Death Rattle

Jack Slade #1

by Consultant Senior Lecturer in Primary Health Care David Jewell

When a body is found stabbed to death in a notorious Newcastle upon Tyne gay cruising area, Detective Inspector Jack Slade of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team lands the case. What appears to be a robbery gone wrong takes a dramatic turn when the identity of the victim is revealed. Slade is drawn into a dark underworld and is forced to seek help from people on the fringes of the Newcastle gay scene, Jack finds himself embroiled in a sinister world of sexual exploitation, missing teenagers and murders. When his unorthodox methods result in the death of a suspect, Slade finds himself suddenly on the outside, shunned by his colleagues and himself a suspect in a homicide. He must uncover the truth about the murders, before he himself becomes a victim. Not for the faint hearted, 'Death Rattle' is a dark and hauntingly realistic tale of corruption, sex and murder, set against the background of a tough Northern city. This debut novel from crime writer and former police detective, David Jewell.

280 pages, Hardcover

Published August 31, 2020

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited about this debut author, and considering the large amount of reading I get through within the crime writing genre, it's quite something to have to say that this has to be the best I have read this year.
Detective Inspector Jack Slade believes he has been set up as a fall guy for a sensitive case involving the murder of an off duty police officer found in a gay cruising area. As if his paranoia wasn't bad enough coming under close scrutiny from the Assistant Chief Constable at the Command Block of Police Headquarters, because of the potential for the adverse publicity from the press, Inspector Mark Burton from Professional Standards was invited to oversee the investigation, someone with whom Slade has crossed swords with in the past.
Author David Jewell, has not chosen an easy topic for his debut book, involving the plight of very young disadvantaged teenagers being used and abused as rent boys. However, he has approached so many delicate issues within this story with great sensitivity, which is evidenced in the characterisation of Slade, a somewhat maverick cop with a big heart.
In a nutshell this novel will take your breath away. I real hope that this is going to become a series, because I want to see more of Jack Slade and his sidekick, Detective Sergeant Dave Anderson, and his awful Superintendent Parker.

[Antigone Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dark

The murder of a police officer in a notorious gay cruising area leads a detective to run an investigation that threatens his career and his life. Undeterred by political pressure, a voracious press and a high level criminal conspiracy the detective is determined to get just at any cost.

This is a dark novel. It is hampered by too many characters that voice their opinions ad nauseam. The lead is decent but the politics and conspiracy are heavy handed. 2.5 stars

[Carolyn Nixon]

Gripping and real!

This book was one I could not put down. I love crime fiction so this one, based in my hometown, ticked all the boxes.

I know a book has got to me when I literally can’t put the kindle down, and this was one of those.

Can’t wait for the next one to ‘drop’ as I’m sad that Death Rattle is finished!

[Michelle Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Slater is a policeman who wants to do his job. He is looking for a murderer, one who killed a gay policeman. Unfortunately, he is hampered by a a few things. He ends up the winner but quite bruised. A small look at the life of rent boys, and what they have to live with. Looking forward to the next Jewell Book.

[andrew holling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Really enjoyed it, lots of twists and turns.
Well thought out characters, even if a little cliche ridden at times the author made it readable and difficult to put down.
I wouldn't hesitate to read the next one.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting idea and one that reflects on an interesting side of society, well plotted and bit grim on places, this makes for an intriguing read. It got a bit to action movie for me towards the end but thats a matter of personal choice. A great fast paced crime novel, 4* from me

[Keith Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

couldn’t put it down

I’ve read many crime books, some written by the best and this is up there with them. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this book today, 5*/5* would highly recommend, absolutely fantastic, wrote by the hand of experience.
A lot of twist and turns, thrilling.
Wasn't expecting it ending the way it did.
I hope there is a follow up.
A local Author, former Police Inspector. This book needs to be bought by more people.
The fact that is set in/around Newcastle, Wylam etc adds to the Authenticity. As you can picture the area where the incidents happen.