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DCI Harry Grimm #1
Grimm Up North
Welcome to Wensleydale, where the cheese is famous, the scenery beautiful, and the locals have murder on their minds …
Detective Chief Inspector Harry Grimm is forced to take leave from Bristol’s Major Investigations Team when his boss, tired of Harry chasing the ghost of his murderous father, sends him north on secondment.
Used to city life and high stress, Harry fears his life will now be spent handing out speeding tickets, finding lost sheep, and directing tourists. But when a local teenager runs away, Harry finds himself pulled into an investigation much worse than anyone could have ever expected.
The nicer the place, the darker the secrets. Wensleydale is beautiful, everyone is friendly and welcoming, and people just don’t get murdered ... do they?
A classic fish-out-of-water crime mystery set in the stunning and evocative scenery of Wensleydale in North Yorkshire.
Detective Chief Inspector Harry Grimm is forced to take leave from Bristol’s Major Investigations Team when his boss, tired of Harry chasing the ghost of his murderous father, sends him north on secondment.
Used to city life and high stress, Harry fears his life will now be spent handing out speeding tickets, finding lost sheep, and directing tourists. But when a local teenager runs away, Harry finds himself pulled into an investigation much worse than anyone could have ever expected.
The nicer the place, the darker the secrets. Wensleydale is beautiful, everyone is friendly and welcoming, and people just don’t get murdered ... do they?
A classic fish-out-of-water crime mystery set in the stunning and evocative scenery of Wensleydale in North Yorkshire.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2020
4454 people are currently reading
3411 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 597 reviews
July 25, 2020
This book was recommended on social media by JD Kirk and that was good enough for me to give it a go. Very similar in style to Kirk's DCI Jack Logan character, Harry Grimm makes for an entertaining new character. Humour runs throughout the book and what the story lacks in uniqueness the writing more than makes up for. I'll be pre-ordering the next one at the first available opportunity and look forward to hours of entertainment from this author.
June 2, 2024
3.75 (rnd ⬆️) ⭐️— An eminently charming, well dressed & all-round nice read, that perhaps just never quite enters the realm of top-notch contemporary crime-fiction, but sure enough shows definite promise that simply must be persisted with.
Harry Grimm is a rather welcome addition to the roster of Gruff, Strong & bulldog-like detectives I have read in recent years & I could apprise speedily that he is a detective that’s only going to continue to grow on me the more he is fleshed-out across the already extremely large series of Harry Grimm novels, from David J Gatward.
The novel itself is a weighty mystery, however the best fragments are undoubtedly those that centre around Grimm’s backstory, as they really do help bring the character of the town, Wensleydale — to life. Whilst I enjoyed it thoroughly, it was the contrast between some of the heavier crime novels I’ve been reading of late, that I found most interesting.
David J Gatward's "Grimm Up North" beckons readers into a world where the laid back intertwines with the intense, creating a tapestry of contemporary crime that is both atmospheric and fun. Gatward's prose is a basic but engaging mix of vivid imagery, painting the northern landscapes with a delicate, yet mildly haunting touch in parts, but it’s clear things are largely kept light for a reason, likely to highlight Grimm’s violent inner persona & give the series somewhere to go later on.
The characters, neatly woven into the narrative, possess a depth that adds authenticity to their little town. Gatward touches on exploring their vulnerabilities and strengths, forging opening connections that resonate with readers on a basic level. The dynamics between Grimm & the ‘Dales characters are enjoyable, especially that of his new DSI Swift.
The novel's setting, a northern Britain of both beauty and boredom, emerges as a character in its own right. Gatward's descriptive passages help bring the landscapes to life, enveloping the reader in the moody ambiance of the surroundings. The fusion of the country and city with the is seamlessly executed, crafting a world that feels like it is going to be fun to explore.
While the plot unfolds with engaging momentum, there are instances where the pacing stumbles, momentarily disrupting the immersive experience. However, Gatward's narrative resilience ensures that the story swiftly regains its captivating stride. The novel's strength lies in its ability to balance the dark with the ordinary, creating a narrative that is both believable and thought-provoking.
This novel feels deliberately held back, and knowing what’s ahead that seems fair. Gatward's storytelling finesse, allows the everyday to shine, having the setting slowly unfold rather than creating too big a contrast or dichotomy, this novel establishes itself as a noteworthy addition to contemporary crime literature.
Harry Grimm is a rather welcome addition to the roster of Gruff, Strong & bulldog-like detectives I have read in recent years & I could apprise speedily that he is a detective that’s only going to continue to grow on me the more he is fleshed-out across the already extremely large series of Harry Grimm novels, from David J Gatward.
The novel itself is a weighty mystery, however the best fragments are undoubtedly those that centre around Grimm’s backstory, as they really do help bring the character of the town, Wensleydale — to life. Whilst I enjoyed it thoroughly, it was the contrast between some of the heavier crime novels I’ve been reading of late, that I found most interesting.
David J Gatward's "Grimm Up North" beckons readers into a world where the laid back intertwines with the intense, creating a tapestry of contemporary crime that is both atmospheric and fun. Gatward's prose is a basic but engaging mix of vivid imagery, painting the northern landscapes with a delicate, yet mildly haunting touch in parts, but it’s clear things are largely kept light for a reason, likely to highlight Grimm’s violent inner persona & give the series somewhere to go later on.
The characters, neatly woven into the narrative, possess a depth that adds authenticity to their little town. Gatward touches on exploring their vulnerabilities and strengths, forging opening connections that resonate with readers on a basic level. The dynamics between Grimm & the ‘Dales characters are enjoyable, especially that of his new DSI Swift.
The novel's setting, a northern Britain of both beauty and boredom, emerges as a character in its own right. Gatward's descriptive passages help bring the landscapes to life, enveloping the reader in the moody ambiance of the surroundings. The fusion of the country and city with the is seamlessly executed, crafting a world that feels like it is going to be fun to explore.
While the plot unfolds with engaging momentum, there are instances where the pacing stumbles, momentarily disrupting the immersive experience. However, Gatward's narrative resilience ensures that the story swiftly regains its captivating stride. The novel's strength lies in its ability to balance the dark with the ordinary, creating a narrative that is both believable and thought-provoking.
This novel feels deliberately held back, and knowing what’s ahead that seems fair. Gatward's storytelling finesse, allows the everyday to shine, having the setting slowly unfold rather than creating too big a contrast or dichotomy, this novel establishes itself as a noteworthy addition to contemporary crime literature.
December 1, 2023
Possibly a 3.5. Enjoyable quick read but also largely implausible. I liked the characters (and writing) enough to continue with the series. Just hope the "crime" element is less obvious
February 17, 2021
This seems like a harsh rate, but I treat one star as meaning 'Did not like', and being honest, I did not like it, though there was definitely something in the bones of it that did work for me.
I liked the setting, I fell into the little quaint village immediately and pictured some of the scenes vividly.
I enjoyed the supporting characters mainly comprising the team surrounding Grimm.
I loved the immediate connection that Jim and Grimm had. A proper double act name and a proper instant bromance.
In fact I wish the whole book had been from Jim's point of view. I much preferred his cheerful personality but underlying mysterious and dark past. He intrigued me far more than anything else in the book. Definitely more than the action man, emotional, shouty Grimm.
For the most part I liked the humor that ran throughout, though at times it felt like it was trying a bit too hard to make me laugh, especially at the start. A dry line every page was sufficient, something every paragraph was too much.
However, there were definitely elements that weren't quite as well polished and enjoyable for me and these outweighed the good.
The pacing was a bit skewered. The first 80 odd pages were just talk of Grimm being ugly and having a past in the Paras (shot every time his face or the Paras are mentioned and you'll soon have a fun drinking game). Long passages about the village which were fine but repetitive after 80 pages of hearing about the bloody cake and cheese and tea. The wandering and repetition nearly nearly lost me.
Once the main plot kicked off it actually held my attention far more. There were still some issues with it. They were really fond of sitting round saying 'Err we don't have much do we?' But they didn't seem to do any police work. They didn't trace Sophie's phone or texts, they didn't go to her school and speak to anyone about her... it was all just a bit of sit back and wait for progress to happen. Fine, it kind of worked because the plot didn't start till halfway through the book so progress did come quickly through necessity but not because of police work.
The ending was also really tenuous, full of drama but taking leaps that I struggled to see connections between, which ruined it a bit for me. One person admitted a crime and suddenly somehow another person knew about it and wanted to take revenge... from nowhere. Unless I just missed the but about how they found out.
There were also a few errors. Mike the Mechanic (not that one) was referred to as Matt at one point. Was the pocket notebook a PSB (page 77) or a PNB (page 133)?
There was definitely something underlying that kept me reading, but it just needed some refinement. Love Jim though.
I liked the setting, I fell into the little quaint village immediately and pictured some of the scenes vividly.
I enjoyed the supporting characters mainly comprising the team surrounding Grimm.
I loved the immediate connection that Jim and Grimm had. A proper double act name and a proper instant bromance.
In fact I wish the whole book had been from Jim's point of view. I much preferred his cheerful personality but underlying mysterious and dark past. He intrigued me far more than anything else in the book. Definitely more than the action man, emotional, shouty Grimm.
For the most part I liked the humor that ran throughout, though at times it felt like it was trying a bit too hard to make me laugh, especially at the start. A dry line every page was sufficient, something every paragraph was too much.
However, there were definitely elements that weren't quite as well polished and enjoyable for me and these outweighed the good.
The pacing was a bit skewered. The first 80 odd pages were just talk of Grimm being ugly and having a past in the Paras (shot every time his face or the Paras are mentioned and you'll soon have a fun drinking game). Long passages about the village which were fine but repetitive after 80 pages of hearing about the bloody cake and cheese and tea. The wandering and repetition nearly nearly lost me.
Once the main plot kicked off it actually held my attention far more. There were still some issues with it. They were really fond of sitting round saying 'Err we don't have much do we?' But they didn't seem to do any police work. They didn't trace Sophie's phone or texts, they didn't go to her school and speak to anyone about her... it was all just a bit of sit back and wait for progress to happen. Fine, it kind of worked because the plot didn't start till halfway through the book so progress did come quickly through necessity but not because of police work.
The ending was also really tenuous, full of drama but taking leaps that I struggled to see connections between, which ruined it a bit for me. One person admitted a crime and suddenly somehow another person knew about it and wanted to take revenge... from nowhere. Unless I just missed the but about how they found out.
There were also a few errors. Mike the Mechanic (not that one) was referred to as Matt at one point. Was the pocket notebook a PSB (page 77) or a PNB (page 133)?
There was definitely something underlying that kept me reading, but it just needed some refinement. Love Jim though.
May 12, 2021
SPOILER ALERT. I concede that it is an entertaining story, but I was not impressed by the writing. Not many typos, but too many words were used improperly. Just two that I recall: the author wrote "banded" when he meant "bandied," and "repost" when he meant "riposte." He also repeated cliched expressions to the point of annoying this reader. More gravely, there were plot threads that were introduced but never tied up, such as the idea that Martha was causing her husband George to be ill because of Munchausen's by Proxy. I also take exception when certain story aspects are glossed over, like how did sickly George have the strength to get Martha from their house into her car ? How did he accomplish that without being seen by anyone.? And when he got her to the lake, how did he move her body from the car to the lake shore without drag marks or other detectable clues? I know many ebooks are not professionally edited, but most authors such as Gatward use beta readers, family, or friends to provide some quality assurance. They did not do a great job in this case.
February 20, 2021
This is a murder mystery with a lot of humour. Grimm is sent to Wensleydale on secondment (but really, we suspect, to get rid of him for a bit). The contrasts between north and south are grist to the author’s mill. In the sleepy little village he’s moved to, nothing ever happens but a bit of sheep rustling, so Grimm arrives only to be in the centre of a missing person murder enquiry, which then deepens as a body is found. The characters are well drawn and the dale itself is well used as a backdrop. Very enjoyable.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
January 20, 2022
4 stars audio and story
April 1, 2023
3.5 stars.
May 11, 2021
Ey up lads and lasses! Take all the North/South divide cliches you know, all the stereotypes of rural Yorkshire, all the basic narrative features of a crime novel, with a smattering of displacement amusement sprinkled on top, stick it in a blender, then pour it onto a page and you will probably end up with something better than this book.
If someone is from Somerset, Yorkshire is not going to be a massive culture shock. I'm from Yorkshire and I managed to contain my shock that people use wellies on farms in Somerset and that country people drive like country people. Also, cheese with cake is not so far out to require pages of exposition.
The best thing that can be said is that it was mildly diverting for a couple of hours and required no intellectual input from the reader, which was what I needed at the time. Plus, as a Yorkshire woman I appreciated getting it for free on Amazon Prime. However, it was really unnecessary to explain the titular pun as it's quite evident to anyone with a basic grasp of the English language, but the author feels the need to explain it several times.
If someone is from Somerset, Yorkshire is not going to be a massive culture shock. I'm from Yorkshire and I managed to contain my shock that people use wellies on farms in Somerset and that country people drive like country people. Also, cheese with cake is not so far out to require pages of exposition.
The best thing that can be said is that it was mildly diverting for a couple of hours and required no intellectual input from the reader, which was what I needed at the time. Plus, as a Yorkshire woman I appreciated getting it for free on Amazon Prime. However, it was really unnecessary to explain the titular pun as it's quite evident to anyone with a basic grasp of the English language, but the author feels the need to explain it several times.
August 22, 2025
5⭐️
what can I say about this book it was amazing. I was at the edge of my chair while reading this, and I totally would be friends with Grimm.
I would definitely recommend this book.
what can I say about this book it was amazing. I was at the edge of my chair while reading this, and I totally would be friends with Grimm.
I would definitely recommend this book.
August 13, 2020
Cracking good read! LOVED the writing and the characters and the whole novel.
April 22, 2021
Cheese with fruit cake. It's a Yorkshire thing as DCI Harry Grimm finds out when he is seconded to Hawes in Wensleydale (All Creatures Great and Small country) from Bristol.
This is the first in a series and I absolutely loved it, and I loved Harry Grimm. He's different to the usual fictional cops. For a start he has a face only a mother could love after being wounded by an IED while serving with the Paras, and he is extremely grumpy and sarcastic. But he is also very smart, and a damn good copper. The rest of the team are well drawn and realistic too and I loved the bromance that developed between Grimm and PCSO, Jim.
The writing is superb and peppered with humour with a clever plot that made me listen in one sitting. The descriptions of the locations are wonderful, mentioning many places I have visited (I'm a Yorkshire girl!) which added to my enjoyment. I can't wait to see what's next for Harry.
The narration is fantastic. Aubrey Parsons has the perfect gravelly voice and West Country accent for Grimm but also manages to do a Scottish accent as well as all the different Yorkshire voices.
This is the first in a series and I absolutely loved it, and I loved Harry Grimm. He's different to the usual fictional cops. For a start he has a face only a mother could love after being wounded by an IED while serving with the Paras, and he is extremely grumpy and sarcastic. But he is also very smart, and a damn good copper. The rest of the team are well drawn and realistic too and I loved the bromance that developed between Grimm and PCSO, Jim.
The writing is superb and peppered with humour with a clever plot that made me listen in one sitting. The descriptions of the locations are wonderful, mentioning many places I have visited (I'm a Yorkshire girl!) which added to my enjoyment. I can't wait to see what's next for Harry.
The narration is fantastic. Aubrey Parsons has the perfect gravelly voice and West Country accent for Grimm but also manages to do a Scottish accent as well as all the different Yorkshire voices.
October 9, 2021
DCI Harry Grimm is a detective with a dark past who gets relocated from the city of Bristol to the quaint Yorkshire town of Hawes. This is a very common trope, and somewhat overused, but one that works well if the author can get the feeling of the Yorkshire village just right. In this case, the author lived in the town of Hawes for some years so he knows it very well. I once spent a weeks vacation nearby so have been there myself. It's kind of an iconic village so a great place to set a Yorkshire crime story. (Take a look on Google street view, it's an amazing place and you can find most of the places mentioned in the book.)
Story wise, Harry Grimm is first assigned to a dubious missing persons case, but this quickly escalates into something more. As you would expect there are some differences between his big city experience and what he encounters in Yorkshire. A few twists along the way but not impossible to figure out as there were a limited number of characters/suspects.
Overall a good story set in a real world place (not a generic or renamed town). Well worth reading and I will be continuing with the series.
Story wise, Harry Grimm is first assigned to a dubious missing persons case, but this quickly escalates into something more. As you would expect there are some differences between his big city experience and what he encounters in Yorkshire. A few twists along the way but not impossible to figure out as there were a limited number of characters/suspects.
Overall a good story set in a real world place (not a generic or renamed town). Well worth reading and I will be continuing with the series.
January 14, 2021
3.5 stars.....given that I’m going to give this book a bit of a tongue lashing because (insert sarcasm) was Harry in the Paras? 🙄. Why yes cause the author told us in nearly every chapter of the book, so I did a search and he mentions the Paras 12 times (I’m sure it was more), Paratrooper once, Parachute Regiment 3 times and the Army 4 times. Between these multiple mentions, the comments about his face and that nothing made sense I’m surprised he managed to solve any crime.
I will say that the author did a great job making Harry seem like was such a fish out of water and his description of how lovely the Yorkshire Dales are, I also like Harry and his team together and finding the answers wasn’t just about him. The plot was an easy solve though and I will read the next one mainly because I’m curious to see if he can mention the Paras more than 12 times.
I will say that the author did a great job making Harry seem like was such a fish out of water and his description of how lovely the Yorkshire Dales are, I also like Harry and his team together and finding the answers wasn’t just about him. The plot was an easy solve though and I will read the next one mainly because I’m curious to see if he can mention the Paras more than 12 times.
September 26, 2023
It always puzzles me why the crime books I found boring and could not finish garner such high ratings - always above 4, nearly 5. It's like there's a whole bunch of readers out there that love all that I don't like. Of course there is...so there must be a whole bunch of readers that like what I like.
And I wish I could locate them because their reviews would so helpful. Kelly's review of Grimm Up North echoes my thoughts about the book and I shall be checking out more of her reviews.
And I wish I could locate them because their reviews would so helpful. Kelly's review of Grimm Up North echoes my thoughts about the book and I shall be checking out more of her reviews.
January 6, 2024
Grimm Up North by David J. Gatward is the first book in the DCI Harry Grimm Mystery series. DCI Harry Grimm is seconded from Bristol's Major Investigation team to Wensleydale in North Yorkshire only to find himself investigating a missing teenager and the murder of her mother. I loved this book and especially the descriptions of the Yorkshire countryside, the quirky characters and the contrasts that Harry experiences to his previous role. An entertaining and enjoyable murder mystery.
September 20, 2020
Brilliant characters, great story, have already pre- ordered the next one. Grimm is awesome!
January 27, 2023
Bookish Books Reading Challenge & #JanuaryPagesChallenge
April 12, 2021
Quite entertaining but totally unbelievable!
First you have DCI Harry Grimm, a graduate of the police charm school, a bit of a thug, a big time rebel and with a serious facial disfigurement to boot. He appears very good at his job of nailing villains but, because of his attitude, gets posted to the wilds of rural Yorkshire as a punishment. He brings violence and mayhem with him to this rural idyll and starts to enjoy his new life. Interesting to see how the series pans out.
First you have DCI Harry Grimm, a graduate of the police charm school, a bit of a thug, a big time rebel and with a serious facial disfigurement to boot. He appears very good at his job of nailing villains but, because of his attitude, gets posted to the wilds of rural Yorkshire as a punishment. He brings violence and mayhem with him to this rural idyll and starts to enjoy his new life. Interesting to see how the series pans out.
March 22, 2022
I've been auditioning a few new-to-me mystery series for my reading pleasure and here comes another one. This one is by David J. Gatward, another writer that I had never read, never even heard of as far as I can remember. It features DCI Harry Grimm as its main character and is set in Yorkshire. This is the first book in the series. Gatward writes with a light hand and there is quite a bit of humor in the tale he tells here.
Harry has been a pain in the ass for his boss on the Bristol Major Investigations Team and when he has the opportunity to get Harry out of his hair he takes it, sending him north to a town called Hawes in Wensleydale on secondment. It's a place that is famous for its cheese and its scenery. It's the kind of Yorkshire setting that is so popular with writers of British crime fiction, so this all feels very familiar.
Harry is a city boy and he doesn't know what to make of his new assignment in a more rural location. He expects that his duties will entail searching for lost sheep, directing tourists, and handing out speeding tickets. But soon after he arrives a local teenager runs away from home and the search for her reveals that things may not be as lazy and idyllic up north as Harry has assumed. Moreover, the missing person quickly escalates into something even more sinister and just like that Harry has his hands full.
Harry is an interesting character. For one thing, his face is quite scarred as the result of his encounter with an IED while in the military service. Maybe it is that experience that has helped to make him the grumpy sort that he is. His defense against the world is sarcasm which he wields quite readily. He is also very smart and very good at his job. His character is one of the strengths of the book.
Another thing that I liked about the book was the author's description of the Yorkshire Dales, a beautiful place. I kept seeing images of scenery from the television series "All Creatures Great and Small" and that was not an unpleasant thing.
The book also held some annoyances for me. For example, unnecessary repetition. How often did the author tell us that Harry was in the "Paras" during his military service? I didn't count but it seemed to be on almost every page. I think I could have gotten the idea after just a couple of mentions. The plot was pretty straightforward and didn't hold any real surprises. I guess I've been spoiled by all my reading of Ann Cleeves' mysteries. I'm always expecting red herrings and plot twists. But that was not this book.
Overall, this was a pleasant read. There was not much that was especially memorable about it except for the character of Harry and the Yorkshire setting, but that was enough to hold my interest and I would expect to read more of the series in the future.
Harry has been a pain in the ass for his boss on the Bristol Major Investigations Team and when he has the opportunity to get Harry out of his hair he takes it, sending him north to a town called Hawes in Wensleydale on secondment. It's a place that is famous for its cheese and its scenery. It's the kind of Yorkshire setting that is so popular with writers of British crime fiction, so this all feels very familiar.
Harry is a city boy and he doesn't know what to make of his new assignment in a more rural location. He expects that his duties will entail searching for lost sheep, directing tourists, and handing out speeding tickets. But soon after he arrives a local teenager runs away from home and the search for her reveals that things may not be as lazy and idyllic up north as Harry has assumed. Moreover, the missing person quickly escalates into something even more sinister and just like that Harry has his hands full.
Harry is an interesting character. For one thing, his face is quite scarred as the result of his encounter with an IED while in the military service. Maybe it is that experience that has helped to make him the grumpy sort that he is. His defense against the world is sarcasm which he wields quite readily. He is also very smart and very good at his job. His character is one of the strengths of the book.
Another thing that I liked about the book was the author's description of the Yorkshire Dales, a beautiful place. I kept seeing images of scenery from the television series "All Creatures Great and Small" and that was not an unpleasant thing.
The book also held some annoyances for me. For example, unnecessary repetition. How often did the author tell us that Harry was in the "Paras" during his military service? I didn't count but it seemed to be on almost every page. I think I could have gotten the idea after just a couple of mentions. The plot was pretty straightforward and didn't hold any real surprises. I guess I've been spoiled by all my reading of Ann Cleeves' mysteries. I'm always expecting red herrings and plot twists. But that was not this book.
Overall, this was a pleasant read. There was not much that was especially memorable about it except for the character of Harry and the Yorkshire setting, but that was enough to hold my interest and I would expect to read more of the series in the future.
November 7, 2020
Wensleydale cheese and cake!!
I have to admit I struggled with the first few chapters of this book, it really didn't grab my attention though something told me to carry on reading it, it could get better.
DCI Harry Grimm works in Bristol major crime, much to his disappointment he's seconded up to Wensleydale in north Yorkshire by his obnoxious boss.......whom I disliked immensely from her first mention. Ok it appears Harry is a bit of a one man band, not a particular likeable protagonist either and nothing to do with his background as a former Para or the fact his facial scarring after being wounded by a IED whilst in the Parachute Regimen made him look slightly intimidating.
Arriving at his new posting was not his idea off a major investigation team, sleepy villages rolling hills and sheep, lots of sheep. Everyone knowing everyone the only crimes sheep stealing!
They don't even have a police station only the use of a room in the community centre.
The report of a girl going missing on her way to school starts Harry's first day off as he'd expected, though it was a child missing not sheep. This kicks off a chain of events you do not see coming, a clever storyline with enough twists and turns to make you dizzy. The gradual process of building a team with a great mix of characters is superbly done with a good mix of personalities even the soon to retire lazy DSI.
I have to say I was becoming increasingly fond of Harry and Jim who seems to have become Harry's right hand man over a very short time. The settings are beautifully described by the author, visualisation taking its place in your head even to speeding down winding steep narrow roads, and that feeling of the need to hold on tight and close your eyes as your heart rate rises rapidly to the sound of screeching tyres.
A well put together plot that leads in many different directions, as I said before DCI Harry Grimm really does grow on you as you turn the pages. I've dropped one star simply because it needed more editing, there are wrong words in a few places but other than that an enjoyable read and I look forward to read the second Grimm up North!
I have to admit I struggled with the first few chapters of this book, it really didn't grab my attention though something told me to carry on reading it, it could get better.
DCI Harry Grimm works in Bristol major crime, much to his disappointment he's seconded up to Wensleydale in north Yorkshire by his obnoxious boss.......whom I disliked immensely from her first mention. Ok it appears Harry is a bit of a one man band, not a particular likeable protagonist either and nothing to do with his background as a former Para or the fact his facial scarring after being wounded by a IED whilst in the Parachute Regimen made him look slightly intimidating.
Arriving at his new posting was not his idea off a major investigation team, sleepy villages rolling hills and sheep, lots of sheep. Everyone knowing everyone the only crimes sheep stealing!
They don't even have a police station only the use of a room in the community centre.
The report of a girl going missing on her way to school starts Harry's first day off as he'd expected, though it was a child missing not sheep. This kicks off a chain of events you do not see coming, a clever storyline with enough twists and turns to make you dizzy. The gradual process of building a team with a great mix of characters is superbly done with a good mix of personalities even the soon to retire lazy DSI.
I have to say I was becoming increasingly fond of Harry and Jim who seems to have become Harry's right hand man over a very short time. The settings are beautifully described by the author, visualisation taking its place in your head even to speeding down winding steep narrow roads, and that feeling of the need to hold on tight and close your eyes as your heart rate rises rapidly to the sound of screeching tyres.
A well put together plot that leads in many different directions, as I said before DCI Harry Grimm really does grow on you as you turn the pages. I've dropped one star simply because it needed more editing, there are wrong words in a few places but other than that an enjoyable read and I look forward to read the second Grimm up North!
August 22, 2021
Start reading halfway through…
Oh dear!
First of all - there’s so much more up north after Yorkshire… That’s where the north just starts!
And now having this off my chest, let’s crack on. Characters are ok-ish. The main one DCI Harry Grimm is not bad, his team didn’t have enough to do to be reviewed yet, the secondary characters are unfortunately caricatures. I do hope the author improves this, because seriously - Yorkshire exists in XXI century, so its inhabitants are all modern people. Even if the cellular reception is a bit patchy there ;) (And I live in the doorstep; I have visited both Hawes and Leyburn several times - they are both pleasant towns!)
The writing is overly descriptive and needs solid editing. There are several paragraphs of Harry driving and admiring countryside!!! Jeez! One sentence would do. It’s a police procedural, not XIX realistic novel! Language, sentence openers, syntax is very repetitive and I had a feeling like all the description only served as a filler.
The north/south contrast is pushed to the ridicule. How come a police detective, a DCI, can be so naive? I mean - I am not a country girl myself, but I wouldn’t make a tit out of myself so badly in said setting. And he seemed to be surprised by stars at night. Really?
The main story is thin and cliche with the bad guy being marked as bad guy from his first appearance. Most importantly the story doesn’t start until 45% into the book - way too much waffle first. And then the police is behaving like they know and do nothing - the SoC (called here CSI) people do nothing, pathologist serves as the only one working, no tech support to help with computer/communication equipment - all is solved and done by DCI Grimm (who used to be in Paras, which the author informs us approximately 7618 times ;) )
The whole thing reads like a copy of JD’s Kirk DCI Logan series. Much weaker copy.
I am a sucker for British crime, so I will persevere with one more book in the series, with hope it will improve. But honestly, after this I think anybody can publish a book. I may try myself!
Oh dear!
First of all - there’s so much more up north after Yorkshire… That’s where the north just starts!
And now having this off my chest, let’s crack on. Characters are ok-ish. The main one DCI Harry Grimm is not bad, his team didn’t have enough to do to be reviewed yet, the secondary characters are unfortunately caricatures. I do hope the author improves this, because seriously - Yorkshire exists in XXI century, so its inhabitants are all modern people. Even if the cellular reception is a bit patchy there ;) (And I live in the doorstep; I have visited both Hawes and Leyburn several times - they are both pleasant towns!)
The writing is overly descriptive and needs solid editing. There are several paragraphs of Harry driving and admiring countryside!!! Jeez! One sentence would do. It’s a police procedural, not XIX realistic novel! Language, sentence openers, syntax is very repetitive and I had a feeling like all the description only served as a filler.
The north/south contrast is pushed to the ridicule. How come a police detective, a DCI, can be so naive? I mean - I am not a country girl myself, but I wouldn’t make a tit out of myself so badly in said setting. And he seemed to be surprised by stars at night. Really?
The main story is thin and cliche with the bad guy being marked as bad guy from his first appearance. Most importantly the story doesn’t start until 45% into the book - way too much waffle first. And then the police is behaving like they know and do nothing - the SoC (called here CSI) people do nothing, pathologist serves as the only one working, no tech support to help with computer/communication equipment - all is solved and done by DCI Grimm (who used to be in Paras, which the author informs us approximately 7618 times ;) )
The whole thing reads like a copy of JD’s Kirk DCI Logan series. Much weaker copy.
I am a sucker for British crime, so I will persevere with one more book in the series, with hope it will improve. But honestly, after this I think anybody can publish a book. I may try myself!
March 15, 2021
An Enthralling and Entertaining New Mystery Series!
5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
I never knew a cop crime novel or police procedural could be so entertaining! I love this audiobook, and I can’t wait to plunge into the next one. I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who likes mysteries set in the English countryside. There is some violence and a few bloody details, but just enough to describe the situation (not too much). There is some swearing, but it feels natural for emphasis.
This contemporary mystery story is realistic and a little gritty while still having some dry British humor, a fish out of water detective, a vivid cast of supporting police characters, and a nail-biting mystery. I am very impressed with the author’s ability to describe the setting and to create such a likable, flawed, and intelligent protagonist, Harry Grimm. He has a traumatic past, a temper, a rather grumpy nature, and is very rude to journalists. However, he is also a good guy at heart and wants to protect regular people from danger. Harry is sharp, resourceful, and always shows respect for people who respect him. He also has a sense of humor. Although the solving of the crime is collaborative like a police procedural, Harry is the star who does a little more crime-solving than the rest of the police team, so it is more of a cop mystery.
The high quality writing was flawlessly interpreted by the narrator Aubrey Parsons. The narrator’s gravelly voice with a Bristol accent for Harry Grimm contrasted beautifully with the array of Yorkshire accents and the single Scottish accent of the other colorful characters. The narrator’s pacing and comic timing was phenomenal. I felt like I was there with Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Harry Grimm and his new coworkers tracking down the culprit in Wensleydale. This is my first book I have experienced by David J. Gatward or narrated by Aubrey Parsons, and they make a fantastic team.
I requested and received a free audiocode from the narrator, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
I never knew a cop crime novel or police procedural could be so entertaining! I love this audiobook, and I can’t wait to plunge into the next one. I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who likes mysteries set in the English countryside. There is some violence and a few bloody details, but just enough to describe the situation (not too much). There is some swearing, but it feels natural for emphasis.
This contemporary mystery story is realistic and a little gritty while still having some dry British humor, a fish out of water detective, a vivid cast of supporting police characters, and a nail-biting mystery. I am very impressed with the author’s ability to describe the setting and to create such a likable, flawed, and intelligent protagonist, Harry Grimm. He has a traumatic past, a temper, a rather grumpy nature, and is very rude to journalists. However, he is also a good guy at heart and wants to protect regular people from danger. Harry is sharp, resourceful, and always shows respect for people who respect him. He also has a sense of humor. Although the solving of the crime is collaborative like a police procedural, Harry is the star who does a little more crime-solving than the rest of the police team, so it is more of a cop mystery.
The high quality writing was flawlessly interpreted by the narrator Aubrey Parsons. The narrator’s gravelly voice with a Bristol accent for Harry Grimm contrasted beautifully with the array of Yorkshire accents and the single Scottish accent of the other colorful characters. The narrator’s pacing and comic timing was phenomenal. I felt like I was there with Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Harry Grimm and his new coworkers tracking down the culprit in Wensleydale. This is my first book I have experienced by David J. Gatward or narrated by Aubrey Parsons, and they make a fantastic team.
I requested and received a free audiocode from the narrator, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
May 26, 2021
enjoyed this book a lot. Harry Grimm is a great character with an interesting back story and a crime series set in the Yorkshire Dales is a nice change. The author has a lovely way with words and several passages had me laughing out loud.
as with a lot of these kinds of books you do have to suspend disbblief a little. the idea that a DCI would be able to f bomb his way through a press conference with no comebacks isn't all that realistic, although it was amusing. i did knock a star off because I thought the ending was very rushed and the ultimate motivation of the killer didn't make much sense to me but overall i enjoyed Grimm Up North and will be along for the ride for future installments of the series.
as with a lot of these kinds of books you do have to suspend disbblief a little. the idea that a DCI would be able to f bomb his way through a press conference with no comebacks isn't all that realistic, although it was amusing. i did knock a star off because I thought the ending was very rushed and the ultimate motivation of the killer didn't make much sense to me but overall i enjoyed Grimm Up North and will be along for the ride for future installments of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2021
Too much bad drama
A disfigured face, tragic childhood, zombie brother hr feels responsible for, searching for brutal father so he can get revenge and more. It all added up to an overdone drama that was boring, too strung out, not many likable characters and predictable twists. Other than that it was okay.
A disfigured face, tragic childhood, zombie brother hr feels responsible for, searching for brutal father so he can get revenge and more. It all added up to an overdone drama that was boring, too strung out, not many likable characters and predictable twists. Other than that it was okay.
March 27, 2021
Not for me
Sadly from the beginning it was full of swearing which spoils it for me as I’ve not read beyond the second chapter. It had the makings of a great story however bad language puts me off so it’s not for me.
Sadly from the beginning it was full of swearing which spoils it for me as I’ve not read beyond the second chapter. It had the makings of a great story however bad language puts me off so it’s not for me.
June 1, 2021
just couldnt get into it.
August 7, 2021
Language
If you don't mind the word "shit" in every other paragraph, you might like this book. I did not make it past page 5.
If you don't mind the word "shit" in every other paragraph, you might like this book. I did not make it past page 5.
January 2, 2024
Grimm Up North is book one in the DCI Harry Grimm series by David J. Gatward. Detective Chief Inspector Harry Grimm was unhappy on the way to Wensleydale, in Yorkshire, due to a directive from his Bristol Major Investigations Team boss. However, on his first day in Wensleydale, his car broke down, and he caught his first case of a missing teenager. At first, the young girl ran away from home until the murder near a remote lake. The readers of Grimm Up North will continue to follow Detective Chief Inspector Harry Grimm to discover what happens.
I have read a couple of books in this series, and I enjoyed them so much I decided to start the series from the beginning. I am pleased that I did. Grimm Up North did not disappoint; I engaged with this book from the start. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. Gimm Up North is well-written and researched by David J. Gatward. I love David J. Gatward's description of the sittings of Grimm Up North, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book plot.
The readers of Grimm Up North will learn about Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy and how it affects everyone involved. Also, the readers of Grimm Up North will understand the problems that law enforcement officers have when they feel guilty about family tragedy and how it affects their working life.
I recommend this book.
I have read a couple of books in this series, and I enjoyed them so much I decided to start the series from the beginning. I am pleased that I did. Grimm Up North did not disappoint; I engaged with this book from the start. I love David J. Gatward's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. Gimm Up North is well-written and researched by David J. Gatward. I love David J. Gatward's description of the sittings of Grimm Up North, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book plot.
The readers of Grimm Up North will learn about Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy and how it affects everyone involved. Also, the readers of Grimm Up North will understand the problems that law enforcement officers have when they feel guilty about family tragedy and how it affects their working life.
I recommend this book.
August 22, 2025
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
DCI Harry Grimm carries his horrific IED scars both inside and out. When his obsession with tacking down hos father nearly throws a case, he is horrified to be reassigned to North Yorkshire’s rural backwater. Determined to escape his exile of parking tickets and lost lambs, he fully expects to be back down south quickly…..until a teen disappears. Grimm fears the victim may have already met a gruesome end. When his team make an awful discovery, his instinct for trouble tells him he’s stumbled across a special type of scum who could be hiding in plain sight.
I enjoyed this introduction to the DCI Grimm series. Harry is a no nonsense, tough, complex character who has had more than his fair share of trauma. A complicated family life and an extensive military career means he carries a lot of baggage. His unexpected move to the rolling Yorkshire hills made for a humorous city v country comparison. A great wider supporting cast of characters also follows with more humour littered throughout the dialogue. A decent plot with a few twists here and there, it will certainly be easy to get accustomed to this new police procedural family. Book 2 is already on my radar.
DCI Harry Grimm carries his horrific IED scars both inside and out. When his obsession with tacking down hos father nearly throws a case, he is horrified to be reassigned to North Yorkshire’s rural backwater. Determined to escape his exile of parking tickets and lost lambs, he fully expects to be back down south quickly…..until a teen disappears. Grimm fears the victim may have already met a gruesome end. When his team make an awful discovery, his instinct for trouble tells him he’s stumbled across a special type of scum who could be hiding in plain sight.
I enjoyed this introduction to the DCI Grimm series. Harry is a no nonsense, tough, complex character who has had more than his fair share of trauma. A complicated family life and an extensive military career means he carries a lot of baggage. His unexpected move to the rolling Yorkshire hills made for a humorous city v country comparison. A great wider supporting cast of characters also follows with more humour littered throughout the dialogue. A decent plot with a few twists here and there, it will certainly be easy to get accustomed to this new police procedural family. Book 2 is already on my radar.
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