but root for Declan as he strives to solve the complex case.

This audiobook requires the readers full attention to keep up with lengthy cast of characters. It takes several chapters to sort out the background, but once you do it is a very intriguing novel. "Letter From the Dead" is narrated by the very talented Robin Laing.

Thank you NetGalley and W.F. Howes Ltd. for allowing me to review this very thrilling audiobook. I greatly appreciate it.

[Charlotte Pawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letter from the Dead is narrated by Robin Laing he brings a soothing quality with his voice that really keeps you engaged with the story. He keeps the pace at a high setting and you never get bored waiting for the next reveal in this exciting debut book.
D I Walsh is joining the Last Chance Salon run by an old college of his fathers. A police unit made up of very quirky characters. They have been sent a letter from a 20 year old murder and new evidence comes to light. D I Walsh is a very engaging and enjoyable character who you could see on Sunday night TV. This first story has the murky corridors of politics mixed with power and plenty of deaths to keep the ball rolling at a great pace. Roll on the next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lin Perrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Jack Gatland for the opportunity to win a signed copy. DI Declan Walsh suspects his Dad Chief Superintendent Walsh's recent car accident death was not an accident. He finds a manuscript of his memoirs and vows to find out the truth.
After exposing bent colleagues in a recent case Walsh is considering his future when his father's old colleague DCI Alex Monroe invites him to join his task force investigating cold cases. His first case is a political case his father had investigated twenty years ago. But did they convict the wrong man? Absolutely brilliant read will definitely be reading more DI Walsh books.

[Frannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

20 years after a seemingly closed case on Victoria Davies’ murder a letter, written by her before her death, appears and is handed to DI Walsh. A case with many twists and not closed at all!

I needed a while to get into the plot at first. I thought everything was already pretty much obvious and clear. And all the characters’ fate would be revealed soon. I was particularly annoyed by the character of DI Walsh, thinking “god dammit are you blind?!?” My first evaluation was utterly wrong.

The twists kept coming, keeping the story alive and me glued to the audiobook. I binge-listened to the last 3/4 of the book in one go. The different plot lines are easy to follow as well as logically connected with each chapter.

Robin Laing’s narration was very distinctive for each character and easily understandable for a non-native (BE) speaker.

After a short period of getting into the story I was hooked and couldn’t stop listening. A surprisingly captivating and thrilling storyline, well written and overall recommended!

[Anthony Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book 1! Looking Forward to the Walsh Series.

Politics often lead to Crime, either major or minor. Declan Walsh, A semi-disgraced DI is on his last chance, so fittingly, he's sent to the Last Chance Saloon, A Cold Case squad of misfits, there he investigates a 20 year old murder. A young woman thrown off the roof of her home, her husband is charged and sentenced for the murder. But it was not so open and closed. 3 PMs shared an office, all 3 black out drunk, and all 3 told they did the crime. Its up to Walsh, his new team, and a Letter From The Dead to find the real killer.

[B H SLACK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Never read anything from this author before so had no idea what to expect, but it was the sort of book that hooked me right at the start and kept me interested throughout (to the point I had to literally force myself to put it down in order to do neccessary taks).
The story is about a letter that suddenly comes to light throwing doubt on a murder conviction that took oplace years before. Disgraced DI Declan Walsh (well he did punch a priest - I'd have kicked him in the whatsits myself!) gets the chance to work with other misfits and miscreants in a specialist team to solve the mystery, and, he hopes, to give him a chance to find out if his father was murdered. From there it is all a tangled web of lies and disinformation wrapped up in political leanings. A few threats and some more murders thrown in for good measure kept the pace moving nicely.

[Beyond Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with a great plot. The character of DI Declan Walsh is portrayed perfectly in this political crime thriller. Walsh's character is developed with excellent dialogue that is both witty and lifelike.

The one thing that stop this getting a 5 star rating was the beginning was a little slow with unrequired facts and information that seem to pad out the book for no reason. However, don't let that put you off Letter from the Dead is one of the best thrillers I have read of late. I can't wait to get on to the next in the series.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A LITTLE CONFUSING AT TIMES BECAUSE OF THE ENGLISH SETTING (terminology) TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH ALL THEIR POLITICAL PARTIES. IT WAS STILL VERY INTERESTING, I LOVED ALL THE TWIST AND TURNS PROVING THAT POLITICS IS A FOUL DIRTY BUSINESS, NO MATTER WHAT PART OF THE WORLD YOUR IN. YUCK! ;D

[Kimberly #Audiofile · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good start to a new series I liked it.
First time reading this author. Narration was good.
3 star listen
Recommend you taking the time to listen/read it.

[Lee Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! Great getting to know the central.characters, can't wait to read the next

[Rica · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in a series. I liked the main character, DI Declan Walsh. But I found the ending abrupt and unsatisfying.

[Anke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps 4.5 stars

[Rebecca Auer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worthy of reading the next one

I wasn't hooked on the first part of this book but British crime novels draw me in. There is a thread in the plot that makes you want to know the answers to be found in the next book. The characters are interesting and I look forward to knowing them better.

[Dr. Herb Benkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

engaging ….

Being from New York means that the Brit idioms are not always understood at first, but it does make this story, and it’s very likable characters, engaging.
I look forward to finding and reading the next installment in the ongoing quest of Declan and his daughter …..

[Evelyn W · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book

I enjoyed this book. The characters were fairly well developed; the plot was a winner. The then and now got a bit confusing. But that worked out. I liked it.

[Julie A Morrissey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

My first Jack Garland book, won't be the last.
Grabbed my attention from the first page to the last. Although the initial plot seemingly solved.......I hope there's more to unfurl?......

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan Walsh's father has recently died and DI Declan Walsh finds a secret room in his father's house. His father, a retired policeman was writing a book about his time on the force and DI Walsh begins to suspect the death was murder.
Meanwhile, he tales up a 20 year old murder case his father had worked on and with new evidence, believes the convicted murderer was innocent. This case takes him to fake police, a mole in his department, a televangelist a potential Prime Minister and more.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

D.I. Declan Walsh is recruited by old collegue of his father, DCI Alexander Monroe to join his team investigating cold cases, nicknamed 'The Last Chance Saloon'. It seems new evidence may have appeared in the 2000 New Years Eve killing of Victoria Davies. Has the wrong person been convicted. It now seems that they have several suspects to investigate.
An entertaining and well-written crime story with its likeable characters. A good start to the series.

[Kylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting story

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. First entry in the DI Declan Walsh series. Overly complicated, but interesting and mostly believable. I like the main characters enough that I'll probably try another one.

[Kevin M · Rating 2 out of 5]

If books were beverages, Murder of Angels by Jack Gatland would be a double espresso shot mixed with a double gin — strong, confusing, and guaranteed to leave you seeing double. Or, in this case, seeing twins. Everywhere. All the time. I swear by chapter six I needed a family tree, a flowchart, and possibly divine intervention to figure out who was who.

The story flaps its wings with promise — a darkly poetic crime mystery set in the hauntingly atmospheric streets of London, where detectives chase both sinners and saviors. Gatland’s prose is sharp enough to slice through clouds, and the opening chapters are dripping with tension, faith, and fatalism. You can tell the man knows his way around a murder scene — metaphorically speaking, of course (though after this read, I wouldn’t put it past one of his characters to be a secret author on the side).

The premise? A murder mystery tangled with questions of morality, identity, and the blurry line between justice and redemption. There are angels — metaphorical and literal — floating through the narrative, and more twists than a pretzel factory on overtime. Gatland aims high, shooting for celestial noir, and at times, it soars. But then the twins arrive. And another set. And maybe another? Suddenly, I wasn’t reading Murder of Angels — I was reading Multiplicity: The Crime Edition.

Every chapter seemed to introduce a new mirror image, a new set of identical problems, and a brand-new reason to mutter, “Wait, wasn’t she the other one?” under my breath. If confusion were a crime, this book would be serving a life sentence.

Don’t get me wrong — Gatland’s pacing is divine when it clicks. The dialogue crackles with wit, and the detective duo (or was it trio? I lost count) has enough chemistry to light up heaven’s waiting room. There’s tragedy, tension, and a few heart-stopping moments that genuinely sing. But somewhere between the second twin twist and the third angelic metaphor, I felt my soul gently exiting my body, waving a tiny flag that said “I give up.”

By the halfway mark, I was less reading and more decoding. I started giving the characters nicknames — “Serious Twin,” “Mysterious Twin,” “Probably Evil Twin,” and “Oh No, Another Twin.” It helped… a little. By the end, my brain felt like it had gone ten rounds with a celestial Rubik’s Cube.

And yet — and yet! — there’s something undeniably magnetic about Gatland’s world. The man can turn a phrase like nobody’s business, and when the story shines, it’s almost angelic. But even angels fall, and this one crash-landed under the weight of its own reflections.

In short:
• Plot? Heavenly potential.
• Execution? Devilishly confusing.
• Characters? Twice as many as necessary.
• Overall experience? A divine mess with mortal patience required.

If you love noir mysteries, intricate plots, and don’t mind feeling like you’ve wandered into a funhouse full of mirrors, Murder of Angels might be your cup of celestial tea. But for me? Two stars out of five. Too many twins, not enough clarity.

Next time, Mr. Gatland, maybe murder one angel — and give the rest of us mortals a chance to keep up.