Dark Briggate Blues

Dan Markham Mystery #1

by Chris Nickson

A gritty noir set in 1950s Leeds   Leeds, 1954: When private investigator Dan Markham takes on a case for Joanna Hart, she simply wants to know if her husband Freddie is being unfaithful. But when Freddie Hart is killed, Markham suspects someone has set him up. Former Cold War spy David Carter is pulling all the strings. Ruthless and professional, he’s built himself an empire in Leeds and won’t take no for an answer. Suddenly Markham finds himself battling to keep both his client and himself alive and is forced to employ the rusty skills he acquired during his National Service in military intelligence. But are they enough?

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2015

About the author

I'm a novelist and music journalist, the author of many books set between the 1730s and 1950s in Leeds, as well as others in medieval Chesterfield and 1980s Seattle.

Above all, though, its Leeds I love, the people, the sense of the place changing with time. Yes, I write mysteries, but ultmiateoly they're books about people and their relationships, and the crime becomes a moral framework for the story.

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Markham has an extensive experience in military intelligence during World War II and decides to use that knowledge as an enquiry agent. During a quest for a husband who is suspected of adultery, he becomes entangled in a web of fraudulent and political intrigues.The attention to detail and atmosphere takes the reader back to the 50s.The interaction between the characters spices the story. It is laced with many jazz references and the suggested music list an excellent background while reading.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting the author Chris nickson a few years ago at a Waterstones event in Leeds and it was his passion for his stories that led to me and my friend buying a couple of his books. I enjoyed the story and the fact it was set in the past. It reminded me of the Daisy Darymple series / Maisie Dobbs. I enjoyed the pace and story but felt that it wasn't as gritty or as dark as I hoped. I have one of his other books so looking forward to reading that.

[Ann Dewar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was keen to read this as it is set in my home town of Leeds and there is a definite joy in being able to clearly envision where the characters are walking, driving, etc. Unfortunately, I did find that the characterisation was a bit basic and the plot incredible in the most literal sense.

I have the second in the series and will see if it improves. I’m hoping for less jazz and more plot, fingers crossed.

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 18th book that I have read by this author. The books he writes that are set in the 1950s are far less descriptive than those set in the 1800s or earlier. While the story was a nice easy, believable read with some great characters and moderately exciting in parts, the lack of period description was disappointing. Revolving around a Jazz music club and recording artists of the time this was a good, enjoyable crime novel with a violent end.

[Gael Impiazzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good page-turning thriller. I chose it because it's set in Leeds, my city. I wanted to give it a test-read for my mum who likes a bit of crime and grew up in 1940s/50s Leeds. I don't really think it's her cup of tea, really, though. But I'll pass it on to her anyway.

For me, it was a good read. Not really my cup of tea either, but I enjoyed recognising the streets and the pubs.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25. It took me a little while to get into it, but I thoroughly enjoyed it once I did. I think I had to get used to a more modern protagonist than I was used to.

His descriptions of Leeds are just as good in this book as they were in Simon Westow books.

The plot was good. I always wondered how a “boss” could take over a city or try to. It was interesting the way he went about it.

[Cybercrone · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK is the best I can say for this.

Wasn't totally bad but I just couldn't connect with the characters. I'll see if the second-in-series is better.

[Danny Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable crime thriller set in Leeds in the 1950s. Liked the referenced to existing and disappeared places in the city.

[Carol Peace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dan Markham is a private detective and has been in his fair share of difficult cases but this one is much more than 'difficult'. When Joanna Hart arrives at his office and asks him to find out if her husband is cheating he takes the case but he finds himself a suspect in a murder. He seems to have a lot of luck when the case heats up and always has someone he can turn to for information but will his luck run out this time ? It seems that there are more questions than answers and he seems to be dealing with a powerful government department and a race against time. It is a dark plot with some gritty parts but it is a fabulous read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the location it was set in as that has been my home town all my life.

[Marie (UK) · Rating 1 out of 5]

a book club read which was all too easy. Every turn of the investigation Dan knows someone who might help , does and gets killed for their trouble. A pleas to a former colleague and all of a sudden MI5 are involved, An unbelievable plot with a less believable outcome