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Hidden Runaway: A DCI Jones novel (The DCI Jones Casebook Book 3) Kindle Edition

4.7 out of 5 stars 1,882 ratings

A missing girl. A disturbing secret. A race against time.

When 14-year-old Holly Jardine disappears on the way home from school, the first question is did she run away or was she abducted? DCI Jones can’t be sure but instinct and experience tell him he needs to act quickly. Every minute counts in a case like this. Can he find Holly before time runs out?

When Jones discovers entries in Holly’s diary describing a mysterious older man known only as ‘E’, he fears the worst. This solitary initial is all Jones has to go on but he’ll do whatever it takes to identify the man behind it and bring Holly home to her parents. He knows first-hand the pain of losing a child.

At first it seems like an impossible task. But a search into local sex offenders sparks a sinister trail that leads Jones and his colleague Alexandra Olganski all the way to Brittany where they make a discovery more disturbing than they could ever have anticipated...

DCI Jones: a series of page-turning crime novels with unexpected twists from bestseller Kerry J Donovan.

(This novel was previously published as DCI Jones Casebook: Ellis Flynn)

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There are 6 books in this series.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Ellis Flynn Casebook is a cross-country, cross-jurisdictional crime spree, teaming good old fashioned police work from dusty paper files with the high-tech side of mobile forensics in a race to save a young life. Donovan mixes the police procedural with the human side of the officers, the girl's family, and even the criminals with perfect balance, and, as always, promises a few extra bangs for your buck" - Michaela Miles"...a neat and interesting thriller that will grab readers' attention till the very end. The plot is well executed and fast paced. The interaction between the two police forces of Britain and France, is one of the highlights of the book. The interaction with the family of the missing girl and their concern and fear for her safety add to the human element of the theme. The two lawmen, the villains, and the international chase will take readers on an interesting trip. Readers who like police and detective-based themes will enjoy the book" - Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite.

"I loved how the story developed and the mystery was slowly revealed, with well-placed clues along the way. I especially liked DCI Jones, the main character. He is very organized and still sharp and strong even when he's almost in his sixties. Jones' intellect, wit, and his personality were admirable and kept the reading interesting. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone" -
Lorena Sanqui for Reader's Favorite

"The mixture of emotions, drama, and action that fills the whole story makes for a thrilling read" -
Faridah Nassozi, Reader's Favorite

From the Author

Ellis Flynn is the third in the Casebook series, but can also be read as a standalone novel. Flynn is an evil man, but the shadowy man Flynn serves, 'Jenkins', is far worse, far more dangerous. When Flynn abducts the innocent teenager, Hollie Jardine, on Jenkins' instructions, he makes one mistake and David Jones find it...
The Casebook series  features my favourite literary figure, veteran detective, David (never 'Dave' or 'Davey') Jones. A loner, but never lonely, he leads a close-knit team and investigates the most serious crimes in the UK's Midlands, Empathetic, loyal, and tidy to an obsession, Jones will give everybody the benefit of the doubt--but only once. Don't cross David Jones' path, unless you're an honest citizen, 
I love David Jones, and hope you'll learn to love him too. 

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00GXHWTV2
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vinci Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 26, 2013
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.0 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 430 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 3 of 6 ‏ : ‎ The DCI Jones Casebook
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 1,882 ratings

About the author

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Kerry J Donovan
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Kerry J Donovan was born in Dublin. A citizen of the world, he now lives with his partner, Margaret, in Newark on Trent, Nottinghamshire. He has three children and four grandchildren. When he's not creating more mayhem for Ryan Kaine and DCI David Jones to clean up, he's riding the countryside on his motorbike, keeping fit by running and swimming, and doing little bits of DIY.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
1,882 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a must-read thriller with a great plot and fast-paced detective story. Moreover, the writing is nicely crafted, and the characters are absolutely believable. Additionally, they appreciate the police work in the book, with one customer noting it includes a good dose of police procedure.

20 customers mention "Suspenseful story"16 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful story of the book, describing it as a must-read thriller with a great plot.

"...what I have to say about this story that is only a part of a truly fascinating series. This story pulls every single emotion you have...." Read more

"...The settings for this book are different and interesting...." Read more

"Great read. Enjoyed the entire story and much respect for the author. I will continue to follow his stories for DCI Jones." Read more

"This was a heartbreaking and devastating story, not only for the victims, but for those who have chosen to protect others...." Read more

13 customers mention "Readability"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a very good read, with one describing it as a true page turner and another noting it's not a wasted word. Several customers specifically mention it's must-reading for anyone with a teenage daughter.

"This book is must reading for anyone with a teenage daughter. At least the first few chapters should be required reading...." Read more

"my first DCIJones and it is a very good read . I have also downloaded another two . Read it and enjoy" Read more

"...but afraid of what happens next then you are in for a amazing read of a fantastic series!" Read more

"Spectacular. Disturbing. Gruesome...." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing quality"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book.

"...This story pulls every single emotion you have. It is brilliantly written and I am grateful to have found an Author that provides such provocative..." Read more

"...form of English than we do across the pond, his written word is more understandable than many of the BBC dramas we watch and scratch our heads at..." Read more

"...So well written I couldn’t put it down." Read more

"...Early on, on the Sunday I read it from cover to cover, the writing wins me over...." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the characters are absolutely believable.

"Kerry has another strong character entertaining us and making me anxious for the next read. Can’t wit to see where Jones is off to next" Read more

"...Not a wasted word. The characters are absolutely believable and the images he paints are clear...." Read more

"...Kerry J Donovan has depicted the characters true to form. Can't wait to read his next book!" Read more

"Liked the plot. Lots of action and suspense. DCI Jones is a very interesting character." Read more

3 customers mention "Police work"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the police work in the book.

"...Good detective work led DCI Jones to her potential 'death bed' but saves the day, not once, but twice...." Read more

"...The police work is well done; not some of the garbage shown on TV. He's done it properly and with style. Bring on another, Donovan!..." Read more

"Engaging thriller, with a good dose of police procedure thrown in..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is my second book and I look forward to the next. Thank you for sharing your writing with me.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Speechless is only part of what I have to say about this story that is only a part of a truly fascinating series. This story pulls every single emotion you have. It is brilliantly written and I am grateful to have found an Author that provides such provocative stories that grabs your attention from the beginning and keeps you riveted until the very end. If you're looking for something that is full of edge of your seat action that you can't help wanting to turn the pages faster but afraid of what happens next then you are in for a amazing read of a fantastic series!
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I’m Looking forward to book 4 in the series. This one was hard to put down with plenty of excitement.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book is must reading for anyone with a teenage daughter. At least the first few chapters should be required reading. A father’s worst fears are the central theme behind the opening of this riveting thriller set in England and rural Brittany. Hollie Jardine, the nubile blond 14-year old “Hottie,” gets kidnapped by one of the most despicable villains to have graced the pages of fiction since Hannibal Lecter. The police, represented by a fiftyish Detective Chief Inspector David Jones, charges off hot on the trail crossing the English Channel without proper authorization or sufficient resources.

    Set in 2011, full of twists and turns, the reader breathlessly follows Jones through a multitude of natural and manmade obstacles that must be overcome before … well, that would be telling too much for this review. In addition to some excellent time locks, Jones deals with option locks in discovering where Hollie has been taken. And Jones of course will know the final confrontation is a set up but he needs to play the cards that have been dealt.

    As the Main Character, DCI Jones is actually the antagonist – pitting himself against a dastardly evil protagonist that drives the overall story forward much as James Bond is the antagonist against a multitude of evil doers in his adventures. Each major character has their entourage of sidekicks. Jones cannot act in France and we will be enlightened by French police practices. Not all of the police from the Midlands Constabulary are out to help him and those that do often pay a heavy price. The evil one has something to hide and his identity is not revealed until the final act. In the meantime, we are treated to the likes of Ellis Flynn, The Hammer, and The Nail. Might we expect DCI Jones to postpone retirement in a sequel?

    Like many of the other European mysteries and thrillers, the reader is treated to not just a good yarn but a way to learn about different cultures. One particular interchange between Jones and a newly outsourced receptionist is wonderful and will be readily appreciated by anyone who has suffered through the “right-sizing” of their own organizations. The settings for this book are different and interesting. Kerry has a good gift for language and despite speaking and writing a slightly different form of English than we do across the pond, his written word is more understandable than many of the BBC dramas we watch and scratch our heads at deciphering the dialog. The author uses an interesting technique of heading each chapter with the time since the three major events of this book. You always know where you are relative to what has triggered action by Jones.

    This is an excellent first novel by an interesting Irishman living in Brittany. I trust he will entertain us again and look forward to reading more about DCI Jones and his friends … and enemies.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Spectacular. Disturbing. Gruesome. Respectful of the men and women who put themselves on the line to stop depraved and soulless humans from continuing to harm, maim, and kill others. So well written I couldn’t put it down.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Having now read two novels in the series I am absolutely convinced Mr. Donovan is on his way to novelist fame. He has created a character in DCI Jones that it is truly believable along with the others with whom is associated. The nastiest of bad guys, combined with the worst the all crimes made for a true page turner novel.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a heartbreaking and devastating story, not only for the victims, but for those who have chosen to protect others. It's certainly not a story to be missed!
    I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    my first DCIJones and it is a very good read . I have also downloaded another two . Read it and enjoy
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Cathy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 18, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Another excellent instalment in the DCI Jones Casebook series. When young Hollie Jardine goes missing DCI David Jones, head of the Midlands Police Serious Crime Unit, is on the case along with his partner DC Alexandra Olganski. Jones is near to retirement, but his determination to find Hollie is absolute, although he finds missing child cases very difficult. His friend and colleague, Phil Cryer, has a daughter who could look just like Hollie when she reached her teens and that makes the case hit home even more so.

    Luckily CCTV caught some footage and he and Alex risk more than their jobs when they follow Hollie’s trail over the channel. What they discover there defies description. Both their lives will be affected.

    Hollie has been groomed and persuaded to go away for a holiday by the loathsome Ellis Flynn. When Hollie arrives to meet Flynn and sees another man with him she becomes suspicious, having second thoughts, and is taken by force. From the start the indication is there’s a paedophile ring at work. These characters are portrayed brilliantly, even though they’re hateful, and the beginning of the story, coming from Flynn’s point of view is chilling. More so because it’s a scenario that could be all too real.

    The procedural was fascinating to follow and David Jones is a compassionate and very likeable protagonist, regardless of his almost OCD tendencies. He hates mess anywhere but most especially in his own space. A sad past is hinted at and with his time as a father cut cruelly short, he has a solitary air, although certain of his colleagues are good friends. Kerry Donovan has given a good balance between the logistics of working the case and the individuals’ thoughts and feelings. It’s a multilayered story with a great cast of characters. I really enjoyed the interaction and working relationship between Jones and his French counterpart, Colonel Jean-Luc Coué, a great character. Both of them are firmly on the same page regarding the abduction, and worse, of young girls and the way the offenders should be dealt with.

    This is a compelling and tension filled read, the timelines at the beginning of each chapter adding to the ‘race against time’ feel of the storyline. Just when it looks like the case is almost wrapped up, the plot escalates again with a completely unexpected twist. Then again, when it seems like everything has been in vain, another surprise. There’s one question left unanswered for which I have my own, hopefully right, guess. I’ll have to wait and see!

    Reviewed for Rosie Amber’s book review team and based on a digital copy from the author. This does not affect my opinion or the content of my review.
  • Trevor
    5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating intrigue
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 10, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is such a compeling read, in which the author keeps growing your interest in the story.
    A must for a film production.
  • popcorn
    4.0 out of 5 stars Intreging, multi faceted plot
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 29, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    An enjoyable book, many facets and plots to keep you interested with human stories to make you think, grest characters.
  • Gordon B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars A stunning page-turner.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 15, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Brilliant book. The action never lets up. The twist and turns to the plot kept me thoroughly engrossed. Already looking forward to the next in the series!
  • Mac Hardy
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 29, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I have read a number of this authors books and enjoyed every one but this story was a fantastic read and difficult to put down, a great story from start to finish, highly recommended.

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