The Delingpole Mysteries: Book OneA young journalism student lies unconscious in a hospital bed in Brighton, England. His life hangs in the balance after a drug overdose. But was it attempted suicide or attempted murder? The student’s mother persuades British lawyer Dominic Delingpole to investigate, and Dominic enlists the aid of his outspoken opera singer partner, Jonathan McFadden. The … partner, Jonathan McFadden.
The student’s boyfriend discovers compromising photographs hidden in his lover’s room. The photographs not only feature senior politicians and business chiefs, but the young journalist himself. Is he being blackmailed, or is he the blackmailer?
As Dominic and Jonathan investigate further, their lives are threatened and three people are murdered. They uncover a conspiracy that reaches into the highest levels of government and powerful corporations. The people behind it are ruthless, and no one can be trusted. The bond between Dominic and Jonathan deepens as they struggle not only for answers, but for their very survival.
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This was a fantastic thriller full of mystery, suspense, blackmail, and murder. Dominic is a small-town lawyer and Jonathan is a landscaper. Dominic is somewhat closeted, but Jonathan is out and proud and very flirtatious. It makes Dominic jealous. There are a lot of great secondary characters in the story line. I especially loved the mystery, suspense aspect of the story. I am voluntarily leaving a review from an advanced copy that I was gifted. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
Surprisingly good. Very British mystery
David C. Dawson brings a re-edited version of “A Delingpole Mystery” starting with “The Necessary Deaths”. He introduces the readers to Dominic Delingpole, Jonathan McFadden and a variety of interesting characters and a complex mystery to go along with them.
Dominic Delingpole is a small time lawyer, with mostly rural county clientele and some large corporations. He by no-means deals with criminal law. He’s shy, mild mannered and tries to keep his life as low-keyed as possible. He lives in Oxfordshire and has a long distance lover in Jonathan McFadden, who lives in Lewes. Dominic isn’t closeted but he’s very cautious when it comes to being in public.
Jonathan McFadden, landscape gardener, actor and singer is Dominic’s lover of two years. Although, both men seem too have wandering eyes, Jonathan is very much in favor of an open relationship. For Dominic an open relationship is not his flavor but he tolerates the situation with Jonathan because he truly has feelings for him.
When there’s a commotion outside Dominic’s apartment door he finds his neighbor, Mrs. Gregory, in distress and learns of her son who has been hospitalized. Samantha Gregory calls Dominic to watch her apartment, but he sees an opportunity to go to Brighton and have a chance to visit Jonathan. In accompanying Samantha to the hospital he meets John Fraser one of Simon’s housemates. Inquiring about Simon, Dominic learns that Simon is studying journalism and media studies, John is studying biochemistry, Gemma is studying English and Jay is a postgrad in pharmacology. John is adamant that Simon doesn’t do drugs and was never suicidal. As Dominic get’s deeper into this mystery he finds there’s high profile individuals involved and it’s more that just photographs and a data chip that has brought danger to them all.
I first read “The Necessary Death’s” when it was published in 2016. I have to say I really enjoyed the re-edited version just as much and even more. David C. Dawson creates a puzzle of a mystery, where a few characters get involved to help solve it. As MC’s: Dominic gradually steps out of his comfort zone in the way of danger. But for Jonathan, he became overbearing and very pushy when it comes to his and Dominic’s relationship. I became difficult in seeing Jonathan and Dominic as a couple.
Dawson also delivers an abundance of characters that peaked my interest from: Simon and John and Jay. Gemma who ways very special. Barrister Miles Torrington and Samantha Gregory. Steve, is an outstanding addition to the storyline. He’s not what he seems and is a wizard with technological expertise. Last but not least, the Natural Family Association and the most diabolical villains, Viktor Krasov and Janet Downpatrick.
There is also, an AUDIO version of “The Necessary Deaths” and is narrated by David C. Dawson himself. Dawson presents this novel in a clear and precise speaking voice with an excellent pace and captures the emotions of every character. There’s also a voice distinction where each character is concerned. Dawson took a chance narrating his own novel but I’m glad he did. I hope he continues to narrate “A Delingpole Mysteries”.
This is the first book I have read/listened to by David C. Dawson and I am very impressed. The plot is quite in depth, despite a lightness that pervades the novel. That isn’t to say that there aren’t some very serious moments, though. I particularly love how the excitement is built up by quickly changing between scenes and characters.
The secondary characters are all well-crafted and essential to moving the story along. No superfluous hangers-on here.
This is also the first audiobook I have listened to where the author narrates his own story. I read somewhere that this is a definite no! Let me tell you…in this case, it isn’t. The story is professionally narrated in a clear, crisp voice with excellent timing. The different voices used for characters all work to bring them to life.
I will definitely be looking out for more by this author.
4.25 stars
Heat Level: 2
Narration: 4
Intrigue, conspiracy, and twists!
I wasn’t sure what to expect and this story has it’s ups and downs but once the “case” became more in-depth I was enthralled. Conspiracies left and right. This is a twisted and unusual read with a wide range of characters, POVs and an in-depth mystery that is dangerous, incredibly complex and surprisingly puzzling.
I enjoyed the twists and turns and while it could be complex and even confusing it held me until the end. I did love Jonathan and felt he was the perfect character to inject some wit, humor, and lightheartedness into an intense and even tragic story. I still had a few questions at the end but I kind of liked that in a way because this is NOT a cop mystery so the fact that they didn’t have the rock hard facts in the end kind of made sense.
This was my first book of David’s and I’m intrigued for more. Good narration too!
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