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DI Nick Dixon #3
Kickback
Trainee jockey, Noel Woodman, has been kicked to death by an aggressive stallion at a horse racing stables near Bridgwater. Everyone is convinced it was an accident, except his brother, Jon, home on leave from Afghanistan.
Still recovering from the physical and mental scars of his last case, DI Nick Dixon is drawn into the investigation at the point of a gun and soon begins peeling away the layers of secrets and lies.
With the pressure mounting, his determination to unlock the case is tested to the limit, and, as the hunt for the killer gathers pace, Dixon finds himself fighting for his life in the dead of night.
Still recovering from the physical and mental scars of his last case, DI Nick Dixon is drawn into the investigation at the point of a gun and soon begins peeling away the layers of secrets and lies.
With the pressure mounting, his determination to unlock the case is tested to the limit, and, as the hunt for the killer gathers pace, Dixon finds himself fighting for his life in the dead of night.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2014
1536 people are currently reading
2011 people want to read
About the author
Damien Boyd
21 books952 followersDamien Boyd is a former solicitor turned crime fiction writer.
Drawing on extensive experience of criminal law as well as a spell in the Crown Prosecution Service, Damien writes fast paced crime novels featuring Detective Inspector Nick Dixon.
Damien is published by Thomas & Mercer.
Drawing on extensive experience of criminal law as well as a spell in the Crown Prosecution Service, Damien writes fast paced crime novels featuring Detective Inspector Nick Dixon.
Damien is published by Thomas & Mercer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
April 24, 2020
An interesting murder mystery set in the cut-throat world of horse racing. Nick Dixon is investigating the death of a groom in a racing stable. The coroner has ruled the death accidental, a kick from a horse, but the man's brother kicks up merry hell, an soon Nick finds anomalies in the investigation, and reopens the case.
This book has it all, betting scams, drugs, the Albanian mob, but which, if any, of these, are the reason to murder a groom? Nick and his team have their work cut out for them to find the answers.
I found this book to be the best so far in this easy to read series. It has an intriguing plot, good, solid characters, and a realistic setting. A good, quick read for a rainy day.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This book has it all, betting scams, drugs, the Albanian mob, but which, if any, of these, are the reason to murder a groom? Nick and his team have their work cut out for them to find the answers.
I found this book to be the best so far in this easy to read series. It has an intriguing plot, good, solid characters, and a realistic setting. A good, quick read for a rainy day.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
June 9, 2018
2.5 stars.
Another slow solid (like the tortoise in Kipling’s Jungle Book), which is how I’ve come to think about Damien Boyd’s books. The mystery and police work aspects of his stories are strong, but the telling leaves a bit to be desired. Still, however, if you enjoy a mystery this is a nice way to pass the time.
Another slow solid (like the tortoise in Kipling’s Jungle Book), which is how I’ve come to think about Damien Boyd’s books. The mystery and police work aspects of his stories are strong, but the telling leaves a bit to be desired. Still, however, if you enjoy a mystery this is a nice way to pass the time.
March 30, 2014
Well written and researched police procedural with a plot centered around British racing. As a lifetime horse person, I find very few books written with a background in the equine 'industries' that are accurate.
Primarily police procedural the series seems to focus on deaths related to various sports with a likeable main character and an understated partnership/romance with a female officer that works well. I particularly appreciate the fact that there are the main characters are not taking up a third of the book with their alcohol, drug or relationship problems but are presented as sane, sensible detectives intent on doing their job.
Particularly recommended for horse people ... absolutely no stupid errors!
Primarily police procedural the series seems to focus on deaths related to various sports with a likeable main character and an understated partnership/romance with a female officer that works well. I particularly appreciate the fact that there are the main characters are not taking up a third of the book with their alcohol, drug or relationship problems but are presented as sane, sensible detectives intent on doing their job.
Particularly recommended for horse people ... absolutely no stupid errors!
March 16, 2019
Another enjoyable crime mystery in this series.
I borrowed this in audiobook format through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
I borrowed this in audiobook format through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
April 22, 2015
Another well paced and intriguing crime mystery from the pen of Damien Boyd. This is an accomplished thriller and police procedural set in the SW of England and focusing on DI Nick Dixon.
Following the brutal death of a stable boy a chance meeting with his brother leads Dixon to revisit the incident. The detective is an all round clever dick and fearless heroic guy who literally puts his all into any case he investigates and often his body on the line.
This account almost starts where book two left off with Dixon still recovering from the aftermath of that case. His relationship with his female colleague is out in the open and life seems good for them both.
However this crime will bring new threats to the pair as this multilayered story plays out against the background of horseracing, betting scandals and possible drug trafficking.
The thing I like about Boyd's writing is that it is fresh, action packed and entertaining. Here he is confident to place his mystery around a trainer's yard and the routine of going racing. Others might say this is the area of expertise of Dick Francis and other notable authors and shy away from a writing about the world of horseracing. While as a reader I am pleased with this effort and research as it brings another area of recreation and sporting interest to my attention.
Following the brutal death of a stable boy a chance meeting with his brother leads Dixon to revisit the incident. The detective is an all round clever dick and fearless heroic guy who literally puts his all into any case he investigates and often his body on the line.
This account almost starts where book two left off with Dixon still recovering from the aftermath of that case. His relationship with his female colleague is out in the open and life seems good for them both.
However this crime will bring new threats to the pair as this multilayered story plays out against the background of horseracing, betting scandals and possible drug trafficking.
The thing I like about Boyd's writing is that it is fresh, action packed and entertaining. Here he is confident to place his mystery around a trainer's yard and the routine of going racing. Others might say this is the area of expertise of Dick Francis and other notable authors and shy away from a writing about the world of horseracing. While as a reader I am pleased with this effort and research as it brings another area of recreation and sporting interest to my attention.
December 8, 2017
I don't know why I persisted with this series as long as I have. The hero is extremely annoying - he is rude and disrespectful to all his senior officers & he's having a relationship with a junior office all without any repercussions & takes his **** dog with him everywhere. He has diabetes yet he doesn't bother with eating breakfast or regular meal times and spends most of his downtime in the pub. We hear in tedious detail what he eats and drinks for every meal and his diet is almost as bad as Donald Trump's - and all that alcohol seems a bad plan for a diabetic.
The female officers are there to make cups of tea & coffee and his girlfriend also gets to treat him as though he's a recalcitrant teenager.
The plot? In between the microwaved chicken tikka and fish & chips there's some highly implausible family squabble triggered by an obviously unhinged squaddie which leads the noble DI to investigate shenanigans at a racing stable. There are rent-boys, Albanian gangsters, betting scams & shady law enforcement officers but I didn't believe any of it or care about any of the characters & it's all ludicrously pushed into the background by the endless cups of coffee!
The female officers are there to make cups of tea & coffee and his girlfriend also gets to treat him as though he's a recalcitrant teenager.
The plot? In between the microwaved chicken tikka and fish & chips there's some highly implausible family squabble triggered by an obviously unhinged squaddie which leads the noble DI to investigate shenanigans at a racing stable. There are rent-boys, Albanian gangsters, betting scams & shady law enforcement officers but I didn't believe any of it or care about any of the characters & it's all ludicrously pushed into the background by the endless cups of coffee!
March 2, 2024
Another enjoyable easy read. I love reading about local spots!
February 8, 2021
Another short fast paced murder mystery. I do enjoy the pace at which Dixon makes his way through the murder enquiries however this wasn’t my favourite of the series so far. I don’t have much of an interest in horse racing and although it’s not necessary to enjoy this story I do feel like it would add to the pleasure. Overall it was an okay read.
December 17, 2017
DI Nick Dixon Book 3
Kickback
Noel Woodman has been kicked to death by a racing horse at the racing stables in which he worked. A terrible accident, or so everyone belives.
It’s his bother Jon, who has had to take extreme measures for someone to listen to him and his belief that this was no accident.
Its DI Nick Dixon then is heading up the investigation. He certainly likes to get stuck in and is a great character.
This is the 3rd book I have read by this author, the 3rd in the series, I have really enjoyed this book found the story origional and interesting. The book certainly managed to keep my attention.
Kickback
Noel Woodman has been kicked to death by a racing horse at the racing stables in which he worked. A terrible accident, or so everyone belives.
It’s his bother Jon, who has had to take extreme measures for someone to listen to him and his belief that this was no accident.
Its DI Nick Dixon then is heading up the investigation. He certainly likes to get stuck in and is a great character.
This is the 3rd book I have read by this author, the 3rd in the series, I have really enjoyed this book found the story origional and interesting. The book certainly managed to keep my attention.
