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Solomon Gray #10
A Deadly Truth
Has Solomon Gray's son returned with secrets that could tear their family apart?
"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.
Detective Inspector Solomon Gray's long-awaited reunion with his son, Tom, has been marked by an unexpected chilliness. Tom's return from Edinburgh raises questions for Gray, who senses there's more to his son's homecoming than meets the eye.
Amidst this strained family dynamic, Gray finds himself immersed in an undercover operation, patrolling aboard a Trojan bus in search of troublemakers following a string of anti-social incidents. His vigilance pays off when he intervenes in a violent altercation, leaving notorious thief Mumble Swann hospitalised after a brutal assault. Surprisingly, the perpetrator is revealed to be fifteen-year-old Zoe Doneglan, but she remains tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding the fight.
As Gray delves deeper into the incident, he receives an unexpected call from DCI Mackintosh of the Organised Crime Division of Police Scotland. Unbeknownst to Gray, Police Scotland is operating within his jurisdiction, tracking the movements of Callum Strachan, a well-connected businessman with mysterious ties to Thanet. Mackintosh enlists Gray's help when one of his undercover officers disappears under suspicious circumstances.
The discovery of an unidentified John Doe, barely clinging to life on a nearby beach, adds another layer of intrigue to Gray's already complex investigation.
In this tense and multifaceted novel, Detective Inspector Solomon Gray navigates the complexities of family strife and clandestine operations, racing against time to untangle a web of deception that threatens to engulf them all.
A Deadly Truth is the tenth 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
"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.
Detective Inspector Solomon Gray's long-awaited reunion with his son, Tom, has been marked by an unexpected chilliness. Tom's return from Edinburgh raises questions for Gray, who senses there's more to his son's homecoming than meets the eye.
Amidst this strained family dynamic, Gray finds himself immersed in an undercover operation, patrolling aboard a Trojan bus in search of troublemakers following a string of anti-social incidents. His vigilance pays off when he intervenes in a violent altercation, leaving notorious thief Mumble Swann hospitalised after a brutal assault. Surprisingly, the perpetrator is revealed to be fifteen-year-old Zoe Doneglan, but she remains tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding the fight.
As Gray delves deeper into the incident, he receives an unexpected call from DCI Mackintosh of the Organised Crime Division of Police Scotland. Unbeknownst to Gray, Police Scotland is operating within his jurisdiction, tracking the movements of Callum Strachan, a well-connected businessman with mysterious ties to Thanet. Mackintosh enlists Gray's help when one of his undercover officers disappears under suspicious circumstances.
The discovery of an unidentified John Doe, barely clinging to life on a nearby beach, adds another layer of intrigue to Gray's already complex investigation.
In this tense and multifaceted novel, Detective Inspector Solomon Gray navigates the complexities of family strife and clandestine operations, racing against time to untangle a web of deception that threatens to engulf them all.
A Deadly Truth is the tenth 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
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2024
10 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
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 25, 2024
We are back with Solomon Gray and this time I think things are even more complicated for Sol than they have ever been.. if that’s even possible. Fan’s of the series will know the background behind Sol but let’s just say, he’s been through it.
One big change in Sol’s life is Tom.. Tom is Sol’s son who went missing many years ago, after some very chilling events Sol discovered the truth. It was a frosty kind of reunion.. they are more alike than they know.. but things were looking up when last Christmas Tom turned up on Sol’s doorstep.
Things haven’t really moved on much..Tom is living with Sol but they are passing ships in the night and neither are big talkers but Sol senses there’s something else going on.. but what?
There’s another big distraction in Sol’s life too, in the form of Linnet Roach. Roach got her claws into Sol in the last book and she’s not about to give him up any time soon. The great thing about Roach is she knows what she wants and she makes things abundantly clear with Gray but it’s tough for Sol to concentrate on Roach when Tom is playing on his mind... not to mention a new case hits his desk.
Mumble Swann, who is well known to the police, witnesses a crime but before anything can really come of it he’s brutally assaulted.. by a girl named Zoe Doneglan. Zoe’s had a tough start in life.
Gray doesn’t have much time to think about her though when a visit to the hospital reveals two men were brought in last night.. Mumble.. and a John Doe...
Little does Sol know at the time what links the men and the reader barely knows more.. but it teases what’s to come..you can just tell with the setup how good this will be.
Sol tries to take his mind of things and enjoys a night out with Roach but by happenstance ends up meeting an interesting character in the form of Callum Strachan..Sol’s gut tells him something is up.. or is he just being a grumpy old man again? Time will tell.
I don’t want to spoil the plot and development but what we get as a reader is a well thought out and complicated plot effortlessly weaved together in a style I’ve come to expect and love from the author.
What I really enjoyed with this novel and the last is the fresh blood added.. new characters and development of the current ensemble.. Sol’s a brilliant character but now Tom is found the focus has shifted and it’s great to see the supporting cast come into their own for the benefit of not only the plot but they also aid to Gray’s own development too. There's a few characters that stand out, such as Mackintosh..he's only small part, but leaves a big impression which no doubt the author can build on.
A Deadly Truth has some amazing twists, its complex but executed perfectly giving the reader the wow factor.. that OMG moment.. the adrenaline rush.. it’s intense.
One thing I’ve always loved about this series is the sheer number of events playing out, and how they connect.. sometimes in small ways.. sometimes big.. but the main thing is there’s no plot holes.. everything has a place and every motivation expanded just when you need it.. some in some jaw dropping scenes.
Being the tenth book in the series you’d be thinking we’ve seen it all... but no.. the author still has things up his sleeve..and if anything I can just see even more chances to keep the development going, new directions.. it’s exciting.
One big change in Sol’s life is Tom.. Tom is Sol’s son who went missing many years ago, after some very chilling events Sol discovered the truth. It was a frosty kind of reunion.. they are more alike than they know.. but things were looking up when last Christmas Tom turned up on Sol’s doorstep.
Things haven’t really moved on much..Tom is living with Sol but they are passing ships in the night and neither are big talkers but Sol senses there’s something else going on.. but what?
There’s another big distraction in Sol’s life too, in the form of Linnet Roach. Roach got her claws into Sol in the last book and she’s not about to give him up any time soon. The great thing about Roach is she knows what she wants and she makes things abundantly clear with Gray but it’s tough for Sol to concentrate on Roach when Tom is playing on his mind... not to mention a new case hits his desk.
Mumble Swann, who is well known to the police, witnesses a crime but before anything can really come of it he’s brutally assaulted.. by a girl named Zoe Doneglan. Zoe’s had a tough start in life.
Gray doesn’t have much time to think about her though when a visit to the hospital reveals two men were brought in last night.. Mumble.. and a John Doe...
Little does Sol know at the time what links the men and the reader barely knows more.. but it teases what’s to come..you can just tell with the setup how good this will be.
Sol tries to take his mind of things and enjoys a night out with Roach but by happenstance ends up meeting an interesting character in the form of Callum Strachan..Sol’s gut tells him something is up.. or is he just being a grumpy old man again? Time will tell.
I don’t want to spoil the plot and development but what we get as a reader is a well thought out and complicated plot effortlessly weaved together in a style I’ve come to expect and love from the author.
What I really enjoyed with this novel and the last is the fresh blood added.. new characters and development of the current ensemble.. Sol’s a brilliant character but now Tom is found the focus has shifted and it’s great to see the supporting cast come into their own for the benefit of not only the plot but they also aid to Gray’s own development too. There's a few characters that stand out, such as Mackintosh..he's only small part, but leaves a big impression which no doubt the author can build on.
A Deadly Truth has some amazing twists, its complex but executed perfectly giving the reader the wow factor.. that OMG moment.. the adrenaline rush.. it’s intense.
One thing I’ve always loved about this series is the sheer number of events playing out, and how they connect.. sometimes in small ways.. sometimes big.. but the main thing is there’s no plot holes.. everything has a place and every motivation expanded just when you need it.. some in some jaw dropping scenes.
Being the tenth book in the series you’d be thinking we’ve seen it all... but no.. the author still has things up his sleeve..and if anything I can just see even more chances to keep the development going, new directions.. it’s exciting.
May 30, 2024
I loved this. Fantastically stunning and emotive backdrop of coastline in Southern England and some equally rugged characters.
Sol’s estranged son is back in the picture but strangely elusive and keeping dad at more than arm’s length. A local character ‘Mumbles’ is badly beaten in public and the perpetrator turns out to be a 15 year old girl with a more than complex background. More victims turn up and there is definitely something sinister going on in the background but which criminal mastermind(s) are at play?
Sol is an immensely likeable and human main character with his own issues going on and the other larger than life cast of characters are brilliant. The action is fast, mysterious and kept me on my toes and longing to see what happens next. I love Keith’s little cliffhangers at the end of chapters where something has been found out but not yet shared with the reader, excellent storytelling. The ending was super sweet but brilliantly offsets the grit of the main story. A definite recommend from me.
Sol’s estranged son is back in the picture but strangely elusive and keeping dad at more than arm’s length. A local character ‘Mumbles’ is badly beaten in public and the perpetrator turns out to be a 15 year old girl with a more than complex background. More victims turn up and there is definitely something sinister going on in the background but which criminal mastermind(s) are at play?
Sol is an immensely likeable and human main character with his own issues going on and the other larger than life cast of characters are brilliant. The action is fast, mysterious and kept me on my toes and longing to see what happens next. I love Keith’s little cliffhangers at the end of chapters where something has been found out but not yet shared with the reader, excellent storytelling. The ending was super sweet but brilliantly offsets the grit of the main story. A definite recommend from me.
July 7, 2024
A Deadly Truth is the 10th book in the Solomon Gray series, which is fast becoming one of my favourite series of all time. ( I was late to the party, so still catching up on earlier books, but I couldn't miss the opportunity to read this latest offering).
As with the previous books. this is a fast paced story with plenty of twists and turns, and mini cliffhangers at the end of the chapters to keep you wanting more....and more!
I will get back to catching up, in readiness for book 11. 5*
Thank you to The Book Club Reviewer Group for the ARC.
As with the previous books. this is a fast paced story with plenty of twists and turns, and mini cliffhangers at the end of the chapters to keep you wanting more....and more!
I will get back to catching up, in readiness for book 11. 5*
Thank you to The Book Club Reviewer Group for the ARC.
July 15, 2024
Solomon Gray #10 and this series continues to excel and seem fresh even after 10 books. This one had it all.....an undercover operation, a Scottish businessman on Gray's English turf who may or may not be a criminal, a 15 year old girl who is the "doler out" of a vicious assault, and layers of dynamics in Solomon's personal life. An intricate plot, well written characters and a twist I didn't see coming at all, another winner from Keith Nixon.
June 11, 2024
Solomon Gray stories are always twisted. It's nice to see him finally getting better at relationships. Although things with Tom are strange, even strained. Add in the teenage daughter of criminal awaiting trial and things are bound to get messy. Great read, even better if you already know the characters.
June 14, 2024
DI Gray starts to investigate after witnessing a vicious attack on a man named mumbles by a young girl. A can of worms is opened and involves Gray's son Tom who has been lying to his Dad. Lots of violence, twists & turns along the way. All is not what it appears to be love this series yet another brilliant book by this author. Definitely worth reading.
May 30, 2024
I absolutely love this series, and this latest offering is just as good, if not better, than the rest.
Fast-paced action, twists and turns to keep you on your toes and a parrot in The English Flag. What more could you want? Well...maybe more pairings with Jonah Penance would not go amiss.
Love this!
Fast-paced action, twists and turns to keep you on your toes and a parrot in The English Flag. What more could you want? Well...maybe more pairings with Jonah Penance would not go amiss.
Love this!
June 6, 2024
Another action packed investigation for DI Solomon Gray . This series never disappoints. An undercover investigation into antisocial behaviour quickly turns into something more disturbing and involving someone much closer to Gray. Absolutely brilliantly written and can't wait for more.
August 16, 2025
Fantastic Series. - Very highly recommended
Every book in this wonderful series gets better and better. The characters are so believable and the story telling is superb. One feels as though one is part of the story as it unravels. Each book absolutely unputdownable!
Every book in this wonderful series gets better and better. The characters are so believable and the story telling is superb. One feels as though one is part of the story as it unravels. Each book absolutely unputdownable!
June 1, 2024
Another fabulous instalment in the Solomon Grey series, well written with fantastic characters and a well woven plot - a fantastic read!
June 2, 2024
Loved the whole series. Enjoyed relating to an area i know.
July 7, 2024
This is the second in the series I have read. Now I need to read them all!
Great book with plenty of drama that had me hooked all the way through.
I look forward to reading more.
Great book with plenty of drama that had me hooked all the way through.
I look forward to reading more.
July 8, 2024
Wow what can I say. A great book, this is book 10 in the series and it doesn’t seem it. This is a must read series for everyone it is fast becoming mine. Great storyline and great characters.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews