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An Accidental Death

A DC Smith Investigation Series, Book 1

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About this listen

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 Crime Fiction Detective Fiction Mystery Traditional Detectives Crime British Mysteries
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... Status Quo - they were a rubbish band."

What a truly unusual and excellent police procedural, this time set in Norfolk
The main protagonist is DC Smith (David) who has been in the detective business for many years and he been encouraged to retire after the death of his dear wife, an idea he finds appalling. I stead he starts again at a lower rank and the reader meets him on his first day back, being checked in, given lowly starter tasks and asked to mentor a youth new to the team. Walters turns out to be the son of a successful owner of a private investigative bureau employing ten or twelve ex police, a man Smith had one known.

Walters is a bright lad, asking questions, picking up the police jargon and starting to think for himself. He and Smith makes a good team, the old and the new but both with an honesty and unique style. Interesting plot, too, though this definitely takes second place to be characters. The narration by Gildart Jackson further enhances the character's depths and humour: a fine performance.

I really enjoyed this new-to-me author and am very much.looking forward to book two in the series. And it is even free to.download through the Audible Plus programme. Brilliant

" "I like to.see youngsters challenging the ...

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A new author for me. I enjoyed the book even though it does include some of the cliches of detective fiction. Maverick detective, who breaks the rules and whose wife has died. I can accept this but my heart-sinks when the author trots out the over-used scenario of the DC being told off and threatened with suspension for his unconventional methods by his less-than competent senior police officer. Oh dear!
The narrator is fine.

Engaging story

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the main character DC Smith. His quirky characteristics and his funny dry interactions with all he came in contact with were very entertaining & relatable. I’ve just purchased book 2 and will hopefully listen to all 11 books in the series.

Excellent read

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A gem - didn’t expect this to be so good - well narrated and engrossing story with some good characterisation.

Excellently narrated

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Very pleased to find this author and character. Great story with lovely, soothing voice of narrator.

Enjoyable

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