Luck and Judgement

By: Peter Grainger

Narrated by: Gildart Jackson

Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's Summary

When a worker goes missing from a North Sea gas platform, there seem to be just two possible explanations - it was a tragic accident or a suicide. It does not take Smith and his detectives long, however, to discover that James Bell led a double life back onshore in Kings Lake, a life complicated enough to make him at least one dangerous enemy. Before the case can be unraveled, Smith must get a new team working together; Waters and Murray are still there, but one of Wilson's men is transferred to him, and the female detective constable from Longmarsh poses some unexpected problems for her new sergeant. Together they begin to investigate the links between the companies and the people that bring ashore the oil and gas, and they also find themselves caught up in the seamier side of life that exists beneath Lake's everyday comings and goings. Jo Evison begins to delve more deeply into the story of the Andretti murders, and Smith himself has to face the fact that he might no longer be considered fit for duty.

©2015 Peter Grainger (P)2016 Tantor

In Praise of a Truly Great Literary Work

Luck and Judgement: A DC Smith Investigation Series, Book 3, by Peter Grainger, narrated by Gildart Jackson. This is an enthralling detective story, or set of stories if you consider the series of as continuing tale of sixty-year-old plus cop doing what he can to continue being what he has always been: a uniquely superior investigative sleuth.

The books’ central theme is how to maintain the “joie de vivre” of life as one ages, and how to maintain oneself as relevant. It is a losing battle but lose can be ameliorated if we appreciate . . . life’s subtle rewards. The book is a compendium of those contemplations at the same time as it provides a thrilling search into what is likely a murder.

Is this book any good. well, I stumbled upon the first book of the series, “An Accidental Death,” on the daily deal just as I had decided to read for the second time in my life War and Peace by Tolstoy. One of my favorite books of leaning. After not being able to put the first of the D.C. Smiths series down, I went through all three editions of the series in quick succession. Not until I read through these unique and enjoyable texts, did Tolstoy come back into my vision.

In my earlier reviews of the preceding books in the series I explained there is always a philosophical bend to the story. The happenings are intriguing but they are metaphors for thinking about what makes life tick and what are our opportunities to get value from out life experiences and finally, how to consider those opportunities to give meaning to even the simplest of lives. One such discombobulation occurs in Luck and Judgment when our hero, D.C. Smith has an opportunity to consider whether a sixth sense is sometimes available to us as humans. His conclusion is that such does not exist, rather it is a compilation of life experiences that are archived and applied against forthcoming occurrences. Of course Grainger expressed himself more poetically than I explained his work here. There must be two hundred of such considerations as the very good and involving detective story is told and unfolds. It’s like taking a rational acid trip.

The plot involves a roustabout who goes missing on a gas platform in the North Sea. Eventually, his presumed accidental death, morphs into a murder story. The deceased is an awful person and the suspected murderer’s although not admirable persons, become unfortunate soles. Then there is the mistreated wife and daughter of the deceased roustabout. Their mistreatment is heartbreaking. So read the book for the full essence. Its Great!

24 people found this helpful

Best of series so far...hope we can get the remaining books soon

Peter Grainger is another of those rarer authors that one stumbles upon accidentally, but the happenstance is a good one. I enjoy this genre in general, but especially when the characters are well written, with some depth, and the interplay between the characters is meaningful enough for one to actually visualize and believe in them. I also especially appreciate intelligent characters who aren't written to make foolish or unintelligent decisions just to forward a plot point. Sgt. John D.C. Smith is a great example of what I consider well written. Excellent book. Top notch narration by Gilbert Jackson.

11 people found this helpful

An unexpected, very good series

I am always on the lookout for British Crime Mysteries, so I bought the first of this series because it was the daily deal last week. So glad I did! I went on to read all three books. This has a very Midsommer Murders feel about it. The older inspector, Smith, is very likable and the supporting characters are intriguing. The stories appear predictable but there is always a nice twist toward the end of the book that makes it well worth reading. If you're looking for a good British detective series without the true crime gore, this is highly recommended.

20 people found this helpful

What a find!

I stumbled onto this series when the first book came up as a special offer. Now I will be impatiently waiting for the fourth. Narrator is a great fit, and, if there is NOT a fourth book I will really miss these characters!.Very well written detective story.

18 people found this helpful

excellent

an excellent read. Too often youth and glamour are the desirable qualities in a police procedural. Refreshing then, to read one where age and experience and dry humour carry the book. I enjoyed it very much indeed.

13 people found this helpful

A Unique Police Officer

This book is a "police procedural". What sets it apart is the character DC Smith. I find him a fascinating personality. He's an excellent police officer, and an excellent instructor to the younger officers he works with. He has recently become a widower and is near retirement age. It is the combination of all these factors that makes these books unique, interesting and entertaining for me.

The mystery here is a good one. It starts on an oil platform with the investigation of what is presented to the police as an accidental death. DC Smith has doubts about this from the very beginning. He and his team investigate and find the truth.

DC is also dealing with a physical problem which may prevent him from passing a required physical fitness test.

This is a steadily paced story with bits of understated humor and interesting characters. There is no explicit violence or an excess of coarse language.

Narrator Gildart Jackson is superb.

There are more books in this series that are not yet available in an audio version. On his Facebook page the author stated audio versions are planned. I look forward to them!

5 people found this helpful

A RARE TREAT! Don't miss it!

I rarely ever listen to a series, one right after the other, but I have with this series! I love the aging, ironic, witty DC Smith and the whole cast of characters! Can't wait until Audible gets the rest of the books!

5 people found this helpful

Book 3 in Series and Not Let Down Yet

I love this series and the characters, especially DC Smith. I feel like I am visiting good friends now that I am into the third book. The wit of the characters and cleverness of the mysteries keep me going. Usually when you get further into a police procedural series, you start to spot the weaknesses of the author. I have not been able to identify a single one as I am never bored and am constantly thinking about getting back to it. This series of books has been great for my exercise routine as I have gone much longer so that I can continue with the story.

Gildart Jackson is the perfect narrator for this series. He makes me feel like I am in the room where the story is happening.

When I say I feel like the characters are friends, it is the same feeling I get when I listen to stories by Michael Connelly, Adrian McKinty, Louise Penny and Craig Johnson. I want to find out what is going in with the lives of the characters as much as I want to figure out the mystery.

I wish Peter Grainger would publish actual books of this series as my father (who won't use a Kindle or Audible) would love them. Thanks for a great experience. Keep writing!

4 people found this helpful

Outstanding police procedural!!

Luck and Judgement is the third novel in the D.C Smith Series by British author Peter Grainger. All three have exceeded expectations and would receive more than 5 stars if more were available. These novels are outstanding. Detective Sargent Smith is a wonderful and very well developed character. Narration by British actor Gildart Jackson is just what novels of this extraordinary quality deserve. This novel and this series have my highest possible recommendation.

The next three novels in the series have been released but are not yet available in audio format.

17 people found this helpful

Series keeps getting better

I am so glad I discovered this series.

Yes, it's an English police procedural but it's more than that. In this case, a person is missing from a North Sea gas rig. The investigation into that takes interesting turns with the team working well together with some new members. But the best thing about these books to me is the wit and wisdom of Smith. He's a marvelous mentor to the younger cops - and they're all younger - all the while trying to get his life back in order after the death of his wife and a change in his status from DCI to DS. We need more of THOSE details.

Grainger's writing style is delightful. The subtle humor is the best! I also enjoy Gildart Jackson's narration a lot.

I suggest this series be read in order.

3 people found this helpful

Really enjoyable

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If they liked the same books as me yes I would. Good old fashioned detective story. It is refreshing to have a detective without any hangups and a sense of humour, and that humour runs through the book with the other characters as well.

Any additional comments?

Enjoyable and well written. the narrator is perfect and all the characters are easily identifiable.

3 people found this helpful

Good old fashioned detective story

I listened to the first book and was unsure if to continue but I am so glad I did the main character DC is a wonderful old style detective I love his sense of humour and I often laugh out loud while I listen.
The story line is good and believable and the way they get the information you can imagine does happen but hey I'm not a police officer so have no idea.
The narrator is very good BUT and I am sorry to say this series is meant to be based in Norfolk this is the 3rd book I have listened too and not once have I heard a Norfolk accent, there seems to be many characters from the North of England living in Norfolk and a few with a Cornish accent my parents live in Norfolk so I know how the accent sounds this is my only gripe.
I love all the characters I like the way DC makes fun of Chris but in a nice way and I hope that maybe DC will find love maybe with the author lady (sorry I am terrible with names)
Please give the series a try and I am sure you will get to love DC and the others.

2 people found this helpful

Luck & Judgement

Another excellent D.S. Smith book. I will soon have read all, but would love more!!!

1 person found this helpful