What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Inspector Declan Walsh #7
Killing the Music
Dying on stage is easy.
When Dave Mansford, founding member of 80's band Alternator is electrocuted live on stage during a London comeback concert, DI Declan Walsh and the team of the Last Chance Saloon are brought in to investigate whether it was a simple accident, or vicious murder.
However, as they investigate further they find the surviving members of Alternator in the middle of a multi-million-dollar rights sale, a band whose lead singer disappeared in 1998 and has never been declared dead, and whose biggest success, the 1987 album Secrets and Lies seems to be cursed, with Dave being the fifth person involved in it to have mysteriously died in the last month.
With the bodycount climbing up the charts and with everyone keeping to their own version of events, can Declan discover what truly happened in a London recording studio over thirty years ago, and why everyone who was there that night has to die?
When Dave Mansford, founding member of 80's band Alternator is electrocuted live on stage during a London comeback concert, DI Declan Walsh and the team of the Last Chance Saloon are brought in to investigate whether it was a simple accident, or vicious murder.
However, as they investigate further they find the surviving members of Alternator in the middle of a multi-million-dollar rights sale, a band whose lead singer disappeared in 1998 and has never been declared dead, and whose biggest success, the 1987 album Secrets and Lies seems to be cursed, with Dave being the fifth person involved in it to have mysteriously died in the last month.
With the bodycount climbing up the charts and with everyone keeping to their own version of events, can Declan discover what truly happened in a London recording studio over thirty years ago, and why everyone who was there that night has to die?
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2021
756 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Jack Gatland
79 books244 followersJack 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 20, 2021
The World Of Pop With Some Extra Bangs
A modern day death of a has been from the pop world of yesteryear morphs into modern day violence and attempted murder.
An intriguing and many facetted plot which keeps one glued to this well written detective story. And not everyone is what they seem to be.
A modern day death of a has been from the pop world of yesteryear morphs into modern day violence and attempted murder.
An intriguing and many facetted plot which keeps one glued to this well written detective story. And not everyone is what they seem to be.
December 3, 2021
Great storyline!
I enjoyed this series and am looking forward to the next episode. The characters are relatable and the more we learn about them the more rounded they become. You become a part of their lives and feel fear and trepidation when they do. You want them to be happy. Can't wait to read what comes next.
I enjoyed this series and am looking forward to the next episode. The characters are relatable and the more we learn about them the more rounded they become. You become a part of their lives and feel fear and trepidation when they do. You want them to be happy. Can't wait to read what comes next.
October 2, 2021
Killing the Music is book 7 in the DI Declan Walsh series by Jack Gatland. The Last Chance Saloon are back. Dave Manford, one of the original members of the band Alternator, has a music gig organised, but it doesn’t get very far before he is electrocuted. The band were at the top of the charts many years ago, and now it looks like someone is trying to silence them. It is a great story and the characters are certainly all very different, have their quirks and are very likeable. Have enjoyed all the books in the series and they are all certainly different storylines.
November 6, 2021
Francine Who
What a lovely story and just what everyone needs to lose themselves. Declan seems to forget that there are other people out to do him mischief and that he remembers what the Army said about loose lips!!
What a great way to finish the book, makes you want to buy the next book straight away.
Thoroughly recommend this book but it would help if you read the first in the series rather than dipping in and out through the series.
What a lovely story and just what everyone needs to lose themselves. Declan seems to forget that there are other people out to do him mischief and that he remembers what the Army said about loose lips!!
What a great way to finish the book, makes you want to buy the next book straight away.
Thoroughly recommend this book but it would help if you read the first in the series rather than dipping in and out through the series.
October 27, 2021
Killing the music
I have read all of the Declan Walsh books to date and they just keep getting better and better. This one ends on a belter of a cliff hanger as Declan has been arrested and his family are in serious danger. I just can't wait for the next book to be released in December. These books are fast paced, well written and impossible to put down.
I have read all of the Declan Walsh books to date and they just keep getting better and better. This one ends on a belter of a cliff hanger as Declan has been arrested and his family are in serious danger. I just can't wait for the next book to be released in December. These books are fast paced, well written and impossible to put down.
March 3, 2024
Excellent Series
Every book in the series has a large cast of characters and can get very complicated - but I can't put them down! Happily binge reading the series and enjoying every second spent with DI Declan Walsh and his team of misfits.
Every book in the series has a large cast of characters and can get very complicated - but I can't put them down! Happily binge reading the series and enjoying every second spent with DI Declan Walsh and his team of misfits.
November 8, 2021
Another great book
Well this series has been great with a different storyline but also carry the on going story of the main character. This is a series that makes you hungry for more books as I can't wait to read the next one in December.
Well this series has been great with a different storyline but also carry the on going story of the main character. This is a series that makes you hungry for more books as I can't wait to read the next one in December.
October 22, 2021
Loved it
Always great reads, couldn't put the book down and cannot
wait to see what is in store for Declan next time. Bring it on!!
Always great reads, couldn't put the book down and cannot
wait to see what is in store for Declan next time. Bring it on!!
November 7, 2021
Brilliant
Good plot, likeable characters and brilliant twists and turns....a really good read. Check out the previous books in the seriesliant
Good plot, likeable characters and brilliant twists and turns....a really good read. Check out the previous books in the seriesliant
April 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this episode in the DI Declan Walsh series. It was a great idea for a story and made entertaining reading. As usual, we have an extremely complicated tangle of events that have led up to various deaths of the original members of the band. Gradually, it starts to become clear that not all of these are accidents or natural causes. When it is then discovered that it’s not just band members who are disappearing, it becomes clear that the problem is deeper than originally thought and the investigation takes on a more urgent pace.
The number of suspects seems to increase each time someone is interviewed, and we get to the point when we start to think that the case will never be solved – something that causes Monroe great concern. However, gradually, after many twists and turns and plenty of false trails that lead nowhere, the truth starts to emerge and eventually all becomes clear.
Naturally, Walsh has more than just the current case to contend with, having been approached by Tom Marlowe and Section D, to carry out a small job for them – something that he is extremely reluctant to do. This part of the story plays out, alongside another little obstacle that is part of the on-going story throughout the series so far. The ending, as normal, is a huge shock and a major twist which leads us very succinctly to the next instalment.
As an aside, I loved the way the author named each chapter after a song to keep the music theme going, and once more then information at the end about the locations he used in the book was extremely interesting.
The number of suspects seems to increase each time someone is interviewed, and we get to the point when we start to think that the case will never be solved – something that causes Monroe great concern. However, gradually, after many twists and turns and plenty of false trails that lead nowhere, the truth starts to emerge and eventually all becomes clear.
Naturally, Walsh has more than just the current case to contend with, having been approached by Tom Marlowe and Section D, to carry out a small job for them – something that he is extremely reluctant to do. This part of the story plays out, alongside another little obstacle that is part of the on-going story throughout the series so far. The ending, as normal, is a huge shock and a major twist which leads us very succinctly to the next instalment.
As an aside, I loved the way the author named each chapter after a song to keep the music theme going, and once more then information at the end about the locations he used in the book was extremely interesting.
April 17, 2025
3.5 but rounding up.
Loved the music aspect of this. Love that Bowman (spelling since I do audible), gets the ribbing this time like Declan did with the Magpies in an earlier novel.
Figured it out really early on but kept with it.
Dave's circumstances are odd. He's described as having no royalties but having royalties. Successful/weqlthy in his own right as a producer but yet is broke and borrows money from his nephew. Gatland has way too many contradictions about this character.
Anjli and the coffee maker scene was STUPID. When she moved in, she said she was buying a coffee maker but this scene makes it sound like Declan is somehow preventing her from buying one. Ridiculous and if the author is trying to create romantic tension between the two, make it more believable than over a coffee maker.
The scene with Declan and Francine was also STUPID. Declan had no common sense much less copper sense when threatening her the way he did. I hate it when authors make their main character do something below their intellect or experience, it's lazy writing, and easy get.
