Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Late Lord Thorpe by Peter Grainger Narrator: Gildart Jackson
Series: DC Smith #11
Published by Tantor Audio on October 29, 2024
Genres: Mystery
Length: 14 hours, 39 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm
This is DC Smith’s third investigation with the Diver and Diver Associates agency. They have been asked by a member of Norfolk’s aristocracy to look into the tragic death of her younger brother, Freddie, the late Lord Thorpe of the title. The inquest verdict was of misadventure, but it isn’t long before Smith begins to suspect there has been a serious miscarriage of justice.
I whole-heartedly love the characters and stories in the DC Smith series. I don’t suppose one would have to read them in order but there is a lot of history, personal growth, and world building one would miss. Plus nearly every book is a 5 heart winner.  The tip to amazing may be the stellar characters, plots and narration by Gildart Jackson.
The Late Lord Thorpe is an effort to find out how he really died. His sister is still grieving but just feels the inquest was off. She hires Diver & Diver, ie Smith, to investigate. Taking a case without police information and support is a different path. People don’t have to talk to you. But Smith and his developing new team are intelligent and savvy. There are a few advantages to not being police as well.
I love how Smith is creating a whole new team with diverse skills to continue solving problems. Ones which may not always be police matters but sometimes are. They may show times when the police have been ineffectual, influenced or distracted.  It makes the relationship with the police a bit delicate.
There is also a balance with keeping the client informed yet not too optimistic or too dismal about the possible outcomes. This case is tricky with political factors trying to obscure what really happened and why.
Another winner and I’m always excited to read more. They are absolute favorites.
Narration:
Gildart Jackson is a favorite narrator of mine and I am enjoying his performance. Hearing his voices just makes me happy as with this author I know I am in for a treat. I can recognize characters because he has distinct voices for them.  I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Gildart Jackson
With acting credits that span stage and screen, Gildart Jackson is most often recognized for his role as Gideon on Charmed. Other notable TV roles include Jackson Palmer on Providence and Simon Prentiss on General Hospital, as well as guest appearances on Stargate: Atlantis, Las Vegas, and CSI. Theater roles include Trigorin in The Seagull, Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, and Adrian in Private Eyes at the Old Globe.
About Peter Grainger
A British author, the writer Peter Grainger is a well known novelist of mystery fiction, largely focused on detective lead investigations. This his been the prime focus for much of his career, as he takes much of his inspiration from that of other infamous British detectives, such as Inspector Morse. The influence is clearly evident here, as he brings his own detective, DC Smith, to life, along with other books as well. Setting his mysteries firmly within the world of British detective fiction it is clear where his tastes lie as an author of his increasingly popular stories, stories that only increase in popularity as time goes on.
| Rating Breakdown | |
|---|---|
| Plot |
|
| Writing |
|
| Characters |
|
| Narration (Audio) |
|
| Overall: | |
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- 🎧 The Love Fix by Jill Shalvis ‪@jillshalvis.bsky.social‬ @andi_arndt ‪‪@avonbooks.bsky.social ‬@HarperAudio #LOVEAUDIOBOOKS #JIAM @JillShalvis @avonbooks - June 24, 2025
- Sunday Post – 22 June 2025 @caffeinatedreviewer.com @readingreality.bsky.social @kimbacaffeinate @readingreality - June 22, 2025
- 🎧 Homemaker by Ruthie Knox, Annie Mare @ruthieknox.bsky.social @anniemare.bsky.social #MiaHutchinson-Shaw #Thomas&Mercer #BrillianceAudio #JIAM#LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited🎧 - June 21, 2025
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 24-COYER
I love seeing 5 star ratings, so I need to look into this series further, it sounds amazing!
Thanks Tammy. I love the British police / detective stories. This author’s series are so smart. I love the characters.
Neat to see how being private detectives plays out for them.
Well now DC Smith gets to choose his cases.
Look at all those stars! You make me want to drop everything and start listening to this series.
This series is worth it! And I love the narrator.
When I first read your review, I misread and thought the main character doing the investigating was a ghost, looking into murders. That would be a good series, wouldn’t it?!
I would buy that book…lol
There are some series like that I think. It’s good for this time of year especially.
This looks good Anne. Another series I need to add to my list.
yes! It’s one of my absolute favorites with a great narrator. So try at least one.
I just listened to my first audiobook narrated by Gildart Jackson and enjoyed it! I’ll have to check this series out now, too!
yes I love his narration. This series is an absolute favorite.
This sounds like a good series, glad you’re enjoying it.
Thank you. I always am eager for more of these characters and this world. The narrator is a favorite too.
Yayyy for another winner!!
There are some authors which for me are consistent wins.