June 20, 2017
Book 3 in the DI Nick Dixon series and they just get better. This one centres around the racing world and the reader gets the impression that Damien Boyd does as much research in reality as Dixon does in the books. The level of detail is great, without being overwhelming. Another great outing for Nick, Jane and Monty
September 20, 2018
They drink an awful lot of tea this lot. I’m sure one of them will die of dry drowning sooner rather than later ..
It’s a decent little story and a VERY quick read .. I think that is why I like this author , great little stories and no rambling ....
It’s a decent little story and a VERY quick read .. I think that is why I like this author , great little stories and no rambling ....
February 22, 2021
Really good thriller
This is the third book of Boyds series I've read and he improves with every book! The book is paced well, keeps you engaged and the unpredictable plot keeps you on th your toes. A good read well recommended!
This is the third book of Boyds series I've read and he improves with every book! The book is paced well, keeps you engaged and the unpredictable plot keeps you on th your toes. A good read well recommended!
January 23, 2018
Excellent
This is the second book I have read by this author, and again I could not put it down. Excellent read. I really love the way this author writes and the pace of the book.
This is the second book I have read by this author, and again I could not put it down. Excellent read. I really love the way this author writes and the pace of the book.
December 12, 2025
Another quick paced, easy read. Love how Dixon manages to have lunch regularly, a diabetic requirement. Think red brick building was only mentioned once in this plot. Not literature, but enjoyable all the same. I couldn’t put this down. Next one please.
January 10, 2016
In Kickback, by Damien Boyd, Detective Inspector Nick Dixon "of the Avon and Somerset police" investigates the suspicious death of a groom and wannabe jockey at a British racing stable. It's no spoiler to state that the death is not what it seems. The investigation leads Dixon and his partner and paramour Jane into the intricacies of betting schemes and hidden relationships as they resolve the murder and several other scams as well.
In general I'm not a fan of minimalist writing, but in this case, Boyd supplied me with the information I needed in a style that highlighted Dixon's no-nonsense, get-the-job-done panache. The low-key, taut voice pleasantly understated Dixon's occasional (and probably obligatory) rouge-cop maneuvers and encouraged readers to supply atmosphere that might have slowed this austere plot. In short, I found myself more than willing to return each evening to Dixon's quest. In fact, I could say that Kickback provides what some of the indie horse books I've been reading recently lacks: a "voice": that elusive sense that you're hearing a unique, imaginative individual speaking to you as narrator and not just someone who has looked up the "rules" for narrative prose.
Minor quibbles: 1) The betting scheme is distinctly British, based on a bookmaker culture that American race goers may not fully understand. Boyd does a reasonable job of explaining it, but I found myself wishing the explanation was a bit more fleshed out with a specific example. 2) I didn't feel completely prepared for the twist at the end; by that, I mean that when I encountered it, I didn't find myself saying, "How fitting!" or "Now I see that I should have sensed that coming on." Still, the plotting led to it neatly enough, and I was willing to buy it if not to celebrate its cleverness or aptness.
My only real gripe is that Jane's role seems limited to passively following Dixon around, fetching his slippers and praising his acumen. I wished she could have stepped out from behind him more. I suspect she has many admirable qualities that weren't on display.
In short, a direct, clean read for horse-mystery fans. This is one of series featuring Dixon, I believe; the horses weren't center-stage, but the glimpses of the British racing world enticed and entertained.
In general I'm not a fan of minimalist writing, but in this case, Boyd supplied me with the information I needed in a style that highlighted Dixon's no-nonsense, get-the-job-done panache. The low-key, taut voice pleasantly understated Dixon's occasional (and probably obligatory) rouge-cop maneuvers and encouraged readers to supply atmosphere that might have slowed this austere plot. In short, I found myself more than willing to return each evening to Dixon's quest. In fact, I could say that Kickback provides what some of the indie horse books I've been reading recently lacks: a "voice": that elusive sense that you're hearing a unique, imaginative individual speaking to you as narrator and not just someone who has looked up the "rules" for narrative prose.
Minor quibbles: 1) The betting scheme is distinctly British, based on a bookmaker culture that American race goers may not fully understand. Boyd does a reasonable job of explaining it, but I found myself wishing the explanation was a bit more fleshed out with a specific example. 2) I didn't feel completely prepared for the twist at the end; by that, I mean that when I encountered it, I didn't find myself saying, "How fitting!" or "Now I see that I should have sensed that coming on." Still, the plotting led to it neatly enough, and I was willing to buy it if not to celebrate its cleverness or aptness.
My only real gripe is that Jane's role seems limited to passively following Dixon around, fetching his slippers and praising his acumen. I wished she could have stepped out from behind him more. I suspect she has many admirable qualities that weren't on display.
In short, a direct, clean read for horse-mystery fans. This is one of series featuring Dixon, I believe; the horses weren't center-stage, but the glimpses of the British racing world enticed and entertained.
July 23, 2017
Third in the Nick Dixon series about a Detective Inspector solving murders in small-town Somerset.
They are straightforward police procedurals without any real drama in the hero's personal life, (apart from his precious DVD collection getting shot up, that is) which makes a change, although he does regularly find himself in mortal danger, but is pretty good at getting out of it. This one is set a week after the end of the last book; Nick is recovering from being stabbed in the shoulder. Out to dinner with Jane and Roger the pathologist, he intervenes in an argument between a father and son, then is summoned in the middle of the night because the son is holding his family hostage, demanding that Nick investigate the death of his brother, apparently kicked to death by a horse in the stables where he was training to be a jockey. This leads the team into the world of horse-racing, dodgy betting and organised crime.
Like the first book did with climbing, this had a lot of detail about betting and racing that was probably not necessary for the plot, but would appeal to those interested in the subject. Dixon is smart, a bit arrogant, and doesn't mind breaking the rules but is not an all-out maverick.
I found there was a lot of extraneous detail about every cup of tea, pub lunch and car ride our heroes have, but virtually no physical descriptions of people or places. It's a minor quibble and doesn't spoil the book, but I still have no idea what Nick, Jane, Roger or DI Lewis look like. I end up picturing David Tennant but with a Somerset accent. Apart from that, it's a quick read with a satisfactory ending.
They are straightforward police procedurals without any real drama in the hero's personal life, (apart from his precious DVD collection getting shot up, that is) which makes a change, although he does regularly find himself in mortal danger, but is pretty good at getting out of it. This one is set a week after the end of the last book; Nick is recovering from being stabbed in the shoulder. Out to dinner with Jane and Roger the pathologist, he intervenes in an argument between a father and son, then is summoned in the middle of the night because the son is holding his family hostage, demanding that Nick investigate the death of his brother, apparently kicked to death by a horse in the stables where he was training to be a jockey. This leads the team into the world of horse-racing, dodgy betting and organised crime.
Like the first book did with climbing, this had a lot of detail about betting and racing that was probably not necessary for the plot, but would appeal to those interested in the subject. Dixon is smart, a bit arrogant, and doesn't mind breaking the rules but is not an all-out maverick.
I found there was a lot of extraneous detail about every cup of tea, pub lunch and car ride our heroes have, but virtually no physical descriptions of people or places. It's a minor quibble and doesn't spoil the book, but I still have no idea what Nick, Jane, Roger or DI Lewis look like. I end up picturing David Tennant but with a Somerset accent. Apart from that, it's a quick read with a satisfactory ending.
February 17, 2025
Easy listen
Read
April 26, 2021I have had all that I can take of this book, this series and this author. I read this one hoping against hope that it would be an improvement over the first two, but alas, it is more of the same. I realize how snobbish it may sound to suggest that this is pure drivel. It is not even mediocre mystery writing. I got to the point where I could no longer stomach Nick Dickson, who is absolutely inept at solving a mystery, and spends all of his energy padding his macho notion of himself! He is certainly capable of breaking all the rules...due process and departmental chain of command.... There is also the ethical issues with sleeping with his underling. And the way his immediate supervisor, Lewis coddles and puts up with his insubordination and other crap, gives one indigestion. I was frankly amazed at some of the positive reviews I read here, and while I do make allowances for a variety of tastes and preferences, anyone who thinks that this is even remotely good mystery writing must be completely unaware of any of the competent let alone the great ones.
September 19, 2016
Another great read.
I just adore Dixon. His and Jane’s relationship is without passion but they do say some cute things to each other.
This time they’re looking for the murderer of a would-be jockey. And, good grief, it sure was a surprise ending. And, again, how they go about finding the proof is amazing.
I like the team, too: Jane, Louise, Dave, Mark and DCI Lewis. They all share the misery of hunting for clues that lead somewhere, or lead nowhere.
