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The Konstantin Novellas
Russian Roulette (Konstantin Book 2): A Dark,Funny and Twisted Crime Caper That You Can't Put Down
Meet Konstantin Boryakov, the enigmatic ex-KGB agent and tramp from the best-selling debut novel, The Fix. He’s a man with a dark history and darker future.
Trouble has a habit of seeking out Konstantin, whether he wants it or not. Starting with small time drug dealer Dave the Rave from the moment he arrives in the seedy seaside town of Margate where he’s supposed to hide, to Nikos the loan shark and Fat Gary, all round idiot. Then there’s the so-called good guys, the councilors and lawyers who are worse than the criminals.
But Konstantin isn’t alone, despite his wishes. Fidelity Brown, aka Plastic Fantastic, dildo wielding dominatrix who has her own mélange of secrets and lies, and nightclub owner Ken who’s connected to all the wrong people, help the Russian with the heap of problems delivered to his doorstep.
Cue deception, murder, mayhem as Konstantin settles into his new life. Margate will never be the same again.
Praise for Keith Nixon’s Work
‘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
‘Keith Nixon gets better with each new book. Among a promising crop of new writers he's the one to watch. A rare and diverse talent who has the ability to surprise and impress ... sometimes in the same sentence.’
Tony Black, author of The Last Tiger and The Inglorious Dead
‘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 and this collection of novellas is hopefully a taste of bigger things to come.’
Luca Veste, author of Dead Gone and The Dying Place
‘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
‘Russian Roulette, Keith Nixon’s fast-paced collection of seven novellas, feels cinematic, like Snatch meets a steampunk Sherlock Holmes: deliciously foreign and saturated in the other, offering American audiences a first class seat to see how noir is done across the pond. Navigating an exotic subculture of ecstasy-dealing English toughs, dominatrixes, crime lords, loan sharks and all sorts of lowlifes, Nixon continues the story of Russian-born Konstanin, 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 Lamentation and Junkie Love
‘Nixon delivers a series of hard-edged twists and turns that will leave you reeling and turning the pages in what is an unforgettable story.’
Richard Godwin, author of Meaningful Conversations and One Lost Summer
‘Hardboiled action and sharp, gritty humour. Highly recommended.’
Paul D. Brazill, author of Guns Of Brixton and A Case Of Noir
‘Flat, monotoned, dreary landscapes against which two of the most original characters ever seen in literature—Konstantin and Fidelity—operate together and separately in linked stories in a series of nourish nightm
Trouble has a habit of seeking out Konstantin, whether he wants it or not. Starting with small time drug dealer Dave the Rave from the moment he arrives in the seedy seaside town of Margate where he’s supposed to hide, to Nikos the loan shark and Fat Gary, all round idiot. Then there’s the so-called good guys, the councilors and lawyers who are worse than the criminals.
But Konstantin isn’t alone, despite his wishes. Fidelity Brown, aka Plastic Fantastic, dildo wielding dominatrix who has her own mélange of secrets and lies, and nightclub owner Ken who’s connected to all the wrong people, help the Russian with the heap of problems delivered to his doorstep.
Cue deception, murder, mayhem as Konstantin settles into his new life. Margate will never be the same again.
Praise for Keith Nixon’s Work
‘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
‘Keith Nixon gets better with each new book. Among a promising crop of new writers he's the one to watch. A rare and diverse talent who has the ability to surprise and impress ... sometimes in the same sentence.’
Tony Black, author of The Last Tiger and The Inglorious Dead
‘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 and this collection of novellas is hopefully a taste of bigger things to come.’
Luca Veste, author of Dead Gone and The Dying Place
‘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
‘Russian Roulette, Keith Nixon’s fast-paced collection of seven novellas, feels cinematic, like Snatch meets a steampunk Sherlock Holmes: deliciously foreign and saturated in the other, offering American audiences a first class seat to see how noir is done across the pond. Navigating an exotic subculture of ecstasy-dealing English toughs, dominatrixes, crime lords, loan sharks and all sorts of lowlifes, Nixon continues the story of Russian-born Konstanin, 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 Lamentation and Junkie Love
‘Nixon delivers a series of hard-edged twists and turns that will leave you reeling and turning the pages in what is an unforgettable story.’
Richard Godwin, author of Meaningful Conversations and One Lost Summer
‘Hardboiled action and sharp, gritty humour. Highly recommended.’
Paul D. Brazill, author of Guns Of Brixton and A Case Of Noir
‘Flat, monotoned, dreary landscapes against which two of the most original characters ever seen in literature—Konstantin and Fidelity—operate together and separately in linked stories in a series of nourish nightm
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2014
58 people are currently reading
155 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 23, 2021
Russian Roulette is a novella, at just under two-hundred pages, that kicks off the Konstantin series.
Konstantin Boryakov is a former KGB agent, and everything about him is dark and puzzling.
He’s supposed to be hiding in Margate when he’s approached by all kinds of seedy characters. Konstantin wishes he were alone. Instead, he continues to bring darkness into his own life and cannot escape it.
Russian Roulette is dark, edgy, in-your-face and filled with nonstop action. The characters will make your head spin with their unique, messed-up, unsettled lives.
Overall, I found Russian Roulette to be brash and bold, fast-paced, chilling, and sharply witty!
Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Konstantin Boryakov is a former KGB agent, and everything about him is dark and puzzling.
He’s supposed to be hiding in Margate when he’s approached by all kinds of seedy characters. Konstantin wishes he were alone. Instead, he continues to bring darkness into his own life and cannot escape it.
Russian Roulette is dark, edgy, in-your-face and filled with nonstop action. The characters will make your head spin with their unique, messed-up, unsettled lives.
Overall, I found Russian Roulette to be brash and bold, fast-paced, chilling, and sharply witty!
Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
December 22, 2018
Not sure how I have managed it, but have read the rest of the books in the Konstantin series but for some reason I have never read the first, so of course I had to come back to the first one to see where it all started.
This is a relatively quick read at less than 200 pages on the kindle. It also has short chapters which entices you to keep reading just one more and before you know it, you’ve read several!
Konstantin is a man that always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Trouble certainly is never far away which ensures that there is plenty to keep the reader entertained. He is very much a man with a past of which, even though has hardened him, there are glimpses of a soft side also.
Russian Roulette is a dark and gritty read. I love the Margate setting as definitely don’t think I have read any other books, apart from this series of course, that has been set there. There is definitely lots if murder and mayhem and a very commendable start to a series.
This is a relatively quick read at less than 200 pages on the kindle. It also has short chapters which entices you to keep reading just one more and before you know it, you’ve read several!
Konstantin is a man that always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Trouble certainly is never far away which ensures that there is plenty to keep the reader entertained. He is very much a man with a past of which, even though has hardened him, there are glimpses of a soft side also.
Russian Roulette is a dark and gritty read. I love the Margate setting as definitely don’t think I have read any other books, apart from this series of course, that has been set there. There is definitely lots if murder and mayhem and a very commendable start to a series.
March 8, 2017
The following is a review of Russian Roulette from Crime Fiction Lover:
Caffeine Nights is one of our partners for New Talent November 2014, and author Keith Nixon is a contributor to our site. The cynical amongst you might therefore figure the fix is in, but at Crime Fiction Lover take our responsibility to provide impartial advice about what your next crime fix should be seriously, and not even a visit from the author’s ex-KGB Agent Konstantin Boryakov could persuade us to be derelict in our duty.
Nixon has previously released three Konstantin ebook novellas – Dream Land, Plastic Fantastic and Fat Gary – and these are collected here with four new ones. Consequently the book can be read either as a story collection or a novel, and works equally well each way.
The book begins with Dream Land, wherein Konstantin arrives as something of a mystery. He is Russian by birth, but fluent in English, and rather handy in a tight spot, which is where he finds himself when the story begins. Konstantin has been sent to Margate by the secretive Mr Lamb, and fixed up with digs, but to what purpose we never find out. Before he can get himself squared, Konstantin is accosted by three muggers, and whilst fighting them off proves no problem, one of them, known as Dave the Rave, is a dealer, and disposing of his gear will prove to have consequences further down the road.
Plastic Fantastic, the next story, introduces Fidelity, a dominatrix who is Konstantin’s neighbour and the pair will strike up a tender friendship over the course of the book. The story is a twisty – and twisted – tale about bondage-obsessed councillors, loan sharking and prostitution, which covers some pretty dark themes while still managing to entertain in a light-hearted way. The pair’s further misadventures take them around the South Coast, into London, and even up North and on each occasion thugs and ne’er–do-wells will have their plans undone by Fidelity’s craftiness and Konstantin’s street smarts.
In fact, Plastic Fantastic could be considered a template for all of the novellas included here. Nixon is not afraid to explore some of the more seedy sides of British life – the sex industry, homelessness, urban decay – and his characters are far from two-dimensional sketches. Konstantin is an alcoholic, homeless, and burdened by guilt over previous misdeeds, and regret over the family he will never know. Fidelity presents a picture to the world of a hard-ass woman in control, but battles with insecurity so deep-rooted that she can never allow herself to be helped by another.
But rather than a remorseless grim-fest that left me dreading turning the page, Nixon has delivered a book that had me laughing out loud and mentally fist-pumping every time his heroes got one over on the bad guys. There is an off-beat humour to the writing, which initially seems almost slapdash, but which builds over the course of one or two stories into a recognisable style, somewhat reminiscent of fellow Brit Grit author Paul D Brazill. The ability to get his readers onside, rooting for his messed-up characters as they battle against the daily grind of chancers and blaggers is uniquely his, and stands as testament to his writing chops.
If you like your crime fiction hardboiled, where the mean streets are peopled with even meaner criminals, then Russian Roulette is the feel-good hit of the year.
Caffeine Nights is one of our partners for New Talent November 2014, and author Keith Nixon is a contributor to our site. The cynical amongst you might therefore figure the fix is in, but at Crime Fiction Lover take our responsibility to provide impartial advice about what your next crime fix should be seriously, and not even a visit from the author’s ex-KGB Agent Konstantin Boryakov could persuade us to be derelict in our duty.
Nixon has previously released three Konstantin ebook novellas – Dream Land, Plastic Fantastic and Fat Gary – and these are collected here with four new ones. Consequently the book can be read either as a story collection or a novel, and works equally well each way.
The book begins with Dream Land, wherein Konstantin arrives as something of a mystery. He is Russian by birth, but fluent in English, and rather handy in a tight spot, which is where he finds himself when the story begins. Konstantin has been sent to Margate by the secretive Mr Lamb, and fixed up with digs, but to what purpose we never find out. Before he can get himself squared, Konstantin is accosted by three muggers, and whilst fighting them off proves no problem, one of them, known as Dave the Rave, is a dealer, and disposing of his gear will prove to have consequences further down the road.
Plastic Fantastic, the next story, introduces Fidelity, a dominatrix who is Konstantin’s neighbour and the pair will strike up a tender friendship over the course of the book. The story is a twisty – and twisted – tale about bondage-obsessed councillors, loan sharking and prostitution, which covers some pretty dark themes while still managing to entertain in a light-hearted way. The pair’s further misadventures take them around the South Coast, into London, and even up North and on each occasion thugs and ne’er–do-wells will have their plans undone by Fidelity’s craftiness and Konstantin’s street smarts.
In fact, Plastic Fantastic could be considered a template for all of the novellas included here. Nixon is not afraid to explore some of the more seedy sides of British life – the sex industry, homelessness, urban decay – and his characters are far from two-dimensional sketches. Konstantin is an alcoholic, homeless, and burdened by guilt over previous misdeeds, and regret over the family he will never know. Fidelity presents a picture to the world of a hard-ass woman in control, but battles with insecurity so deep-rooted that she can never allow herself to be helped by another.
