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The Blue Code: An Exhilarating and Page-Turning Crime Thriller
"Accomplished writing from one of the best authors in the UK." M.W. Craven, Sunday Times Bestselling author of the CWA Gold Dagger Washington Poe series.
When the director of a prominent technology firm is ruthlessly gunned down in the bustling car park of a small town supermarket, DI Jonah Pennance of the National Crime Agency is thrust into a high-stakes investigation.
The case is shrouded in sensitivity, as the slain man was entrusted with safeguarding a groundbreaking piece of technology known as The Blue Code - a game-changer that promises to revolutionise the very fabric of law enforcement. However, in a twist that sends shockwaves through the investigation, the invaluable prototype is stolen immediately after the fatal shooting. Alongside the missing device, the Eastern European hitman responsible for the murder and his elusive team seems to have disappeared without a trace.
Pennance finds himself entangled in a relentless battle, not only against the criminal underworld, but also local law enforcement agencies hesitant to share vital information. As he delves deeper into the convoluted web of deceit and corruption, Pennance uncovers a network of dark forces lurking much closer to home than he could have ever anticipated.
In a race against time, can Pennance navigate the murky underbelly of the town to retrieve The Blue Code and bring the merciless killer to justice?
Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, LJ Ross, and Peter James, Dead Money is the third book in this explosive crime thriller series from the author of the hugely popular and best-selling Solomon Gray novels.What Others Say"A compelling murder mystery with a multilayered and engaging new hero. A great read."
Mason Cross, author of the Carter Blake thriller series
"Keith Nixon is a sparkling crime fiction talent."
Howard Linskey, author of the Detective Ian Bradshaw crime series
"Takes the police procedural elements and gives them new life."
Luca Veste, author of the Murphy and Rossi crime series
"One hell of a writer."
Ken Bruen, author of the Jack Taylor novels'It’s not a typical police procedural tale, it’s a thriller, its personal, intense and gritty with some marvellous storytelling!'
David's Book Blurg
What Readers Say'A very gripping, fact filled and dramatic story.'
'Wow! That's all I can say!'
'Another top-tale by a master author.'
'No reader of crime fiction could resist, and I wasn’t disappointed.'
'What a brilliant read this book was.'
When the director of a prominent technology firm is ruthlessly gunned down in the bustling car park of a small town supermarket, DI Jonah Pennance of the National Crime Agency is thrust into a high-stakes investigation.
The case is shrouded in sensitivity, as the slain man was entrusted with safeguarding a groundbreaking piece of technology known as The Blue Code - a game-changer that promises to revolutionise the very fabric of law enforcement. However, in a twist that sends shockwaves through the investigation, the invaluable prototype is stolen immediately after the fatal shooting. Alongside the missing device, the Eastern European hitman responsible for the murder and his elusive team seems to have disappeared without a trace.
Pennance finds himself entangled in a relentless battle, not only against the criminal underworld, but also local law enforcement agencies hesitant to share vital information. As he delves deeper into the convoluted web of deceit and corruption, Pennance uncovers a network of dark forces lurking much closer to home than he could have ever anticipated.
In a race against time, can Pennance navigate the murky underbelly of the town to retrieve The Blue Code and bring the merciless killer to justice?
Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, LJ Ross, and Peter James, Dead Money is the third book in this explosive crime thriller series from the author of the hugely popular and best-selling Solomon Gray novels.What Others Say"A compelling murder mystery with a multilayered and engaging new hero. A great read."
Mason Cross, author of the Carter Blake thriller series
"Keith Nixon is a sparkling crime fiction talent."
Howard Linskey, author of the Detective Ian Bradshaw crime series
"Takes the police procedural elements and gives them new life."
Luca Veste, author of the Murphy and Rossi crime series
"One hell of a writer."
Ken Bruen, author of the Jack Taylor novels'It’s not a typical police procedural tale, it’s a thriller, its personal, intense and gritty with some marvellous storytelling!'
David's Book Blurg
What Readers Say'A very gripping, fact filled and dramatic story.'
'Wow! That's all I can say!'
'Another top-tale by a master author.'
'No reader of crime fiction could resist, and I wasn’t disappointed.'
'What a brilliant read this book was.'
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2023
3 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
Keith Nixon
36 books175 followersBestselling author Keith Nixon lives in Cheshire, England and works in a high tech industry. Novels include the Solomon Gray, Konstantin, Harry Vaughan and Caradoc series.
Sign up to a regular newsletter for information on upcoming books, offers etc. at http://www.keithnixon.co.uk/stay-up-t...
He can be found on Twitter (@knntom) and Facebook or his website www.keithnixon.co.uk.
Praise for Keith Nixon’s Work
‘A stunning book and a new series that has become a must read. ’
-M.W. Craven, author of the Washington Poe series
‘Keith Nixon does for Margate what Peter James did for Brighton … As dark and brooding as the wind-lashed shores of the North Sea, and with its disturbing echoes of the Elm Guest House scandal and suggestions of deep-seated institutional corruption, Dig Two Graves is a superb addition to the rich Brit Crime scene. ’
Tim Baker, CWA shortlisted author of Fever City and City Without Stars
‘Deeply emotional, a dark rollercoaster ride. ’
Ed James, author of bestselling DI Fenchurch series
‘A compelling murder mystery with a multilayered and engaging new hero. Great read. ’
Mason Cross, author of the Carter Blake thriller series
‘A damaged detective, haunted by a tragic past, a young son missing or dead, a man on a quest for redemption. Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray is a fine creation and Dig Two Graves an intriguing, nourish mystery. Keith Nixon is a sparkling crime fiction talent. ’
Howard Linskey, author of the David Blake crime series
‘A dark, uncompromising tale of loss, murder, and revenge. Glorious noir, which takes the police procedural elements and gives them new life. I can't wait to read the next step in Solomon Gray's journey for answers ... ’
Luca Veste, author of the Murphy and Rossi series
‘One hell of a writer.’
Ken Bruen, Author of The Jack Taylor series
‘Nixon writes hard-hitting fiction, with a dash of humour, a cast of great characters, and a dollop of violence. Konstantin is a fantastic creation.’
Luca Veste, author of The Murphy and Rossi series and The Bonekeeper
‘Reads like the UK’s answer to Carl Hiassen. Criminally underrated.’
MW Craven, author of The Washington Poe series
‘Lean, mean and gritty, with writing as sharp as a razor cut. Keith Nixon serves up a ‘Konstantin Kocktail’, with equal parts Vodka to Vodka, that'll hit you just where it's needed.’
Matt Hilton, Author of the Joe Hunter thrillers
‘I have to liken reading this novel to being a smoker - it leaves a dirty taste in your mouth but you JUST CAN'T STOP.’ Lisa Hall, author of Between You and Me, Tell Me No Lies, The Party
‘If you told me that Konstantin put the K in KGB, I wouldn't even argue. This character is a badass of the highest calibre.’
Gerard Brennan, author of Undercover
‘Feels like Snatch meets a steampunk Sherlock Holmes. Nixon continues the story of Russian-born Konstantin, anti-hero for the modern age. Like Marlowe before him, Konstantin has a penchant for finding trouble and an unflinching sense of morality to get him out of it.’
Joe Clifford, author of The Jay Porter series
‘Hardboiled action and sharp, gritty humour. Highly recommended.’
Paul D. Brazill, author of Guns Of Brixton and A Case Of Noir
‘Gritty and glorious, dirty and dynamic, fast and furious. My kind of book.’
Col’s Criminal Library
‘A superior action-thriller, layered with flashbacks, intriguing characters and tendon-snapping sequences of graphic violence.’
Murder, Mayhem and More
‘A fast-paced and witty tale.’
Big Al’s Books and Pals
‘With his unique style of writing, the author grabs the reader’s attention and makes for an entertaining read.’
By The Letter Book Reviews
‘Tight, punchy with a distinct voice.’
Crimesquad
‘The ability to get his readers onside, rooting for his messed-up characters as they battle against the
Sign up to a regular newsletter for information on upcoming books, offers etc. at http://www.keithnixon.co.uk/stay-up-t...
He can be found on Twitter (@knntom) and Facebook or his website www.keithnixon.co.uk.
Praise for Keith Nixon’s Work
‘A stunning book and a new series that has become a must read. ’
-M.W. Craven, author of the Washington Poe series
‘Keith Nixon does for Margate what Peter James did for Brighton … As dark and brooding as the wind-lashed shores of the North Sea, and with its disturbing echoes of the Elm Guest House scandal and suggestions of deep-seated institutional corruption, Dig Two Graves is a superb addition to the rich Brit Crime scene. ’
Tim Baker, CWA shortlisted author of Fever City and City Without Stars
‘Deeply emotional, a dark rollercoaster ride. ’
Ed James, author of bestselling DI Fenchurch series
‘A compelling murder mystery with a multilayered and engaging new hero. Great read. ’
Mason Cross, author of the Carter Blake thriller series
‘A damaged detective, haunted by a tragic past, a young son missing or dead, a man on a quest for redemption. Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray is a fine creation and Dig Two Graves an intriguing, nourish mystery. Keith Nixon is a sparkling crime fiction talent. ’
Howard Linskey, author of the David Blake crime series
‘A dark, uncompromising tale of loss, murder, and revenge. Glorious noir, which takes the police procedural elements and gives them new life. I can't wait to read the next step in Solomon Gray's journey for answers ... ’
Luca Veste, author of the Murphy and Rossi series
‘One hell of a writer.’
Ken Bruen, Author of The Jack Taylor series
‘Nixon writes hard-hitting fiction, with a dash of humour, a cast of great characters, and a dollop of violence. Konstantin is a fantastic creation.’
Luca Veste, author of The Murphy and Rossi series and The Bonekeeper
‘Reads like the UK’s answer to Carl Hiassen. Criminally underrated.’
MW Craven, author of The Washington Poe series
‘Lean, mean and gritty, with writing as sharp as a razor cut. Keith Nixon serves up a ‘Konstantin Kocktail’, with equal parts Vodka to Vodka, that'll hit you just where it's needed.’
Matt Hilton, Author of the Joe Hunter thrillers
‘I have to liken reading this novel to being a smoker - it leaves a dirty taste in your mouth but you JUST CAN'T STOP.’ Lisa Hall, author of Between You and Me, Tell Me No Lies, The Party
‘If you told me that Konstantin put the K in KGB, I wouldn't even argue. This character is a badass of the highest calibre.’
Gerard Brennan, author of Undercover
‘Feels like Snatch meets a steampunk Sherlock Holmes. Nixon continues the story of Russian-born Konstantin, anti-hero for the modern age. Like Marlowe before him, Konstantin has a penchant for finding trouble and an unflinching sense of morality to get him out of it.’
Joe Clifford, author of The Jay Porter series
‘Hardboiled action and sharp, gritty humour. Highly recommended.’
Paul D. Brazill, author of Guns Of Brixton and A Case Of Noir
‘Gritty and glorious, dirty and dynamic, fast and furious. My kind of book.’
Col’s Criminal Library
‘A superior action-thriller, layered with flashbacks, intriguing characters and tendon-snapping sequences of graphic violence.’
Murder, Mayhem and More
‘A fast-paced and witty tale.’
Big Al’s Books and Pals
‘With his unique style of writing, the author grabs the reader’s attention and makes for an entertaining read.’
By The Letter Book Reviews
‘Tight, punchy with a distinct voice.’
Crimesquad
‘The ability to get his readers onside, rooting for his messed-up characters as they battle against the
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 7, 2023
Amazing - Each book is even better than the last. Very Highly Recommended
DI Pennance, from the National Crime Agency in London, is seconded to assist the Cambridge police with one of their investigations but the chief detective is not happy with an outsider meddling in his case.
However, an unexpected shooting outside a local supermarket shortly after Pennance’s arrival, means he now has to work with the local police whether they want him there or not.
From here on in the story moves at a very fast pace and is further complicated by the discovery of a body in a quiet, upmarket home.
The depth of information and interest provided by this extremely talented author makes for a very gripping, fact filled and dramatic story.
To say this is a masterpiece would be an understatement.
DI Pennance, from the National Crime Agency in London, is seconded to assist the Cambridge police with one of their investigations but the chief detective is not happy with an outsider meddling in his case.
However, an unexpected shooting outside a local supermarket shortly after Pennance’s arrival, means he now has to work with the local police whether they want him there or not.
From here on in the story moves at a very fast pace and is further complicated by the discovery of a body in a quiet, upmarket home.
The depth of information and interest provided by this extremely talented author makes for a very gripping, fact filled and dramatic story.
To say this is a masterpiece would be an understatement.
June 8, 2023
Blasted through this latest Pennance, really good read.
June 19, 2023
Cracking read, the Pennance series is excellent.
June 25, 2023
I loved the really strong start to this book and the premise behind the story is futuristic and original. Technologies have created a top secret code designed to help in the fight against crime and turn everything on its head but then the director of the company that developed it is gunned down and then the prototype is stolen too.
The initial flurry of activity and interest really captured my attention and drew me in to this story. I did then drift a little with my interest fading in and out a bit for the rest of the first third of the story before picking back up again at record pace.
As a forensics graduate I absolutely loved the in depth description of, in particular, the post mortems and thought these were accurate, informative without being patronising and very sensitively handled. The gentle gallows humour of those involved got a big nod from me too. The characters were good, interesting, had enough backstory and dimensions to keep me invested in them and the pace overall was good. I would definitely recommend this book.
The initial flurry of activity and interest really captured my attention and drew me in to this story. I did then drift a little with my interest fading in and out a bit for the rest of the first third of the story before picking back up again at record pace.
As a forensics graduate I absolutely loved the in depth description of, in particular, the post mortems and thought these were accurate, informative without being patronising and very sensitively handled. The gentle gallows humour of those involved got a big nod from me too. The characters were good, interesting, had enough backstory and dimensions to keep me invested in them and the pace overall was good. I would definitely recommend this book.
July 22, 2023
The third book in the DI Jonah Pennance series and a fairly solid read. You know what you're going to get. A mix of interesting characters, not all likeable, detailed post-mortems, and a new case...
Here, a director of a technology firm is gunned down in a carpark - the locked suitcase he had at his side, stolen. Pennance is drafted to Cambridge to help investigate. There's a local suspect everyone's trying to pin it on, but he wonders if it might be something bigger...
I had to re-read the end a couple of times, and I wasn't sure how satisfying it was at first, but ultimately I think this book is about Pennance building his team and figuring out who he can trust. I like how all the books so far have looked at very different types of crime (or at least the themes are varied).
Will probably come back to this series in the future.
Here, a director of a technology firm is gunned down in a carpark - the locked suitcase he had at his side, stolen. Pennance is drafted to Cambridge to help investigate. There's a local suspect everyone's trying to pin it on, but he wonders if it might be something bigger...
I had to re-read the end a couple of times, and I wasn't sure how satisfying it was at first, but ultimately I think this book is about Pennance building his team and figuring out who he can trust. I like how all the books so far have looked at very different types of crime (or at least the themes are varied).
Will probably come back to this series in the future.
July 7, 2023
Jonah Pennance #3 and another outstanding book from Keith Nixon. Based on the very interesting concept that "data is more valuable than oil or narcotics", this unique plot broke new ground for me. A device called "The Blue Code" contains data....lots of it....and apparently is worth murdering over. Pennance and his small team are sent from London to solve the murder(s) and retrieve the Blue Code. However, every path he follows leads to 2 or 3 more paths, so there is lots going on in this book so take your time and absorb every detail. An excellent police procedural filled with lots of bad guys and lots of red herrings, I really liked this one.
July 20, 2023
The code blue by Keith Nixon.
DI Jonah Pennance Crime Thrillers Book 3.
When the director of a prominent technology firm is ruthlessly gunned down in the bustling car park of a small town supermarket, DI Jonah Pennance of the National Crime Agency is thrust into a high-stakes investigation.
I love this series. Gripping and twisty and intriguing from the start. I liked Penance. I do hope there is more to come. 5*.
DI Jonah Pennance Crime Thrillers Book 3.
When the director of a prominent technology firm is ruthlessly gunned down in the bustling car park of a small town supermarket, DI Jonah Pennance of the National Crime Agency is thrust into a high-stakes investigation.
I love this series. Gripping and twisty and intriguing from the start. I liked Penance. I do hope there is more to come. 5*.
December 12, 2023
That was another excellent installment in the DI Pennance series!
It was fast paced with plenty of twists.
A big fan of DI Pennance, but again the book had some nasty/unlikeable characters.
I liked that this one mostly took part out of London. I love London, but a change of scene was nice.
Again I highly recommend this series!
Thank you to The Book Club Reviewer Group for an ARC of this.
It was fast paced with plenty of twists.
A big fan of DI Pennance, but again the book had some nasty/unlikeable characters.
I liked that this one mostly took part out of London. I love London, but a change of scene was nice.
Again I highly recommend this series!
Thank you to The Book Club Reviewer Group for an ARC of this.
July 23, 2023
After a 48 hr readathon I have finally finished
Keith Nixon has out done himself with this one
DI Jonah Pennance of the NCA is charged with investigating the brutal murder of a Director of a tech firm
Absolutely brilliant plot can't wait for the next instalment
Thank you for the opportunity to TBC to review this one
Keith Nixon has out done himself with this one
DI Jonah Pennance of the NCA is charged with investigating the brutal murder of a Director of a tech firm
Absolutely brilliant plot can't wait for the next instalment
Thank you for the opportunity to TBC to review this one
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2023
The local police force are not particularly welcoming to D I Jonah Pennance and his team. Secrets and lies, manipulation and control, the consequences of addictions, this book kept me gripped to terms very end. Intriguing.
July 11, 2023
DI Jonah Pennance and his team have been sent to investigate a murder. There are plenty of twists and turns and it's difficult to know who is telling the truth. The locals are suspicious and bodies keep turning up. DI Pennance follows the clues and learns that there are layers of deception.
July 17, 2023
Wow. I read this book in a weekend very good story and good characters. You don’t want to put it down. I need more by Keith Nixon. I would read the series as this is part 3. You won’t be disappointed.
June 10, 2023
Highly recommended.
June 10, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable read, got through this one very fast!
September 22, 2023
Another great Pennance installment.
October 28, 2023
Pennance is a good character.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews