Review copy was received from NetGalley, Purchased. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Some Sort of Justice by Peter Grainger Narrator: Gildart Jackson
Series: DC Smith #17
on June 2, 2026
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 448
Length: 14 hours, 32 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley, Purchased
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
When Caroline Thorpe succeeded in casting doubt on the verdict of the inquest into her brother’s death, she could not have anticipated what would follow. Freddie was Earl Thorpe of Burnham, and as the Kings Lake detectives, headed by DCI Cara Freeman, soon begin to realise, influential people have gone to considerable lengths to cover up a potential scandal surrounding the young man’s death.
Their investigation will take them from Norfolk into the capital, and from idealistic young campaigners to people at the heart of government. The stakes have never been higher for the detectives from Kings Lake Central.
I am always thrilled to have more 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. Some Sort of Justice, in particular, it would be important to read The Late Lord Thorpe first, as it is the case where his sister hires Diver & Diver to investigate his death. Smith carries out that investigation along with others at the firm.
Smith and the team find that yes, things were off at the inquest and a second one finds things are not quite right and further investigation is needed.  Now eighteen months after the death, Cara Freeman’s team is tasked with looking into things. There seem to be huge political aspects to it, beyond just that a Lord is dead.
Waters has a lot happening in his role on the team and personally. Freeman also has changes in her home life. The team has trouble gathering evidence because so much of it has been erased or tampered with. They can prove tampering but it takes a lot of work to get to who has done that.
I really love these characters and the plot and pace are always excellent. It was odd because Smith was barely involved and he is usually our point of view. This felt like third person omniscient but we do get some of Waters, Freeman and one of the witnesses views.
Every book is fantastic and I highly recommend all of this author’s work with Smith and Waters being main characters in different parts of the series.
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.
- Thrifty Thursday: Trail Gone Dark by Sophie Lyon #SophieLyon#ThriftyThursday #KindleUnlimited - June 11, 2026
- 🎧Shaw Connolly Lives to Tell by Gillian French #GillianFrench #SaskiaMaarleveld @macmillanaudio.bsky.social #LoveAudiobooks #JIAM - June 9, 2026
- Sunday Post –7 June 2026 @caffeinatedreviewer.com @readingreality.bsky.social @kimbacaffeinate @readingreality - June 7, 2026
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 26-Audio
- 26-COYER
Great review, Anne💜 Another series to put on my list of possibilities.
yes This one is as good as Kim. I don’t say that about all the series.
Another wonderful sounding mystery series! And I know you like this narrator, too!
I love these. The earlier books are Tantor and now a different independent. But the Tantor ones are on Hoopla. The narrator is also for the Alexis Verus series.
Sounds like I need to add this series to my TBR list.
It’s one of the best I have read. And I read a LOT of mysteries.
This looks good, Anne. Thanks for the info on the series and readability.
Thanks Kimberly. It’s a favorite. The earlier ones are Tantor and at the library.
Book 17! That is a lot
It is a lot. They did a weird combo of the earlier books and then the spinoff series and all into one now.
While it’s not my type of read, I’m glad you are enjoying the series so much and that it continues to be what you are enjoying. Great review!
Thanks Lisa. It’s a top favorite of mine.
This does sound good and I have been into mysteries…….
I highly recommend this series.