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DCI Harry Grimm #13

The Dark Hours

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A murder game. A real dead body. Can he help a friend through a torrent of danger?

DCI Harry Grimm smells trouble brewing. As the Chief Inspector and his team prepare for a harsh winter storm, a call comes in from an old pal that a remote PI training session in the Dales he is attending has abruptly ended in a suspicious death. And while the gruff detective struggles through a blizzard to reach the crime scene, the residents of a nearby house come to a fatal end.

Questioning the attendees in a bid to narrow down the list of suspects, Grimm worries about the treacherous weather isolating them from the rest of the Dales… and his overdue backup. But when a group of strangers arrives in search of an escape from the savage storm, he could be opening the door to another round of murders.

Can he keep everyone safe when the rules turn lethal?

The Dark Hours is the chilling thirteenth book in the DCI Harry Grimm Crime Thrillers series. If you like gritty protagonists, clever setups, and drama driven by the elements, then you’ll love David J. Gatward’s multi-layered mystery.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2023

1823 people are currently reading
935 people want to read

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David J. Gatward

38 books545 followers

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5 stars
3,502 (61%)
4 stars
1,656 (28%)
3 stars
469 (8%)
2 stars
71 (1%)
1 star
33 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
Profile Image for Christine Rennie.
2,997 reviews43 followers
March 10, 2023
The Dark Hours by David Gatward

The Dark Hours By David Gatward is book 13 in the DCI Harry Grimm crime thriller series and this latest book was excellent, as are all the books in the series.
It helped because it was snowing as I started reading the latest book and it gave the story an authentic atmosphere to the build up of the tale.
It was good that the police team were split up and all allocated different jobs to do as the weather closed in, it shows how much the team have all developed since the first book in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Dark Hours and look forward to reading Silent Ruin in May.
Profile Image for Sophia.
86 reviews30 followers
February 26, 2024
Loved the unexpected but all related plot

However, confused as I thought last book mentioned that Jack was a lieutenant but here he mentioned sergeant to that SAS corporal. Dame with Jen in a previous book that confused her with a PC instead of DC. Just saying...I love DS Matt Dinsdale more and more as well when gets all brave and macho. Loving the series so far after a slow burn for me. Started with like and now I just love love love it.
Profile Image for Hans.
360 reviews9 followers
November 19, 2024
It was about time for a DCI Harry Grimm novel taking place in the depths of winter and in the middle of a snowstorm. Considering we had a couple of very snowy days last week and considering the rural area where I live probably isn't too different from the Wensleydale region geographically, the timing was perfect for a cozy late winter read. As expected, the scenery is gorgeous and the setting couldn't be better for a wintery murder mystery. Sadly, despite this wonderful setup, The Dark Hours ends up being one of the weaker entries into the series mainly due to the uneven pacing, some weird plot decisions and bad editing.

First of all, there is way too much exposition and the novel has at least one too many subplots for its own good. The actual main plot only gets going halfway through the book and an unnecessary amount of time is spent on a minor subplot that ultimately ends up having very little impact on the main plot. Which is a going theme, because there are essentially three plots here that kinda come together in the end, but mostly through a string of rather unlikely coincidences rather than through any real connection. I think the novel would have greatly profitted from the author concentrating on one central plot string.

Also, plotholes and some seriously dumb moves that are probably meant to highten suspense but actually just made me shake my head in disbelief:

Last but not least, while I'm always looking forward to reading a new DCI Harry Grimm novel basically every other month, this one could have done with some serious editing. The sheer amount of times Harry is "impressed" by something or someone just within a couple of pages and then some is...well...impressive seems to be the wrong word. But you'd think the poor guy would be running around with his mouth constantly hanging open in awe and bafflement. This really should have come up during proof reading.

While this all sounds very harsh, reading the novel was still quite enjoyable. As already mentioned, the setting was wonderful and it's always nice to return to these (mostly) likable characters. It's also a good thing they constantly evolve, grow and don't just always stay the same, which makes them feel more lifelike. Harry's old mentor was a nice addition, too and I kinda hope he'll become a series regular. That being said, as much as I'm looking forward to the next Harry Grimm mystery, I hope there will be a bit more focus and quality control next time.
Profile Image for Ed Napiorkowski.
633 reviews4 followers
July 2, 2024
It may be just me growing a little tired of the series but I have found the last couple (book 12 & 13) to be a bit off the pace comapred to the earlier books.
A good (but somewhat complicated) storyline with all the relevant threads of course comiung together in the end. Well paced, good continuation of character development and main characters remain fairly consistent to the personalities developed thus far. However in this book I felt there were a couple of times when Harry missed the obvious connection of a link to be pursued. Just me?
Rated it at 3 stars and taking a break from the series for a bit.
187 reviews7 followers
March 17, 2023
Strange day of events

A thrilling read perfect for a day of snow or rain when you just want to stay snug inside. However for Harry and crew, the weather outside plays a particular split personality role - Beautiful and exhilarating, but also relentless and isolating, capable of changing one's plans. Lots of laughter by God at all the plans changed this day - was it only one day? - but the reader will be thrilled and perhaps share that thrill of how a snow storm can be Beautiful and dangerous.
Profile Image for R.L..
Author 5 books48 followers
March 17, 2023
This was a type of locked room mystery. Instead of a room it's large house during a dangerous snow storm, a murder, and a group of deadly gangsters.
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,354 reviews73 followers
February 1, 2024
The Dark Hours is book thirteen in the DCI Harry Grimm series by David J. Gatward. During a winter storm, DCI Harry Grimm and his team were stretched with looking for a missing boy and murder at a PI training session. DCI Harry Grimm and PCSO Liz Coates attended the murder to interview the witnesses when a group of unexpected visitors arrived after being stranded by the weather. However, DCI Harry Grimm was worried about the visitors and the residents' safety when he found a killer. The readers of The Dark Hours will continue to follow DCI Harry Grimm to discover what happens.

The Dark Hours is another fantastic addition to this excellent series. From the first page of this book, I had trouble putting this book down until the end. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. I enjoy the way David J. Gatward describes the beautiful Yorkshire Dales for his readers. The Dark Hours is well-written and rearched by David J. Gatward.

The readers of The Dark Hours will learn about the illegal sport of Hare coursers. Also, the readers of The Dark Hours will learn about the role of gamekeepers in the Yorkshire Dales.

I recommend this book.
60 reviews
March 5, 2023
13 Books in and our team of sleuths find a few feet of snow no obstacle to solving not one, not two but three concurrent mysteries. Brilliant and thoroughly enjoyable.
Profile Image for Cherry Mischievous.
597 reviews291 followers
September 27, 2023
My Thoughts:

This time around the plot is a little bit more convoluted than any other book in this series. However, I liked the way all the threads weaved together. I think this is one of the best books yet in this series!

I have already said almost everything I can say about this book in my review of previous books in this series. And the same holds true. The same wonderful story telling quality. Wonderful world building. Character development you can relate to. Recommend this book to all crime fiction fans!

Again, Aubrey Parsons did a very beautiful job indeed, in narrating this book!


Quantitative Evaluation:

Story telling quality = 5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 5
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 4.5
World building = 5
Cover art = 4.5
Pace = (9 hrs and 43 mins listening time)
Plot = 4.5
Narration = 5
Audiobook editing quality = 4.5


Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
315 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2023
10 stars if I could

This series just gets better, even though all the previous books are superb. You can read as a stand alone but I would wholeheartedly recommend that you read in sequence to fully get to know the main characters, whom now feel like old friends. The descriptive writing is sublime, you can smell, feel and imagine the scenery vividly and with this book it certainly helped with the atmospheric feeling by being snowed in myself. Harry and his team are so diverse but work together brilliantly and some real laugh out loud moments. This story is set in a very isolated part of the Yorkshire Dales, and with the snow storm upon them is cut off from civilisation. A number of circumstances have the team split up attending various call outs, some more deadly than others, made all the more difficult with the extreme weather in play. A fantastic read and I would 100% recommend.
Profile Image for Wendy S Mottart.
79 reviews4 followers
March 1, 2023
Outstandingly brilliant.

I was excited when this book arrived on my Kindle this morning. I started to read and, as always, couldn't stop until it was finished. I think this is one of my favourites in the Harry Grimm series. The plot slowly builds along with the tension. There were quite a few threads running, and I wasn't too sure how it would all conclude. The final few chapters tied all the loose ends together in a very satisfactory manner. This author is so very descriptive in his writing, and I could actually feel the cold when reading. This really is a great addition to the series, and I would definitely say give this one and the previous Harry Grimm books a read. You will be in for a real treat. Now it's a wee while until book 14, which I've pre-ordered, and the 31st of May cannot come soon enough. Bravo David, this is another winner!
Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,907 reviews322 followers
December 31, 2024
This series is one of my favourite finds of the year. To say that I am invested is a severe understatement. Harry Grimm is one of those characters that you cannot help but fall in love with. Despite his spiky, ornery demeanour, he is just misunderstood. He believes that he is Grimm by name and grim by nature, but that could not be further from the truth. An army veteran (medical discharge) he joins the force in Bristol, however, his maverick attitude and lack of rule abiding soon has him sent to "coventry" out of sight, out of mind. He is seconded to the Dales, as far from his comfort zone as possible. However, the Dales are magical, and Harry soon becomes to love it there, including the Wensleydale on fruit cake. Each book is fabulously written, the characters are amazing and you cannot help but fall in love with them and the Dales. One of my favourite series.
3 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2023
A Bad Friday

This is the 13th outing for Harry Grimm and it's a doozy. If you are just starting this series, don't start here, grab book 1 and settle in for some great reading.
Snow has come to the Dales, a lot of it, and crime as well. Harry and the team have their hands full, a missing teenager, a murder, a break-in and Friday just keeps getting worse. One of the great things about this series is the engaging characters, and each book is like a visit with old friends, with some intriguing crime and Wensleydale which is a character in its own right.
The author always manages to keep the action well paced and each book fresh, number 13 is no different.
Highly recommended. KU edition.
503 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2023
Deserves 10 Stars!

This is the best DCI Harry Grimm thriller ever! That's why I say I'd give it 10 stars if I could. The writing was superb all the way from beginning to end. The book begins with a monster snow storm that's coming in just as all hell breaks loose with crime kingpins moving in and locals and visitors getting mixed up in the action. Plus we have the usual mountain rescues taking place too. So it's all hands on deck for Harry and his crew. I couldn't put it down. Often authors lose their touch after writing many books with the same characters and neighborhoods. Not David J. Gatward! Honestly the quality of the plot development and descriptive writing was incredibly brilliant. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Grey853.
1,555 reviews61 followers
January 20, 2025
This is the 13th in the DCI Harry Grimm series. There's a mystery weekend that turns murderous. However, there's also a missing teen and a break in with three bodies. There's a snow storm which hampers efforts on every front.

Harry and the main players are here, but they're all spread out. The novel is disjointed and the pace is disrupted by jumping from one story-line to another. The point of view shifts to unknowns and the narrative confusing. It does pick up and get better about halfway through, but it's a very confounding book. There are too many threads and people to manage, or at least there are for me.

The last few chapters go quickly and the stories resolved, but in general, I found it hard to follow.
Profile Image for Joe’s Mum.
40 reviews16 followers
March 14, 2023
I have read and loved all of the Grimm series but this one disappointed me. My main grievance was the number of characters - far too many and to be honest I have no idea who was who or who survived or the reason for all the carnage. But that’s just my opinion. I bought the book and gave up, so I bought the audiobook which didn’t help at all, especially with Harry sounding like an 80 year old mafia boss and a few characters all sounding the same and don’t get me started on Grace’s voice. So many unanswered questions. I love Harry and will definitely read the next book, I just hope I find it more interesting than this one.
Profile Image for David Ward.
Author 2 books17 followers
March 8, 2023
Well now, if you don't enjoy this book I won't eat cheese with my cake for the rest of the year!

If you like Agatha Christie type stories, then this is for you. There's a big house (isolated of course, this time by snow), guests who don't seem to know each other, a body and any number of suspects. On top of that, there's other stories weaving around the main story too. Oh and the chef is a last-minute replacement.

What's going on? Plenty. And if you're a DCI Harry Grimm fan like me, there's all the regulars to enjoy.

What's there not to like? A good buy.
11 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2023
Just finished “The Dark Hours” and preordered the next.

I have just finished “The Dark Hours” and preordered the next book. Can’t say enough about the character development in books. It’s like your actually know these characters, you’re happy when good things happen for them and you’re sad when bad things happen. I’m sure I will continue to read this series as long as it is being written, which is a long time. It would be like saying goodbye to friends to have this series end. Happy reading to other Harry Grimm readers.
17 reviews
March 17, 2023
The first thing to say is that the DCI Harry Grimm series is superb and this Book maintains the very high standard that Dave Gatward has set. Set, as always, in the Yorkshire Dales, they find themselves in a major snow storm with all the complications that such a storm brings. There’s a missing child, a murder “mystery” and some revenge killings also in the mix. The team are split up because of the storm and as always there are twists and turns in the plot. The writing is so good that you can almost feel the cold!! Highly recommended!!
101 reviews
July 7, 2023
Snow on the Dales

Mixed murder cases in the snowy Dales. Some more beautiful figures of speech and analogies from David paint the landscape vividly. … ‘beneath a ruinously dark sky.’ The Dales have such quaint village names, like ‘Stalling Busk.’
Characters and plot are well-delineated with David’s usual attention to detail and precision—and suspense. Includes an Agatha Christie-esq ‘closed house, suspicious guests’ Murder Mystery Game gone wrong. Narrated expertly by Aubrey Parsons. Thoroughly recommended. David never disappoints.
Profile Image for Cynthia  Mello.
161 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2023
I just love these books and have been busy reading them in sequence. Hence , I have been slow to review but in my opinion this would make an awesome series or movie. Series would be better . Great characters and story lines. I find so much I love reading these books it's very interesting and we'll written. Love learning about the area, the quirky people and whodunits? The writer really has a great sense of humor thrown in and it's a fun ride. Never found so many likeable characters in most books. Except...Elmore Leonard's Justified Series. Thank you for Grimm and these wonderful books.
Profile Image for Rebecca Williamson.
15 reviews
July 5, 2025
I love the series and the team but this definitely felt quite flat and ‘off’ from the usual. There does not appear to be a lot of character building and development and the case itself painted the team (Harry & Liz) to be completely stupid and incompetent which we all know, they are far from! The tie in of both crimes was interesting but again, not much detail or ‘padding’ and felt like not a lot actually happened but there was so much potential to dive deeper into this. It felt difficult and a bit of a chore to finish which I never thought I would say about a DCI Grimm book!
180 reviews
March 3, 2023
LOVED IT!!!

Awe what a lovely surprise to find my pre-orderd The Dark House in my Amazon Fire yesterday. As silly as it sounds I get all excited and giddy knowing I can be engrossed, uninterrupted for a few hours of sheer pleasure. Fabulous story with the team split across the Dales in one of the worst blizzards in years. Another worthy 5 star winner! Thank you David looking already forward to book 14. BP Sheffield.
64 reviews
April 28, 2023
Another fantastic read

Well David you've done it again. This book has the whole team out. Trying to find a missing teenager and getting into lots of scrapes with bad men. I love Harry and the way he evolved from when we first met him. This book has it all, car chases in the snow, gunmen and bodies, but mostly it's Harry and the team putting away the bad guys. Love it, can't wait for the next one.
608 reviews9 followers
April 19, 2024
The Dark Hours: A Yorkshire Murder Mystery (DCI Harry Grimm Crime Thrillers Book13)

What a story, who ever would live through all this excitement going on the Yorkshire Dales I can’t imagine. It was such a good book I didn’t want to put is down and go to sleep. I really enjoyed every minute of reading it. I thoroughly recommend anyone who likes a thriller to read this book series. Now on to the next, can’t wait !!
249 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2024
Murderous winter storm

It is a very interesting way to spend time during a major winter storm. An abandoned dog, a runaway teen, and a bunch of murders. Also, a dastardly blackmailer who sets up a "who dunnit" experience for his guests. All wrapped into a snowy, blustery Friday night.

I like how the author presents this story. In past books, we met the murderer and saw the crime scene first. Not this time.
Profile Image for Hagar.
29 reviews
November 24, 2025
First: My brain hurts. So much went on in this story I couldn't keep up, well I could but wow it was full on. A great read I would recommend it for sure but I think better you start at book 1 and enjoy the ride. I am not going to try to explain what happens in the book, it will spoil your fun. But I gave this book 5 stars for a reason, it was a great book I finished it at 3am this morning, that's how good it was
315 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2023
This is really clever. David Gatward has managed to combine four different stories involving Harry Grimm's team and blend them into one at the end. And, true to style, he has left us with an intriguing cliff-hanger to whet the appetite for the next instalment. The real locations add much to the reality of the backdrop - including the winter weather!

Julian Tremayne, East Yorkshire
1,251 reviews9 followers
March 9, 2023
Great story

Harry and the team are always a delight. This story has a lot more moving parts than the usual mystery. There are several seemingly unrelated and equally unlikely things going on at once, all in the middle of an epic winter storm and Harry has to figure out what they all mean.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews

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