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From the bestselling DI Nick Dixon crime series, secrets, lies, and a truth buried in a borrowed grave.

A body is found in a newly dug grave in a rural Somerset churchyard. The murder matches a series of brutal attacks blamed on a serial killer in Devon, and a DNA profile neatly points to the same suspect.

Fresh from another bruising encounter with the Professional Standards Department, Acting Detective Superintendent Nick Dixon knows the scene is wrong and the evidence staged—someone else has engineered this killing to silence the victim.

Ordered not to overcomplicate the investigation, and with his judgement under scrutiny, Dixon must choose between the convenient solution or digging deeper to uncover a truth someone is desperate to hide.

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2026

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About the author

Damien Boyd

28 books1,001 followers
Damien 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.

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5 stars
1,732 (73%)
4 stars
496 (21%)
3 stars
115 (4%)
2 stars
12 (<1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
4 reviews
August 12, 2026
another brilliant book

Yet another one that I read almost in one sitting.

Hopefully he focuses on this series again and doesn’t get distracted by the other one … that just doesn’t work for me
Profile Image for Nicola McMurray.
11 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2026
The main character walked his dog too much and as a whole I found this book a SLOG.
Profile Image for Joe Maggs.
275 reviews5 followers
August 21, 2026
I thought this was pretty good - I enjoyed the setting of this in a Navy/Submarine context, although it did in parts come across as slightly clunky and trying to shoehorn as much jargon and newly-acquired knowledge in as possible - Boyd admits in the authors note at the end that he took quite a shine to all this stuff! He also acknowledges doing something different in putting Nick Dixon the character abroad or another part of the country and Devon was as far as he got - call me a traditionalist but I want more Somerset, that’s what I read these for!
Profile Image for Chloe Rebecca.
630 reviews10 followers
August 21, 2026
Seeing Red by Damien Boyd was a twisty, gripping read! A body is discovered in a newly dug grave in a Somerset churchyard, and the murder appears to match a series of brutal attacks linked to a suspected serial killer in Devon. With DNA pointing neatly to the same suspect, it looks like an open-and-shut case but Nick Dixon isn’t convinced…

This is book 16 in the DI Nick Dixon series, although I’ve only actually read book 1, and it worked absolutely fine as a standalone. I was unsure about Nick in the first book, but I really loved him here. His no-nonsense approach to the investigation and his loyalty to those around him really stood out. I do think I would have benefitted from reading the previous books in the series as it would have helped me with the peripheral characters, and I would have liked to have known more about his and Jane’s relationship, as well as what happened to them in the last book.

I loved the twists and turns, especially how almost everyone seemed suspicious and you constantly felt like you couldn’t trust anyone. I really enjoyed how the investigation gradually peeled back layers of secrets and lies, with each new revelation making me reconsider what I thought I knew. The eventual resolution felt particularly satisfying because Nick’s determination to look beyond the obvious answer pays off, rather than the mystery being solved by a convenient coincidence. I also loved the little glimpses of Nick as a dad and Monty being ultra-protective of baby Peter was definitely a highlight! 🐶❤️

I would definitely recommend this series, and I would like to go back to the beginning and read the books that I’ve missed 😊
Profile Image for Chrissie Patterson.
200 reviews9 followers
August 20, 2026
Seeing Red is my second Damien Boyd book, and I really enjoyed this one! I found it much more gripping than the previous book I read and once I got into the investigation, I really didn’t want to put it down.

When a body is discovered in a newly dug grave in a Somerset churchyard, the evidence appears to point towards a case that has already been solved. But Nick Dixon isn’t convinced that everything is quite as straightforward as it seems. With pressure mounting and his own professional reputation on the line, he is determined to uncover the truth.

I really liked the police procedural aspect of this. The investigation was interesting, with plenty of twists and turns, and I enjoyed the politics that were woven throughout the story. There were enough layers to keep me guessing and although I did guess the culprit, I think that was more down to luck than any clever detective work on my part!

Nick Dixon is a brilliant main character and I really liked his team too. They are all very likeable and I would definitely like to learn more about them. As this is book 16 in the series, I imagine I would get much more of their backstories and relationships by going back and reading the previous books, which I am now tempted to do.

A gripping and enjoyable police procedural with an engaging investigation, likeable characters and plenty of twists. I will definitely be picking up more from this series.
Profile Image for molly ⸆⸉.
478 reviews
August 22, 2026
2 stars

Seeing Red by damien boyd
this book was gifted to me by tandem collective as part of their readalong.
And I hate to say it this book wasnt for me.
I did like the atmosphere of the book and I really liked the prologue of it,
however I didnt get the whole army aspect and got confused as things happened so fast without explanation. things felt rushed over and characters were being introduced every other page. It may have helped if i read the others in the series [ so it may partially be on me lol ] thats my review on seeing red
2 reviews
August 15, 2026
Another terrifically entertaining Nick Dixon

Each time I read a Damien Both novel about Nick Dixon, I say this one's definitely the best and then the next one comes along. I try really hard not to read so fast so it lasts longer but that is very difficult to do. Liked that it was in a different territory this time and particularly the Navy info. As always not only is the plot great but I love the way he always sets the scene. I feel like I'm watching a movie in my mind. Another one as soon as possible, please.
Profile Image for Bob  Hiscocks.
110 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2026
What a read! I just couldn't put this one down. Waited 12 months for it and in 2 days it's all over. This really was a storyline with a difference. If you don't read another Damien Boyd make sure you read this one. I've loved the whole series but this, I think, was the best one. A real page turner.
Profile Image for Maria.
294 reviews7 followers
August 13, 2026
Masterful plot weaving

There is never any doubt about whether your will enjoy a book by Damien Boyd. Equally, there is never any doubt that you will not be able to work out all the intricate whys and wherefores, as this masterful plot weaving keeps you guessing till the end. I tried so hard to make this book last, but the plot kept me gripped and the need to know who, what and why led me to a late night finish within a day. I hope there will be many more books in this series yet.
Profile Image for Bookworm86 .
2,170 reviews155 followers
August 22, 2026
BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Seeing Red ' by Damien Boyd

This is the third book I have read by this incredible author and I cannot wait to read all the books in between that I have yet to read!! What an absolutely gripping, tension packed addition to this page turning series! An absolute must read for any fans of suspense, crime and/or thriller books! It is the sixteenth book in Damien's 'DI Nick Dixon' series but each book can be read as a standalone. I have previously read 'As The Crow Flies' (book 1)and 'Blue Blood' (book 15) and would highly recommend them all.

I absolutely LOVED this book and I really cannot wait to go back and get stuck in to Damien's previous and future books, especially the previous and next books in this series!! What an absolutely gripping read!!

OMG!! What an absolutely EPIC twist packed and non stop page-turner!!!! Just flipping wow!!!! This book is seriously an absolutely epic, suspense filled crime thriller!! I was completely hooked from the very first page and throughout!

This book truly is an absolutely epic page turner!!! Well done to Damien Boyd on yet ANOTHER absolutely INCREDIBLELY addictive, action packed and explosive fast paced read! I would always recommend reading books in a series in order but if you cant resist reading this one first, and who would blame you with this eye catching cover and synopsis sucking you in, plus the fact we actually have some sun so it would make a great read for the garden while sunbathing then have no fear! There is a silver lining in reading later books in a series first. That is that after you finished and fallen in love with this book and Nick, which you will, you can go back and read the previous fifteen books in this series while you are extremely impatiently and eagerly waiting for the next book in this series to come. Now is also the perfect time to start reading this series as all books are FREE with Kindle Unlimited so run and grab your copy now! In fact, save yourself some time and just grab them all while your there as once you have read one book in this series you will be hooked and end up going back and getting them all anyway! Well done Damien, yet again you have 1000% absolutely smashed it!!!!!!! There is literally nothing that I can say that will justify how good this book is and I cannot wait to meet DI Nick Dixon again in the future books in this extremely promising series. With a storyline ram packed with crime, action, regrets, drama, grit, emotions, suspense, mystery, atmosphere, tension, lies, family, a serial killer, deceit, secrets, desperation, danger, grief, a cute dog and so much more what on Earth are you waiting for? If you are a fan of crime, thrillers, suspense or just looking for a brilliant read then THIS is the book you are looking for!! What you actually need to do now is stop wasting your time reading this, RUN like you have never RUN before, do not walk and grab your copy of this gripping page turner now. Oh and definitely make sure that you have cleared your schedules as once you start this book you will not be able to put it down! This book is fantastically written with vivid descriptions setting the picture perfectly in the readers mind. I absolutely LOVED the unique storyline which had me hooked from the very first page to the last. The only problem you will have when it comes to this book is putting it back down! I will not say anything about the storyline as the publisher has done a fantastic job of this in the synopsis and I do not want to run the risk of giving anything away but If you want to know more then grab your copy of this gripping page turner today and I can GUARANTEE you will not regret it!!! Seriously people, what are you waiting for?!! Damien's absolutely incredible evocative descriptions will have you feeling every emotion that each of the characters are feeling from desperation to anger to fear, shock to tension!! It is one of the most unforgettable and unputdownable books I have ever read!! His brilliant storytelling and writing sucks the reader straight into the storyline with the characters and surroundings coming to life around them. As I was reading this book I could feel my heartbeat speeding up as I was getting a dark sense of foreboding the deeper into the book I got!! It is one of those books that I just simply could not put down and I walked around everywhere with my book glued to my hands. Every single chapter ended in a way that I had to know what was going to happen next and then it would move on to the next chapter and do the same so I blew through this in one sitting of just a few hours. Each and every single one of the characters were perfectly written and each had their own unique and strong personalities with individual strengths, weaknesses, quirks, flaws and more. I really cannot wait to meet them again in any possible future books and also going back to read the previous books by this incredible author. You need to clear your schedules because you will not be able to put this book down. AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ!! The characters were all very strong and realistic and Damien's writing ensured they jumped off the pages at me. They all have their own unique personalities and I enjoyed discovering their histories as the story unravelled. Pick up your copy of this book today and meet these fantastic characters yourself. However, I have got to admit that my absolute favourite just had to be Nick's adorable dog Monty! I am a MASSIVE animal lover and even run my own rescue which is called Golden Oldies Cat Rescue And Hospice (you can find me on social media if you wish). Therefore, any animals in books are a HUGE bonus for me and I cannot wait to meet Monty again in future books. Nick then comes a very close second to his dog lol. I found him realistic, relatable and I enjoyed getting to know him and am looking forward to getting to know even more in the previous and future books. All of the characters are unique with their own personalities, weaknesses, flaws and strengths and I loved meeting and getting to know them all. The only downfall with the characters is that they are entirely fictional even though Damien brings them to life unfortunately, no matter how much I would love to, I am unable to meet up with them in the real world!! I was completely invested in them all throughout and I was gutted when the time came to say Goodbye! Damien truly does an absolutely amazing job of bringing the story to life and the characters leap out of the pages as your turning them thanks to his evocative writing skills and I enjoyed getting to meet them all!! It really goes to show how talented she is creating such a wonderful storyline and all these brilliant characters in his book!

A MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS to Damien on ANOTHER absolutely gripping, explosive, addictive, action packed, explosive and must read unique page turner!!! I cannot wait to get stuck into more of your previous and future books. I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie!!! This is the exact reason that you are on my favourite author list and here's to your next success 🥂

Overall an absolutely unputdownable addictive and explosive MUST READ!!


@DamienBoyd @AmazonPublishing @ThomasMercer @tandemcollectiveuk
#SeeingRed #DINickDixon #DamienBoyd #AmazonPublishing #ThomasMercer #TandemCollectiveUK #ReadAlong


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Profile Image for Lynn Preston.
16 reviews
August 30, 2026
For those people who are already familiar with and interested in the Nick Dixon series, this is a ‘next in series’ book which is well worth reading. I like Boyd’s development of the main characters and the descriptions of each one. I am always a bit shocked at how much Dixon neglects his general health, considering his was, in the past athletic and sporty. He now has a family and he is type one diabetic, but still he lives on crap food like pizzas and fruit pastels. Of course, he is obsessive about his job, but still his lifestyle is weird - or does everyone eat their dinner at midnight then take the dog on the beach for a run, change a few nappies in the night and leave the house by 7 am the next morning? Bit if a stretch to me!

In terms of the plot, I was amazed at the detail in this book, mainly concerning the Royal Navy, submarines and submariners and the problems around classified information and the Official Secrets Act. The story concerned the relationship between the navy, civil society and the police when a serious crime takes place involving navy personnel. All of which was interesting and well thought through. I was enjoying the story, the plot and the characters until … there was a point where the story became a bit too complicated and too long. The ending didn’t quite come up to the build up and climax of the book and thus I’ve rated it four stars and not five.
Profile Image for Chloe.
165 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2026
This is book 16 in the DI Nick Dixon series and, as expected, it didn't disappoint. It was twisty and full to the brim with suspicion, in a setting that was completely new to me- submarine/navy.

When a body is discovered in a newly dug grave and the evidence links to a series of brutal attacks in Devon, it seems like the net is closing in on the suspected serial killer. However DI Nick Dixon isn't convinced that this is the open and shut case it appears to be...

I enjoyed being back with Nick and his team, particularly following on with the backstories that many of us are invested in. It was lovely seeing Nick in the dad role too. I found the Navy/Submarine setting to be quite unique for me and I liked learning about the subject along the way. However I did find it a bit heavy at times, which i understand more after reading the authors footnote. The investigation was very engaging and kept me gripped with interest though. This was definitely a book that had you suspecting everyone and their potential motives from the start. It was really hard to pinpoint just one suspect until you put all the clues together.

Overall, it was a great read that kept me reading on wanting to know more. I would definitely recommend giving the series a go, it just wasn't a favourite out of the out of the ones i have previously read in the series.
Profile Image for Naturalbri (Bri Wignall).
1,456 reviews122 followers
September 7, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found the plot interesting and the way it was presented was really good. The author had a way of creating enough doubt in situations or characters that you spent time questioning exactly whether something was true or really happening and that really opened up the fun of trying to figure out what was really happening behind the scenes.
I liked the characters and how well the author developed them. It gave us time to get to know them and decide how we felt about their honesty levels or trustworthiness. Then the author would sprinkle in those bits of doubt and really make you wonder if you had misjudged the characters. It was done very well.
I also liked the pace and flow of the book. It really built a great feeling and made the book enjoyable and exciting to read. I found myself excited to come back to read regularly and that was also a great feeling.
Overall, a brilliant book and one I really am glad I got the chance to give a go. I will be looking out for more from this author.
Profile Image for D.
32 reviews
August 18, 2026
Excellent, again

KUDOS to the author’s proof editor, Gemma Wain. It is a real pleasure in this day of digital publishing to be able to read through a story without being pulled up short by obvious errors. Her skill is obvious in the free flow of Damien Boyd’s story.
I very much enjoyed the audio accompanying my Kindle Unlimited book. It’s impressive how he can switch voices so effectively. When a character hasn’t been present for some time the fact that he was immediately identifiable really struck me.
Nick always digs up so much background that I did find myself pausing the audio and reading back through some pages on occasion to be sure I digested the information fully. What a delight to have both options at hand!
No pressure, but I’m eagerly looking forward to the next volume.
Profile Image for Hayley.
340 reviews13 followers
August 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It was good to be back with Nick Dixon, I have only read the first book in the series and this one! There are clearly things that I have missed in between but I don’t think it matters! (I will however be going back to read the ones in between as I do like Nick.

I think one of the things that I like about the character of Nick is that fact that he cares and also isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right. The storyline in this gripped me from the start and it was like a puzzle with different pieces that slotted together and I really enjoyed it, it was all the same storyline instead of different stories but the different parts to it made it a very interesting read.

I found that I couldn’t put it down I just needed to know who it was that was responsible and why! Brilliantly written and I’m looking forward to both going back and reading and the next one!
Profile Image for Rebecca Davenport.
111 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2026
4.25 stars

Thank you to Tandem Collective, the author and publisher for gifting me a copy of this book for a readalong.

I really enjoyed this book, having only read book one in the series i was concerned i wouldn't appreciate it the same, I was wrong.

This made for compelling reading and the biggest struggle I had was sticking to the daily chapters of the readalong as i could have quite easily read this in a couple of sittings.

There is a fantastic balance of family life and solving murders. It really brings in to focus how competitive different police forces can be which astounds me.

It's a great story with great characters all of which you suspect of having ulterior motives or darkness to be discovered and i found the ending really satisfying.

And I can't forget Monty - IYKYK
Profile Image for Kathryn.
316 reviews18 followers
August 25, 2026
I really enjoyed this. There were lots of different strands being pulled together. I liked how it wasn't obvious what was going on and I was kept guessing.
I liked how Dixon doesn't always play by the rules but his team still trusts him to get results. The characters were interesting and I would love to read more from this series.
A lot of the story is based around the Navy and submarines. I found it fascinating and it reminded me a bit of the TV show NCIS.

This is a fast-paced and action packed British crime thriller. There were lots of layers to the mystery and unexpected outcomes. I did try to pace myself because I was reading as part of a readalong, but I could easily have finished this in a day because it was addictive!
Profile Image for Rosemary Dreyer.
1,669 reviews6 followers
September 3, 2026
I really enjoy the Nick Dixon series. This book was a little different as much of the action took place on a Naval Base. What I loved: Jane and Nick as parents; Monty as the baby guardian; learning about water based wind turbines; learning about British military; new characters that were well crafted; some characters from other books that have really grown in a positive way; Nick’s quiet investigations and how he keeps a lot close to his chest; the competition between different police forces; Nick’s team; the original initial murder sites. Bravo to this author for another great novel. I would recommend this series.
Profile Image for Louise Ridout.
194 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2026
Book 16 in the DI Nick Dixon series, and another good story but not my favourite unfortunately. Personally I found there to be too many characters and titles to keep track of, and all the Navy terminology, whilst appropriate for the book, wasn’t for me and felt a bit clunky. The pacing didn’t seem as fast as some of the previous books in the series, and the tiny scenes at home with Jane and Peter felt very much like filler, and basically the same thing on repeat. I’ll read the next in the series as I do usually like them but this just wasn’t for me.
11 reviews
August 18, 2026
Gripping as always.

