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Solomon Gray #11

The Stone Veil

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"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

A body entombed in concrete, a missing cop, a bizarre death. Three investigations, one chilling mystery.

When a man’s body is found amidst the wreckage of a crashed car abandoned on a back road, Detective Inspector Solomon Gray initially believes the death to be the result of a tragic accident, the aftermath of a collision with a driver who then fled the scene. But Gray soon unravels a chilling the man died before the collision.

Meanwhile, one of Gray’s colleagues, the usually dependable Desk Sergeant Dai Morgan, has disappeared. Morgan had apparently been on the brink of unraveling a decades-old cold case – the identity of a recently discovered corpse that had been buried under the concrete foundations of a farm building over twenty years ago, a case Gray had a personal connection to.

As Gray delves deeper he finds these mysteries are in fact intertwined and, amidst the darkness, one truth remains someone is determined to keep the past buried at any cost.

The Stone Veil is the eleventh 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."

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2024

14 people are currently reading
4 people want to read

About the author

Keith Nixon

36 books175 followers
Bestselling 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

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5 stars
38 (76%)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Helen Frost.
677 reviews29 followers
August 29, 2024
Really good! I cried at the foreword before we’d even got started, really personal, heartfelt and relatable, sending big virtual hugs.
The storyline had lots of positives- a historic crime, cold case investigation, mystery plus offset against very contemporary car crime. Very clever and original and definitely food for thought in many ways.
The characters were excellent and I was very invested in them which helped with the engagement of the story overall. There were twists and turns along the way and fascinating evolution and outcomes. I was definitely left wanting more and would very happily recommend.
Profile Image for Claire-Louise  Armstrong-Brealey.
218 reviews10 followers
September 1, 2024
Oh wow! This is the best yet in Sol's tales!

Firstly, I cried at the foreword by Mr. Nixon. I send him my hugs.

Now to the story. I love the dry wit (sarcasm?) that sneaks into these stories. Whilst reading about something very grim, you cannot help a wee smile lift the corner of your mouth.

The characters are brilliant and I am so glad Tosh has arrived.

I was gutted I finished this book so quickly, back to reading about zombies now, so please don't be too long with the next installment.

Fab - u- lous as always!
Profile Image for David Baird.
587 reviews22 followers
April 30, 2025
Review

The Stone Veil is book 11 in the Solomon Gray series by Keith Nixon. Lets get the tough question out of the way first.. can you read this book as a standalone or do you need to have read the rest of the series… Such a great question. Honestly Keith Nixon is a very conscious writer, each tale is written so well with little bits of info planted not only to help new readers understand the characters and motivations but also to remind fans of the series of pivotal events.. each bit of information takes the reader back and reminds us of what Sol has been through… and he’s not going to get any peace just yet. Personally I’d say read the rest of the series.. well because it’s bloody good but it will also just help you get that little bit more invested in Sol and his life.

Plot wise I felt this one worked beautifully.. there’s a current case that’s landed but not only that but one of Sol’s colleagues is missing… the further we dig further in the past we go…and there’s links to one of Sol’s biggest enemies.. Frank McGavin! Sol can never seem to shake the man no matter what he does.

The dual timeline story worked exactly the way you’d want it..the flow from past to present is flawless for the development, nothing ever needed forced .. it’s hard to explain but as a reader i like to feel like I’m learning something rather than simply being told something.. and it’s that style of storytelling Nixon does best.. he weaves the tale, directing you without you feeling any change in focus.. the development is natural and steady.. oh Mr Nixon you do know how to hook your readers in!

The backstory really sheds light on McGavin and Sol.. it explains more of the history between the two and shows you what kind of guy Sol really is.. we always knew it but to finally have this piece of the story.. wow! I think this was the first time I really loved McGavin.. he’s always been a love/hate kind of person but this time… oh my.. loved him!

Sol has other worries more closer to home during this one and has a knock on affect in his work as much as he doesn’t want to admit it… he tries to just carry on but we soon learn what pieces of the puzzle have been missed..and wowza.. what a storyline.

I really can’t spoil it as it wouldn’t do the series justice but this was a very fitting and fulfilling tale packed with emotion. The plot is clever and gripping…rich in detail but it’s sometimes the words unspoken that speak more in The Stone Veil, you feel the guilt and pain pouring off Sol as he battles his demons.

Character wise this was a clever offering.. not only do we see growth in Sol, we also see more of Mackintosh who showed up in a pervious case.. the issue is him and Sol don’t mix too well yet.. Mackintosh is a very cool character.. but a bit too much for Sol.

My gut tells me it can only get worse for Sol.. the influx of new faces within his life brings freshness to the storyline which is great for the reader but if we’ve learned anything about Sol so far is that he’s not really a people pleaser.

Then there’s Dai Morgan..Dai while missing during this story is probably the one I’d say developed the most. He’s flawed like Sol and it’s kind of like looking at what might have befallen Sol should he have taken a different path…

The Stone Veil has a darker tone from the very first page which you’ll very much understand after reading the author’s note! word of warning.. if you are prone to tears get a tissue ready, it’s a very moving piece. The events in the authors personal life clearly had an effect but he was able to channel that emotion into the tale.. you can feel the pain and as much as I hate to say it…it really added something extra to the tale.. we see Solomon struggle.. and I mean really struggle.. you might be lucky and have never felt this way but I can almost guarantee you at some point you will feel this powerless..

An emotional 5*…While doing my review I read the authors note again and it’s still hits hard!
43 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2024
Before I review the actual book I have to say how absolutely heartbreaking beautiful the Author's Note is. Please don't skip it because it really gave insight to the author behind the book and added to the story.
I really enjoyed the book but would definitely recommend starting from the beginning of the series as I felt I was missing out on some important background information in relation to a few of the characters. I will certainly be buying the other books myself. That aside the storyline itself was gripping and fast paced. I found it very easy to get into and difficult to put down.
I liked the mix of cold case and ongoing events and thought the author tied everything in very well.
The author won me over with what in my opinion was the perfect chapter length and also by elaborating when using police jargon.
This was a quick , captivating read. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Laura.
256 reviews
September 9, 2024
The Stone Veil is the 11th book in the Solomon Gray series and, as with the previous books, each one just seems to be even better than the last, every time. This has become one of my all time favourite series and although the book works well as a standalone, I strongly recommend that the books are read in order to get the complete backstory.

This fast paced story takes place over two timelines which are very cleverly brought together, via plenty of twists and turns, to a cliffhanger of an ending. The characters are easy to relate to, especially Sol, and I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next instalment in this brilliant series.

As others have mentioned, there is a very poignant author’s note at the beginning of the book, and while the loss of a loved pet is always sad, I hope it will be a source of comfort that Mack will live on in these books.

Thank you to The Book Club Reviewer Group for the advance copy in return for an honest review.
100 reviews5 followers
August 24, 2024
When I read the foreword I wasn't sure if I'd be able to read the book just yet having lost our family dog this week it had me in tears reading about Mack. My heart goes out to Keith and his family I know how hard it is.
But I love Solomon Gray he is one of my favourite detectives. Read this book in two days it had me gripped from the beginning loved how the story is over two time zones and how it all comes together.
A historical murder that twenty two years later comes together don't think it's the end though someone is gunning for Gray we can only guess who!! hurry up with the next book Keith.

Profile Image for Martha Brindley.
Author 2 books34 followers
September 7, 2024
Oh gosh! I cried reading the foreword in this book, dog lovers will understand. I really enjoyed the read, it is well written with it's interesting and original plotting. I was completely invested in the excellent characterisation, I fell in love with Sol, not to mention Mack! The story unfolds over two time scales, which worked really well and it all wrapped up with the cliffhanger ending. Please don't keep us waiting too long for Sol's next adventure. I would highly recommend to lovers of thrillers and police procedurals.
Profile Image for Tiger.
408 reviews9 followers
September 7, 2024
The 11th in Nixon's exceptional Solomon Gray series and I'm running out of superlatives. A complex -plot told in 2 timelines of a death by car crash in present day and a gangster's missing sister 22 years ago. Slowly, tantalizingly even, the author teases the 2 plotlines closer and closer until they intersect with some shocking results. An intriguing mystery that is rich in characters with a fascinating, unique plot that unravels at the perfect pace. And be warned, bring a box of kleenex to the "Author's Foreword".
Profile Image for Book Monitor.
871 reviews14 followers
November 18, 2024
I think this is one of the best in the series. I am a real fan of Sol and found this to be a gripping and engaging book. I love the character development, the dual time line and the simple complexity of the premise.
I think you could start with this but I would highly recommend starting at the beginning of the series to give a better understanding and insight into the background.
I am not a fan of cliff-hanger endings but- it was so well done bringing past and present into line.
I think the authors foreward is worth buying this book for alone- so moving and hearfelt.
Profile Image for Candy Denman.
Author 12 books37 followers
August 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this story about a cold case involving a gangster’s missing sister and the fallout when the case is solved. Written in two separate time frames, the story is slowly exposed and explained and the author manages to keep the reader involved. It is a standalone, but number 11 in the series and I did find I wanted to know more about the main character’s back story so I will have to go back to the beginning of the series. Recommended for lovers of police procedurals.
575 reviews7 followers
August 31, 2024
I read this book in 2 days as it has such a gripping and compelling storyline. I found it hard at times as I know the author has lost his beloved Mack at an early age and I know only too well the heartache and suffering he and his family are going through. However Mack’s memory will be kept alive in future books keeping him forever young. Looking forward to the next in the series and many thanks to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this exciting book.
644 reviews22 followers
August 20, 2024
Loved this book. Loved how it was written in two time frames so as you really got to understand the story and how one crime and cause such a fall out to the remaining people. Great story and characters.
Profile Image for Angie George.
16 reviews
Read
September 6, 2024
I received this as an arc copy from Keith and i must admit when I read the authors note I felt so heart sick I wasn't sure if I'd be able to read the book and finding out about Mack. My heart goes out to Keith and his family I know how desolate you feel at the loss of a beloved family member.
The book had me gripped from the beginning loved how the story is over two time zones and how it all came together in wonderful symmetry.
A murder that happened twenty two years ago comes to the fore when an accident occurs. A gripping page turner, highly recommend. I'm going to have to read the others now. Thank you Keith for the opportunity to read your novel.
Profile Image for Kamini Mehta.
529 reviews10 followers
August 11, 2024
If you enjoy Solomon Gray, don't miss this one! Okay, I am a little biased. I love this series. This one certainly doesn't disappoint! Lots of twists and complex relationship histories. The present is built on the past, but somebody wants the past to stay buried at any cost.
Profile Image for Lin.
198 reviews34 followers
September 4, 2024
I haven't read earlier books in this series, and was pleased to find this works well as a stand-alone, although I'll probably look out earlier ones as the characters are interesting. I also enjoyed the local setting, which plays a large part in the story.
Past and present are woven skilfully in this tale of policing and crime.
Profile Image for Kamini Mehta.
529 reviews10 followers
September 2, 2024
Who doesn't love Solomon Gray? This next in series doesn't disappoint, in fact I liked it more than the last one. Solomon is far less down and desperate, despite the shadows from his past that haunt him. If you haven't read the rest of the series, they are much better if you already know the characters.
Profile Image for julie young.
466 reviews16 followers
August 7, 2024
There have been a few changes in Detective Inspector Solomon Gray's life. Newly engaged to the lovely Linnet he is shocked to discover the identity of his new boss. An investigation begins after a suspicious car crash and a seasoned colleague from the station disappears. Another gritty, thrilling read, fast paced and action packed.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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