Gentleman Jack

Synopsis

DI Tim Yates and DS Juliet Armstrong are investigating the widespread theft of expensive farm machinery and keep on drawing a blank. They don't know whether they're looking for a gang, an individual or an organised network; nor can they find any trace of the machinery once it's been stolen. Meanwhile, local property developer and philanthropist Jack Fovargue is assaulted in the street, and seems reluctant to help find his assailant. Visiting one of Fovargue's building sites to persuade him to make a statement, DI Yates sees a quad that he thinks may have been stolen from a nearby farm a few days before. Fovargue denies all knowledge of the vehicle, while his foreman says he picked it up cheaply from a traveller. Tim obtains a warrant to search the site and discovers something far more sinister than another missing machine.

Praise for Previous Work

‘The clue to the essence of this book is in the title. It’s about the claustrophobia of families and the secrets contained within them. The book, for me, also had a strong ‘provincial’ feel. And I mean this in the best sense of the word. It was a book not about the metropolis but the lives of ordinary (or perhaps not) people in everyday surroundings. And it was nice to read something with such a strong sense of place.’ —Crimepieces

‘If you’re after a complex plot with some political and illegal undertones, plenty of suspicious circumstances and some interesting historical content, then give this a try.’ —Mean Streets: The Home of Crime Fiction

‘James specialises in mixing suspense-flavoured first-person and historical narratives in with the police-procedural. In Sausage Hall she uses Kevan's voice to narrate events from the point of view of a troubled family man. The history comes from the recovered diary of Florence Jacobs, a previous resident of Sausage Hall, which offer clues to the identities of the three bodies in the cellar. The police are all essentially public-spirited and amiable, with the possible exception of Tim's ambitious boss. This time, the tireless Juliet gets a richly-deserved romantic sub-plot.’ —Rich Westwood, Euro Crime

‘★★★★☆ A police procedural with a depth and some mischievous twists that go beyond the average procedural. Yes, DI Tim Yates is back in a third outing, investigating skeletons in the cellar and a body in the woods; great stuff that just gets better.’ —Ani Johnson, The Bookbag

‘I love the unfolding of a good mystery and Sausage Hall is certainly one.’ —Diane Challenor, Artuccion

‘★★★★ Had me fairly engrossed at all times ... Serious issues are touched upon regarding people trafficking, prostitution and exploitation.’ —Crimespace

‘A crime mystery with a sinister undercurrent exploring the murky world of illegal immigrants, and a well researched historical element.’ —BooksPlease