Although you could read this book without any knowledge of Nick Dixon’s past, as even references to previous stories are well thought our, reading all the others, in order, gives a really good understanding of all the main characters. With that in mind, it’s a testament to the author’s work that you never find yourself thinking anything is out of character. And that makes for a much more engaging story.
The plot might be fictitious, but subplots and the background are all very realistic, making this a difficult book to put down.
More please, Mr Boyd!
72 reviews
August 18, 2026
One of my new favorites!

A page-turner for sure! Plot, pacing, and characters were all spot on. I was so worried the 3-D gun charges were going to drag through this story. Thank you for wrapping it up. Nick and Jane are extremely likable, dynamic characters. It’s about time they found a bit of happiness. They are a perfect compliment to each other. I look forward to them working new cases together. Perhaps that sharp female officer from the Royal Navy would make a great addition to their team!
Profile Image for Toni.
201 reviews
August 23, 2026
This had the perfect mix of good pacing, intriguing case and enjoyable characters!

What stood out for me was the case itself. I love a layered mystery and this definitely delivered.
I had my suspicions early on but there was so much more to unravel and so many red herrings I was second guessing myself! And I was only partially right!

I actually read the first Nick Dixon book earlier this year. But seeing how far he's come - I'm going to go back and read the whole series. This is book 16 and I love a big series to binge!

Overall a gripping, twisty and enjoyable police procedural that I'd definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Staceywh_17.
4,088 reviews12 followers
August 23, 2026
First of all I need to 'fess up that I'd actually finished the book within twenty-four hours of the readalong starting. What can I say? It was too good to wait...

Seeing Red is the sixteenth book in Boyd's DI Nick Dixon series. It's the second I've read from the series, and just like it's predecessor it's left me wondering why I haven't read the entire series before now.

It was fast paced, action packed, and fused with several twists in the narrative. The atmosphere was explosive. And recurring characters made it feel familiar.
Profile Image for Babydoclaz.
623 reviews10 followers
August 23, 2026
Another excellent entry into the Nick Dixon series. What starts off as a potential serial killer mystery turns into both a serial killer mystery and a copy cat mystery. Nick Dixon remains a bit of a renegade in the police department, not caring if he ruffles feathers in his pursuit of the truth. All this, while dealing with a new baby at home (shout out to the NICU as I'm a neonatologist) and his diabetes. Jane, while on maternity leave, is the spark that ignites the solution to the case. Damien Boyd's sometimes terse writing style had me puzzling over the last scene until I could piece it together. I would love to see how it goes for Jane and Nick when she is back to work. As always, Monty the white Staffie, is a star. Can't wait for the next one!
22 reviews
August 22, 2026
Familiar ground for many Devon based people

An excellent plot covering everythung: inter-force rivalry, the characteristics often seen in senior roles, the Devon countryside (home for me for more than 40 years), the access difficulties and bonuses to RN establishments allcoupled to a fast moving plot with numerous twists. I enjoyed it greatly and if you enjoy such things, you will too.
135 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2026
An excellent read

Seeing Red, is yet another brilliant read. I love the way each book continues from the last and another story starts. This book is full of excitement along with humour too. The storyline involved bodies dumped in recently dug graves and moves into the Navel base. Nick Dixon and his small team never give up and Dixon never let's his team down. I can thoroughly recommend this series of books and look forward to the next one.
29 reviews
August 27, 2026
Been itching to get this new book. Absolutely brilliant read. Nicks character along with all the oth

Been itching to get this new book. Absolutely brilliant read. Nicks character along with all the others are well developed. Just a shame it had to end. Will be look8ng forward to the next guaranteed. We'll done. Be a great TV series if you look after his character on screen. Anyway thanks for your hard work. Another great read. Well done Damien.
Profile Image for Richard Howard.
1,853 reviews13 followers
September 9, 2026
My only beef with this series is that I read each volume so blooming quickly. It was the same with 'Seeing Read': pick it up at 8:00.. the next thing it's 20:00 and I've finished. Grr.
It's not just the clever plots and memorable characters. It's not even Monty. It's the forceful narrative, which the quality of the writing maintains: it drags you in and propels you forward.
Now, it'll be a long wait for the next one. Grumble, grumble.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews