Step into the moody, mist-covered Yorkshire Dales, where DCI Harry Grimm, a battle-scarred ex-paratrooper turned detective, unravels chilling crimes that shatter the rural calm. David J. Gatward’s DCI Harry Grimm series is a gripping blend of police procedural, psychological depth, and dark humor, perfect for fans of gritty crime fiction with a heart. With over two million copies sold worldwide, this series has hooked readers with its vivid sense of place and a hero you can’t help but root for.
From the moment Harry Grimm arrives in Wensleydale, you’re drawn into a world where idyllic hills hide sinister secrets. Whether you’re a fan of J.D. Kirk or L.J. Ross, this series delivers suspense, quirky locals, and a flawed yet compelling protagonist navigating both murder and his own demons.
How DCI Harry Grimm Began
Born in Bristol and raised in Wensleydale, David J. Gatward drew on his love for the Yorkshire Dales to craft the DCI Harry Grimm series. After writing children’s books and horror, Gatward was inspired by crime authors J.D. Kirk and Alex Smith to try his hand at police procedurals. In 2020, he launched Grimm Up North, introducing Harry Grimm—a Bristol detective sent to rural Yorkshire as a form of exile. Gatward’s own childhood in the Dales infuses the series with authentic charm, from cheese-and-cake traditions to the rugged beauty of the landscape.
The Heart of DCI Harry Grimm
The series kicks off with Grimm Up North, where Harry, scarred physically and emotionally from an IED explosion, investigates a missing teen that spirals into a gruesome murder case. Best Served Cold sees him tackle a suspicious farmer’s death that uncovers a web of village secrets. In Corpse Road, a woman’s mutilated body hints at a twisted killer, pushing Harry’s military-honed instincts to the limit. Blood Trail, the tenth book, weaves theft, body parts, and a bizarre local tradition into a nail-biting mystery.
Gatward’s storytelling shines through its blend of gritty crime, psychological tension, and dark humor. Harry’s outsider status in the close-knit Dales creates friction and comedy, while his hunt for his murderous father adds a personal layer. The Yorkshire setting is a character in itself—windswept moors and quaint villages contrast with brutal crimes, making every book a vivid escape. Themes of redemption, community, and resilience resonate, with Harry’s flawed humanity anchoring the series.
The series’ police procedural style is meticulous yet accessible, with collaborative investigations that introduce memorable characters like PCSO Jim Metcalfe and DS Matt Dinsdale. Fans praise Gatward’s ability to balance suspense with warmth, creating stories that are as addictive as they are atmospheric.
Why DCI Harry Grimm Resonates
The DCI Harry Grimm series has carved a niche in crime fiction, selling over two million copies and earning a loyal fanbase. Its blend of rural charm and urban grit appeals to readers craving authentic settings and complex heroes. Gatward’s humor and knack for twists keep pages turning, while Harry’s journey from city cop to Dales mainstay offers a fresh take on the fish-out-of-water trope. The series’ vivid depiction of Yorkshire has even inspired walking maps for fans to explore its settings.
With 20 books and counting, the series continues to grow, cementing its place alongside other British crime favorites. Its impact lies in its ability to make readers feel part of the Dales, rooting for Harry as he faces both killers and his past.
- First Book: Grimm Up North (2020)
- Total Books: 20 as of 2025
- Author: David J. Gatward
- Awards: Shortlisted for the 2023 Kindle Storyteller Award
Dive into Grimm Up North and join DCI Harry Grimm in the Yorkshire Dales, where every case is a thrilling puzzle and every page brims with suspense!