Lie Down with Dogs

by Syd Knight

Back on the job after a disastrous undercover investigation, Detective Kyle Williams is hanging on by a thread. While recovering from being shot and losing the love of his life, he’s drawn into the dark, cold-case murder of two young lovers who got mixed up with the wrong crowd. When Kyle discovers a link between the cold case and the undercover investigation he’s trying to forget, the possibility of redemption is everything he needs. Corrupt cops and wealthy drug dealers might prefer to keep the past quiet, but when the chance for revenge arises, Kyle will take it, no matter who stands in his way.

In this engrossing, multi-layered crime story, past and present collides, hurtling toward a gripping conclusion. An action-packed epic of love, murder, and revenge.

572 pages, Paperback

Published December 17, 2024

About the author

Syd Knight is a New Zealand crime fiction author whose background in cinematography brings a distinctive visual flair to his storytelling. After spending years traveling the globe creating documentaries and feature films, Syd has channeled his keen eye for detail and narrative into his debut thriller, Lie Down with Dogs - a gripping tale about an undercover cop investigating a cold case murder in New Zealand.
Based in the beautiful city of Wellington, Syd combines his writing with a passion for New Zealand's outdoor lifestyle, exploring the country's landscapes through mountain biking, tramping and travel. His years of filmmaking have influenced his approach to crafting authentic, gritty, compelling and emotional narratives. A dedicated cat lover and proud Kiwi, Syd is a new and exciting voice in crime fiction

Reviews

[Kim Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually know a book is going to be good within the first pages! This was one of those books. The author creates the scenes and characters well with words. The plot pace is great and there are definitely ‘can’t put it down’ chapters where you read on into the night…. Gripping and sometimes violent (I sped through those bits) a rollicking good read. Love that the story location resonates with me being in my hometown!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption doesn’t sleep

At 45, life weighs heavy, but Lie Down With Dogs let me escape into a world even darker than mine. Syd Knight's detective, Kyle Williams, is broken, hunted, and hell-bent on revenge. Just how I like my heroes. The corruption hit hard, and the stakes never let up. I read it in two sittings, heart pounding like I was the one chasing ghosts. If you like your thrillers raw and relentless, don’t lie down until you’ve finished this one.

[Victoria Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this title, Lie Down with Dogs (get up with fleas) because it’s so apt. It’s the story of Kyle, an undercover policeman in New Zealand, who becomes emotionally connected to some of the criminals he works with. The writing is excellent, gritty, sensuous, and violent, with vivid descriptions of the seedier areas of Christchurch and other cities. I would have liked to read more about the beautiful areas; perhaps we’ll get that in a sequel.

[Fiona Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A harrowing story of drugs and corruption affecting the lives of two young people found dead in Christchurch, and an undercover cop in Wellington. The threads become linked by one name: Breezy. Who is Breezy, how has he got away with killing, importing and bullshitting his way through his career as an 'upstanding' member of the community? Will Kyle live to find out? And what happened to Tash? I really liked the settings, particularly the marina and sandbar off the Sumner shore.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too awful and sad