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James D Mortain
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Dead Ringer: A gripping crime thriller with a killer twist (A DI CHILCOTT MYSTERY Book 1) Kindle Edition

by James D Mortain (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 807 ratings
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A deadly game of cat and mouse. A wish list for murder. One person stands in the way.

When the body of a young woman sparks a manhunt on the streets of Bristol, striking similarities to another murder suggest there is only one detective for the job—old-school maverick DI Robbie Chilcott.

Bitter from a promotional snub and professionally embarrassed by his last failed murder case, DI Chilcott has a chance to restore pride and get even with a brutal serial killer. But after the investigation deepens and the body count rises, realisation dawns that Chilcott is hunting a systematic and lethal adversary.

As a pattern to the killer's chilling purpose takes shape, Chilcott establishes a shocking truth—the victims aren't random—they have been chosen for who they are.

Can Chilcott predict the assassin's next move and prevent further murders, or have the crosshairs already turned on him?

DEAD RINGER is the gritty first novel in this edge-of-your-seat British crime thriller series full of heart-pounding action and gripping suspense. Perfect for fans of Neil Lancaster, JD Kirk, David J. Gatward, J M Dalgliesh, Alex Smith and Simon McCleave.

Praise for DEAD RINGER

"A nail-biting pace and a nerve-jangling level of tension."

"The characters are so believable you really feel for them."

"The suspense was awesome. I couldn't read it quickly enough."

"Bitingly accurate. Great characters. A gritty, gripping roller coaster of a tale."

"It had me hooked from the start. I have read the previous titles by James, who has become one of my top 10 thriller writers."

Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 3
    A DI CHILCOTT MYSTERY
  2. Print length
    308 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    February 21, 2020
  6. File size
    1222 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

A selection of comments from Amazon readers:

"Most of us need to research the books we write so as to give an impression we know what we're talking about. This author has been there and done it, so the minutiae of the police procedural is in safe hands. Bitingly accurate. Great characters. A gritty, gripping roller coaster of a tale that where the pace never slows. Highly recommended." Father Ted - Top 1000 Reviewer ★★★★★


"Talk about page turner! The author knows how to keep his story unfolding at a nail-biting pace and nerve-jangling level of tension. His first-hand knowledge of police procedure, means you genuinely feel that you are part of a real time police operation" Liz Mullen ★★★★★


"The first time that I'd read a book by this author. It was a fantastic read and couldn't put down. It was really fast paced. DI Robbie Chilcott was a great character and the relationship between him and his DCI Julie Foster was amusing in parts. Great read and highly recommended" Mrs P. O'Brian ★★★★★


"The first in a new series by this up-and-coming talented writer. I was looking forward to this and even pre-ordered Dead Ringer in readiness. After the previous three books (Detective Deans) there was a lot riding on this new one. I was no disappointed. The story was very engaging and a total page turner" Chris Lightfoot ★★★★★


"I couldn't put it down and ended up reading into the small hours, a classic case of one more chapter and then another etc. I love the way you're enticed in and the characters are so believable you really feel for them. I cannot recommend enough that you take a look at this obviously talented writer" Sharon ★★★★★


"Dead Ringer is thrilling, gritty and written with a hefty dose of realism which accurately reflects policing in Britain in 2020. The story engages you right at the start and tightens its grip, refusing to let go until after the dramatic and very tense climax." Amazon Customer ★★★★★

From the Author

James began writing in 2012, following a chance encounter in a Bath bar with ex-SAS legend and bestselling author of the Danny Black thrillers Chris Ryan. Inspired by the meeting, James set about writing STORM LOG-0505 the very next day.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B084KVTVMM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Manvers Publishing (February 21, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 21, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1222 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 308 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 807 ratings

About the author

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James D Mortain

James D Mortain

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James' life before the pen was as thrilling as the stories he now tells. After two decades working inside the UK criminal justice system, James has lived a life many authors can only research. From the beating heart of CID investigations to the solemn echoes of the courtroom, his deep well of personal experience breathes authenticity into his fast-paced mysteries, filled with realistic characters and complex narratives.

His venture into the literary world is as intriguing as his novels. It all began in 2012, following a chance meeting with SAS legend, TV personality, and fellow author Chris Ryan in a busy Bath bar. This serendipitous encounter ignited a passion for storytelling that has since become James' calling.

James' novels offer readers a gripping escape into worlds exploring the darkness of human nature and the relentless pursuit of justice. Join him on this nail-biting journey where each page promises another secret waiting to be uncovered.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
807 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Kim J.
5.0 out of 5 stars You can really tell the difference!
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2022
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I am a avid reader of British and Scottish Crime Proceduals. I'm always on the lookout for a new author, and I just found on in James D Mortain! You can honestly tell the difference of am author that is former CID, and I have only read books by one other. And I would have guessed if I didn't already know Mr Morgan's history! You can tell the difference procedurally, in the wording, and the banter. I read these authors with a different perspective, not only for the enjoyment of the story, but to learn as well. There are vast differences in the ways of policing between the States and the UK.

This story had a very original plotline, and I wouldn't doubt that this has happened in real life at one time or another. The characters are well developed and likeable, and show their emotions throughout the book. This is important to me because I feel their emotions as well. Part of what makes a story gripping! Their were lots of the twists and turns, even after the suspect was named. And I honestly didn't see the ending coming in any way. This is the first book by this author that I have read, but it certainly won't be the last!
2 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Work, From an Expert
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2022
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His knowledge of real policing procedures us refreshing. But I don't like the way he disrespects highly trained professionals who have been through a selection process that doesn't allow the type of character personality he created in this novel. Special forces know their job is highly dangerous and that a time might come that they might be left behind. A spec force operator just isn't going to go off the rails like his character in this story.
Well written and a page turner with good characters otherwise.
One person found this helpful
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A Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent police procedural w a tough female protagonist.
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2020
I was hesitant about picking up this book, because I’d read one of this author’s early books which came to a dead-stop on a cliffhanger. Happily, not only does this book have a satisfying denouement, I thoroughly enjoyed the complex and well-executed storyline. Yeah, the title is a dead giveaway, and although I had suspicions, I definitely wanted to see how the storyline would wrap up.

Many police procedurals being written now are light on protocols and procedures, but if a cozy or a cozy-ish book, I know how to find them. In this crime fiction, the emphasis is on the police procedural and the hunt for a dangerous murderer, who begins to target police personnel. The author does include protagonists’ personal and/or domestic issues, but not to the point of distraction. I especially appreciate not reading long, angst-filled interior monologues.

Very well-written book all ‘round, and I recommend “Dead Ringer” to crime fiction fans.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars New character, same great storytelling from James D. Mortain.
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2020
I purchased Dead Ringer for the Kindle app on my iPhone. I wanted to post my review on the UK site, but as a recent transplant from the USA, I hadn't spent enough money on the UK platform to be eligible to post my review!

Dead Ringer is thrilling, gritty and written with a hefty dose of realism which accurately reflects policing in Britain in 2020. The story engages you right at the start and tightens its grip, refusing to let go until after the dramatic and very tense climax. Yet another compelling, unputdownable read from James D. Mortain!

In contrast to the brilliant Detective Deans books from the same author, which (***SPOILER ALERT***) end in cliff-hangers, it's possible to read the first DI Chilcott mystery in isolation and be satisfied. That said, the door is left very much open for a sequel. I personally can’t wait.
One person found this helpful
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markus
3.0 out of 5 stars Slow , Plot weak, was easy to put down
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2022
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Slow , Plot weak, was easy to put down
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kaymey
4.0 out of 5 stars Good
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2022
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The reason I gave it four stars instead of five was the author using the word pout in reference to a grown man. It was annoying and took away from the characters. I also felt at the first of the book something was missing to grab my interest, but as it progressed the story and people became more relatable. I will read “Book 2” to decide if I will read more from this author.
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Cat
5.0 out of 5 stars Enthralled! Constant twists and turns….narration was superb!
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2021
Great story line. Just when you think you know where the plot is going it throws another curveball. The narrators use of different character voices was superb- I felt like I knew them!
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Arlene Deardorff
5.0 out of 5 stars Good police procedural
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2021
Well written and moved along nicely. No extraneous details.
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Top reviews from other countries

Peter Dumcum
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in Canada on September 24, 2021
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I really liked this book. It is an interesting story and set of characters. I have order book 2.
One person found this helpful
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liz mullen
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story, great storytelling!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 11, 2020
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I delved into this book based on the good reviews, but now I can also wholeheartedly and thoroughly recommend it to other crime thriller readers!

Talk about page turner! The author knows how to keep his story unfolding at a nail biting pace and nerve jangling level of tension. His first hand knowledge of police procedure, means you genuinely feel that you are part of a real time police operation.

Great story, great story telling and I loved the characters!

Can recommend ‘Dead Ringer’ in a heartbeat and can’t wait for next book in this series.
3 people found this helpful
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Jann58
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous book
Reviewed in Australia on December 27, 2022
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Really enjoyed the story line and characters and happy to have found a new author. I would highly recommend
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Pixie81
4.0 out of 5 stars Shocking twists
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 9, 2023
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Several shocking twists. Kept me on the edge if my seat!
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Coral M. Horton
5.0 out of 5 stars First in a series, cant wait for the rest!!
Reviewed in Australia on April 20, 2020
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I was encouraged to read this by my niece, who has read other books written by this author. I was brought up in the Cotswolds so it was perfect for me to be imagining the places in the book. I love a good English murder mystery and this was just that. The story kept me enthralled all the way through, and it was very well written too. So much so that I have purchased the boxed set of his previous series of books and cant wait for the next book in this series to come out. Thank you.
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