What do you think?
Rate this book
Solomon Gray #9
A Last Lonely Breath
"A series that has become a must-read." M.W. Craven, Theakston Crime Novel of the Year and Sunday Times Bestselling author of the Washington Poe series
Christmas is coming and Chief Inspector Solomon Gray is not enjoying his new position, or the prospect of the impending holidays. Gray just wants his boss back from extended leave. Sick of politics and bureaucracy, Gray joins a raid on a local corner shop, just for the hell of it. However, Gray and Linnet Roach, the Trading Standards Officer on the hunt for illicit tobacco, discover more than they bargained for – deadly illegal vapes that could prove fatal to users.
A night out with Roach is interrupted – the body of Rhodri Jewell is found dumped by the side of a lonely road. The stench of corruption follows Jewell around and somehow has reached the National Crime Agency who are in Margate on a related case – without Gray’s knowledge – investigating the potentially suspicious death of their informant.
History stalks Gray.
A past foe of Gray’s, Frank McGavin, an ex-criminal who Gray never managed to put away yet now leads the local council, comes back into Gray’s sphere, offering help. As Gray becomes closer to Roach he’s having to manage his personal life, too. Because Gray’s daughter, Hope, is back home amidst family turmoil.
Torn between his gut instinct and the potential to collaborate with McGavin, Gray faces a dilemma that challenges the core of his principles. Gray's journey becomes a perilous balance between justice and the personal sacrifices he must make to uncover the truth.
Can Gray push aside his instincts to work with McGavin, rather than pursue him?
A Last Lonely Breath is the ninth novel in the No.1 Best-Selling Solomon Gray series. Set in the once grand town of Margate in the south of England, this police suspense thriller is perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, LJ Ross, Stuart MacBride, and Peter James.
"Deeply emotional, a dark roller-coaster ride." Ed James
What Others Say"Keith Nixon is one hell of a writer."
Ken Bruen, author of the Jack Taylor series
"A compelling murder mystery with a multilayered and engaging new hero. Great read."
Mason Cross, author of the Carter Blake thriller series
What Readers Say"It’s just too damned good, I loved it."
"I haven’t given 5* for a while, this deserves it."
"Read it, you won’t regret it."
"What a joy."
"Could not put it down."
"Grittiness seeps out of this book from every pore."
"The author has hooked me in yet again."
"OMG loved this book!"
“This is a must read."
Christmas is coming and Chief Inspector Solomon Gray is not enjoying his new position, or the prospect of the impending holidays. Gray just wants his boss back from extended leave. Sick of politics and bureaucracy, Gray joins a raid on a local corner shop, just for the hell of it. However, Gray and Linnet Roach, the Trading Standards Officer on the hunt for illicit tobacco, discover more than they bargained for – deadly illegal vapes that could prove fatal to users.
A night out with Roach is interrupted – the body of Rhodri Jewell is found dumped by the side of a lonely road. The stench of corruption follows Jewell around and somehow has reached the National Crime Agency who are in Margate on a related case – without Gray’s knowledge – investigating the potentially suspicious death of their informant.
History stalks Gray.
A past foe of Gray’s, Frank McGavin, an ex-criminal who Gray never managed to put away yet now leads the local council, comes back into Gray’s sphere, offering help. As Gray becomes closer to Roach he’s having to manage his personal life, too. Because Gray’s daughter, Hope, is back home amidst family turmoil.
Torn between his gut instinct and the potential to collaborate with McGavin, Gray faces a dilemma that challenges the core of his principles. Gray's journey becomes a perilous balance between justice and the personal sacrifices he must make to uncover the truth.
Can Gray push aside his instincts to work with McGavin, rather than pursue him?
A Last Lonely Breath is the ninth novel in the No.1 Best-Selling Solomon Gray series. Set in the once grand town of Margate in the south of England, this police suspense thriller is perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, LJ Ross, Stuart MacBride, and Peter James.
"Deeply emotional, a dark roller-coaster ride." Ed James
What Others Say"Keith Nixon is one hell of a writer."
Ken Bruen, author of the Jack Taylor series
"A compelling murder mystery with a multilayered and engaging new hero. Great read."
Mason Cross, author of the Carter Blake thriller series
What Readers Say"It’s just too damned good, I loved it."
"I haven’t given 5* for a while, this deserves it."
"Read it, you won’t regret it."
"What a joy."
"Could not put it down."
"Grittiness seeps out of this book from every pore."
"The author has hooked me in yet again."
"OMG loved this book!"
“This is a must read."
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2024
19 people are currently reading
7 people 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
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 19, 2024
A good murder mystery and tale of corruption with some engaging police characters to follow. The momentum of the story is good and a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Some parts had me rapidly turning the pages to see what would happen next but there were also a few bits that saw me zoning out, albeit briefly. Glad I saw it through to the end though and would recommend.
September 17, 2024
Review
In typical Gray style Solomon is about to get himself caught up in a right mess... but this time there’s an even more personal edge to it.
Solomon is acting up professionally, covering for his boss who has yet to return to work. The thing is.. if you know Solomon you know responsibility is the last thing he wants. Not because he’s not capable.. he is.. it’s the fact he would much rather put in the leg work than be stuck behind a desk.. Solomon isnt a fan of the red tape.. he actually wants to get out there and make a difference.
Sol escapes the office determined to stay out of the bureaucracy and finds himself on a raid, the local corner shop has been selling counterfeit vapes.. dangerous ones. What’s even more dangerous for Sol is the Trading Standards Officer on the raid too.. Linnet Roach. She’s a force to be reckoned with from the off!
Roach forces her way into Sol’s life and when a case drops it looks like Sol’s way out. Only to find Roach doesn’t give up that easily.. the thing is.. he could use the help.
Rhodri Jewell has been found dumped by the side of the road, why was he there? Who killed him? And why? The questions just keep coming when Sol takes a closer look into the life of Jewel, who we find out has connections with a past foe Frank McGavin. If McGavin is involved it’s bound to be dodgy!
I won’t give too much away but fans of the series will know the author has a knack of linking cases together, throws in twists and turns too along the way but more than anything adds a real personal edge. A Last Lonely Breath certainly ticks the personal box and hits close to home for Sol! So much so I think he would have been quite willing to loose everything on this one to find out the truth.
Development wise this offering had an extra kick. The rest of the series was clearly lacking.. lacking one thing that is.. Linnet Roach.. ha, what a breath of fresh air. I mean the author never fails to impress me but he managed to integrate a new character we didn’t know we wanted but instantly loved!
The plot itself was impeccable as ever, clever and well thought out but again there’s the twist.. it’s personal in more than one way which I won’t spoil but also McGavin.. wow.. I loved his part in the story and it teases a new direction maybe.. time will tell.
A special mention has to go to the ending.. if you’ve been with the series from the beginning you’ll know Sol has a complicated life and a blast from the past, along with his present collide and honestly it’s fantastic.. will this be the time for Sol to heal?
5/5 Stars
In typical Gray style Solomon is about to get himself caught up in a right mess... but this time there’s an even more personal edge to it.
Solomon is acting up professionally, covering for his boss who has yet to return to work. The thing is.. if you know Solomon you know responsibility is the last thing he wants. Not because he’s not capable.. he is.. it’s the fact he would much rather put in the leg work than be stuck behind a desk.. Solomon isnt a fan of the red tape.. he actually wants to get out there and make a difference.
Sol escapes the office determined to stay out of the bureaucracy and finds himself on a raid, the local corner shop has been selling counterfeit vapes.. dangerous ones. What’s even more dangerous for Sol is the Trading Standards Officer on the raid too.. Linnet Roach. She’s a force to be reckoned with from the off!
Roach forces her way into Sol’s life and when a case drops it looks like Sol’s way out. Only to find Roach doesn’t give up that easily.. the thing is.. he could use the help.
Rhodri Jewell has been found dumped by the side of the road, why was he there? Who killed him? And why? The questions just keep coming when Sol takes a closer look into the life of Jewel, who we find out has connections with a past foe Frank McGavin. If McGavin is involved it’s bound to be dodgy!
I won’t give too much away but fans of the series will know the author has a knack of linking cases together, throws in twists and turns too along the way but more than anything adds a real personal edge. A Last Lonely Breath certainly ticks the personal box and hits close to home for Sol! So much so I think he would have been quite willing to loose everything on this one to find out the truth.
Development wise this offering had an extra kick. The rest of the series was clearly lacking.. lacking one thing that is.. Linnet Roach.. ha, what a breath of fresh air. I mean the author never fails to impress me but he managed to integrate a new character we didn’t know we wanted but instantly loved!
The plot itself was impeccable as ever, clever and well thought out but again there’s the twist.. it’s personal in more than one way which I won’t spoil but also McGavin.. wow.. I loved his part in the story and it teases a new direction maybe.. time will tell.
A special mention has to go to the ending.. if you’ve been with the series from the beginning you’ll know Sol has a complicated life and a blast from the past, along with his present collide and honestly it’s fantastic.. will this be the time for Sol to heal?
5/5 Stars
April 14, 2024
A Last Lonely Breath by Keith Nixon is book 9 in the Solomon Gray series, and, in my opinion, it's as good a series at book 9 as it was at book 1. In book 1, Dig Two Graves, we were learning who Solomon was and what made him tick and through the series that's developed. Like a lot of fictional detectives, real life ones too in fact, Gray has his issues, I hate spoilers in reviews so I'll not be detailing them, but he struggles on, doing the best job he can, always giving the best of himself.
There's a dead ex council leader, a dead body at the side of a remote road and vapes are killing people, plenty of cases going on but Gray is acting DCI and meant to supervise, and he hates being stuck behind a desk, so instead he's out there in the thick of it.
Keith Nixon writes great books, I've read a lot of crime fiction and he's definitely one of my top authors, and Gray one of my top characters. If you've not read them then give yourself a treat and get started, you'll not regret it.
There's a dead ex council leader, a dead body at the side of a remote road and vapes are killing people, plenty of cases going on but Gray is acting DCI and meant to supervise, and he hates being stuck behind a desk, so instead he's out there in the thick of it.
Keith Nixon writes great books, I've read a lot of crime fiction and he's definitely one of my top authors, and Gray one of my top characters. If you've not read them then give yourself a treat and get started, you'll not regret it.
April 13, 2024
#9 in Nixon's Solomon Gray series which has been a favorite of mine for years and this one didn't disappoint. Gray is now acting Chief Inspector as his boss recovers from injuries from the last installment, but it's not a position he likes or even wants as he has no patience for the politics involved. A couple of different cases on the go right from the start but when an informant is found dead things start to go sideways. Gray soon comes face to face with an old adversary and has to decide if they can trust each other enough to work together. Add in some heartwarming, and surprising, family dynamics and this was a great read.
April 15, 2024
I discovered the Solomon Gray series very late with book 8, and while I prefer to read books in order to get the full backstories of the recurring characters, these can be read as standalone books.
Once again, this is a page turner, filled with intrigue, murder, corruption and realistic characters. I particularly like Gray, who has his flaws but is excellent at his job. This time he’s acting DCI but is still out there doing what he does best. 4.5*
I eagerly await book 10 in this brilliant series.
Thank you to The Book Club Reviewer Group for the advance copy in return for an honest review.
Once again, this is a page turner, filled with intrigue, murder, corruption and realistic characters. I particularly like Gray, who has his flaws but is excellent at his job. This time he’s acting DCI but is still out there doing what he does best. 4.5*
I eagerly await book 10 in this brilliant series.
Thank you to The Book Club Reviewer Group for the advance copy in return for an honest review.
April 9, 2024
After his boss is attacked Soloman Gray becomes acting DCI he is determined to do the job his way and arrives at a raid where a female DCI tries to put him in his place. They discover cigarettes & vapes that are being sold illegally. Then two bodies are discovered in mysterious circumstances but could it all be linked? A good all round crime thriller with some romance & family problems thrown in. Definitely a must read book.
April 10, 2024
I am biased, I love Solomon Gray books.
Starting to read wasvlike welcoming an old friend into my home.
The ins and outs of the case are equally as complicated as the lives of the team themselves.
Welcoming new characters and revisiting old, this is one book I wanted to take my time to read.
A great case, with an old adversary complicating Sol's emotions and life.
Well worth reading and so very enjoyable, as well as a little bit gruesome of course!
Starting to read wasvlike welcoming an old friend into my home.
The ins and outs of the case are equally as complicated as the lives of the team themselves.
Welcoming new characters and revisiting old, this is one book I wanted to take my time to read.
A great case, with an old adversary complicating Sol's emotions and life.
Well worth reading and so very enjoyable, as well as a little bit gruesome of course!
May 29, 2024
Oh I was so excited to read this in the book club I love this series and was happy another book was out .. I love the character with his issues that back up the intrigue of the book makes me feel like I know him intimately and am on the quest to solve the puzzle of the crime
Another page turner I couldn’t put down on my holidays much annoyance to everyone around me .. If you have not read any of Keith nixons books you are missing out x
Another page turner I couldn’t put down on my holidays much annoyance to everyone around me .. If you have not read any of Keith nixons books you are missing out x
May 31, 2024
Solomon Gray never disappoints, but this was a difficult read. The scenarios are gritty and sad. People are dehumanized and Gray is investigating. He's acting Chief Inspector and hats the job. The politics are that much trickier higher up. Plus, his personal life is also complicated. Has Solomon actually found a new relationship? And his daughter Hope is back. Basically, Gray is hanging on as life takes him for a ride.
April 7, 2024
Chief Inspector Solomon Gray is not happy in his current unwanted promotion and just wants life to go back to normal(or as close to normal his life could ever be). Murder, corruption family difficulties and a sprinkling of romance. Brilliantly gritty.
May 29, 2024
Wow the series just gets better, can’t believe we’re on book 9. A great murder mystery with corruption as well. Solomon Grey has a story to tell. Keith Nixon has written a brilliant series well worth a read. Great characters and storyline.
March 19, 2024
Great to see Gray back and rocking.
March 28, 2024
3.5 stars
March 20, 2024
Oh how Solomon twangs my heart! Yet another excellent foray into the fun side of Margate! Jonah Penance also gets a nod...
Fast paced and a goodly tale to keep you going, but when will either one marry me?
That is how much I love these characters and their shenanigans
Fast paced and a goodly tale to keep you going, but when will either one marry me?
That is how much I love these characters and their shenanigans
March 30, 2025
Amazing! Love this Solomon Gray Series. Very highly recommended.
Book one drew me in and I have enjoyed seeing the main character evolve into the man he has become. Focused, honest, fair but determined to solve crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Private life hasn’t been a bed of roses for Solomon Gray but he is honest, faint, has resolve and a kind heart under a tough exterior. He doesn’t suffer fools gladly but cares deeply for those he loves.
Skilfully written, the story draws you in until you feel as though you are actually part of the story
If you have never read any of the books by this author, then this is just the series to start you off. Each book can be read as stand alone or from book one where you can get to know Solomon Gray, the man behind the Detective, and all the well rounded characters. Or, start here and I’m sure you will want to go back and read more about all the very believable characters - good and bad - who make this series so special.
Book one drew me in and I have enjoyed seeing the main character evolve into the man he has become. Focused, honest, fair but determined to solve crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Private life hasn’t been a bed of roses for Solomon Gray but he is honest, faint, has resolve and a kind heart under a tough exterior. He doesn’t suffer fools gladly but cares deeply for those he loves.
Skilfully written, the story draws you in until you feel as though you are actually part of the story
If you have never read any of the books by this author, then this is just the series to start you off. Each book can be read as stand alone or from book one where you can get to know Solomon Gray, the man behind the Detective, and all the well rounded characters. Or, start here and I’m sure you will want to go back and read more about all the very believable characters - good and bad - who make this series so special.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews