Date with Justice (Dales Detective #9)

Julia Chapman's latest witty and engaging Dales Detective novel sees Delilah's brother under suspicion of murder. Can Delilah and Samson prove he's innocent? Perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Robert Thorogood, this is cozy crime at its very best.

The Dales Detective Agency is on the brink of closure. Samson O'Brien has returned to his position as an undercover operative for the Met in London, and his relationship with Delilah is under pressure. Their troubles are only multiplied when an ecologist is found dead and the finger of blame is pointed firmly at Delilah's older brother, Will Metcalfe.

It seems an open and shut case. An argument over an ecology report for planning permission that got out of hand, with Will known to have a hot temper. But Delilah won't accept he's guilty and neither will Samson. Dropping everything, he returns to Bruncliffe to help prove Will's innocence. But as the two detectives start digging, they unearth more than they bargained for and soon realize that the price of justice can be very costly indeed.

Following on from Date With Evil, this charming and heartwarming novel is the ninth book in the Dales Detective mystery series.