Step into the shadowy, pulse-pounding world of DCI Craig Gillard, where every case is a labyrinth of secrets waiting to be unraveled! Nick Louth’s gripping crime thriller series follows Detective Chief Inspector Craig Gillard, a Surrey-based sleuth whose knack for solving complex mysteries is matched only by the personal ghosts that haunt him. Set in the UK’s commuter belt and windswept coastal regions, this series blends psychological depth with relentless suspense, making it a must-read for fans of British crime fiction.
With its intricate plots and morally ambiguous characters, the DCI Craig Gillard series invites readers to question where duty ends and obsession begins. Whether you’re a seasoned crime fiction fan or new to the genre, Gillard’s world is a thrilling ride you won’t want to miss.
How DCI Craig Gillard Began
Nick Louth, a former Reuters foreign correspondent turned bestselling thriller author, launched the DCI Craig Gillard series in 2017 with The Body in the Marsh. Drawing on his Lincolnshire roots and a keen eye for human conflict, Louth crafted Gillard as a detective whose methodical approach masks a deeply personal stake in his cases. Inspired by the complexities of modern crime and the quiet menace of suburban settings, Louth set out to create a series that feels both timeless and urgently contemporary, blending police procedural precision with psychological intrigue.
The Heart of DCI Craig Gillard
The series kicks off with The Body in the Marsh (2017), where Gillard investigates the mysterious disappearance of a woman—his ex-girlfriend—only to uncover a web of deceit tied to a criminologist on the run. In The Body on the Shore (2018), a brutal murder of an architect in Lincolnshire’s commuter belt pits Gillard against a professional killer, with a second body bearing a strange brand adding to the mystery. The Body in the Mist (2019) takes Gillard to Devon, where a hit-and-run case tied to his aunt reveals haunting family secrets. Later, The Body Under the Bridge (2020) pushes Gillard to his limits as a vanished woman’s case becomes a personal vendetta.
Louth’s series is defined by its exploration of themes like justice, betrayal, and the blurred line between right and wrong. The UK settings—Surrey’s tree-lined rivers, Lincolnshire’s stark coastlines—act as more than backdrops; they’re characters in their own right, steeped in an eerie atmosphere that amplifies the tension. Gillard’s investigative style, marked by dogged determination and emotional vulnerability, sets the series apart, offering readers a hero who’s as flawed as he is compelling.
The plots are masterclasses in suspense, with twists that keep readers guessing until the final page. Louth’s journalistic background shines through in the meticulous detail of police work, while his knack for human drama ensures every case feels personal. Fans of Robert Bryndza or Angela Marsons will find a familiar thrill in the series’ fast-paced, unputdownable storytelling.
Why DCI Craig Gillard Resonates
The DCI Craig Gillard series has carved a niche in contemporary crime fiction, captivating readers with its blend of psychological depth and high-stakes drama. Its focus on personal stakes—Gillard’s ties to victims, his battles with past trauma—resonates with audiences craving more than just whodunits. The series’ vivid UK settings and Louth’s ability to weave topical issues, like radicalization or family secrets, into gripping narratives have earned it a loyal following, with reviews praising its “heart-thudder” intensity.
While not yet a household name, the series’ growing popularity, evidenced by its top-50 Amazon UK rankings and translations into six languages, signals its rising influence. For fans, it’s a hidden gem that delivers the thrills of big-name thrillers with a distinctly British flavor.
- First Book: The Body in the Marsh (2017)
- Number of Books: 12 (as of August 2023)
- Setting: Surrey and Lincolnshire, UK
- Author: Nick Louth, bestselling thriller writer
Grab The Body in the Marsh and dive into DCI Craig Gillard’s gripping world of crime, secrets, and suspense!