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Sam Dyke Investigation #2
The Private Lie
What do you do when your son of 18, whom you haven't actually met before, asks for help? If you're a Private Investigator then of course you help. But Sam Dyke finds that his son's missing girlfriend was caught up in a sleazy world of corruption and violence, centering around the Ginger Twins - monstrous criminals who extend their crooked web from Liverpool to Manchester and all stops in between ... And Sam is now on their hit list. The case comes to a violent end while Sam is being pursued by the Twins, and he’s left wondering about the private lies told by nearly everyone involved – told either to others, or to themselves.
270 pages, ebook
First published March 2, 2011
14 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Keith Dixon
91 books79 followersKeith Dixon was born in Yorkshire and grew up in the Midlands. He’s been writing since he was thirteen years old in a number of different genres: thriller, espionage, science fiction, literary. He’s the author of seven novels in the Sam Dyke Investigations series and two other non-crime works, as well as two collections of blog posts on the craft of writing. When he’s not writing he enjoys reading, learning the guitar, watching movies and binge-inhaling great TV series. He’s currently spending more time in France than is probably good for him.
Learn more about Keith by following him on Twitter @keithyd6, by reading his blog at www.cwconfidential.blogspot.com or connect with him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SamDykeInvest...
On his website you can download a couple of free books and find out more about the others: www.keithdixonnovels.com.
His Amazon page from which you can buy all the books is here: http://www.amazon.com/Keith-Dixon/e/B...
Learn more about Keith by following him on Twitter @keithyd6, by reading his blog at www.cwconfidential.blogspot.com or connect with him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SamDykeInvest...
On his website you can download a couple of free books and find out more about the others: www.keithdixonnovels.com.
His Amazon page from which you can buy all the books is here: http://www.amazon.com/Keith-Dixon/e/B...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 31, 2014
Author Keith Dixon takes us on a thrilling journey as we accompany private investigator Sam Dyke, the main narrator of the story. There are quite a few colorful characters to keep track of—each with their own agenda—but it all comes together in the end. A well-written novel with lots of action and distinctive character dialog and description, it will keep you entertained from start to finish.
March 11, 2016
The second installment in Keith Dixon’s Sam Dyke series is as solid as the debut novel. Gritty Yorkshireman Dyke, now operating as a Private Investigator in Northwest England, has a new case; find a missing girl. Simple enough for an experience detective like the protagonist, but the tale quickly throws a few twists into the mix that will keep the readers on their toes. Unlike the first book in the series where author Dixon kept us guessing who the culprit was throughout, in the tradition of classic whodunits, in this story it is clear almost from the start who is behind the disappearance of the young lady in question. The issue then becomes one which is, in my opinion, far more intriguing than a simple unveiling of the murderer. The essence is how can a lone private eye like Dyke, for all the world-weary experience he brings to the job, take on villains like the ones he encounters, and survive?
Dixon’s narrative is dotted with superb, convincing dialogue that helps flesh out all of the characters, something I noted in the first novel of the series. His eye for detail and inventiveness when resolving the climatic situations he puts his protagonists through, is ever-present too. The tale is fast-paced and complex. This time we get to go inside the head of the villains too and see how Dyke’s meddling is upsetting their plans for a big score. And talking of villains, Dixon has created two complementary cronies that are chillingly real.
But the tale is not just about the case either. Dixon explores not only the impact Dyke’s work has on his relationship with a character from the first novel, but with his new-found son too. And there’s no lack of social comment as the author examines the corruption inherent in building contract approval as well as the motivation behind the sex trade in the big cities. All in all a competent package that helps to ground the story and make Sam Dyke a very believable character. Highly recommended for lovers of down-to-earth detective fiction.
Dixon’s narrative is dotted with superb, convincing dialogue that helps flesh out all of the characters, something I noted in the first novel of the series. His eye for detail and inventiveness when resolving the climatic situations he puts his protagonists through, is ever-present too. The tale is fast-paced and complex. This time we get to go inside the head of the villains too and see how Dyke’s meddling is upsetting their plans for a big score. And talking of villains, Dixon has created two complementary cronies that are chillingly real.
But the tale is not just about the case either. Dixon explores not only the impact Dyke’s work has on his relationship with a character from the first novel, but with his new-found son too. And there’s no lack of social comment as the author examines the corruption inherent in building contract approval as well as the motivation behind the sex trade in the big cities. All in all a competent package that helps to ground the story and make Sam Dyke a very believable character. Highly recommended for lovers of down-to-earth detective fiction.
December 1, 2019
When Private Eye Sam Dyke sets out to help his son find a missing girlfriend the canny sleuth falls fouls of a pair of Liverpool gangsters. But with a stock in trade involving bribery, murder and finger-snipping, Dyke will have to keep his wits about him if he’s to avoid going the way of all flesh.
This is book two in the Sam Dyke Investigations series and sees the hero up to his neck in difficult situations, not to mention difficult relationships. Keith Dixon’s writing is as tight and witty as always and it’s interesting to see how the burgeoning new love in Dyke’s life is mirrored in his struggle to sort out what’s important. The denouement took me by surprise, but like any good crime thriller, the clues were all there.
This is a brilliant series and I’ve just ordered the next one, The Hard Swim. Can’t wait!
This is book two in the Sam Dyke Investigations series and sees the hero up to his neck in difficult situations, not to mention difficult relationships. Keith Dixon’s writing is as tight and witty as always and it’s interesting to see how the burgeoning new love in Dyke’s life is mirrored in his struggle to sort out what’s important. The denouement took me by surprise, but like any good crime thriller, the clues were all there.
This is a brilliant series and I’ve just ordered the next one, The Hard Swim. Can’t wait!
December 9, 2017
Adsorbed
We start this one with Dan Sam Dyke's son asking if he could help to find his missing girl friend I won't give any spoiler's but we have murder Gore and secret agent's and a lot more I don't understand how this author does it but after reading a while you find yourself actually inside the book more like watching the action instead of reading so if you want to experience this and get absorbed into the world of Sam Dyke buy the book I'm sure you'll enjoy it
We start this one with Dan Sam Dyke's son asking if he could help to find his missing girl friend I won't give any spoiler's but we have murder Gore and secret agent's and a lot more I don't understand how this author does it but after reading a while you find yourself actually inside the book more like watching the action instead of reading so if you want to experience this and get absorbed into the world of Sam Dyke buy the book I'm sure you'll enjoy it
October 10, 2017
This is the second book in the Sam Dyke stories, and they just keep getting better. Keith can sure make you believe how sweet, nice, or evil a person is.
I'm sure that I will be reading more of Sam Dyke.
I'm sure that I will be reading more of Sam Dyke.
July 6, 2011
This was the second self-published book by my friend, and I'm happy to report that his effort, five years after his first one, is much better. The plot line is mmore straightforward, characterizations are sharper, and there are far fewer over strained metaphors and similes. Like his first novel, it's detective fiction and is actually a sequel with the chief character again one "Sam Dyke".
Why choose a last name like "Dyke" with its unfortunate connotations, given that Sam is straight? Keith said it was his mother's maiden name, and he wanted to pay homage to it. Okay, but I still say the choice of names could be better. Otherwise, the book moves along briskly, Sam on the trail of a pair of low life twins, one of whom has a collection of severed fingers that he has snipped from victims' hands, a horrific thought that builds suspense - when will he snip again? Sam's investigative work (a lot of sitting around on stakeouts) on the twins solves not only a murder, but leads him into their other dark ventures - pornography, fraudulent home construction work, and smuggling. He makes mistakes along the way, one of his endearing qualities, but in the end he helps restore order to his part of the world, at least for the time being.
This book isn't going to turn me into a detective fiction fan ( in fact, I never quite figured out the significance of the title) , but I think it's quite readable, and probably better than some of the stuff that gets published. Why wasn't it commercially published? Who knows?
Why choose a last name like "Dyke" with its unfortunate connotations, given that Sam is straight? Keith said it was his mother's maiden name, and he wanted to pay homage to it. Okay, but I still say the choice of names could be better. Otherwise, the book moves along briskly, Sam on the trail of a pair of low life twins, one of whom has a collection of severed fingers that he has snipped from victims' hands, a horrific thought that builds suspense - when will he snip again? Sam's investigative work (a lot of sitting around on stakeouts) on the twins solves not only a murder, but leads him into their other dark ventures - pornography, fraudulent home construction work, and smuggling. He makes mistakes along the way, one of his endearing qualities, but in the end he helps restore order to his part of the world, at least for the time being.
This book isn't going to turn me into a detective fiction fan ( in fact, I never quite figured out the significance of the title) , but I think it's quite readable, and probably better than some of the stuff that gets published. Why wasn't it commercially published? Who knows?
March 30, 2013
The Private Lie is very well written. The dialogue is superbly done, easy to follow, and believable. I love Sam's dry wit. The plot is quite good without any annoying slow spots. The surroundings, people, situations, etc. are well described and easy to visualize without being overly wordy or drawn out.
As for the characters, Sam is awesome. I really truly like him. He struggles with relationships. He's tough, smart, resourceful, and believable. He screws up, makes mistakes, and wriggles his way out. I did like Dan as well. In respect to Laura, I'm not quite sure why she's in the books. She is Sam's love interest, but for the most part, she's absent. There's not much interaction between the two of them and when there is, it's seems to be mostly quibbling, condescending comments, and criticism. I think the books would be just fine without her unless she became more involved somehow with she and Sam being more of a team. The remaining characters were well drawn and moved the story along.
There was coarse language and violence. There was no sexual content (thank you, Mr. Dixon). I would allow older children to read this, perhaps 16 and up, but I do recommend parents read it first as some may disagree.
The Private Lie is the second Sam Dyke installment. The first is called Altered Life. I suggest they be read in order if possible.
I do recommend both of Keith Dixon's Sam Dyke novels. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
As for the characters, Sam is awesome. I really truly like him. He struggles with relationships. He's tough, smart, resourceful, and believable. He screws up, makes mistakes, and wriggles his way out. I did like Dan as well. In respect to Laura, I'm not quite sure why she's in the books. She is Sam's love interest, but for the most part, she's absent. There's not much interaction between the two of them and when there is, it's seems to be mostly quibbling, condescending comments, and criticism. I think the books would be just fine without her unless she became more involved somehow with she and Sam being more of a team. The remaining characters were well drawn and moved the story along.
There was coarse language and violence. There was no sexual content (thank you, Mr. Dixon). I would allow older children to read this, perhaps 16 and up, but I do recommend parents read it first as some may disagree.
The Private Lie is the second Sam Dyke installment. The first is called Altered Life. I suggest they be read in order if possible.
I do recommend both of Keith Dixon's Sam Dyke novels. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
August 10, 2016
I really enjoyed the Private Lie i received it as a free read from our Author after reading the first book in the series the second book setting a good fast paced thriller we see the character of Sam Dyke developing more in this book and I am pleased to see that there are several more in in the series I have them all loaded up on my kindle should keep me happily reading into spring.
a very well written series of thrillers believable and not out of touch.
no super sleuths in his books
5 stars
a very well written series of thrillers believable and not out of touch.
no super sleuths in his books
5 stars
April 13, 2013
An excellent book with a seamless, breathless, pacy style. The characters had an every day feel but infused with extraordinary menace.
This was my first read of a book by Keith Dixon, but most definitely not my last.
A thoroughly deserved 5 star rating
This was my first read of a book by Keith Dixon, but most definitely not my last.
A thoroughly deserved 5 star rating
July 17, 2014
The lie is not always a good lie.
The lie is not always a good lie.
Although this is book 2 and I read it after book 3 in the Sam Duke series it was better than book 3 in telling the story. Enjoyable read for thrillers.
The lie is not always a good lie.
Although this is book 2 and I read it after book 3 in the Sam Duke series it was better than book 3 in telling the story. Enjoyable read for thrillers.
June 11, 2013
Not only did I enjoy the mystery, I liked the interplay between the main character and his recently found son. It put a different twist on the solitary PI.
January 11, 2015
A good yarn with interesting characters. Also, the Brit background is of major interest. Other books in this series are well worth investigating.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews