Bristol Summer

by A.A. Edwards

BRISTOL SUMMER
A Killer Seasons Crime Thriller — Book One

By A. A. Edwards

A city in the grip of summer. A killer hiding behind faith. A detective fighting demons of his own.

Bristol is sweltering beneath the summer sun, but something far darker is unfolding beneath the city's surface.

When a young woman's murder leads detectives to a disturbing discovery at Arnos Vale Cemetery, it becomes clear that they're dealing with something far more sinister than an isolated killing.

For Detective Sergeant Dai Edwards, returning to the police force after a battle with cancer should have been an opportunity to rebuild his life. Instead, he finds himself investigating a series of brutal murders while struggling with addiction, guilt and the consequences of his past.

Alongside the sharp-witted Detective Constable Chloe Price, Dai follows a trail of religious obsession, buried secrets and disturbing family histories. As the investigation stretches beyond Bristol, the detectives discover that the truth is far more complicated than either imagined.

But the closer Dai gets to the killer, the more his own demons threaten to destroy everything he's fighting to save.

With a murderer still at large and another life hanging in the balance, Dai must confront a terrifying

Can he save someone else when he's still struggling to save himself?

Set against the streets, landmarks and hidden corners of Bristol, Bristol Summer combines a dark serial-killer mystery with humour, flawed characters and an exploration of addiction, recovery and redemption.

NEWLY REVISED EDITION — FEATURING A BRAND-NEW PROLOGUEThis updated edition of Bristol Summer features a new prologue, carefully refined prose, improved pacing and enhanced continuity throughout.

Revisited and revised by the author, this edition offers readers a more polished introduction to Detective Sergeant Dai Edwards and the Killer Seasons series.

Some secrets refuse to stay buried. And in Bristol, summer can be deadly.

358 pages, Paperback

Published January 11, 2026

About the author

Born in the South Wales valleys in the 80s and now based in Bristol, I’m a working-class writer drawn to the darker, more human side of life.

My writing is shaped by real experience — anxiety, depression, addiction, domestic abuse, loneliness, and surviving bowel cancer. Writing became a way of making sense of what I’d lived through and turning it into something honest that might help someone else feel less alone.

I write both fiction and non-fiction, but everything I create comes from the same place: flawed people, difficult truths, and the hope that even damaged lives can still mean something.

When I’m not writing, I’m usually in the gym, watching horror films, or recharging around animals, coffee, and creativity.

I come from very little, but I believe we can all build something meaningful from the wreckage.

Reviews

[Ché White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I wasn’t able to read much while I was away but once I picked it back up I couldn’t stop. Being from Bristol myself it’s always great to read a book set in my home city. This book is a fast paced page turner just what I enjoy. The ending has me already thinking about the next book in the series and I’m already trying to guess what is going to happen in book number two.

[Zan Hbgj · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intense and chilling read that kept me on edge throughout.
The killer’s presence felt close, making every chapter more terrifying.
I loved the contrast between the two detectives and their growth.
Five stars for this fast-paced and addictive crime story.

[Poskana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the very first page.
The heat, the tension, and the rising fear felt incredibly real.
Dai and Chloe made such a powerful and unforgettable duo.
A dark, gripping thriller I highly recommend to crime fans.

[Stacey H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Bristol Summer expecting a standard detective thriller, but what I got was something far more gripping and atmospheric. From the very first chapter, A.A. Edwards creates a tense, suffocating sense of fear hanging over Bristol as the heatwave intensifies and the murders become increasingly disturbing. The setting itself almost feels alive oppressive, restless, and dangerous.

What stood out most to me was the partnership between DC Dai Edwards and DC Chloe Price. Their dynamic felt authentic and layered rather than forced. Dai carries the weight of old scars and skepticism, while Chloe brings determination and optimism without ever feeling naïve. Watching the two slowly learn to trust one another became just as compelling as the murder investigation itself.

The killer’s presence is handled brilliantly. Instead of relying purely on gore or shock value, the author builds psychological tension chapter by chapter. There were moments where I genuinely felt uneasy turning the pages because the pacing made it impossible to relax. Every lead seemed to uncover something darker underneath.

I also appreciated how realistic the police work felt. The investigation unfolds carefully, with frustration, dead ends, pressure from the public, and internal conflict all adding to the realism. It never felt rushed or overly dramatic for the sake of entertainment.

By the final act, I was completely invested and honestly couldn’t stop reading. The twists were clever without feeling unbelievable, and the emotional impact stayed with me long after I finished. Bristol Summer is the kind of crime thriller that deserves attention from fans of dark British detective fiction. A tense, intelligent, and genuinely addictive read.

[Dave Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored every second of Bristol Summer. The storytelling is rich, layered, and incredibly engaging. The author has a gift for creating atmosphere—you can almost feel the summer breeze and hear the city buzzing. The relationships in this book are written with so much care and authenticity. I laughed, I cried, and I reflected deeply. This is a masterpiece of contemporary fiction. Highly recommended.

[Edwina Cassim · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the worst book I’ve read in a long time. It’s clearly not been copy edited or proofread and there’s holes in the story throughout the book. The only redeeming feature this book has are the 2 main detectives Dai and Chloe. If the author cleaned up his writing Dai and Chloe could be turned in to a series as they are both likeable characters. Unfortunately the sloppy writing ruins it. This book is an embarrassment to the self publishing world.

[Douglas Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, heartfelt story. Bristol Summer feels like a love letter to both a place and a moment in time. The characters are so well-developed that they feel like real people you could meet. I was especially impressed by the emotional nuance throughout the story. The ending was both satisfying and thought-provoking. This book deserves all the praise it’s getting. Truly exceptional

[Williams Aaliyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a remarkable read. Bristol Summer is filled with emotion, beauty, and truth. The author’s ability to capture human experiences is truly impressive. I connected deeply with the characters and their journeys. The setting felt alive and integral to the story. Every moment felt intentional and meaningful. This book is a work of art.

[Stella Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely captivated by Bristol Summer. The writing is vivid and full of life. The author creates such a strong sense of place and atmosphere. The emotional journey of the characters is both powerful and authentic. I loved how the story unfolded naturally. It’s a deeply satisfying and meaningful read. Five stars without hesitation.

[Lynn Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast moving with a good story.