Kill Me Again: A heart-stopping and totally unputdownable crime thriller

by Helen H. Durrant

He came home to escape his demons, but will his next case be the one that breaks him?

Smoke catches in Detective Vincent Swann’s throat as he examines the body bound to a chair under the scorched railway arches. Local mechanic Rob Mitchell was in witness protection. He should have been miles away from this dark corner of town, so what brought him back, and who knew he was coming?

Manchester born and bred, Vincent is no stranger to the dangers of this city, but he needs to keep his head down and play by the rules, especially after being promoted ahead of his new partner. But as more bodies surface, Vincent feels like he’s chasing a ghost back into the secret past he spent a decade trying to escape.

What will it cost Vincent to catch a murderer who just came back from the dead? And when they call Vincent out by name, will he survive long enough to stop them killing again…

Fans of Angela Marsons, Helen Fields and D. S. Butler will be gripped from the very first page of this thriller from bestselling author Helen H. Durrant.

What readers are saying about Kill Me Again: ‘Mind-boggling twists that I didn’t expect at all… A gripping and fast-paced novel.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Amazing book!… Hooked from the start.’ Kelsey440, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow… gives you the jeepers creepers… Brilliant!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fast-paced with lots of twists and turns which kept me guessing until the end.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolutely brilliant.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What readers are saying about Helen H.

‘Addictive, fast-paced and drama-filled rollercoaster ride! WOW!! Never in a million years did I see that twist coming, it literally blew my socks off!… I was reading on the edge of my seat, it was truly amazing!… From the minute I picked it up, I struggled to pull myself away, I was hooked!… My heart was pounding throughout! Absolutely FANTASTIC!!!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I couldn’t put it down! It kept me guessing and frantically turning the pages! Wow!… kept me on pins and needles for this whole book. I loved it!… drew me in immediately I couldn’t put it down!… Love, love, loved it!’ Arcreviews_by_m, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolutely loved this!… I was hooked from the beginning… kept me guessing until the end and beyond!… it’s a must-read!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Love, love, loved this… A fab read with me screaming throughout… Got my heart racing.’ Kelsey4440, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I couldn’t put it down! I was hooked from the start… a must-read for sure and I will be recommending this book to everyone!… Loved it.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A gripping thriller packed with so much tension, it set my teeth on edge… I flipped the pages at a frantic pace to see how this was going to end.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages until the very end!… If you’re looking for a book that will keep you guessing until the very end, look no further!’ Sapphirenst9one, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow… Fast-paced and twisty, turny, creepy, twirly, in all the best thriller ways.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Excellent… Comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your socks!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Gave me chill bumps.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘You won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough.’ Danielle167912, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I was drawn in right from the start… Had me on edge, waiting to find out what was going to happen… I held my breath!’ Goodreads reviewer

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2026

About the author

I'm a woman of a certain age with a vocabulary addiction and no plans to recover.

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in this series, enjoyed reading book one..Another murder a body found near the railway..Rob was under the witness protection programme he came home after his father was seriously ill..can Detective Vincent Swann and the team solve this crime..I'm looking forward to reading the next instalment. Brilliant crime writer.

[Sue · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

KILL ME AGAIN is the second book in the new Detective Vincent Swann series by best-selling author Helen H Durrant. Having enjoyed her previous books as well as the first book in this new series, I was looking forward to reading this one.
Novels in the Detective Vincent Swann Series include:
In Dark Places (Book 1)
Kill Me Again (Book2)
This is my review of Kill Me Again.

In this new series, DI Vincent Swann, had returned to Manchester with the hope of starting over…but it seems his past is there to haunt him.

There had been ongoing rivalry between Kat and Vincent as both were going for the promotion of the DCI vacant position. This novel opens with Vincent receiving the promotion of DCI, and not Helen.

The team members of the Major Crime Unit included:
DI Vincent Swann
DI Kat Jardine
DC Jake Hope
DC Lola Farrell
DC Hugo Adams
Vincent makes for an interesting lead character, as he is intelligent and relates well to the team. Kat calls him “posh boy” as he dresses rich, but grew up on the Fairfield Estate.

Now in his new position, DCI Swann is thrown right into the mix when a brutal murder bearing signs of torture leads to a victim in witness protection, and the suspicious death of a drug lord in prison.

This was a well-written totally gripping police procedural from bestselling author Helen H. Durrant. I was hooked from start to finish, as the numerous twists had me guessing all along. Looking forward to following the series.

Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kill Me Again by Helen H. Durrant is the second  in the Detective Vincent Swann series.


Let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author (Helen Durrant), for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.



This series is growing on me, although I dislike the animosity between the two main characters.  As well, the topics of drugs and gangs is not a favorite of mine, so I'm giving some serious thought about continuing with the series, as it is a drug town, and Vincent's family are part of that equation..

However, the writing is good, as is to be expected from this author.   There were also enough characters to keep me guessing as to the identity of the perpetrator.

Overall, despite my dislike of the topic, this was a fast and entertaining book.

Anyway, until next time ...



For a more thorough review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book and series background, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

I love this series so addictive and a fast-paced read. Detective Vincent Swann has been promoted. and his team has a case. of a dead man. who is in witness protection. Vincent and his team are going to be tested in always on this case, and someone Vincent wants to catch will be testing him. it's a must-read series. with gritty gangland in the story that I love so looking forward to book 3

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two detective Vincent Swann.
Manchester crime thriller.
He came home to escape his demons, but will the next case be the one to break him.
Rob Mitchell mechanic should have been miles away in witness protection, who and how did anyone find out and kill him?
Amd Vincent is called out to the most sereal murder case ever.
Wow the second book in this series that gives you the jeepers creepers.
Love this character and the way he works
Gruesome killer imaginable.
A fast past on going book.
Brilliant!!

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kill Me Again
By: Helen H. Durrant
Pub Day: October 16, 2026
Publisher: Bookouture

Wish I knew this was a series, as I had not read the first. I have enjoyed a few of her books.
Detective Vincent Swann is the main character. He has been promoted and moved closer to were his son and ex live. His new partner Kat felt she should have been promoted, but she gets along with him.
There was a man in witness protection who is killed. The death hits a little to close to home and Vincent wants those close to him safe and protected.

[Gary · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Detective Vincent Swann has returned home to Manchester to escape his past demons, but his latest case might just be the one that breaks him. When local mechanic and witness protection participant Rob Mitchell is found bound to a chair and burned under the scorched railway arches, Vincent is left questioning what brought him back to this dark corner of town—and who knew he was returning.

As a Manchester local through and through, Vincent knows the city’s dangers all too well. He needs to keep his head down and play by the rules, especially after being promoted ahead of his new partner. But when more bodies surface, Vincent feels like he is chasing a ghost straight into the secret past he spent a decade trying to escape. With a killer calling him out by name, Vincent must race against time to stop them before they strike again.

I really enjoy reading Helen H. Durrant’s novels and faithfully follow all the many series she has written over the years. This is only the second book in the Vincent Swann series, and to be honest, it hasn’t quite won me over in the exact same way as her other work yet. Even so, it is a good, solid read with a gripping premise that keeps you turning the pages as the mystery unfolds. While it’s still finding its feet compared to some of her more established series, I liked it enough to happily continue with the books, and I have no doubt I’ll be fully won over as the detective’s story develops!

Kill Me Again is a solid, engaging crime novel that shows plenty of promise for this newer series. If you enjoy Helen Durrant’s gritty police procedurals and want to follow a compelling detective trying to outrun his past, this is well worth picking up. A fair 3.5 stars from me!

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅My thoughts:
This is the second book in the Detective Vincent Swann series. I have read the first book and enjoyed it. I think this book moves at a slower pace.
Vincent has been promoted and he has a new partner, Kat. She was not happy with being overlooked for the position they gave Vincent as we know from the previous book. However,she seems to trying to stay on good terms with Vincent.
Kill Me Again was a very good twisty crime thriller.
On a personal note,Vincent is working on getting closer to his son.
The whole team work very well together. I really like the team dynamics.
This is a gripping and fast paced novel. Perfect for suspense crime thriller lovers.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the series featuring DI Vincent Swann who we first met in In The Dark Places, which I do recommend you read before starting this one. There is a bit of a backstory with Vincent and why he has returned to where he grew up, leaving his previous job after a case that nearly broke him. A past that, like in the first book, is very much in his present in this one. But one thing has been resolved from the previous book - the race to become DCI, to head the team, between him and fellow DI Kat Jardine... But you'll have to read the book to find out what happens there...
In this book, we catch up to Vincent as he is examining a body bound to a chair under the railway arches. It has been burned, not badly as someone saw the flames and called 999 and the fire was put out before it fully consumed the body and all the evidence on it. They eventually get an ID and are shocked to find that the body is that of Rob Mitchell who, along with his family, was in witness protection. Obviously fingers start to point in the direction of those who he was being protected against, but it's not long until those fingers start to waver and find a new direction to point...
I absolutely loved the opener to this series, much like I have loved every book i have read by this author - especially her Calladine and Bayliss books and indeed some of her others, particularly Greco and Brindle. It probably helped that, despite his rather insular nature, I took to Vincent right from the off and have really enjoyed getting to know him better through book one and even more through this one. Obviously with his personal connections to certain characters, he does tend to skirt the line often crossing it, but always for the greater good. Although maybe his bosses wouldn't see it that way.
And the crime(s) herein are so well plotted and that tight plot ably executed. Delivering shock after secret that has been exposed until the whole shocking truth is finally laid bare.
On occasion the pacing is a little slow but it always matches the narrative and reflects the frustrations the police are having in trying to work out what is ging on. Once the foundations are built, and it all starts to really get going, it's a race to get to the wholly satisfying conclusion.
All in all a cracking follow up to what was already shaping up to be another winning series from this author. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I've read multiple books by this author now, this is only the second book in the brilliant Detective Vincent Swann series and I only just read and loved book 1 - In The Dark Places - back in August.

 

I absolutely loved meeting Swann and the gang back in the last book and there were some great threads aside from the main case that meant I knew that this would be a series that I'd be following.

 

On that note, if you want to avoid any spoilers, make sure that you've read the first book before reading on.

 

Swann finds himself now newly promoted and with his new partner, Kat Jardine, the other candidate, things become a little more strained than they were when they were actively competing in the last book.

I really liked following this thread and seeing the strain that this new partnership was under, but also seeing how well they both coped with the new situation and how well they worked together.

 

This new case was once again a tricky one and with past victim Rob found murdered when he should have been miles away under witness protection, the pair have to find out why he came back and who targeted him.

 

This was another gripping read that had everything I want in a good police thriller - mysterious deaths, some more gory than others, a storyline that keeps me guessing and some great characters who have a questionable past.

 

I was hooked back in right from the start and raced through this.

It was an exciting and fast paced read and I'm already looking forward to seeing where book 3 will lead.

 

 

 

 

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do wish I had read the first in this series, before I read this one! But my reading list is so long, and I like to get reviews done asap.

Detective Vincent Swann has been transferred to a station closer to where his son and his ex girlfriend live. He has been promoted, and he has a new partner, Kat, who wasn't happy with the decision from higher up to bypass her. However, she is on good terms with Vincent.
They are investigating the death of a man who was in witness protection. A brutal and gory death.
Vincent has information that ties the death to the family his son is part of.

This is actually a very good twisty crime thriller. I enjoyed it, but like I say, I do wish I had read the first book for the background.

There are mind boggling twists that I didn't expect at all. Criminals are certainly clever, and that is why they can't be pinned down by the law. Until they are.

Vincent is very intent on getting closer to his son, and protecting him from the criminal activities in his immediate family. I don't blame him.

The team works well together, they really know their stuff. I like that,

It is a gripping and fast paced novel, and I definitely recommend it to crime book lovers

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

What happens when a man who came home to escape his demons finds they've followed him?

Book two in Helen H. Durrant's DI Vincent Swann series is dark, complex and gloriously twisty. A mechanic in witness protection turns up dead, and Swann is once again dragged back into the past he spent ten years running from.

But it's the people I keep thinking about. Swann is still the outsider, and his place in the squad is far from secure. Every bit of trust is earned the hard way, and I loved watching it grow in small, grudging steps. His partnership with Kat Jardine is the highlight for me. She's still stinging from losing out on the promotion, and she has every right to be. Yet she's decent, fiercely good at her job, and, though she'd hate to admit it, she can't help admiring Swann's tenacity. Their uneasy partnership felt real, never manufactured for drama.

Then there's the crime family that keeps surfacing from Swann's past. It's a thread that tightens with every chapter, and it gave the murder mystery real weight and menace.
Twisty, dark and impossible to put down. It's the characters who make this series, and I can't wait for the next one.

My thanks to Bookouture for the ARC. All views are my own.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kill Me Again by Helen H. Durrant is the second book in the new and excellent Detective Vincent Swann series and this book was so addictive I ended up reading it in one sitting especially as it was an easy read, fast paced and full of twists and turns with great characters especially the main character Detective Vincent Swann has just started his new position, and he is thrown into the deep end on a new case of a brutal murder and it bears signs of torture which leads to a victim who is in witness protection. Then, a suspicious death of a drug lord who is in prison.
With everything that is going on around him in his personal life. Detective Vincent Swann has to work with his new partner and their team, especially as his new partner DI Kat Jardine feels she should have been promoted and not him! but she gets along with him if she is the bigger person in this situation!!!

Will they ever get on? and catch the killer before they kill again?

WoW . . . This was a book that keep me guessing till the end - fantastic read. I highly recommend this series.

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.

[Alison Taylor-Muhl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kill Me Again, is the second instalment in the Vincent Swann series, and it goes without saying that book one should be read first, as that book explores the pasts of the main characters, and key threads from that first book run through this second instalment.

This time we have the freshly promoted DCI Swann dealing with the sadistic murder of a person in witness protection, a suspicious prison death as well as his own complicated personal life. As with the first book, this is a pacey, complex and gripping police procedural, with well written characters, gory deaths and intelligent criminals. I really like the fact that the investigative team works well together, without the usual backbiting that features so often in books of this nature. All in all, the story is well written, the plot fast paced, and there lots of twists and turns which kept me engrossed. Highly recommended.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! I don't think I've see a case like this with so many twists and red herrings for a very long time. Vincent is now DCI and Kat is not best pleased but a new case comes up and she doesn't have time to sulk. This starts with the discovery of a man tied to chair under the railway arches, having been brutally tortured, shot in the head and set on fire. What starts out as a murder case snowballs in a huge case with more bodies, a fight over who controls the drug trade in the area, and a blast from Vincent's past putting in an appearance too. I really like Vincent Swann. He has ties to the local drug lord but he will not back down on doing his job as a police officer. Great characters, brilliant plot and fast paced.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture, and Helen H. Durrant for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Jennifer TW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kill Me Again, the second instalment in Helen Durrant’s Vincent Swann series, delivers another gripping and gritty case. Newly promoted DCI Swann is thrown straight into chaos when a murder bearing signs of torture leads to a victim in witness protection, the suspicious death of a drug lord in prison, and a web of family ties that pull Vincent uncomfortably close to the investigation.
It’s a complex, fast‑moving procedural that balances tense police work with Swann’s turbulent personal life, raising the question of whether he can keep a clear head long enough to solve the case. Another great addition to the series, and I’m already looking forward to the next.
Thanks to the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Another police procedural to start my week. I really enjoyed returning to Manchester and the world of Vincent and Kat and their team. Vincent is slowly starting to ingratiate himself with his new team. His ties to the criminal enterprises in the area leave a sour taste in many of their mouths, but it also comes in handy.

This case looks into a couple that was in witness protection, and wind up missing/dead. How are they connected to Vincent’s criminal ties?

This was an easy read and I flew through it. I always get so sucked into these stories, it’s like watching a tv show. I don’t want to stop til I see the DIs solve the murders.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.

[Louise Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

Detective Vincent Swann is back. The man with the complicated background of an ex with a criminal brother is investigating when a man turns up dead. A man who should be in witness protection. With his nemesis stalking him and someone else out to get him Swann had his hands full.

Another amazing book! This one was full of mystery and nothing was as it seemed. I was hooked from the start and try as I might I couldn’t solve this one before the team. Characters are believable and feel genuine so you are rooting for the good guys. I really enjoyed this read.

Roll on book 3!

[Erin Gilmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. This review is my own. DCI Vincent Swann and his team are back in their second book. A man is found tortured and murdered. He and his family were in witness protection for testimony against a gangster. But it’s common knowledge that the gangster’s son and the murdered man’s wife were involved. Rumor has it she stole the gangster’s money, and she’s the only one who knows where it went. Complicating matters, Vincent’s association with Leo Fisher is still causing chaos, and David Bray is lurking around Emmaline. A solid police thriller with unexpected twists and turns. 3.5 stars

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed the first book in this series. It all came flooding back a few chapters in as I got to grips with Vincent's new case.

Durrant's writing took me deep into the dark underbelly of Manchester, where crime is rife, and the law are always one step behind.

The pacing was fast and furious, the plot easily addictive, and the twists, especially the one at the end, were exceptional. Yet again I was blindsided by a book!

I think we've yet to see the best of Vincent, I think there's more to him than meets the eye. He's definitely one I'm invested in for the long haul.

An exciting and engaging read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Martine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not everything is as it seems. That’s what Detective Swann discovers in this second book in the series. I really enjoyed this book. It’s a good, gritty story with well-developed characters. The suspense builds steadily and kept me turning the pages. I recommend this book and am looking forward to the next installment!
I received an advance review copy via NetGalley/Bookouture and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Karen McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always enjoyed reading Helen Durrant’s books and was pleased to receive Kill Me Again, the second book in a new series. The back story continues from the first book, In the Dark Places, and the plot is fast paced with lots of twists and turns which kept me guessing until the end. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Willie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the majority of books written by Helen and enjoyed. This one is no exception. Picking up from the first book in the series, the story is well paced and I did enjoy the interaction between the two main characters. The plot is has a number of twists and turns to keep the reader hooked. and I am looking forward to the next instalment. I would highly recommend this title

[Martha Brindley · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

The second book to feature DI Vincent Swann is equally as good as the previous one. It's a fast paced, edge of your seat thriller which had me hooked from the start. The developing characterisation is good, especially Kat, and there are numerous twists throughout which kept me guessing. I highly recommend the read. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[SUSAN GARRETT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Swann, Kate and his new team after a long and trying investigation finally get their murder suspect. Will Swann get the answers he needs and will Callum finally move on with him?

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all the banter, rivalry and dynamics between the members of the Major Crime Unit. I thought it gripping, dramatic and full of surprises which makes for an entertaining and suspenseful read.

[Lorna Westlake · Rating 3 out of 5]

average crime story.

Nothing special. I will not read anything from this author again. I somehow expected more. The plot and outcome was very predictable.

[Claire · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book from Bookouture.

Having read the first in the series, it was good to catch up with the characters again, particularly Vincent and Kat. The promotion to DCI has been decided and they have to learn how to adjust their working relationship to accommodate this.

I did find the story somewhat hard to follow with the gangland aspect, although again there were some returning characters.

I do hope this series continues as I would like to get to know the characters and see how they develop.