An Accidental Death: A DC Smith InvestigationThe story opens with the apparently accidental drowning of a British 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 … between officers at Kings Lake police headquarters.
As an ex-Detective Chief Inspector, 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.
Perfect for fans of Colin Dexter, Ruth Rendell, P D James, R D Wingfield or even John le Carre.
DC Smith Investigation Series;
- Book 1: An Accidental Death: A DC Smith Investigation
- Book 2: But for the Grace: A DC Smith Investigation
- Book 3: Luck and Judgement: A DC Smith Investigation
- Book 4: Persons of Interest: A DC Smith Investigation
- Book 5: In This Bright Future: A DC Smith Investigation
- Book 6: The Rags of Time: A DC Smith Investigation
What readers are saying –
“Really enjoyed this book. A police procedural with its own twist and a detective with a different way than others I have read in this very full market. As a first book I doubt it could be faulted.”
“This first story is much deeper than it first appears and had me gripped from the very start to the extremely satisfying ending. There isn’t a lot of blood and gore, the language never strays into the offensive tirades that have become all too common in crime books these days and all in all it is, for me in the same league as Morse and Lyndley et al and that’s a jolly good league to be in I think.”
“As an American fan of British mysteries, I was delighted to find a new voice who deserves attention for creating a character who is warm, funny and endearingly human.”
“I absolutely loved this book. It has everything a British mystery should have: great characters and an interesting police case. It definitely makes me want to read the rest of his books. A new favorite author!”
“I was introduced to this series by a friend who is a great Anglophile. His recommendation was that it was his favorite British detective series. The first book, An Accidental Death, is a great read and I have now downloaded the whole series.”more
Fans of the Charles Todd books will enjoy Grainger’s DC Smith
Gave me a new perspective on British law enforcement.
Peter Grainger’s, “An Accidental Death”, is an engrossing, superbly written police procedural — precisely what I had been looking for. Although he might have retired earlier, at higher rank, Detective Sergeant DC Smith still must have the challenges of his absorbing job. A young man — an excellent all-around athlete — had not returned from clowning around while swimming near Upham. A careful search recovers his body, and preliminary autopsy findings indicate accidental drowning. But some minor, odd observations vex the Senior Mortuary Technician and Smith. (The Detective Sergeant rarely breaks frame, but is continually surprising. His occasional iconoclastic and hilarious comments might easily have been uttered in a Leslie Charteris novel.) While unfolding a puzzle which grows in complexity and breadth, Smith deals with training his new assistant, and with internal and external politics and incursions. The plotting is complex and topical, and unfailingly fascinating.
thoughtful building of characters and story
Enjoyed the characters; personalities shine through.
A good read
This story and the book’s main character, British detective DC Smith, reminded me of Inspector Frost, in the British crime drama “A Touch of Frost”. The plot was believable and well done! It was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Slow start but well worth the read.enjoyed the main character.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. A good mystery with a seasoned detective paired up with a rookie. They learn from each other and made a great team. I also appreciate the lack if foul language. I will definitely read more of his books.
An enjoyable murder mystery with an unpredictable outcome and nice character development
I enjoyed this book and do recommend it. I don’t give 5 stars unless a book is absolutely flawless and this was close but not close enough. Good, entertaining read.
I loved this British mystery! I especially liked learning about some of the procedural from DC Smith! Even learned how to make the perfect cup of tea
One of my favorite new heroes.
Interesting characters that kept my interest throughout the story. I will read more.
I liked this book, the detective and the people. Good read.
This book is about a detective looking into a case that appears to be an accident.
Couldn’t put this book down! Started late and finally put it down at 2am because my eyes were burning. Finished it the following day, and immediately purchased the second book. Now on the third. Great characters, very engaging characters, and you won’t be disappointed if you purchase them.
can always read a Peter Grainger book!
This book was wonderful, such dryhumor, deep, wells written, incredible characters. So good, I couldn’t wait to read anothrbythisauthord.
Enjoyed it a lot. Well written with good characters.