But rather than a remorseless grim-fest that left me dreading turning the page, Nixon has delivered a book that had me laughing out loud and mentally fist-pumping every time his heroes got one over on the bad guys. There is an off-beat humour to the writing, which initially seems almost slapdash, but which builds over the course of one or two stories into a recognisable style, somewhat reminiscent of fellow Brit Grit author Paul D Brazill. The ability to get his readers onside, rooting for his messed-up characters as they battle against the daily grind of chancers and blaggers is uniquely his, and stands as testament to his writing chops.
If you like your crime fiction hardboiled, where the mean streets are peopled with even meaner criminals, then Russian Roulette is the feel-good hit of the year.
June 9, 2014
Plastic Fantastic is the second novella featuring the mysterious tramp/spy/agent Konstantin. The hapless Russian who features in Nixon's excellent novel The Fix is strong, silent and prone to violent action if you annoy him. A little like my wife. Only joking love.
A dominatrix is in need (not talking about the wife again), now if only she can find a willing patsy to sort out her problems. Another great read from Nixon. Fast on pace, strong on action, big on humour and not a word is wasted. Nixon pulls you along by the lapels from very start. Top Brit Grit from a writer who is going places.
A dominatrix is in need (not talking about the wife again), now if only she can find a willing patsy to sort out her problems. Another great read from Nixon. Fast on pace, strong on action, big on humour and not a word is wasted. Nixon pulls you along by the lapels from very start. Top Brit Grit from a writer who is going places.
August 10, 2019
This book is quite simply fantastic! The chapters are so short and snappy they make your head spin. I could imagine this being made into an 80s action film, having Arnie (My hero) as Konstantin. (I am well aware he is Austrian but Red Heat anyone?!)
The writing style by Mr Nixon is dark, gritty but so much fun. With each chapter being told by a different character, you knew straight away whose voice you had. For instance and my favourite, Konstantin, the Russian, speaking in broken English, his chapters the sentences are short and to the point, broken into his speech. Fidelity, her chapters suit her personality, fast and crazy, a lot of hyperactiveness but also a very strong-willed woman, not to rely on any man and someone I adored.
This book is all kinds of fantastical craziness, and living in Dover, I loved seeing the sights, as it is set in Margate and the surrounding areas and knowing (for a change) the scenery around the characters. I am just dying to get my hands on the next book or just any book by Mr Nixon.
This book has everything I love in a story and again 80s action film, there is no preamble. There is a point to every chapter, you have the badass action, the best character names, I mean Fat Gary, Fidelity anyone, it is dark and gritty but with a comical relief. I would love to see this be made on the big screen for sure!!
I really do not know what else to say apart from Russian Roulette truly is a fantastic and an entertaining ride, I can not get enough of Konstantin or Fidelity and I was gutted when I had read the last page. It got me giddy with excitement to see how the next flawed plan would follow through, and what troubles the characters would get into.
I do not know how I have never heard of Mr Nixon before, but now that I have I have already got more of his books. I love the world he has created and the characters that come with it. He got me sitting there, with my head spinning, soaking up every word, enjoying every scene and every fight. I mean why would anyone want to fight Konstantin beats me.
March 16, 2014
I'll start by saying that prior to reading this book I read, The Fix, also by Keith Nixon. Therefore, I had come across the mysterious character of Konstantin. He was instantly likeable in the novel and I'm chuffed to bits he has his own spotlight in Dream Land. Keith's writing is fast paced, funny and without pretension. Instantly easy to read and his characters are fun and well drawn.
A bit of no-brainer really: Buy it, read it and enjoy it.
A bit of no-brainer really: Buy it, read it and enjoy it.
November 27, 2014
Keith Nixon has created two of the most memorable characters in noir—Konstantin and Fidelity—and set them up to operate in the perfect noir landscape—flat, monotone, dreary, sepia chromotones in which we watch the stark, deadly actions by this pair with our hands over our mouths and eyes flattened and widened. If you’re a lover of noir, RUSSIAN ROULETTE belongs in your library.
November 18, 2014
Hardboiled action and sharp, gritty humour. Highly recommended.
January 22, 2019
This is ex-KGB agent Konstantin’s origin story, told in a series of seven interlocking episodes.
The action arrives in short bursts of rapid-fire writing that rattles from one bruising punch-up to the next, as Konstantin carves out a niche for himself in the backstreets. The result is an absurdly entertaining story, delivered in easy to digest segments, with a satisfying side-dish of snide humour. Author Keith Nixon stiches a mean streak of acerbic wit into every situation, and gleefully impales his criminal stereotypes on a words which are whittled to a fine edge.
There’s also a moral message to almost every episode in which some seriously creepy scum receives righteous comeuppance. Nixon introduces a superb supporting cast including Fidelity, the sex-worker with a distinctly forceful personality, and the mysterious Mr Lamb from British intelligence.
We meet a stack of thugs, ruffians and political pondslime from central casting who are a little less successful. They have daft nicknames, limited capabilities, and pretty much exist simply so Konstantin can demonstrate his uncompromising attitude and considerable skill at unarmed combat.
An inventive blend of gritty Britcrime and international thriller, Russian Roulette sets the scene for a must-read series of longer stories.
8/10
There are more reviews and crime-thriller recommendations over at http://www.murdermayhemandmore.net
The action arrives in short bursts of rapid-fire writing that rattles from one bruising punch-up to the next, as Konstantin carves out a niche for himself in the backstreets. The result is an absurdly entertaining story, delivered in easy to digest segments, with a satisfying side-dish of snide humour. Author Keith Nixon stiches a mean streak of acerbic wit into every situation, and gleefully impales his criminal stereotypes on a words which are whittled to a fine edge.
There’s also a moral message to almost every episode in which some seriously creepy scum receives righteous comeuppance. Nixon introduces a superb supporting cast including Fidelity, the sex-worker with a distinctly forceful personality, and the mysterious Mr Lamb from British intelligence.
We meet a stack of thugs, ruffians and political pondslime from central casting who are a little less successful. They have daft nicknames, limited capabilities, and pretty much exist simply so Konstantin can demonstrate his uncompromising attitude and considerable skill at unarmed combat.
