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The Corpse Role
Not everything that gets buried stays buried... sometimes things have a nasty habit of resurfacing…
When the body of a security van driver implicated in an unsolved £1.2 million heist turns up in a shallow grave two years later it’s just the beginning for Detective Inspector Charlotte Granger.
She embarks on an investigation that takes her into dangerous territory – a world of dirty cops, dodgy private investigators, local villains and nosy journalists. Meanwhile events from Granger's own past are threatening to come back and haunt her...
When the body of a security van driver implicated in an unsolved £1.2 million heist turns up in a shallow grave two years later it’s just the beginning for Detective Inspector Charlotte Granger.
She embarks on an investigation that takes her into dangerous territory – a world of dirty cops, dodgy private investigators, local villains and nosy journalists. Meanwhile events from Granger's own past are threatening to come back and haunt her...
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2015
7 people are currently reading
36 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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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 21, 2015
Ok I’ve read a couple of Keith’s books before, both works of historical fiction so I wondered how well his writing would adapt to the crime fiction genre. As it turns out Keith has an overall talent for writing regardless of the genre.
The Corpse Role is a crime mystery/thriller focused around DI Charlotte Granger who is investigating a murder that has links to the police. As more bodies turn up the pressure is on Granger to solve this mystery and fast!
One of the best bits about this book is how Keith has written it, you go seamlessly from the present to the past and vice versa. It makes an interesting read and gives you a nice backstory that you don’t fully understand until you finish the story.
As I got near the end of the book I felt I had everything worked out and I understood the motives of all the characters in the tale.. then BAM! Keith saves the best till last!
Credit where credits due..i did not see the outcome of the story at all and it was a perfect ending to a super story.
If you’re a fan of the genre this is a must read!
The Corpse Role is a crime mystery/thriller focused around DI Charlotte Granger who is investigating a murder that has links to the police. As more bodies turn up the pressure is on Granger to solve this mystery and fast!
One of the best bits about this book is how Keith has written it, you go seamlessly from the present to the past and vice versa. It makes an interesting read and gives you a nice backstory that you don’t fully understand until you finish the story.
As I got near the end of the book I felt I had everything worked out and I understood the motives of all the characters in the tale.. then BAM! Keith saves the best till last!
Credit where credits due..i did not see the outcome of the story at all and it was a perfect ending to a super story.
If you’re a fan of the genre this is a must read!
March 18, 2018
I would like to thank Keith Nixon for allowing me to read and review this new series. I've never read anything by this author and was surprised of the outcome.
DI Granger is investigating a murder. A body has shown up in the woods. Been there a while and no one knows who it is. They then find another body in a car outside a pub, but this time it's a retired police officer. What has these 2 bodies got to do with each other. What happened in the past will bring people together in the present and the ramifications from the past has a bad habit of catching up with people.
I found this hard going at times as it kept going from present day to the past. But once I got into the story and followed it, I found it so fascinating and wanted to find out who and what was going on. The ending shocked me as I really thought it was someone different. A great start to a new author and series for me and I can't wait for what happens next and will definitely be reading more from this author.
DI Granger is investigating a murder. A body has shown up in the woods. Been there a while and no one knows who it is. They then find another body in a car outside a pub, but this time it's a retired police officer. What has these 2 bodies got to do with each other. What happened in the past will bring people together in the present and the ramifications from the past has a bad habit of catching up with people.
I found this hard going at times as it kept going from present day to the past. But once I got into the story and followed it, I found it so fascinating and wanted to find out who and what was going on. The ending shocked me as I really thought it was someone different. A great start to a new author and series for me and I can't wait for what happens next and will definitely be reading more from this author.
April 4, 2018
I had previously read two Solomon Gray novels by Keith Nixon, so I was interested to read something different from him.
This book features Detective Inspector Charlotte Granger as she tries to solve the murder of a security guard who was involved in a heist two years ago. The bodies soon start to pile up, and DI Granger and her team try to both establish the link between the victims, and discover the identity of the murderer.
The book is told in the present, following the investigation, interspersed with chapters told by an unidentified narrator set two years previously as the original heist is underway.
The story kept a good pace up right from the beginning, and the characters are well fleshed out. I found the chapters set in the past answered some of my questions and had me asking more! Mainly about everybody's identity.
The last chapter - I absolutely did not see it coming, and I loved it! Highly recommend.
This book features Detective Inspector Charlotte Granger as she tries to solve the murder of a security guard who was involved in a heist two years ago. The bodies soon start to pile up, and DI Granger and her team try to both establish the link between the victims, and discover the identity of the murderer.
The book is told in the present, following the investigation, interspersed with chapters told by an unidentified narrator set two years previously as the original heist is underway.
The story kept a good pace up right from the beginning, and the characters are well fleshed out. I found the chapters set in the past answered some of my questions and had me asking more! Mainly about everybody's identity.
The last chapter - I absolutely did not see it coming, and I loved it! Highly recommend.
March 26, 2018
This was one disturbing yet engaging read. If you like complex mysteries involving the dark side of humanity, this is for you.
May 3, 2015
Really terrific crime fiction from Keith Nixon – I basically read it in a day, bit of a page turner, some great characters and an authentic and hard hitting storyline.
Told in two timelines, brilliantly constructed and ever engaging, there is a beautiful flow to the prose that keeps you hooked right in, some twisty turny goodness and a jaw dropping ending.
Some really excellent plotting adds extra depth to both characters and storytelling, the past element being really most addictive – this is a crime thriller with heart, a mix of police procedural and thriller with intelligent storytelling and a sometimes almost noir feel.
You’ll note I havent said too much on the tale itself. For very good reason. Go find out!
Told in two timelines, brilliantly constructed and ever engaging, there is a beautiful flow to the prose that keeps you hooked right in, some twisty turny goodness and a jaw dropping ending.
Some really excellent plotting adds extra depth to both characters and storytelling, the past element being really most addictive – this is a crime thriller with heart, a mix of police procedural and thriller with intelligent storytelling and a sometimes almost noir feel.
You’ll note I havent said too much on the tale itself. For very good reason. Go find out!
August 30, 2017
Thirteenth book of my holiday reads.
This is a relatively short read at 182 pages. It helps that the story was gripping also and has you racing towards the end.
The story flicks between past and present so that we get enough background into events and the characters.
I loved DI Charlotte Granger, what a character she is and would love to see more of her.
The Corpse Role was a page turner of a read that I didn't want to end. Even though the author covers everything within the story, Granger is screaming out to solve future crimes and I for one will be first in the queue to read them.
This is a relatively short read at 182 pages. It helps that the story was gripping also and has you racing towards the end.
The story flicks between past and present so that we get enough background into events and the characters.
I loved DI Charlotte Granger, what a character she is and would love to see more of her.
The Corpse Role was a page turner of a read that I didn't want to end. Even though the author covers everything within the story, Granger is screaming out to solve future crimes and I for one will be first in the queue to read them.
March 26, 2019
Wow! That was interesting. As the author switched back and forth from past to present I was like hmmm. Not sure what’s going on here. The last portion of the book I was really wracking my brain to figure it out, fighting what my intuition was telling me. The end made sense but didn’t. I know that’s not really helpful but trying not to spoil the story. Well written and worth reading.
March 25, 2018
the corpses role by Keith Nixon.
a body has been found in a shallow grave. inspector Granger is on the case. the body is that of Paul Wheeler. She puts his name in the computer and what comes up is Wheeler had been involved in an armoured van robbery two years ago. One point two million pounds had been stolen from an armoured truck following a raid in London.
was he murdered? Will they catch the murderer?
a fantastic read. love the story and the characters. couldn't put it down. Highly recommended. 5*.
a body has been found in a shallow grave. inspector Granger is on the case. the body is that of Paul Wheeler. She puts his name in the computer and what comes up is Wheeler had been involved in an armoured van robbery two years ago. One point two million pounds had been stolen from an armoured truck following a raid in London.
was he murdered? Will they catch the murderer?
a fantastic read. love the story and the characters. couldn't put it down. Highly recommended. 5*.
January 7, 2019
6th book from Keith Nixon that I have read and I continue to be impressed by his unique writing style. Everyone remembers the great movie "The Usual Suspects" and how you really had to pay close attention because so much was going on, some of which was real and some of which only appeared that way. That's how I would describe Nixon's work, except more gritty. Always very intricate plots with lots of misdirection going on.
In "The Corpse Role" the body of a security van driver suspected in a million pound heist 2 years ago is dug up in a shallow grave by a dog. DI Charlotte Granger gets the case and runs into crooked PI's, one overly ambitious journalist and an uber powerful crimelord. And to add to the carnage, Granger doesn't know which of her police colleagues she can trust. Lots of depth to lead character Charlotte Granger.......very good at her job, but with a struggling marriage and not a lot patience for seemingly, anybody. Hopefully Nixon writes Granger #2 at some point, cause this novel was just a tease at what potential is there.
In "The Corpse Role" the body of a security van driver suspected in a million pound heist 2 years ago is dug up in a shallow grave by a dog. DI Charlotte Granger gets the case and runs into crooked PI's, one overly ambitious journalist and an uber powerful crimelord. And to add to the carnage, Granger doesn't know which of her police colleagues she can trust. Lots of depth to lead character Charlotte Granger.......very good at her job, but with a struggling marriage and not a lot patience for seemingly, anybody. Hopefully Nixon writes Granger #2 at some point, cause this novel was just a tease at what potential is there.
March 25, 2018
A well-written police crime thriller, featuring both honest and corrupt law enforcement, some of them pretty shady characters. There are also thuggish gangsters, a crime lord, a killer who seems to be targeting police, an unsolved robbery and more. Set in and around Margate in Kent a slightly down at heel town past its prime but still attracting tourists.
There are some brutal moments as the story winds it ways through two timelines to the end. There are also genuine surprising elements which to describe further would spoil the book. Read it - It's good.
There are some brutal moments as the story winds it ways through two timelines to the end. There are also genuine surprising elements which to describe further would spoil the book. Read it - It's good.
April 17, 2015
This was a fast paced police procedural that hooked me from the first page - gangsters, a heist and a good dollop of corruption - what's not to love? It's a hard book to review without giving too much away as there is a cracking good twist at the very end of the novel, one that I didn't see coming at all in a million years. And it's a bloody good twist, one that I've never read before and that has added an extra star to my review! The characters are well written, although (without ruining the plot) it turns that maybe not everybody and everything is as they appear to be. There are some brilliant characters - nasty evil villains, gangsters, corrupt police that are as filthy as they come - and these, combined with a fast-paced plot and an excellent twist makes for a definite 4 star read for me.
May 8, 2015
Fast-paced, tightly-plotted, page-turning crime at its best.
The discovery of a corpse and the subsequent investigation involving corruption, ex-cops, gangsters and an evasive link between the players (old and new) is wonderfully intertwined with the story of one of those involved. The change is point of view is skilfully done, keeping the reader guessing as the story crashes to an unexpected conclusion. The quick, sharp, writing keeps the story flowing, but still manages to convey a sense of place, time and circumstance.
I'm not sure if crime novels can get any better than this. I cannot recommend it enough.
The discovery of a corpse and the subsequent investigation involving corruption, ex-cops, gangsters and an evasive link between the players (old and new) is wonderfully intertwined with the story of one of those involved. The change is point of view is skilfully done, keeping the reader guessing as the story crashes to an unexpected conclusion. The quick, sharp, writing keeps the story flowing, but still manages to convey a sense of place, time and circumstance.
I'm not sure if crime novels can get any better than this. I cannot recommend it enough.
September 29, 2015
Keith Nixon shows the same skill here that he did in The Fix in drawing me into this tale. A grisly discovery get this fantastic read off to a flying start. With the action taking place across past and present timelines it would be easier to get lost in this story but Keith's steady, guiding narrative hand is adept at keep the reader focused on the events at hand.
Yet another top notch read from the talented pen of Keith Nixon.
Yet another top notch read from the talented pen of Keith Nixon.
March 24, 2018
Detective Inspector Charlotte Granger made her way to her partner Detective Sergeant Ian Jarvis to view the decomposed body that had been found. Dr Ben Clough, the pathologist was already there and was able to say the body had been in situ for over a year but would find out more back at the lab.
Once back at the lab they found a wallet in his shorts pocket drivers licence named Paul Wheeler employed as a security guard. Wheeler had been involved in an armoured van robbery two years ago. One point two million pounds had been stolen from an armoured truck following a raid in London. Wheeler was the van driver, had initially been a suspect, even though he’d had a bomb strapped to his chest. They also held his mother hostage.
As Charlotte Granger looks into the robbery it threatens to show dirty cops dealing with villains Charlotte also has her secrets which will be outed when reporters get involved. The Corpse Role is a fast paced read although a bit confusing as the chapters went from past to present and vice verse I found that very distracting I had to keep stopping and reminding myself where I was I have deducted a star as it did spoil my experience. But definitely recommend it and will look out for more books by Keith Nixon.
Once back at the lab they found a wallet in his shorts pocket drivers licence named Paul Wheeler employed as a security guard. Wheeler had been involved in an armoured van robbery two years ago. One point two million pounds had been stolen from an armoured truck following a raid in London. Wheeler was the van driver, had initially been a suspect, even though he’d had a bomb strapped to his chest. They also held his mother hostage.
As Charlotte Granger looks into the robbery it threatens to show dirty cops dealing with villains Charlotte also has her secrets which will be outed when reporters get involved. The Corpse Role is a fast paced read although a bit confusing as the chapters went from past to present and vice verse I found that very distracting I had to keep stopping and reminding myself where I was I have deducted a star as it did spoil my experience. But definitely recommend it and will look out for more books by Keith Nixon.
March 25, 2018
A new series from a great author! Introducing D.I. Granger, a no-nonsense detective with a past. I loved meeting Granger and I can’t wait to read more about her life, work and future. A very dark story of human and animal suffering, this is not an easy read at times. But life is bad and that is what we see in this great book. Well written and multi dimensional characters. A great start to the series!
March 17, 2018
Another 5 star read from Keith Nixon.
A troubled detective, mounting dead bodies, the local gangster and lots of loose ends.
DI Granger has her work cut out when the bodies start appearing. The story switches between past and present before coming together nicely at the end, keeping you guessing along the way. Just when you think the mystery is solved, as usual, Keith ends his book with a POW last line.
Highly recommended.
A troubled detective, mounting dead bodies, the local gangster and lots of loose ends.
DI Granger has her work cut out when the bodies start appearing. The story switches between past and present before coming together nicely at the end, keeping you guessing along the way. Just when you think the mystery is solved, as usual, Keith ends his book with a POW last line.
Highly recommended.
March 24, 2018
I enjoyed this unusual crime thriller. It’s a quick read, although I had to pay attention as the book flits between past and present, and is told from several points of view. I found it gripping, suspenseful and, as the deaths mounted, more and more intriguing. I really enjoyed DI Charlotte Granger and look forward to meeting her again!
March 25, 2018
The Corpse Role, Keith Nixon
I enjoyed this fast paced thriller which starts with the discovery of a body buried in the woods. So far so urbane until the body count starts to rise. A chain of events is set off going back to an armoured truck robbery that links the corpse with the newly dead. D I Charlotte Grainger is on a trail of a particularly nasty killer but there are brutal gangland links to contend with. In to the mix is added a journalist that Charlotte Grainger had an affair with previously.
So the scene is set for a book that you have to have your wits about you to keep track of past and present events.
I really liked this book but it is not an easy read so I am happy to recommend it to readers who don't mind blood and guts!!
I enjoyed this fast paced thriller which starts with the discovery of a body buried in the woods. So far so urbane until the body count starts to rise. A chain of events is set off going back to an armoured truck robbery that links the corpse with the newly dead. D I Charlotte Grainger is on a trail of a particularly nasty killer but there are brutal gangland links to contend with. In to the mix is added a journalist that Charlotte Grainger had an affair with previously.
So the scene is set for a book that you have to have your wits about you to keep track of past and present events.
I really liked this book but it is not an easy read so I am happy to recommend it to readers who don't mind blood and guts!!
March 23, 2018
Upon reading the synopsis for this book, I knew I had to read it – dirty cops, local villains and a lead detective with ‘a past’ – what a combination!
At just 180 pages, this is a great short-read with lots of twists and an ending I didn’t see coming. I would definitely be keen to read more about DI Granger…
My only criticism of the book is that one short chapter features extreme violence towards a dog. Animal abuse in books (and, of course life) is a massive no-no for me – I was not impressed. I also feel that the chapter gave absolutely nothing to the story. In my opinion, it is totally unnecessary and should be removed. Without this chapter, I would have happily given the book 5 stars, as it is, I can only give it 4.
At just 180 pages, this is a great short-read with lots of twists and an ending I didn’t see coming. I would definitely be keen to read more about DI Granger…
My only criticism of the book is that one short chapter features extreme violence towards a dog. Animal abuse in books (and, of course life) is a massive no-no for me – I was not impressed. I also feel that the chapter gave absolutely nothing to the story. In my opinion, it is totally unnecessary and should be removed. Without this chapter, I would have happily given the book 5 stars, as it is, I can only give it 4.
March 25, 2018
Less than 200 pages (182) so quite a short book for a murder/thriller/police story which made the reading quite frenetic. The style of writing goes from the ‘Past’ to the ‘Present’ but the ‘Past’ is only a couple of years before so that was different.
I can’t fault the writing which is sparse in places, quick fire in others and manages to get people’s characters across in a short space of time. The ending left me with my mouth agape.
In my opinion I think the story could be enhanced by being a longer novel.
I can’t fault the writing which is sparse in places, quick fire in others and manages to get people’s characters across in a short space of time. The ending left me with my mouth agape.
In my opinion I think the story could be enhanced by being a longer novel.
March 26, 2018
I previously read a book written by Keith Nixon which I enjoyed. This book was equally good.
I loved D.I Charlotte Granger's character, she isn't one to mess with and gets results. I liked the short chapters which alternated between past and present so we could understand how the case built up and why.
I look forward to further books in this genre by the author.
I loved D.I Charlotte Granger's character, she isn't one to mess with and gets results. I liked the short chapters which alternated between past and present so we could understand how the case built up and why.
I look forward to further books in this genre by the author.
March 26, 2018
A fast paced police procedural, this one has a robbery, gangsters, a kickass detective, all of which make it a wonderful read.
The switching between past and present timelines and the twists keep it very interesting.
The switching between past and present timelines and the twists keep it very interesting.
March 18, 2018
This was my first book by this author and lead character DI Granger. it's s cracking police detective story with one body, then another... crooked cops and crime bosses. I did struggle a little with the frequent change from past to present and back again... but it all makes for an explosive ending. Great stuff... thank you!
April 7, 2015
The following is a review from Crime Fiction Lover:
The Corpse Role is the latest novel from our very own contributor Keith Nixon, as the author follows up his quirky Brit grit novel The Fix with his first police procedural.
The central character is DI Charlotte Granger, a tough, no-nonsense Kent police officer who we first meet as she battles her way through undergrowth to view a gruesome find. Where would crime fiction be without inquisitive canines? This time, an errant husky has discovered an obviously old corpse, and the dog has even stolen one of the arm bones! It doesn’t take long for the investigating team to identify the body. It is Paul Wheeler – a name that rings all sorts of bells, as he was the security van driver implicated in a £1.2m heist two years earlier which was never solved. If that wasn’t enough food for thought, Wheeler also had a business card in his wallet bearing the name and contact details for DS Christopher White, a former officer who left the force under something of a cloud and now runs a private detective agency with another ex-cop.
So far, so intriguing. But it isn’t long before Nixon throws another spanner in the works as the story jumps back and focuses on a faceless, nameless protagonist who is being pressurised by local crime kingpin Larry Burns to do something illegal that will earn them both a shedload of cash. From then on, the narrative swaps and changes between the two timelines – which could well leave you tied up in knots wondering what’s happening, to whom, and when.
In the present, Chris White gets wind of the grisly find and decides to cash in his gilt-edged pension plan. He knows who was behind that security van heist and can provide the names. His plan is to contact the crime reporter of a national newspaper to sell his story and then to disappear. All looks rosy but the journalist, Mark King, needs hard evidence before any money can change hands. They agree a time and place to meet and do the exchange, however White only manages to carry out the second part of the plan. He disappears, but it’s before he’s collected the money he wanted. The body count is rising, and could get even higher before this story ends.
The Corpse Role is a good old fashioned cops and robbers tale, populated with a fine cast of characters on both sides of the law that range from the quirky to the downright dull. I found the language a little stilted at times – I hate the word ‘whilst’ – although there are some lovely turns of phrase too. The plot is deftly woven and subtly seeded with little clues to help you along the way but I was still taken aback by the final reveal and felt like kicking myself. Which is just the way it should be.
The Corpse Role is the latest novel from our very own contributor Keith Nixon, as the author follows up his quirky Brit grit novel The Fix with his first police procedural.
The central character is DI Charlotte Granger, a tough, no-nonsense Kent police officer who we first meet as she battles her way through undergrowth to view a gruesome find. Where would crime fiction be without inquisitive canines? This time, an errant husky has discovered an obviously old corpse, and the dog has even stolen one of the arm bones! It doesn’t take long for the investigating team to identify the body. It is Paul Wheeler – a name that rings all sorts of bells, as he was the security van driver implicated in a £1.2m heist two years earlier which was never solved. If that wasn’t enough food for thought, Wheeler also had a business card in his wallet bearing the name and contact details for DS Christopher White, a former officer who left the force under something of a cloud and now runs a private detective agency with another ex-cop.
So far, so intriguing. But it isn’t long before Nixon throws another spanner in the works as the story jumps back and focuses on a faceless, nameless protagonist who is being pressurised by local crime kingpin Larry Burns to do something illegal that will earn them both a shedload of cash. From then on, the narrative swaps and changes between the two timelines – which could well leave you tied up in knots wondering what’s happening, to whom, and when.
In the present, Chris White gets wind of the grisly find and decides to cash in his gilt-edged pension plan. He knows who was behind that security van heist and can provide the names. His plan is to contact the crime reporter of a national newspaper to sell his story and then to disappear. All looks rosy but the journalist, Mark King, needs hard evidence before any money can change hands. They agree a time and place to meet and do the exchange, however White only manages to carry out the second part of the plan. He disappears, but it’s before he’s collected the money he wanted. The body count is rising, and could get even higher before this story ends.
The Corpse Role is a good old fashioned cops and robbers tale, populated with a fine cast of characters on both sides of the law that range from the quirky to the downright dull. I found the language a little stilted at times – I hate the word ‘whilst’ – although there are some lovely turns of phrase too. The plot is deftly woven and subtly seeded with little clues to help you along the way but I was still taken aback by the final reveal and felt like kicking myself. Which is just the way it should be.
February 24, 2019
Anne Kinslow.
What a great story!
So well written that you are drawn in right from the beginning and it’s very hard to put it down. It is fast paced and keeps you intrigued to find out where all the twists and turns will take you.
I enjoyed the read and highly recommend this book.
What a great story!
So well written that you are drawn in right from the beginning and it’s very hard to put it down. It is fast paced and keeps you intrigued to find out where all the twists and turns will take you.
I enjoyed the read and highly recommend this book.
February 19, 2019
I received this book from another authors promotion. Cops, killers, and bodies! I love Keith Nixon 's writing. Fast paced, believable dialogue and bazaars murders keep you reading well into the night. As I said, I'm fast becoming a fan!
July 5, 2015
Keith Nixon has been a busy man with new books released in the last few months in both his historical fiction and crime fiction series, and now this one. It isn't clear whether The Corpse Role is a one-off or the first of a series featuring Detective Inspector Charlotte “Charlie” Granger, but I'm pulling for the second. (There are reasons why this could easily go either way. I won't discuss these since they are spoiler-ish.)
The Corpse Role has two main time-lines, with the story switching back and forth between the two. The present, where the body of Paul Wheeler is found and Charlie begins her search for who murdered him and why, the second in the past where the events leading up to and surrounding Wheeler's death play out. Throughout the reader knows some things before Charlie figures them out, but seeing how it all fits together isn't always apparent, even when we think we know. Who is good – make that not as bad as others – is never clear, and keeps the reader guessing. I was also curious as to the significance of the title or if there even was any meaning. Part way through, I had a theory. It was wrong. Nixon held off on that answer to that question until the last word. Literally.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
The Corpse Role has two main time-lines, with the story switching back and forth between the two. The present, where the body of Paul Wheeler is found and Charlie begins her search for who murdered him and why, the second in the past where the events leading up to and surrounding Wheeler's death play out. Throughout the reader knows some things before Charlie figures them out, but seeing how it all fits together isn't always apparent, even when we think we know. Who is good – make that not as bad as others – is never clear, and keeps the reader guessing. I was also curious as to the significance of the title or if there even was any meaning. Part way through, I had a theory. It was wrong. Nixon held off on that answer to that question until the last word. Literally.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
April 28, 2015
Keith Nixon was not an author I was familiar with prior to reading the Corpse Role. After reading the Corpse Role I was intrigued to read more, and now have a copy of ‘the Fix’ on my (ever increasing) to be read pile.
When Paul Wheeler’s body is discovered DI Charlotte Granger is called in to investigate. Charlotte quickly discovers that ex-cop Christopher White’s details are on the deceased.
There might be nothing unusual in this, for Wheeler is implicated in an unsolved heist dating back two years, but it is not White’s police details that are on the card; it is his new details as a Private Investigator.
When White himself turns up dead the case takes on a whole new direction. Someone wanting an ex-criminal dead is a very different story to wanting an ex-copper dead. Or is it?
The Corpse Role is a difficult novel to describe/review without giving too much away. DI Granger is a brilliant character who uses some surprising tactics to achieve results.
The ending of the novel should have come as no surprise, but it did. It is a brilliant twist and sets it apart from other crime novels of similar content.
May 4, 2015
In this tale of murder and intrigue, Detective Inspector Charlotte Granger is thrown into a puzzle with a rising body count. A past armored car robbery seems to be the linking factor in the growing list of cases, as Granger keeps getting midnight calls to crime scenes. With dirty cops, a reporter that once ruined her, and a local crime boss who seems to have his finger in everyone’s pie, Corpse Role keeps you guessing every step of the way.
The story is told through multiple perspectives, including a past perspective, identity unknown (until the end). This gives the book an expansive view to pull from. Nixon is not afraid to explore the finer details, and the descriptive passages are well-crafted. Nixon lays down an intricate, multi-layered plot, and stitches it together in the background. You don’t even realize that connections are being made, because each new corpse is setting up the next connection. And the prose makes you want to keep turning pages. Overall, by the end it was really an ‘Aha!’ moment, and I’ll admit I was flying through it like I was on an easter-egg hunt as Nixon had decided to reveal the tapestry he’d been weaving. A great book. I recommend it.
The story is told through multiple perspectives, including a past perspective, identity unknown (until the end). This gives the book an expansive view to pull from. Nixon is not afraid to explore the finer details, and the descriptive passages are well-crafted. Nixon lays down an intricate, multi-layered plot, and stitches it together in the background. You don’t even realize that connections are being made, because each new corpse is setting up the next connection. And the prose makes you want to keep turning pages. Overall, by the end it was really an ‘Aha!’ moment, and I’ll admit I was flying through it like I was on an easter-egg hunt as Nixon had decided to reveal the tapestry he’d been weaving. A great book. I recommend it.
May 9, 2015
Keith Nixon is a writer’s writer. Reading his work is an absolute joy and always a lesson in how to take your writing to another level. The Corpse role is a grand addition to Nixon’s increasingly impressive, cross-genre back catalogue.
Tense, intriguing and pacey as a starved greyhound, Nixon’s latest offering, billed as a police-procedural, but really just a very, very good crime-thriller from my POV, is a showcase for the experience Nixon has gained from writing tirelessly and being a genre-hoor.
The narrative changes and time-shifts are lovely, skilful and effective, never gratuities or for effect, they propel the story. This is something only seasoned, passionate writers like Nixon accomplish.
Throughout the novel the reader is given very few clues about the narrator in the past, adding to the pull of the story and veiling the person’s identity throughout. Having said that, Nixon is not a ‘pull it out the rabbit hat’ guy. The clues are all there. Upon the reveal a second reading is demanded. This is true of very few stories, and comparable to The Sixth Sense in that regard, only much more intelligent and engaging.
Wonderful.
Tense, intriguing and pacey as a starved greyhound, Nixon’s latest offering, billed as a police-procedural, but really just a very, very good crime-thriller from my POV, is a showcase for the experience Nixon has gained from writing tirelessly and being a genre-hoor.
The narrative changes and time-shifts are lovely, skilful and effective, never gratuities or for effect, they propel the story. This is something only seasoned, passionate writers like Nixon accomplish.
Throughout the novel the reader is given very few clues about the narrator in the past, adding to the pull of the story and veiling the person’s identity throughout. Having said that, Nixon is not a ‘pull it out the rabbit hat’ guy. The clues are all there. Upon the reveal a second reading is demanded. This is true of very few stories, and comparable to The Sixth Sense in that regard, only much more intelligent and engaging.
Wonderful.
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