The Last Straw

DCI Warren Jone, Book 1

By: Paul Gitsham

Narrated by: Malk Williams

Length: 13 hrs

Publisher's summary

When Professor Alan Tunbridge is discovered in his office with his throat slashed, the suspects start queuing up. The brilliant but unpleasant microbiologist had a genius for making enemies.

For Warren Jones, newly appointed Detective Chief Inspector to the Middlesbury force, a high-profile murder is the ideal opportunity. He’s determined to run a thorough and professional investigation but political pressure to resolve the case quickly and tensions in the office and at home make life anything but easy.

Everything seems to point to one vengeful man but the financial potential of the professor’s pioneering research takes the inquiry in an intriguing and, for Jones and his team, dangerous direction.

©2014 Paul Gitsham (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Cosy British detective story

Enjoyable even though not suspenseful or fast paced. I did find the way the main character DCI Jones has to constantly pander to his wife throughout the story annoying.
Narrator did a great job!

Exactly we’ll done, but...

Yep, I totally enjoyed Mark Williams’ reading of Paul Grisham’s cop-procedural tale. But, it’s a bit hard for a Yank like me to assimilate the Brits’ slower paced momentum. I own that problem and am working on it. Which means I shall buy the next DCI Warren Jones book very soon and, well, work on my problem as I enjoy - I hope - that book as much as this one.

Slow but steady

As someone who enjoys the clipped prose of Michael Connolly, Paul Gitsham's work takes a bit to adjust. As the first in the Warren Jones series, I realize this is character background. As the story progressed it was absorbing and a mystery that kept you interested and guessing. We are sure to continue the series on Audible.

Slow but good 3.5 stars

I felt the author tried to explain too much every member of the CIDs life and even though the story was long and slow, I really enjoyed it and will try book 2.

Just OK

Lots of extra details that don't make it any better. Holes in the plot that made me want to yell at the characters.

A little too much

The story was quite grasping until we got to the resolution of the enigma. I was glad it was quick but it made me doubt about the whole story. Of course it was the wife! Luckily , The narrator’s performance was outstanding.

Stereotypes Abound

The lead character constantly kicked me out of the story with his classism, sexism, ad basically every other 'ism' out there. Returned w/out finishing.

my humble opinion

voice over was too soft, could do with being a bit louder, thank you

very good!

This author brings in so many interesting things which suggests lots of research. I enjoyed the process throughout and yes not a fan of the wife and doesn't do anything for the story. However, kept my interest and really the last chapter had me in full anxiety!! Well Done 👏

instantly addicted to new series

This gripping mystery has crusty veteran coppers, attractive newbys, a twisting and twisted plot, lots of action, internal politics, and a truly nasty collection of murderous villlians. The author moves the story briskly along and I couldn't stop listening. The closing epilogue neatly ties everything up. The narrator does well with most of the voices except I had difficulty sometimes distinguishing between the two lead policemen. Lots of good police work and heroism make for a strong start for this series. Fans of British procedurals should be happy.