There’s swearing and the F-bomb is used 18 times.
As to the narrator: I think I’m enjoying this series so much is because of Napoleon Ryan. His male and female voices are so fantastic.
I just adore Dixon. His and Jane’s relationship is without passion but they do say some cute things to each other.
This time they’re looking for the murderer of a would-be jockey. And, good grief, it sure was a surprise ending. And, again, how they go about finding the proof is amazing.
I like the team, too: Jane, Louise, Dave, Mark and DCI Lewis. They all share the misery of hunting for clues that lead somewhere, or lead nowhere.
There’s swearing and the F-bomb is used 18 times.
As to the narrator: I think I’m enjoying this series so much is because of Napoleon Ryan. His male and female voices are so fantastic.
November 15, 2016
Another great Nick Dixon Novel.
To be honest, I learnt a bit about Horse Racing that I wasn't aware of. Unfortunately that has resulted in me spending most of the last two days doing some additional 'research' into the subject matter.
I feel the characters probably were a little more convincing in this novel, although I would still have my normal complaint about the lack of a little more character substance.
I can't take anything away from the crime aspect though, and I know a lot of people are happy to have more focus on the crime/mystery then the characters themselves.
To be honest, I learnt a bit about Horse Racing that I wasn't aware of. Unfortunately that has resulted in me spending most of the last two days doing some additional 'research' into the subject matter.
I feel the characters probably were a little more convincing in this novel, although I would still have my normal complaint about the lack of a little more character substance.
I can't take anything away from the crime aspect though, and I know a lot of people are happy to have more focus on the crime/mystery then the characters themselves.
January 17, 2015
Review: KICKBACK by Damian Boyd (DI NICK DIXON #3)
Possibly the best yet in this quite engrossing series, Detective Inspector Nick Dixon of Avon and Somerset Police is inadvertently drawn into a domestic hostage situation, and from that into the death of a young stable lad which had already been ruled accidental. As he peels away layers of deception, DI Dixon gets an education in horse racing, betting, and potential crimes associated with this activity. Once again, the final denouement surprises and enlightens Dixon and his crew--and will readers as well.
Possibly the best yet in this quite engrossing series, Detective Inspector Nick Dixon of Avon and Somerset Police is inadvertently drawn into a domestic hostage situation, and from that into the death of a young stable lad which had already been ruled accidental. As he peels away layers of deception, DI Dixon gets an education in horse racing, betting, and potential crimes associated with this activity. Once again, the final denouement surprises and enlightens Dixon and his crew--and will readers as well.
December 3, 2016
These books are quick reads and fast paced. DI Dixon manages to learn enough about horses, betting on races and other criminal activities to keep the action entertaining. This DI has nine lives it would seem. While recovering from the shoulder injury from the 2nd book, Dixon is called in to resolve armed hostage event leading to murder investigation at a horse farm.
April 14, 2014
Another excellent book in the DI Nick Dixon series. Once again well written and fast paced. Eagerly awaiting the next book which is due in the summer and after the three I've already read I know I will not be disappointed.
September 14, 2014
Another brilliant read from Damien Boyd. Set in the world of horse racing it wss very reminiscent of the great Dick Francis. Loved it.
December 12, 2014
Beginning to like the series now, characters really developing nicely, next up book 4
February 17, 2015
Great book
Very suspenseful I have really been enjoying this series of books.you have no idea who does the crime until the end of the story.Very enjoy
Very suspenseful I have really been enjoying this series of books.you have no idea who does the crime until the end of the story.Very enjoy
September 25, 2015
another great book by Damien Boyd,addictive storyline as usual and DI Dixon is brilliant in every book i have read had me hooked from the first page. I recommend this book
November 24, 2019
I am finding this series good holiday reading. We are on a cruise at the moment and have a sea day today as we head back to Puerto Rico. These books are entertaining page turners and definitely not taxing and so fit for purpose.
This book opens with a groom performing the early morning tasks for a race day, feeding and mucking out the horses. The Prologue tells us that he has not had an easy life but that he has now found his purpose in life, horses. Unfortunately, his purpose does not last very long as he is hit over the head repeatedly and dies.
DI Nick Dixon, fresh out of hospital after he was stabbed in the shoulder arresting the murderer at the end of Head in the Sand, is having dinner with his girlfriend and fellow officer, Jane, and the pathologist, Roger. This is a night out and a night off but not for long. One of the other diners is causing a scene which begins to turn violent. Of course, Nick steps in and calms things down. The cause of the scene is the recent death of the brother of the two remaining siblings and their father. The sister and father are happy to accept the accidental death verdict they have been given but the brother, a soldier on compassionate leave for the funeral cannot. He is certain his brother was murdered. The next thing Nick knows is being woken in the middle of the night by hammering on the door. The row began again once the family got home and the brother is holding his family hostage at gun point. He wants to speak to Nick. Ignoring instructions from his senior officers, Nick goes into the house and promises the brother to investigate the death.
A second post-mortem, this time conducted by Roger, confirms the brother’s suspicions are correct. Noel Woodman was murdered but it was made to look as though one of the horses had kicked him to death. This starts Nick on a trail which has horse racing betting scams, drug smuggling, Albanian crime lords and undercover investigations along the way. Is one of these the reason he was killed or is it something of a much more personal nature that led to his death?
This book opens with a groom performing the early morning tasks for a race day, feeding and mucking out the horses. The Prologue tells us that he has not had an easy life but that he has now found his purpose in life, horses. Unfortunately, his purpose does not last very long as he is hit over the head repeatedly and dies.
DI Nick Dixon, fresh out of hospital after he was stabbed in the shoulder arresting the murderer at the end of Head in the Sand, is having dinner with his girlfriend and fellow officer, Jane, and the pathologist, Roger. This is a night out and a night off but not for long. One of the other diners is causing a scene which begins to turn violent. Of course, Nick steps in and calms things down. The cause of the scene is the recent death of the brother of the two remaining siblings and their father. The sister and father are happy to accept the accidental death verdict they have been given but the brother, a soldier on compassionate leave for the funeral cannot. He is certain his brother was murdered. The next thing Nick knows is being woken in the middle of the night by hammering on the door. The row began again once the family got home and the brother is holding his family hostage at gun point. He wants to speak to Nick. Ignoring instructions from his senior officers, Nick goes into the house and promises the brother to investigate the death.
A second post-mortem, this time conducted by Roger, confirms the brother’s suspicions are correct. Noel Woodman was murdered but it was made to look as though one of the horses had kicked him to death. This starts Nick on a trail which has horse racing betting scams, drug smuggling, Albanian crime lords and undercover investigations along the way. Is one of these the reason he was killed or is it something of a much more personal nature that led to his death?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2022
When a trainee jockey’s death is found to be accidental, some unusual circumstances force DI Nick Dixon to re-look at the situation. What he finds is not only that the death was clearly murder, but the entire situation at the jockey’s stables is fraught with shady dealings. All too soon Nick and his team are thrust into a dangerous world within the racing community, full of racing scams and murky morals. There are plenty of people happy to muddy their feet to keep their secrets hidden – and won’t quibble who needs to die in order for this to be laid to rest.
This is the third book featuring DI Nick Dixon and I am really enjoying this series. With this book revolving mainly around the racing world – both at the track and some British stables – this reminded me very much of the older, original Dick Francis novels. I started reading those as a teenager and still enjoy them to this very day, so it was a real pleasure to find another author who has written something in a similar vein. A fairly straight cut murder mystery with strong ties of police procedural this book balanced very well some excellent characters and a strong and sensible plot.
Readers who are looking for a heavily action-based (movie-like) sort of novel might find this pace a little slow, but personally I really enjoyed it, finding the extra time fleshing out the characters and police team in particular really balanced with the complexities of the plot.
An excellent police-procedural style of story with a solid plot and some interesting characters, this is a great read and one I really enjoyed. Recommended.
This is the third book featuring DI Nick Dixon and I am really enjoying this series. With this book revolving mainly around the racing world – both at the track and some British stables – this reminded me very much of the older, original Dick Francis novels. I started reading those as a teenager and still enjoy them to this very day, so it was a real pleasure to find another author who has written something in a similar vein. A fairly straight cut murder mystery with strong ties of police procedural this book balanced very well some excellent characters and a strong and sensible plot.
Readers who are looking for a heavily action-based (movie-like) sort of novel might find this pace a little slow, but personally I really enjoyed it, finding the extra time fleshing out the characters and police team in particular really balanced with the complexities of the plot.
An excellent police-procedural style of story with a solid plot and some interesting characters, this is a great read and one I really enjoyed. Recommended.
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