An inventive blend of gritty Britcrime and international thriller, Russian Roulette sets the scene for a must-read series of longer stories.
8/10
There are more reviews and crime-thriller recommendations over at http://www.murdermayhemandmore.net
December 17, 2018
Konstantin Boryakov, ex KGB agent, is a very flawed individual.......alcoholic and homeless........but also a very well trained soldier who is more than a match for almost anyone and doesn't feel a sliver of remorse afterwards. In this fast paced, hard hitting novel he disposes of drug dealers, forms an uneasy alliance with a dominatrix and has to deal with all manner of seedy people in and around Margate, England. The straight forward delivery of this story was actually quite humorous at times and Konstantin is a very compelling character......someone who makes you cringe at some of his choices and the way he carries them out, but also someone you find yourself cheering for.
February 12, 2019
So this is the first in the Konstantin series, and my first book by Keith Nixon. I was a little hesitant at first, an ex KGB agent living in Margate, who has runs ins with a Liverpudlian gangster and a dominatrix didn’t quite seem up my alley but I’m glad I took a chance.
If you’re tired of the same old mystery/thrillers and you’re looking for something a bit different then I’d highly recommend this book!
Russian Roulette is a fast paced and fascinating crime novel, focusing on the underbelly of society. It is also told in a unique way, through interlocking short stories and short chapters that will have you flying through those pages.
I love Konstantin. He’s a big burly Russian who tends to make his own rules and enjoys a good fight but he’s also got a moral compass, helping out anyone in need and defending those who need it.
Keith Nixon also thankfully manages to avoid many Liverpudlian stereotypes which I really appreciated.
Overall Russian Roulette is a quirky crime novel incorporating black humour with a weird and wonderful cast of characters.
If you’re tired of the same old mystery/thrillers and you’re looking for something a bit different then I’d highly recommend this book!
Russian Roulette is a fast paced and fascinating crime novel, focusing on the underbelly of society. It is also told in a unique way, through interlocking short stories and short chapters that will have you flying through those pages.
I love Konstantin. He’s a big burly Russian who tends to make his own rules and enjoys a good fight but he’s also got a moral compass, helping out anyone in need and defending those who need it.
Keith Nixon also thankfully manages to avoid many Liverpudlian stereotypes which I really appreciated.
Overall Russian Roulette is a quirky crime novel incorporating black humour with a weird and wonderful cast of characters.
February 17, 2019
Let me start off by saying this is not a novel but a collection of seven novellas which introduces the readers to the world and life of Konstantin Boryakov.
With that being said, Russian Roulette is the perfect book to get acquainted to our protagonist. I loved the laid back, no non-sense attitude of Konstantin and his kick-ass action scenes were performed to match the movie standards. Seven novellas, with fast-paced, easy to digest chapters which will keep you at the edge of the seat, this book is dark and gritty, showing the side of society most people know about but don’t acknowledge. Konstantin is one such anti-hero I actually loved to read and would definitely would love to read more about. On the outside, he looks like a man who has no morals and will beat his way through. He does enjoying beating up people and the way he does it never seemed to disappoint me. But as I kept reading, I understood that he had a soft side too and was definitely a man of rules and morals. All you have to do in order to stay in his good books is not to mess with him. Once someone messes with him then that person is equal to non-existent. Konstantin is simple and complex, making him a very interesting character to follow.
If you want a hardboiled, closer to reality, action-packed thriller, Russian Roulette is your answer.
With that being said, Russian Roulette is the perfect book to get acquainted to our protagonist. I loved the laid back, no non-sense attitude of Konstantin and his kick-ass action scenes were performed to match the movie standards. Seven novellas, with fast-paced, easy to digest chapters which will keep you at the edge of the seat, this book is dark and gritty, showing the side of society most people know about but don’t acknowledge. Konstantin is one such anti-hero I actually loved to read and would definitely would love to read more about. On the outside, he looks like a man who has no morals and will beat his way through. He does enjoying beating up people and the way he does it never seemed to disappoint me. But as I kept reading, I understood that he had a soft side too and was definitely a man of rules and morals. All you have to do in order to stay in his good books is not to mess with him. Once someone messes with him then that person is equal to non-existent. Konstantin is simple and complex, making him a very interesting character to follow.
If you want a hardboiled, closer to reality, action-packed thriller, Russian Roulette is your answer.
November 28, 2014
Reviewing collections, whether of short stories or a series omnibus such as this, can be problematic. You can discuss each individual book, which has a story arc all of its own, or the whole. Both if you’re ambitious. I’m going to go with option two, specifically talking about the main character of Konstantin.
Certain genres tend to focus more on plot while others, the characters are what matters most. Crime fiction or suspense, like this series, is normally all about the plot. Each installment of this series has a plot that is fast paced and satisfying. If this is your thing (and it is mine), you’ll have no complaints. But as I considered after each installment and, even more so, at the end of the series, what it was that stood out for me, it was the character of Konstantin. What I’d learned about him, how (or whether) he’d changed over time, and what that meant.
When I first met Konstantin, when reading Dream Land, he was obviously a bad guy. As in he did things most of us would consider bad. Breaking laws wasn’t something he seemed to even be conscious of. Leaving broken bodies in his wake was the norm. I wouldn’t have called him evil, but believe I used the term amoral. If the reader was ever explicitly told why Konstantin had fled Russia for the shores of England, it slipped by me. My impression was whatever his “job” was, it was shady, although I also thought the possibility was high that he worked for a covert government agency. Regardless of what he did, he’d crossed the wrong person, and needed to leave.
Over the course of the series, my opinion changed. I came to the conclusion that Konstantin wasn’t amoral, he just operated on a different set of morals than most of society. There were people he cared about or others who he felt were unable to defend themselves, who he’d go well beyond what most people would to protect them. He wouldn’t look for trouble, but if trouble found him, he’d meet fire with fire. Those broken bodies in his wake were self defense when someone chose to tangle with the wrong guy. Sometimes first impressions are the opposite of reality.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
Certain genres tend to focus more on plot while others, the characters are what matters most. Crime fiction or suspense, like this series, is normally all about the plot. Each installment of this series has a plot that is fast paced and satisfying. If this is your thing (and it is mine), you’ll have no complaints. But as I considered after each installment and, even more so, at the end of the series, what it was that stood out for me, it was the character of Konstantin. What I’d learned about him, how (or whether) he’d changed over time, and what that meant.
When I first met Konstantin, when reading Dream Land, he was obviously a bad guy. As in he did things most of us would consider bad. Breaking laws wasn’t something he seemed to even be conscious of. Leaving broken bodies in his wake was the norm. I wouldn’t have called him evil, but believe I used the term amoral. If the reader was ever explicitly told why Konstantin had fled Russia for the shores of England, it slipped by me. My impression was whatever his “job” was, it was shady, although I also thought the possibility was high that he worked for a covert government agency. Regardless of what he did, he’d crossed the wrong person, and needed to leave.
Over the course of the series, my opinion changed. I came to the conclusion that Konstantin wasn’t amoral, he just operated on a different set of morals than most of society. There were people he cared about or others who he felt were unable to defend themselves, who he’d go well beyond what most people would to protect them. He wouldn’t look for trouble, but if trouble found him, he’d meet fire with fire. Those broken bodies in his wake were self defense when someone chose to tangle with the wrong guy. Sometimes first impressions are the opposite of reality.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
August 13, 2015
"Meet Konstantin Boryakov, the enigmatic ex-KGB agent and tramp from the best-selling debut novel, The Fix. He’s a man with a dark history and darker future.
Trouble has a habit of seeking out Konstantin, whether he wants it or not. Starting with small time drug dealer Dave the Rave from the moment he arrives in the seedy seaside town of Margate where he’s supposed to hide, to Nikos the loan shark and Fat Gary, all round idiot. Then there’s the so-called good guys, the councilors and lawyers who are worse than the criminals.
But Konstantin isn’t alone, despite his wishes. Fidelity Brown, aka Plastic Fantastic, dildo wielding dominatrix who has her own mélange of secrets and lies, and nightclub owner Ken who’s connected to all the wrong people, help the Russian with the heap of problems delivered to his doorstep.
Cue deception, murder, mayhem as Konstantin settles into his new life. Margate will never be the same again.”
‘Russian Roulette’ is my second foray into the murky world of Keith Nixon and was just as brilliantly entertaining as his previous novel ‘The Fix’. ‘Russian Roulette’ is the complete collection of all seven of Nixon’s Konstantin novellas: Dream Land, Plastic Fantastic, Fat Gary, Bullet, Infidelity, Close Contact and A Chorus of Bells.
Konstantin Boryakov is a badass, who ends up in more than his fair share of fights due to his inability to turn his back on those who need his help. A hugely likeable character who despite his previously shady occupation with the KGB, clearly has an albeit strange moralistic code and a mean fist. In doing the right thing, he generally always ends up in trouble, but his adversaries always come off worse. He’s cool, calm and collected - even when he’s kicking ass!
Keith Nixon writes with a fantastic pace. Short, punchy chapters with action that just doesn’t let up, sharp dialogue, plenty of action and a huge helping of dark humour, ‘Russian Roulette’ ticks all of the boxes if it’s gritty crime you’re looking to get lost in.
Trouble has a habit of seeking out Konstantin, whether he wants it or not. Starting with small time drug dealer Dave the Rave from the moment he arrives in the seedy seaside town of Margate where he’s supposed to hide, to Nikos the loan shark and Fat Gary, all round idiot. Then there’s the so-called good guys, the councilors and lawyers who are worse than the criminals.
But Konstantin isn’t alone, despite his wishes. Fidelity Brown, aka Plastic Fantastic, dildo wielding dominatrix who has her own mélange of secrets and lies, and nightclub owner Ken who’s connected to all the wrong people, help the Russian with the heap of problems delivered to his doorstep.
Cue deception, murder, mayhem as Konstantin settles into his new life. Margate will never be the same again.”
‘Russian Roulette’ is my second foray into the murky world of Keith Nixon and was just as brilliantly entertaining as his previous novel ‘The Fix’. ‘Russian Roulette’ is the complete collection of all seven of Nixon’s Konstantin novellas: Dream Land, Plastic Fantastic, Fat Gary, Bullet, Infidelity, Close Contact and A Chorus of Bells.
Konstantin Boryakov is a badass, who ends up in more than his fair share of fights due to his inability to turn his back on those who need his help. A hugely likeable character who despite his previously shady occupation with the KGB, clearly has an albeit strange moralistic code and a mean fist. In doing the right thing, he generally always ends up in trouble, but his adversaries always come off worse. He’s cool, calm and collected - even when he’s kicking ass!
Keith Nixon writes with a fantastic pace. Short, punchy chapters with action that just doesn’t let up, sharp dialogue, plenty of action and a huge helping of dark humour, ‘Russian Roulette’ ticks all of the boxes if it’s gritty crime you’re looking to get lost in.
November 17, 2014
A collection of all seven Konstantin Novellas:
• Dream Land
• Plastic Fantastic
• Fat Gary
• Bullet
• Infidelity
• Close Contact
• A Chorus of Bells
If you’re a crime novel connoisseur and love punchy, bullet-paced plots with pitch perfect dialogue and the darkest of humour, Nixon and his anti-hero creation Konstantin are the very boys for you.
Me? I never read crime fiction. It’s just not my bag, I’m a character-development man and like a slow burn story where people are gradually revealed along the way. Despite my unmanly aversion to crime novels, I’m first in the queue when Nixon delivers his latest work. In the Konstantin series Keith manages to pull both worlds together, violently fusing a hurtling plot with outstanding characterisation and development.
As each chunk is a complete little story in its own right shoving you through Konstantin’s hurricane, so too is the greater collection a cleverly constructed journal of Konstantin’s complexity of character, morals, and capacity for general mayhem. Konstantin himself seems genuinely ambivalent towards the right or wrong of his actions.
Nixon’s work, all pace, venom and clattering twists, never fails to drag his readers into the piss-soaked murky alleys and streets his characters frequent.
Another lesson in storytelling from one of the mainstays of the new Brit writer invasion currently swaggering through Amazon Bestseller lists.
• Dream Land
• Plastic Fantastic
• Fat Gary
• Bullet
• Infidelity
• Close Contact
• A Chorus of Bells
If you’re a crime novel connoisseur and love punchy, bullet-paced plots with pitch perfect dialogue and the darkest of humour, Nixon and his anti-hero creation Konstantin are the very boys for you.
Me? I never read crime fiction. It’s just not my bag, I’m a character-development man and like a slow burn story where people are gradually revealed along the way. Despite my unmanly aversion to crime novels, I’m first in the queue when Nixon delivers his latest work. In the Konstantin series Keith manages to pull both worlds together, violently fusing a hurtling plot with outstanding characterisation and development.
As each chunk is a complete little story in its own right shoving you through Konstantin’s hurricane, so too is the greater collection a cleverly constructed journal of Konstantin’s complexity of character, morals, and capacity for general mayhem. Konstantin himself seems genuinely ambivalent towards the right or wrong of his actions.
Nixon’s work, all pace, venom and clattering twists, never fails to drag his readers into the piss-soaked murky alleys and streets his characters frequent.
Another lesson in storytelling from one of the mainstays of the new Brit writer invasion currently swaggering through Amazon Bestseller lists.
March 14, 2014
I've waited for what feels like an age for some new Keith Nixon work. His debut novel, The Fix was a superbly handled caper full of the most detestable characters ever placed upon the page. Of the few likeable rogues that rubbed shoulders with those aforementioned ratbags, the curiously skilled vagrant, Konstantin, held deeper secrets than the rest combined.
So here we are, the follow up piece. Dreamland takes us right back to the beginning, with Konstantin finding himself on the South-East coastal town of Margate, straight into trouble with local hoodlum Dave the Rave, and his assorted cronies.
Nixon has a very distinct style to his narrative. It's short and punchy. Doesn't bother with the fluff. Tells you what you need to know and no more. It works like a dream for him. The seemingly untouchable Konstantin lurches swiftly from violent set piece to violent set piece, and witty dialogue to witty dialogue, through the darkened corners of Keith Nixon's sordid little world. With every crunch of a fist upon a nose you're inwardly cheering him along his nasty adventure.
It's entertainment in it's most concentrated form. It's short, hard, and aggressive, rather like an MMA dwarf with a steroids habit. Take your hit, enjoy the buzz, and then get the hell out of its sight before it beats you to death. Highly recommended reading.
So here we are, the follow up piece. Dreamland takes us right back to the beginning, with Konstantin finding himself on the South-East coastal town of Margate, straight into trouble with local hoodlum Dave the Rave, and his assorted cronies.
Nixon has a very distinct style to his narrative. It's short and punchy. Doesn't bother with the fluff. Tells you what you need to know and no more. It works like a dream for him. The seemingly untouchable Konstantin lurches swiftly from violent set piece to violent set piece, and witty dialogue to witty dialogue, through the darkened corners of Keith Nixon's sordid little world. With every crunch of a fist upon a nose you're inwardly cheering him along his nasty adventure.
It's entertainment in it's most concentrated form. It's short, hard, and aggressive, rather like an MMA dwarf with a steroids habit. Take your hit, enjoy the buzz, and then get the hell out of its sight before it beats you to death. Highly recommended reading.
January 5, 2019
Mr Nixon is thoroughly spoiling us with this book, because let me tell you it is a STONKINGLY good read. It was 2 in the morning and I just could not stop reading. The comedy aspect is so sharp, you'll need a box of plasters handy in case you cut yourself. Darkly funny and ironic, the character of Konstantin is simply divine. How genius does a writer have to be to create a murdering, ex-convict, Russian spy who I absolutely adore and want to invite over for dinner? He has to be the top anti-hero of all time. Then, as if Konstantin on his own isn't enough of a treat, Mr Nixon thoroughly gilds the lily with Fidelity! The name on its own is genius! The pair of them together was almost too much. I thought my heart might explode with the sheer joy of reading about their exploits. It's creations such a these that make me want to go back and thank my primary school teachers for all their hard work teaching me to read. The pleasure of reading and turning each page, and being confronted with new joy, revelling in every word and adoring the whole thing. This book is a cornucopia of weirdly wonderful characters with rich personalities in bizarre situations that will fill your heart with gladness, take away your sadness and ease your troubles, this book will do.
January 3, 2015
Keith Nixon does it again.
Having read and reviewed the individually available stories in this collection, I was more than happy to pick this bunch up, re-read, and then add to my growing admiration for his flawed protagonist Konstantin.
Keith Nixon has a unique writing style, one which doesn't just apply to his approach to writing a word or a sentence, he extends it to the whole story, and it works a dream for him. Each word, each sentence, each story is a carefully constructed punch to the face. Thundering along at a terrific pace. Clipped sentences tell you what you need to know and then move on, no time for fluff. You aren't fast enough to catch up? Tough. This collection is the perfect foil for his style, and the Konstantin creation is the perfect foil for the collection. Seriously, it's very entertaining stuff. Get it got, or I'll send Konstantin round to knock you out.
Highly recommended.
Having read and reviewed the individually available stories in this collection, I was more than happy to pick this bunch up, re-read, and then add to my growing admiration for his flawed protagonist Konstantin.
Keith Nixon has a unique writing style, one which doesn't just apply to his approach to writing a word or a sentence, he extends it to the whole story, and it works a dream for him. Each word, each sentence, each story is a carefully constructed punch to the face. Thundering along at a terrific pace. Clipped sentences tell you what you need to know and then move on, no time for fluff. You aren't fast enough to catch up? Tough. This collection is the perfect foil for his style, and the Konstantin creation is the perfect foil for the collection. Seriously, it's very entertaining stuff. Get it got, or I'll send Konstantin round to knock you out.
Highly recommended.
May 28, 2014
So Keith Nixon's colossus of a creation, Konstantin Boryakov, continues in the extraordinary story of how he comes to rest in Margate. Here he meets and helps filthy dominatrix with a shady past, Plastic Fantastic. You get all the standard snappy prose, stomping through the violence and witty dialogue that you would come to associate with Nixon's gleefully nasty world, and all the while getting to know Konstantin a little better. The way his story is playing out over the several novellas is akin to pulling a sticking plaster off of a particularly hairy piece of your skin. A softer, more caring writer might rip it off in one go and give you the whole story in one. Nixon, however, is no such author. He's joyfully pulling back the plaster one nasty centimetre at a time, and laughing while he does it. Superb stuff.
January 5, 2015
I first came across the main character, Konstantin, in Nixon's superb novel, 'the Fix'. There he was a relatively minor character. Here he gets to take centre stage, sharing it in part with the equally tough Fidelity, but then being a dominatrix, I guess that’s a prerequisite. But there's a lot more to both characters than that. Although this is a series of shorts, for the most part, each story leads smoothly into the next, which allows the characters space and time to develop. And they do. As an old ad once put it "gradually the ice melts". And it's Nixon's skill with characters that raises them far above being clichéd, stunted, cartoon figures. You see the hardness, discover the reasons for that hardness and gradually see the human being underneath. But don’t worry, there's also plenty of grit, spit, violence and black humour in the mix. Soft boiled it's not. Not by a long stretch.
March 17, 2014
When you pick up a Keith Nixon book, you know that you're guaranteed two things:
1) Intelligently concise, tight writing.
2) A hugely entertaining read.
Keith Nixon gives the reader a flashing glance into the world he introduced us to in his debut, The Fix, and gives us another glimpse of his great creation, Konstantin.
Keith’s irreverent, engaging writing style is perfectly paced for a novella featuring this character. Nixon’s sentence structure- short blasts of thoughts and deed- lend an urgency to the action and his story barrels along with not a whiff of fluff as a result. Excellent work from Mr N, and in many ways superior to The Fix, which I loved also.
When I grow up, I want to write like Keith.
1) Intelligently concise, tight writing.
2) A hugely entertaining read.
Keith Nixon gives the reader a flashing glance into the world he introduced us to in his debut, The Fix, and gives us another glimpse of his great creation, Konstantin.
Keith’s irreverent, engaging writing style is perfectly paced for a novella featuring this character. Nixon’s sentence structure- short blasts of thoughts and deed- lend an urgency to the action and his story barrels along with not a whiff of fluff as a result. Excellent work from Mr N, and in many ways superior to The Fix, which I loved also.
When I grow up, I want to write like Keith.
April 22, 2016
Several cracking tales in one volume of bumbling criminals, drugs, prostitution, fake psychics, and other misfortunes, most of which cross the path of the huge ex-KGb man Konstantin Boryakov at one point or another. Top notch entertainment from Keith Nixon. Fast-paced, action-packed, foul-mouthed stories with a fair dose of heart.
July 23, 2018
This is the fifth of Keith's books I've read, and I think it's my favourite yet. A standalone collection of stories all featuring enigmatic Russian, Konstantin, and featuring a support cast of colourful characters.
I adored Konstantin, although I'm not sure I was supposed to! He was so brilliantly described, I have a very clear picture of him in my mind. And I 'm a complete sucker for a man who speaks in accented broken English.
There is a huge range of lesser characters featured throughout the book, but my favourite of them was definitely Fidelity - great name, feisty and ballsy, but with a sad story. I loved the moments when they were together - their love hate relationship. I was also intrigued by the mysterious Mr Lamb.
The chapter headings are genius. Such gems as 'Super Tramp' (you need to be a certain age), 'Morning Glory', 'Glory, Glory Man United ', 'Strap It On', 'Out on a Lamb' a And my absolute favourite 'And Bob Wanted to Puke'. There are so many more, but I don't want to spoil your fun.
This is a brilliant, fun book. Violent, yes. Dark, yes. But it has black humour running all the way through it. And it made me want to visit Margate. I loved it and was delighted to see there are other books featuring Konstantin and look forward to reading more of his adventures.
I adored Konstantin, although I'm not sure I was supposed to! He was so brilliantly described, I have a very clear picture of him in my mind. And I 'm a complete sucker for a man who speaks in accented broken English.
There is a huge range of lesser characters featured throughout the book, but my favourite of them was definitely Fidelity - great name, feisty and ballsy, but with a sad story. I loved the moments when they were together - their love hate relationship. I was also intrigued by the mysterious Mr Lamb.
The chapter headings are genius. Such gems as 'Super Tramp' (you need to be a certain age), 'Morning Glory', 'Glory, Glory Man United ', 'Strap It On', 'Out on a Lamb' a And my absolute favourite 'And Bob Wanted to Puke'. There are so many more, but I don't want to spoil your fun.
This is a brilliant, fun book. Violent, yes. Dark, yes. But it has black humour running all the way through it. And it made me want to visit Margate. I loved it and was delighted to see there are other books featuring Konstantin and look forward to reading more of his adventures.
February 23, 2019
I read Keith Nixon’s Dig Two Graves last year and thoroughly enjoyed it so meeting more of his characters had to be on the cards. But Russian Roulette is a very different style of book to Dig Two Graves, though his characters are equally unique and memorable.
I loved Konstantin, he’s the ideal antihero. He doesn’t want to get involved but when he does, he doesn’t hold back. And he’s a man with plenty to stories in him. I’ve got a feeling I’ll be returning to the world of Konstantin!
Now then, what can I say about Fidelity! She’s a woman on a mission, passionate but desperate. She’s a feisty woman not to be messed with. I loved her brazenness and attitude. Mr Nixon has created one hell of a woman in Little Miss Plastic Fantastic!!
There is dark humour bubbling within the narrative. The chapter titles are slightly tongue in cheek to what’s to come and what’s happened. Konstantin is very dead pan and dark with his humour which adds to his character.
I thought when I started, this would be a simple crime/gangster style thriller but the more I read, the more layers Nixon developed and this became a complex tapestry of threads that woven themselves into the picture that is Russian Roulette.
I loved Konstantin, he’s the ideal antihero. He doesn’t want to get involved but when he does, he doesn’t hold back. And he’s a man with plenty to stories in him. I’ve got a feeling I’ll be returning to the world of Konstantin!
Now then, what can I say about Fidelity! She’s a woman on a mission, passionate but desperate. She’s a feisty woman not to be messed with. I loved her brazenness and attitude. Mr Nixon has created one hell of a woman in Little Miss Plastic Fantastic!!
There is dark humour bubbling within the narrative. The chapter titles are slightly tongue in cheek to what’s to come and what’s happened. Konstantin is very dead pan and dark with his humour which adds to his character.
I thought when I started, this would be a simple crime/gangster style thriller but the more I read, the more layers Nixon developed and this became a complex tapestry of threads that woven themselves into the picture that is Russian Roulette.
July 6, 2018
Wow! Just wow!
This is my second venture into Keith Nixons work, and I’m even more impressed than I already was!
I loved the way this book, a collection of what I have now found out were originally Novellas in their own right, was set out.
The Chapters were short and pack a whallop! The sentences are short and clipped and suit the not altogether fluffy MC konstantin VERY well.
This is not a Hero, in fact at times he’s a bit of an ass but I loved that! I ummed and arred about whether to review the collection as a whole, or each individual story, and in the end decided as a collection because there was just so much going on!
Each one of the stories has a fast paced, fun plot, but together they’re jaw droppingly good! Lots of fun and easy to read! These are not slow starters, with being shorter stories, short chapters and generally short sentences, i flew through this and was amazed by with how much detail Nixon managed to include, and how much substance there was!
With novellas I usually feel that the book has ended before i get into it, but i loved all of these! Quick to get you into the story, and written so well that you’re in the middle of everything instantly, you feel like you’re part of the story, where most novellas leave me feeling that they were a bit flat.
Absolutely recommend! Whether for someone new to the Genres, or someone who loves Crime already!
This is my second venture into Keith Nixons work, and I’m even more impressed than I already was!
I loved the way this book, a collection of what I have now found out were originally Novellas in their own right, was set out.
The Chapters were short and pack a whallop! The sentences are short and clipped and suit the not altogether fluffy MC konstantin VERY well.
This is not a Hero, in fact at times he’s a bit of an ass but I loved that! I ummed and arred about whether to review the collection as a whole, or each individual story, and in the end decided as a collection because there was just so much going on!
Each one of the stories has a fast paced, fun plot, but together they’re jaw droppingly good! Lots of fun and easy to read! These are not slow starters, with being shorter stories, short chapters and generally short sentences, i flew through this and was amazed by with how much detail Nixon managed to include, and how much substance there was!
With novellas I usually feel that the book has ended before i get into it, but i loved all of these! Quick to get you into the story, and written so well that you’re in the middle of everything instantly, you feel like you’re part of the story, where most novellas leave me feeling that they were a bit flat.
Absolutely recommend! Whether for someone new to the Genres, or someone who loves Crime already!
January 14, 2019
I am impressed that the author manages to write an interesting and detailed story based upon the area of the UK that I currently live. I enjoyed the description of Margate and Broadstairs as well as Canterbury. The other locations across East Kent are also very vividly described. The Russian in this book could have been any of the East Europeans that survive in this part of the country. I am looking forward to the next outing of Konstantin
July 22, 2018
Some people just attract trouble... The mad Russian is trying to keep a low profile but no matter where he goes trouble seems to find him. From making a connection with a homeless man, to a neighbour who just won’t leave him alone. The problem is that when you make an enemy, they generally want revenge. Konstantine can handle anyone and anything that comes his way, he just wishes for a quiet life.
July 15, 2018
After reading and loving the Solomon Grey series by Keith Nixon I decided to give his other series featuring Konstantin a go.
I'm so glad I did. Konstantin is his own enigma and is joined on his journey by some weird and wonderful characters. Dave the Rave, Fat Gary and the wonderfully named Plastic Fantastic to name but a few.
A bit violent, a bit sweary, a bit dark mixed with some laugh out loud moments made this book a fab read. I can't wait to start the next book and see what else is on store for Konstantin.
Big 5 stars.
I'm so glad I did. Konstantin is his own enigma and is joined on his journey by some weird and wonderful characters. Dave the Rave, Fat Gary and the wonderfully named Plastic Fantastic to name but a few.
A bit violent, a bit sweary, a bit dark mixed with some laugh out loud moments made this book a fab read. I can't wait to start the next book and see what else is on store for Konstantin.
Big 5 stars.
July 25, 2018
Russian Roulette Keith Nixon
This is more a series of short stories than a continuous book. It took me a while to work that out so I was trying to connect stories and characters where there was no connection!! The constant character is Konstantin: ex KGB who lands in a safe house in Margate. Why he needed a safe house isn't explained (unless I missed that bit). I really liked this charecter who is unable to avoid trouble and matches all trouble with extreme violence! The writing is gritty but there is a slap stick humour that runs throughout the book. So yes a very enjoyable book but I may need to go back to read it again and not spend time trying to connect unconnected people/stories!!
This is more a series of short stories than a continuous book. It took me a while to work that out so I was trying to connect stories and characters where there was no connection!! The constant character is Konstantin: ex KGB who lands in a safe house in Margate. Why he needed a safe house isn't explained (unless I missed that bit). I really liked this charecter who is unable to avoid trouble and matches all trouble with extreme violence! The writing is gritty but there is a slap stick humour that runs throughout the book. So yes a very enjoyable book but I may need to go back to read it again and not spend time trying to connect unconnected people/stories!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews