Thank you for letting me read this advance copy of The lady in the park by David Reynolds published date the 5th of June. When a mother of 6 is found unconscious on a outdoor table tennis table, Jim a ex police officer with his own private detective business investigates the incident, with the odd help from his 6 year old grandson Dan whom he looks after when his daughter Laura goes out to work as a jazz singer. I throughly enjoyed reading this book and loved all the characters especially liked Jim and his grandson Dan , I would highly recommend it too anyone and look forward to reading more by this author

3.5 raised to 4 Stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this charming mystery, which is told with affection for the main characters. It views most people with warmth and good intentions.
This is a clever, calm and relaxing read, but it does not avoid dark, unpleasant crimes. Publication was June 05, 2025.

Jim Domino is a retired police detective who now runs a private detective agency. He seems well-adjusted, lacking the destructive emotional issues and addictions attributed to many fictional detectives. His friends like and respect him and are happy to contribute their skills to his investigations. He is a loving grandfather to six-year-old Danny. Danny has made several observations that have helped solve a crime, but calling them a crime-solving duo is deceptive.

A well-liked and admired mother of six, fathered by three different men, was found injured in a park and lying on a ping-pong table. PI Domino becomes involved when her eldest daughter requests that he drive her to the hospital. The woman dies after a few days from the blow to her head from an iron object. Domino promises the daughter that he will try to find the killer. Who would want to kill her? He learns that the woman advocated for several worthwhile causes, including the prevention of animal cruelty. She made enemies of a local business that imported dogs to sell and kept them in poor conditions. Her complaints caused the company to shut down and move to several other locations.

They have now closed their dog breeding and selling business. PI Domino discovers this was a local family affair, now controlled by a criminal mastermind living on a yacht in Spain. They are involved in the illegal drug trade and people trafficking. Foreigners who end up with them have no freedom, their passports and identity papers are taken, and they are forced to work in the family's criminal enterprises. Domino believes the death of the lady in the park was connected, but the motive was unlikely to be due to revenge for drawing negative attention for their dog business. Thanks to Danny, the weapon that killed the lady in the park was identified, leading to the person who killed her and their unexpected motive.

This book is recommended for readers who enjoy a puzzling mystery with mainly good-hearted and pleasant characters told with heartfelt feelings, tenderness, and hope, against a background of vile criminal activity.

David Reynolds presents a haunting and emotionally charged mystery in The Lady in the Park, a novel that delves deep into the psychological toll of crime and the complexities of justice. Unflinching in its exploration of difficult subject matter, this is a story that may challenge some readers with its intensity and graphic detail—content warnings are certainly warranted. That said, Reynolds crafts a compelling criminal investigation, marked by a steady buildup of suspense, unexpected turns, and a persistent sense of unease. With its layered narrative and gripping central mystery, The Lady in the Park is a bold and thoughtful entry into the darker corners of the crime genre.

The Lady in the Park offers a lovely, leisurely-paced read set amid peaceful parkland, where the titular lady slowly reveals her past through gentle intrigue and subtle emotional beats. David Reynolds crafts scenes with a lovely sense of atmosphere, and there are moments of genuine warmth in the supporting characters—especially the quiet bond that forms between the protagonist and a curious stranger.

That said, the narrative’s slow unfolding sometimes felt too vague for my taste. The central mystery never reached a satisfying payoff—it hinted at hidden depths, but ultimately drifted without strong momentum or dramatic tension. I appreciated the intention of crafting a reflective, character-driven tale, but at times I wanted sharper stakes or clearer characterization to anchor my interest.

If you’re in the mood for a calm, introspective read—one that revels more in mood than in plot twists—this is a pleasant choice. But if you prefer a tighter narrative or more emotional punch, you might find this tale a little too soft around the edges.

I really enjoyed this book it really drew me in right from the start and I ended up reading it in one sitting. It had some real heartwarming moments as well as some moments that kept me guessing.

Jim Domino is a policeman who has left the force and is now a private investigator. He is well liked widow and gets along well with his adult children and Danny, his 6 year old grandson.
The is an enjoyable mystery, since it is listed as the first in a series, this book gives backstory on the character. The book moves smooth and is not a difficult read. I found it less graphic than many crime novels. Good plot and loved in interaction of Jim and his grandson. I will eagerly await the next book in this series.


Thank You to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest views.

This novel really packs a punch, to a degree. Reynolds does a great job with the gritty, tense domestic-noir style, especially with the sharp dialogue, the suspenseful park scenes, and the narrator’s guilt over putting friends in danger while protecting their kids. The suburban unease feels very real, and the blackbird metaphor adds a nice touch to the characters’ desperation. This could really stand out as a thriller with a few tweaks.
To improve, consider cutting some of the slower procedural parts (like the printer scene) to keep the pace tight, and make the narrator’s shift from hesitant to vengeful more clear and believable. Also, double-check how Cranley-Smith’s aggression, the park envelope, and the dog symbolism all connect at the climax — tightening those will make the ending more powerful.
One last thought: how much does the narrator’s own shady behavior make them less of a hero? And could the park turning from safe to dangerous symbolize bigger social problems? Happy to talk more — I’ve got ideas!

My only regret is letting this book sit on my shelf for so long! This is definitely the kinda of book you don't shut up about until everyone you know also reads it!

4.5 rounded down