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Kerry J Donovan
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Serenity Broken: A gripping crime novella (The DCI Jones Casebook Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Kerry J Donovan (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 2,603 ratings
A disturbing murder. A dangerous chase. A deadly case for Jones and Cryer.

On a tranquil and sunny morning, a young couple are taking a stroll through Edgbaston City Park when an encounter with a stranger suddenly turns sinister. In a matter of seconds, the man’s throat has been slashed and the perpetrator has vanished.

DCI David Jones and DS Phil Cryer are called to the scene too late to track the killer, and the description of a slim white male with no discernible accent doesn’t help to narrow the field. But when Forensics find a fingerprint belonging to a known criminal, they know exactly where to go.

The suspect has been identified. Now he just has to be caught. Jones and Cryer aren’t your average detectives but even they aren’t prepared for what happens next...

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

(This book was previously published as 'The DCI Jones Casebook: Raymond Collins')
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  1. Book 2 of 6
    The DCI Jones Casebook
  2. Print length
    86 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    January 28, 2014
  6. File size
    3.0 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"In the first in the DCI Jones Casebooks, Kerry Donovan takes us into the minds and lives of both the innocent and the guilty, the killer, and the ones tasked to bring him to justice, with a depth and skill that kept me reading the entire book in one sitting. I'm a self-confessed lover of English culture, and the settings and characters are wonderfully formed, and full of intricacies and nuances that give them a rich genuineness. This Casebook is a good old-fashioned cops and robbers tale and an excellent introduction to the world of DCI Jones. I can't wait for the next instalment." - Michaela Miles

About the Author

Kerry was born in Dublin. He spent most of his life in the UK, and now lives in Brittany with his long-suffering wife of thirty-six years, no dogs, and no cats. He has three children and three grandchildren; all live in England. He has a degree in Human Biology, and a PhD in Respiratory Physiology. Kerry hates being bored and earns his living as a furniture designer/maker, a market research analyst, and a writer.

He is a regular contributor to The Woodworker, a UK-based hobby magazine, and writes for Gore! Magazine.

Family apart, Kerry has three loves: making furniture, writing, and sport. For as long as he can remember, he's written fiction. The DCI Jones Casebook is Kerry's first foray into self-publishing, a new chapter in the book of his life.

You can visit Kerry at his Facebook page: facebook.com/KerryJDonovan/

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00CR039OA
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vinci Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 28, 2014
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.0 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 86 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 6 ‏ : ‎ The DCI Jones Casebook
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 2,603 ratings

About the author

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Kerry J Donovan

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

4.2 out of 5 stars
2,603 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this crime novella engaging with lots of intrigue and entertainment value. The writing style is well-executed, with one customer noting how the author draws readers into the scenery. Moreover, the book features believable characters and serves as a good introduction to DCI Jones, making it a quick and easy read.

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Suspenseful storyWriting styleReadabilityCharacter developmentPacing
37 customers mention "Suspenseful story"31 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful story, describing it as a great detective novella with lots of intrigue and an entertaining storyline.

"This was an intense and suspenseful novella with a twisted killer on the loose. The twists and tragedies will hook you until the end...." Read more

"...It was good to get the killer's and investigator's viewpoints. Right from the start I thought that Ray Collins was a jerk...." Read more

"...This adds suspense, which makes the story more enjoyable. Chief Inspector Jones is very likable as well as Sergeant Phil Cryer...." Read more

"...Not bad, an enjoyable way to spend a little while." Read more

22 customers mention "Writing style"22 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one customer noting how the author draws readers into the scenery.

"This was an intense and suspenseful novella with a twisted killer on the loose. The twists and tragedies will hook you until the end...." Read more

"...A well written mystery that moves swiftly. I liked the writing style. We know right away who the suspect is, and we watch as the mystery unravels...." Read more

"An okay short story to introduce some new characters on the British detective scene...." Read more

"...Written from a British viewpoint, the terminology was spot on, the police and investigative details accurate and precise...." Read more

21 customers mention "Readability"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written and engaging, with one mentioning it's a quick read.

"...I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author." Read more

"...A truly enjoyable read. I recommend The DCI Jones Casebook: Raymond Francis Collins to those who love a good murder/mystery...." Read more

"...See how the British differs some from US policing. Interesting quick read. Sincerely, John H. Kuhl, CPCM In" Read more

"...This book is one of those great instances. I was drawn in instantly and couldn't put it down until I had read it all...." Read more

17 customers mention "Character development"17 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them believable, with one customer noting how the two main detectives are well-crafted.

"...Other than Collins the characters are likeable making this a good start to the DCI Jones series...." Read more

"I love reading a great mystery with suspense and interesting characters and this short book had both!..." Read more

"...This was an easy and fast read, an introduction of the characters and a great beginning of a gripping adventure of David Jones and Phil Cryer...." Read more

"...The DCI Jones character was believable, mature and intelligent. I would recommend this author and would definitely read his works in the future...." Read more

12 customers mention "Pacing"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, finding it a quick and easy read that effectively introduces DCI Jones, with one customer noting it's a good start to the series.

"...than Collins the characters are likeable making this a good start to the DCI Jones series...." Read more

"...A great introduction to DCI Jones. A well written mystery that moves swiftly. I liked the writing style...." Read more

"...This was an easy and fast read, an introduction of the characters and a great beginning of a gripping adventure of David Jones and Phil Cryer...." Read more

"...This book is one of those great instances. I was drawn in instantly and couldn't put it down until I had read it all...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A definite must read series
    Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This was an intense and suspenseful novella with a twisted killer on the loose. The twists and tragedies will hook you until the end.
    I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jo-Anne B.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good, quick mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This book starts out with Ray Collins murdering a man in a park in the middle of the day. The murderer just smiles and walks away while the victim's fiance screams. DCI Jones and his protégé, Detective Sergeant Phil Cryer, investigate this difficult case, not finding a motive for this crime.

    The story is unusual in that we know right away who the killer is. It's the police that don't know so we see how they use their investigative skills to find out who was responsible for the death. It was good to get the killer's and investigator's viewpoints.

    Right from the start I thought that Ray Collins was a jerk. That wasn't a good start to the story for me and I was tempted to stop reading. But I did finish it and liked the police investigation aspect of this book. Other than Collins the characters are likeable making this a good start to the DCI Jones series.

    If you are looking for a good, quick murder mystery, this book is for you.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Sheri A. Wilkinson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous, I love DCI Jones!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    The DCI Jones Casebook: Raymond Francis Collins by Kerry J. Donovan

    Set in Birmingham England, Chief Inspector David Jones and his partner Sergeant Phil Cryer are investigating one of the toughest cases ever. In the middle of the day in a park a mans body is found. The victims fiance witnessed the crime. It is up to DCI Jones to solve this case, with a suspect who appears to have no motive. It will be tough but Jones is determined to succeed.

    A great introduction to DCI Jones. A well written mystery that moves swiftly. I liked the writing style. We know right away who the suspect is, and we watch as the mystery unravels. This adds suspense, which makes the story more enjoyable.

    Chief Inspector Jones is very likable as well as Sergeant Phil Cryer. A truly enjoyable read. I recommend The DCI Jones Casebook: Raymond Francis Collins to those who love a good murder/mystery. I look forward to reading the next book The DCI Jones Casebook: Ellis Flynn.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Tripower53
    3.0 out of 5 stars A short, short story
    Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    An okay short story to introduce some new characters on the British detective scene. Since we know from the get go who the criminal is, the story is about the chase to apprehend him. Not bad, an enjoyable way to spend a little while.
    One person found this helpful
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  • BlueEyes
    5.0 out of 5 stars "Easy. Jones. Soak in the sun before facing the darkness."
    Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I love reading a great mystery with suspense and interesting characters and this short book had both! Written from a British viewpoint, the terminology was spot on, the police and investigative details accurate and precise. A Great story by this new to me author Kerry Donovan.
    "Mature oaks, chestnuts, and ash trees cast dark, rippling shadows as a stiffening breeze ruffled the canopy."
    "The electric prickle of excitement that always accompanied the first break in a case was one of the best parts of his job."
    "A murder case, open and shut within a matter of hours, would be as rare as a Birmingham heat wave. Jones shivered at a momentary premonition of disaster."
    Will definitely be reading more written by this author!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • John H. Kuhl, CPCM
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good fast paced short story, one that really holds your interest.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed reading this fast paced mystery. A very experienced British (DCI) Detective Chief Inspector leads his younger less experienced Constables to track down and capture a mentally disturbed killer. See how the British differs some from US policing. Interesting quick read.
    Sincerely,
    John H. Kuhl, CPCM In
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Rogue Reviews
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent detective novella!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Some may think that writing a novella is an easy task. Well, think again. It takes a talent to keep the story in control. If it’s too short, it’s a short story, if it’s too long, it might still be a bit too short for a novel and yet too long to be a novella. So my respect goes to Kerry J. Donovan for writing s great detective novella.

    I’m a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes and British detective stories so in The DCI Jones Casebook I got two of my favorite things in a one story. This was an easy and fast read, an introduction of the characters and a great beginning of a gripping adventure of David Jones and Phil Cryer. Very realistic and definitely a story that left me hungry for more!
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Carolyn Hertz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another good one from this author!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    The DCI Jones Casebook: Raymond Francis Collins by Kerry J. Donovan is a mystery/crime book. It's about Detective Chief Inspector David Jones who is investigating a murder case. I gave it five stars.

    He works with Detective Sergeant Phil Cryer who has total recall and seems to bring up facts just to annoy Jones. "He cast a glance at Jones, still by the Rover. The boss, as usual, took his time. He studied the area, took everything in, and missed nothing.

    "Cryer had waited four years to be assigned to DCI David Jones, the most successful detective in the history of the Midlands Constabulary. He wanted to learn from the best, and Jones was just that; the very best."

    They had an adventure on the rooftops chasing the criminal.

    Link to purchase: The DCI Jones Casebook: Raymond Collins
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • EAVG
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellente série
    Reviewed in France on September 29, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    A découvrir cette excellente série sur des policiers de Birmingham en Angleterre. Pour une fois on évite de tomber dans l'excès d'atmosphère à la Sherlock Holmes parfois un peu trop présente dans les romans policiers anglais. L'auteur a su trouver un ton plus réaliste et vraisemblable et raconter une histoire crédible tout à fait passionnante. Ce court volume est une introduction aux deux autres de la série. Difficile à abandonner en cours de route. Dommage qu'il n'y ait pas encore de traduction française. J'allais oublier de remarquer aussi que ces livres ont manifestement été très bien relus, contrairement à ce qui se produit un peu trop souvent dans les publications en ligne, de sorte que les coquilles brillent par leur absence, dieu merci.
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  • Margaret
    5.0 out of 5 stars A murder in the park
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A crazy unprovoked attacked on a young couple in the park. A man sat on a park bench drinking his 5th beer from a can, crushing each tin and throwing them in the bin without missing, he spotted a couple, young, she was beautiful , he got up to approach them near the pond which contained ducks, after a short conversation things declined rapidly.
    Excellent book.
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  • Stevew2651
    4.0 out of 5 stars Short and sweet
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 21, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I read crime, detective, police procedural books and have found several excellent writers through kindles free book page which usually give you the authors first book free. This has happened here. I don't like short stories because I like to get to know the main protagonists and work out who the criminal is, though that is often very easy in some books, but this story just grabbed me from the first page. Maybe because it is set in my hometown or maybe because the victims name was Jeremy Clarkson, someone well known for giving `Brummies` a hard time, or maybe, more likely, the way in which this has been written brings the reader straight into the mind of the killer and also brings affinity with the local police. A great read, and hopefully the author will now write books rather than short stories. If that is the case then I look forward to purchasing more from this author
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  • ACT79
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good, easy reading
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 13, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Not a bad police detective book but it was very short. I felt that the book was just getting going when it ended and I expected the story to continue to the next stage of the investigation where the arrested guy would be interviewed.
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  • Terry Bryant
    5.0 out of 5 stars DCI Jones series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Interesting title and wonder why the inside pages quote Serenity Falls. Great story and reading the rest of the series.
    Report

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