An Accidental Death: A DC Smith Investigation Series, Book 1
Written by: Peter Grainger
Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
Series: DC Smith, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-26-16
Language: English
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: British Detective, Crime Fiction, Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
Publisher's Summary
The story opens with the apparently accidental drowning of a sixth form student in the Norfolk countryside. As a matter of routine, or so it seems, the case passes across the desk of Detective Sergeant Smith, recently returned to work after an internal investigation into another case that has led to tensions between officers at Kings Lake police headquarters. As an ex-DCI, Smith could have retired by now, and it is clear that some of his superiors wish that he would do so. The latest trainee detective to work with him is the son of a member of his former team, and together they begin to unravel the truth about what happened to Wayne Fletcher. As the investigation proceeds, it becomes clear that others are involved - some seem determined to prevent it, some seem to be taking too much interest. In the end, Smith operates alone, having stepped too far outside standard procedures to ask for support. He knows that his own life might be at risk but he has not calculated on the life of his young assistant also being put in danger.
©2013 Peter Grainger (P)2016 Tantor.
Written by: Peter Grainger
Narrated by: Gildart Jackson
Series: DC Smith, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-26-16
Language: English
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: British Detective, Crime Fiction, Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
Publisher's Summary
The story opens with the apparently accidental drowning of a sixth form student in the Norfolk countryside. As a matter of routine, or so it seems, the case passes across the desk of Detective Sergeant Smith, recently returned to work after an internal investigation into another case that has led to tensions between officers at Kings Lake police headquarters. As an ex-DCI, Smith could have retired by now, and it is clear that some of his superiors wish that he would do so. The latest trainee detective to work with him is the son of a member of his former team, and together they begin to unravel the truth about what happened to Wayne Fletcher. As the investigation proceeds, it becomes clear that others are involved - some seem determined to prevent it, some seem to be taking too much interest. In the end, Smith operates alone, having stepped too far outside standard procedures to ask for support. He knows that his own life might be at risk but he has not calculated on the life of his young assistant also being put in danger.
©2013 Peter Grainger (P)2016 Tantor.
Review:
Sergeant Smith is a bit older and old school detective, a former D.C.I. (Detective Chief Inspector) . He isn’t everyone’s favorite detective but many respect his long term, senior experience, particularly his immediate superior, D.I. Reeve. Smith has just returned to the office after a short leave as the result of an internal investigation. Reeve presents him with two tasks: begin the training of a new rookie, Chris Waters, and take a look at and sign off (maybe) on an apparent accidental drowning of a local sixth form student.
The weekend officers gathered the facts, wrote up the report which was ready to be signed. But Reeve spotted a potential issue and slips the file to Smith. Smith is pretty quick to pick up on a discrepancy and he assigns Waters procedural investigative tasks as Smith interviews the mortuary technologist who added an interesting note to the autopsy report.
Smith pursues one clue and lead after another with dogged determination. Even when sneers come from other officers and a potential “stand down” order comes from higher up, Smith insists on pushing on. Smith and Waters are trying to find a witness who has failed to come forward and who may be the last to have seen the victim alive. The investigation leads Smith to a Balkan community in the area and to a possible connection to a former military officer. Smith spots someone following him and he realizes that his inquiries are bringing more risk to him and his young partner.
As he pursues the facts there is an interesting glimpse into his background through his relationship with other officers, including with Waters who happens to be the son of one of Smith’s oldest friends from the force. I thoroughly enjoyed this British police procedural. Smith is a well-developed character whose strengths have created some tension which adds moments of humor as he faces off with the department Superintendent. The well plotted mystery has elements of political animus that is timely. The story moves at a good pace and the emphasis is on hard detective work rather than graphic violence. I would be glad to read more stories featuring Detective Smith. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a good police mystery.
Audio Notes: Gildart Jackson provides perfect accent and energy to the narration. He provides unique voices that fit the characters. His performance helped me to enjoy the quick listen. I would be glad to listen to more title narrated by Mr. Jackson.
Source: February 2017 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.
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