I am tired of Declan and the team being the object of all the plots. Stop with it. I'm ok with them being in danger while doing the job and getting the bad guy, but not having the bad guys after them in every single book. This has to stop. But I doubt it will.
Loved the music aspect of this. Love that Bowman (spelling since I do audible), gets the ribbing this time like Declan did with the Magpies in an earlier novel.
Figured it out really early on but kept with it.
Dave's circumstances are odd. He's described as having no royalties but having royalties. Successful/weqlthy in his own right as a producer but yet is broke and borrows money from his nephew. Gatland has way too many contradictions about this character.
Anjli and the coffee maker scene was STUPID. When she moved in, she said she was buying a coffee maker but this scene makes it sound like Declan is somehow preventing her from buying one. Ridiculous and if the author is trying to create romantic tension between the two, make it more believable than over a coffee maker.
The scene with Declan and Francine was also STUPID. Declan had no common sense much less copper sense when threatening her the way he did. I hate it when authors make their main character do something below their intellect or experience, it's lazy writing, and easy get.
I am tired of Declan and the team being the object of all the plots. Stop with it. I'm ok with them being in danger while doing the job and getting the bad guy, but not having the bad guys after them in every single book. This has to stop. But I doubt it will.
February 20, 2024
DCI Declan Walsh and The Last Chance Saloon are Back!
The Band Alternator and their back catalog are up for auction, and equal split with everyone that was involved with the recording of their biggest album "Secrets and Lies", which is having a resurgence and bringing in a great deal of money. But with bodies piling up and the strange disappearance of a bar maid some 30 years ago, the surviving members are all suspects. Who killed the car maid, Lorraine? Who's killing off the members of the band and the bands techs?
With a secret love child, who also happens to be a Billionaire, dead members, so many twist and turns, Killing The Music is a 5 star book by Jack Gatland.
The Band Alternator and their back catalog are up for auction, and equal split with everyone that was involved with the recording of their biggest album "Secrets and Lies", which is having a resurgence and bringing in a great deal of money. But with bodies piling up and the strange disappearance of a bar maid some 30 years ago, the surviving members are all suspects. Who killed the car maid, Lorraine? Who's killing off the members of the band and the bands techs?
With a secret love child, who also happens to be a Billionaire, dead members, so many twist and turns, Killing The Music is a 5 star book by Jack Gatland.
December 11, 2023
Good mystery
Pretty good mystery, but I did figure part of it too soon. There was a major clue early on, but I still enjoyed it.
I still don't care for the criminals going after the cops so much. Declan, his daughter, his ex, and Monroe are in danger from three different enemies. Seems a bit much.
I like the mysteries the cops are solving and I don't mind bits about them and their personal lives. I just can't get into all powerful villains lurking around trying to destroy Declan. I scimmed book 3 to avoid the drama.
I wish writer would get tired of this trope. I have stopped so many series because of it.
Pretty good mystery, but I did figure part of it too soon. There was a major clue early on, but I still enjoyed it.
I still don't care for the criminals going after the cops so much. Declan, his daughter, his ex, and Monroe are in danger from three different enemies. Seems a bit much.
I like the mysteries the cops are solving and I don't mind bits about them and their personal lives. I just can't get into all powerful villains lurking around trying to destroy Declan. I scimmed book 3 to avoid the drama.
I wish writer would get tired of this trope. I have stopped so many series because of it.
February 3, 2025
A 90's band, dead or missing members and a back catalogue worth millions to be divided between surviving members....guess where this is going? Members keep dropping dead so who is the murderer and as usual lots of side mysteries will be solved. Gotta say not excited about the epilogue that sets up book #8. I just want this fabulous unit to keep solving new cases but they are all exciting that's for sure.
May 22, 2022
4.5/5⭐ (SPOILERS): I enjoyed this book (definitely one of the better ones) and the ending was the best part. That being said, Declan being accused of something again🙄 didn't really need to be a thing. Just having Liz and Jess in danger would have been enough not to mention Monroe's issue. Hopefully the next book won't disappoint, it seems like there's going to be lots of moving parts.
August 17, 2025
Better than the last one
My main problem with this one is there are way too many characters, tough to keep track of who is who. At least this story was both interesting and believable (and it was easy to figure out who the current killer is). Of course there are some hanging threads and two huge cliffhangers, one of which is really boring since Garland already used it.
My main problem with this one is there are way too many characters, tough to keep track of who is who. At least this story was both interesting and believable (and it was easy to figure out who the current killer is). Of course there are some hanging threads and two huge cliffhangers, one of which is really boring since Garland already used it.
March 13, 2022
Another pickle for Walsh
The stories in this series are leading into each other with characters from #1 appearing in this. Declan again finds himself in deep water. What happens next.
The stories in this series are leading into each other with characters from #1 appearing in this. Declan again finds himself in deep water. What happens next.
April 27, 2022
Another brilliant read
This book was excellent! A great plot which kept you guessing until the end. Also the continuation of other threads makes you want to read more. Will be reading the next in the series immediately!
This book was excellent! A great plot which kept you guessing until the end. Also the continuation of other threads makes you want to read more. Will be reading the next in the series immediately!
February 12, 2023
Brilliance again
Page turning crime fighting brilliance I love these books Jack Gatland brings the characters to life and you feel every moment. Hope Declan is m in the crap again love it
Page turning crime fighting brilliance I love these books Jack Gatland brings the characters to life and you feel every moment. Hope Declan is m in the crap again love it
January 11, 2024
premise wasn’t to my taste
Lots of research on music history went into this, but it’s not a topic I’m interested in so wasted on me. The Usual characters, which I enjoy, and a complicated mystery kept me reading g. But not my favourite book of the series.
Lots of research on music history went into this, but it’s not a topic I’m interested in so wasted on me. The Usual characters, which I enjoy, and a complicated mystery kept me reading g. But not my favourite book of the series.
January 20, 2024
This is a cracking read, I shall read all 17 of them if they are as good as this one and the previous six. Never stretches credibility too far. It has a great team mix, I have warmed to them all, and enjoy their different skills and abilities.
March 18, 2024
Great Read
I love the DI Declan Walsh series.
There is never a dull moment and Declan always manages to find trouble, make enemies and find ways out of them.
Seriously these stories are action packed, fast paced and full of great plot twists.
I love the DI Declan Walsh series.
There is never a dull moment and Declan always manages to find trouble, make enemies and find ways out of them.
Seriously these stories are action packed, fast paced and full of great plot twists.
October 25, 2021
Too many people…too little plot
Not his best…there were way too many people with not much of a story. He’s a better story teller than this.
Not his best…there were way too many people with not much of a story. He’s a better story teller than this.
Read
December 4, 2021Killing The Music
I'm always on the last page when they arrest DeClan, my friend for a murder he didn't commit. Am I ever going to find out?!! Jackfire
I'm always on the last page when they arrest DeClan, my friend for a murder he didn't commit. Am I ever going to find out?!! Jackfire
January 14, 2022
ugh
Good story. Only four stars because it is just so stressful having Declan being framed for something. That plot is tolerable for me once. After that? I’m not a happy camper :(
Good story. Only four stars because it is just so stressful having Declan being framed for something. That plot is tolerable for me once. After that? I’m not a happy camper :(
March 9, 2022
Five Star Ratcheting
The tension is escalating, with the subplots in the background now in the foreground by the end. Keep on reading my friends.
The tension is escalating, with the subplots in the background now in the foreground by the end. Keep on reading my friends.
December 26, 2022
Another complex and compelling mystery in this series. Kept me guessing until the end. Really enjoying this team of characters. Looking forward to more.
April 4, 2023
I love this series
May 5, 2023
Everyone in this series a gem! Recommended.
May 14, 2023
4.5 stars the over arching story is this series is the best bit
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews