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Detective Ian Wilson #4
Dark Circles
Murder among Thieves
Two young men are found dead, of seemingly natural causes, in Belfast on the same night. Despite disapproval from the hierarchy, DCI Wilson decides to investigate the deaths further based on the hunch of pathologist Stephanie Reid. Something feels wrong and it's up to the Belfast Murder Squad to scratch beneath the surface. What they start to reveal is a dark element that has been feeding on the troubled history of Ulster for years.
The investigation isn't Wilson's only problem, his relationship with his partner is falling apart and his trusty sergeant, Moira, has a life changing decision to make. As the net closes in on both Wilson and the case, the Dark Circle starts to reveal itself.
Dark Circles is the fourth novel in the Wilson series. If you like hard-boiled and compelling detective fiction, you are sure to find Ian Wilson a character you will identify with and like. Wilson investigates murder in the boiler-house that is modern-day Belfast, a city still emerging from a violent past. In a situation where crime and politics are often intertwined, Wilson and his team must have their finger on the pulse of the city, and tread a careful investigative path. Reviewers have likened Wilson to John Rebus.
Two young men are found dead, of seemingly natural causes, in Belfast on the same night. Despite disapproval from the hierarchy, DCI Wilson decides to investigate the deaths further based on the hunch of pathologist Stephanie Reid. Something feels wrong and it's up to the Belfast Murder Squad to scratch beneath the surface. What they start to reveal is a dark element that has been feeding on the troubled history of Ulster for years.
The investigation isn't Wilson's only problem, his relationship with his partner is falling apart and his trusty sergeant, Moira, has a life changing decision to make. As the net closes in on both Wilson and the case, the Dark Circle starts to reveal itself.
Dark Circles is the fourth novel in the Wilson series. If you like hard-boiled and compelling detective fiction, you are sure to find Ian Wilson a character you will identify with and like. Wilson investigates murder in the boiler-house that is modern-day Belfast, a city still emerging from a violent past. In a situation where crime and politics are often intertwined, Wilson and his team must have their finger on the pulse of the city, and tread a careful investigative path. Reviewers have likened Wilson to John Rebus.
Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2016
62 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Derek Fee
48 books43 followersI was born in Ireland and after graduating in engineering and business I decided that I wanted to see the world. With Shell International Petroeum and the National Iranian Oil Company I worked in England, Holland and Iran. As an international diplomat I lived in Belgium, Malta, Kenya and Zambia. I had the great good fortune to have a career which fulfilled all my travel desires. Since retiring in 2011, I have been living on the West Coast of Ireland and I've been writing full time. I love reading and concentrate on thrillers and history.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 10, 2019
Things seem to be falling apart for Detective Superintendent Wilson this time around - his partner, Kate, and he are not talking and it looks as if their relationship, now that Kate's suffered a miscarriage, is heading for the skids (so to speak). And Professor Reid, the pathologist, is still determined to 'win over' Ian. But she's also thinking that 2 recent deaths are not what they seem, and convinces Wilson and his team, the Belfast Murder Squad, to begin a clandestine investigation. There are forces at work that don't want Wilson in the PSNI, and his team is breaking up (one member coming up for trial for murder, and another having to make a decision that will impact not only her but the team). A great read, and I can't wait to begin the next in the series - A Box Full of Darkness. I think this one by Mr. Fee was the best yet.
December 7, 2018
Another page turner
This was a good read. I was unable to put it down,except when I put the light off at night. I was intrigued by Kate's mother and thought Wilson was going to work out her involvement. Maybe that's for another story. I certainly hope so. I look forward to the next chapter.
This was a good read. I was unable to put it down,except when I put the light off at night. I was intrigued by Kate's mother and thought Wilson was going to work out her involvement. Maybe that's for another story. I certainly hope so. I look forward to the next chapter.
July 23, 2017
Nice series
Wilson is a decent character, he's just a bit over the top, ex-famous athlete, model looks, brains, chivalrous, every woman's dream - no flaws here.
Have some difficulty keeping up with who's killing who and why. Much of this is based on the Northern Ireland uprising against England 40+ years ago.
Americans won't get it. Believe me I tried. Even hosting kids from the area in order to get them away from the riots/violence that still goes on today. The counselors tried very hard to make Americans understand the hatred, but at the time I was married to a Catholic and I am a Baptist, like many of the other hosts, mixed religious marriages were the norm.
So just get past that and read it as a mystery and it will be fine.
Wilson is a decent character, he's just a bit over the top, ex-famous athlete, model looks, brains, chivalrous, every woman's dream - no flaws here.
Have some difficulty keeping up with who's killing who and why. Much of this is based on the Northern Ireland uprising against England 40+ years ago.
Americans won't get it. Believe me I tried. Even hosting kids from the area in order to get them away from the riots/violence that still goes on today. The counselors tried very hard to make Americans understand the hatred, but at the time I was married to a Catholic and I am a Baptist, like many of the other hosts, mixed religious marriages were the norm.
So just get past that and read it as a mystery and it will be fine.
March 14, 2023
Another Excellent Story
Another excellent story in the Belfast Murders series featuring all the usual characters. Great story line where once again Wilson has to solve a difficult case whilst receiving interference from above. Also having to deal with his personal life. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
Another excellent story in the Belfast Murders series featuring all the usual characters. Great story line where once again Wilson has to solve a difficult case whilst receiving interference from above. Also having to deal with his personal life. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
April 1, 2021
Good storyline.😛
A bit out of sync book four of the series,at least it's cleared up some of the loose ends from the first three books.It's been a great series so far,very good flowing style,the fairly short chapters enabled the pace movement of the investigation and storyline.😛
A bit out of sync book four of the series,at least it's cleared up some of the loose ends from the first three books.It's been a great series so far,very good flowing style,the fairly short chapters enabled the pace movement of the investigation and storyline.😛
January 23, 2022
Ian Wilson is investigating two murders that were never intended to come to light, as mysterious forces seek to conceal corruption. At the same time his personal life is falling apart. Engrossing mystery leaving one anticipating the next book.
January 14, 2025
The title certainly fits the story!
Another great example of Derek’s work. Although the conclusion left some villains unaccounted for the whole story fitted. It was lucky for Ian Wilson that Boyle messed up with Big George and he had the response he did!
Another great example of Derek’s work. Although the conclusion left some villains unaccounted for the whole story fitted. It was lucky for Ian Wilson that Boyle messed up with Big George and he had the response he did!
September 2, 2018
Another great read from Derek Fee
I am loving the intrigue and action in the Ian Wilson series and highly recommend these books to everyone. Looking forward to reading them all.
I am loving the intrigue and action in the Ian Wilson series and highly recommend these books to everyone. Looking forward to reading them all.
July 26, 2019
Really enjoying the Detective Ian Wilson series and the development of characters. While the story continues in each book, they are also stand alone.
May 28, 2021
Good read
This was a good book. It kept me engaged, kept me turning chapters, even though, as I think about it, the exact "why" wasn't really established. So, good job!
This was a good book. It kept me engaged, kept me turning chapters, even though, as I think about it, the exact "why" wasn't really established. So, good job!
November 26, 2023
Wilson is a complex yet simple character who is flawed and real. This series is outstanding ! love it !
August 3, 2024
Absolutely entertaining
Just like Fee to keep you guessing. Twists turns the entire story. Well worth the time. Look forward to more from Fee.
Just like Fee to keep you guessing. Twists turns the entire story. Well worth the time. Look forward to more from Fee.
January 2, 2017
Wonderful Story, Characters...
Fee is that rarest of literary animals; a born writer. He is not slick or polished, but he has a gift for narrative, characterization, and is deft at provoking place as both influence and context. He is clever, daring, dutiful, and honestly follows where his stories take him, rather than imposing upon his narrative a self-consciously pre-arrived-at, conclusion. His stories are also quite delightfully complex. Aware that he is writing a series of books, he has no need to tie up each book with a supposedly "satisfying" little ribbon. Knowing, and enjoying the fact, that he has more than one book within which to ultimately conclude his tale, each book is like one season of a smart, cable television series. One where, as executive, producer, show runner and the entire writing staff, he can "greenlight" as many seasons of his series as he chooses, hoping, desperately, that the "WilsonBooks" develop, as they should, a loyal fan base.
Conversely, this is a writer in DESPERATE NEED of an editor. And, a reader whose only job is to catch the OVERWHELMING number of typos. Generally, there are several grammatical and spelling mistakes PER PAGE. This is, unnecessarily distracting, and, sadly, I can see how this proliferation of minor, easily corrected, errors driving certain readers away. The sloppiness of the merely technical aspects of his prose, then, is a serious danger to his career. It screams; "Amateur!" Doesn't the man have "spell check"? He should also be using one of the few, not inexpensive, but VERY helpful writing softwares, such as Final Draft, which employs stringent spelling-correction, as well as GRAMMAR correction, as well as word count, character percentages, compilations of the number of times scene locations are used, as well as how many times each character repeats their "signature phrase or word", helping to keep characters dialogue-specific. For ME, for example, if he uses the phrase "fine toothcomb" one more time... The moniker, when used correctly, is a "fine tooth comb". Or a "finetooth comb". A "fine-tooth comb" is acceptable. A comb that has "fine teeth", and more teeth than is average. The TEETH are "fine", not the COMB ITSELF. There is no such thing as a "toothcomb". It's redundant, and implies that the comb is to be used ON one's teeth. Every comb has teeth or "tynes". It's what makes a comb a comb. The comb Mr. Fee wants to use is a "Fine tooth comb". Or, a "fine-tooth comb". ANYTHING but "fine toothcomb". My, I do go on, but my reaction to this oft-mentioned non-item is indicative of how a single incorrect phrase, particularly one that is repeated, can pull a reader RIGHT OUT of the book. Creating speed bumps to an experience that should flow. Certainly no author seeks, or should perpetuate, or even tolerate such mistakes. Thus, an EDITOR. And software. I CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH! Mr. Fee, you unusually wonderful writer; GET THEE TO AN EDITOR!
Enough. Mr. Fee is a wonderful writer. He is, however, an appalling "writer". There are technical aspects involved in the successful communication of a story. One wants the reading of these books to be EMERSIVE. It must avoid speed bumps at all cost! Also, as this series contains novels that are NOT AT ALL stand-alone, the series MUST be read in order, I suggest that the ORDER of the books be made considerably easier to ascertain. A final suggestion; the COVERS of a series of books must look very much alike! Currently, each cover of Mr. Fee's "Wilson series" looks markedly dissimilar. One would never assume that these books were written by the same author, much less written as a series of novels that MUST be read IN ORDER. Thus, the color, the style, the font, the general theme, and the SAME ARTIST should be used for each and every cover.
Regardless, I HIGHLY recommend these books. I'm reading them one after the other. They are quite entertaining. One gets deeply involved in the "murder squad", in lead character, the brilliant, stubborn "Ian Wilson", his highly original Sergeant "Moira Maculveyny", HIS brilliantly sketched criminal element, as well as his deep knowledge of the city of Belfast itself. I love this series! I want Mr. Fee, a gifted writer, as well as a self published one, to become as successful as his talent warrants. Be prepared for a cornucopia of typos, yes, but DO NOT let them put you off READING THIS SERIES! These books are truly fascinating, well-crafted, and VERY enjoyable. So, READ THEM IN ORDER. RIGHT NOW (before they become, as I'm hoping, a BBC television series, like "Vera" and "Luther" and "Happy Valley". The books are highly original, the characters vivid and surprising, the Belfast setting delightfully evocative. Dive in! You will not be disappointed!
Fee is that rarest of literary animals; a born writer. He is not slick or polished, but he has a gift for narrative, characterization, and is deft at provoking place as both influence and context. He is clever, daring, dutiful, and honestly follows where his stories take him, rather than imposing upon his narrative a self-consciously pre-arrived-at, conclusion. His stories are also quite delightfully complex. Aware that he is writing a series of books, he has no need to tie up each book with a supposedly "satisfying" little ribbon. Knowing, and enjoying the fact, that he has more than one book within which to ultimately conclude his tale, each book is like one season of a smart, cable television series. One where, as executive, producer, show runner and the entire writing staff, he can "greenlight" as many seasons of his series as he chooses, hoping, desperately, that the "WilsonBooks" develop, as they should, a loyal fan base.
Conversely, this is a writer in DESPERATE NEED of an editor. And, a reader whose only job is to catch the OVERWHELMING number of typos. Generally, there are several grammatical and spelling mistakes PER PAGE. This is, unnecessarily distracting, and, sadly, I can see how this proliferation of minor, easily corrected, errors driving certain readers away. The sloppiness of the merely technical aspects of his prose, then, is a serious danger to his career. It screams; "Amateur!" Doesn't the man have "spell check"? He should also be using one of the few, not inexpensive, but VERY helpful writing softwares, such as Final Draft, which employs stringent spelling-correction, as well as GRAMMAR correction, as well as word count, character percentages, compilations of the number of times scene locations are used, as well as how many times each character repeats their "signature phrase or word", helping to keep characters dialogue-specific. For ME, for example, if he uses the phrase "fine toothcomb" one more time... The moniker, when used correctly, is a "fine tooth comb". Or a "finetooth comb". A "fine-tooth comb" is acceptable. A comb that has "fine teeth", and more teeth than is average. The TEETH are "fine", not the COMB ITSELF. There is no such thing as a "toothcomb". It's redundant, and implies that the comb is to be used ON one's teeth. Every comb has teeth or "tynes". It's what makes a comb a comb. The comb Mr. Fee wants to use is a "Fine tooth comb". Or, a "fine-tooth comb". ANYTHING but "fine toothcomb". My, I do go on, but my reaction to this oft-mentioned non-item is indicative of how a single incorrect phrase, particularly one that is repeated, can pull a reader RIGHT OUT of the book. Creating speed bumps to an experience that should flow. Certainly no author seeks, or should perpetuate, or even tolerate such mistakes. Thus, an EDITOR. And software. I CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH! Mr. Fee, you unusually wonderful writer; GET THEE TO AN EDITOR!
Enough. Mr. Fee is a wonderful writer. He is, however, an appalling "writer". There are technical aspects involved in the successful communication of a story. One wants the reading of these books to be EMERSIVE. It must avoid speed bumps at all cost! Also, as this series contains novels that are NOT AT ALL stand-alone, the series MUST be read in order, I suggest that the ORDER of the books be made considerably easier to ascertain. A final suggestion; the COVERS of a series of books must look very much alike! Currently, each cover of Mr. Fee's "Wilson series" looks markedly dissimilar. One would never assume that these books were written by the same author, much less written as a series of novels that MUST be read IN ORDER. Thus, the color, the style, the font, the general theme, and the SAME ARTIST should be used for each and every cover.
Regardless, I HIGHLY recommend these books. I'm reading them one after the other. They are quite entertaining. One gets deeply involved in the "murder squad", in lead character, the brilliant, stubborn "Ian Wilson", his highly original Sergeant "Moira Maculveyny", HIS brilliantly sketched criminal element, as well as his deep knowledge of the city of Belfast itself. I love this series! I want Mr. Fee, a gifted writer, as well as a self published one, to become as successful as his talent warrants. Be prepared for a cornucopia of typos, yes, but DO NOT let them put you off READING THIS SERIES! These books are truly fascinating, well-crafted, and VERY enjoyable. So, READ THEM IN ORDER. RIGHT NOW (before they become, as I'm hoping, a BBC television series, like "Vera" and "Luther" and "Happy Valley". The books are highly original, the characters vivid and surprising, the Belfast setting delightfully evocative. Dive in! You will not be disappointed!
June 9, 2025
Intriguing, and a real page turner. The title is perfect for the book and gives a clue to the dark forces at work who endeavour to remain hidden and keep their activities secret. Ian Wilson has been notified by the Pathologist Stephanie Reid that she believes two seemingly straightforward suicides are, in fact, murders.
Against all advice DCI Wilson has his team quietly investigate these deaths. A few cages are rattled. It's a gripping tale with lots of plot twists. A real page turner. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Against all advice DCI Wilson has his team quietly investigate these deaths. A few cages are rattled. It's a gripping tale with lots of plot twists. A real page turner. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
May 31, 2016
Ian Wilson - please don't leave us in the lurch!
THANK YOU, DEREK FEE! I just finished binge reading the 4 book DCI Wilson series. Absolutely sensational. But there must be more to the story - there simply must be another book or three or four. What a great character, surrounded with more great characters. Of course everyone wants Moira to be happy, but we're also selfish and want her back with Wilson! Kate was the least developed character. Just as well, she might be the most beautiful and brilliant QC in the UK but there's no depth to her. Hopefully Ian Wilson, over-grown Boy Scout that he is, will figure that out in the next chapter. And there MUST be a next chapter.
THANK YOU, DEREK FEE! I just finished binge reading the 4 book DCI Wilson series. Absolutely sensational. But there must be more to the story - there simply must be another book or three or four. What a great character, surrounded with more great characters. Of course everyone wants Moira to be happy, but we're also selfish and want her back with Wilson! Kate was the least developed character. Just as well, she might be the most beautiful and brilliant QC in the UK but there's no depth to her. Hopefully Ian Wilson, over-grown Boy Scout that he is, will figure that out in the next chapter. And there MUST be a next chapter.
August 20, 2016
Your curiosity forces you to follow Ian Wilson again.
Five stars. The characters have become real,familiar,valuable people worth following along
with through another maze of murders,betrayals,crimes and mayhem. I applauded their
successes and whinced at their missteps. That is the gift a talented writer gives his readers:
total absorption in the story. Thank you Derek Fee. Let me know when Wilson continues.
Five stars. The characters have become real,familiar,valuable people worth following along
with through another maze of murders,betrayals,crimes and mayhem. I applauded their
successes and whinced at their missteps. That is the gift a talented writer gives his readers:
total absorption in the story. Thank you Derek Fee. Let me know when Wilson continues.
March 9, 2016
Fast paced and enjoyable
Living in Scotland and visiting Ulster many times, I could really relate to the story, a very well written and fast paced detective thriller.
The subplot was intriguing, and totally believable, from my own experience.
Looking forward to the next chapter in the lives of the characters.
Living in Scotland and visiting Ulster many times, I could really relate to the story, a very well written and fast paced detective thriller.
The subplot was intriguing, and totally believable, from my own experience.
Looking forward to the next chapter in the lives of the characters.
August 8, 2016
Enjoyed this series
Thinning great series. I feel I can relate to the characters, I care about them. The situation in Belfast is unusual and I've learned a lot about the "troubles". Start with the first book in this series. Very good reading.
Thinning great series. I feel I can relate to the characters, I care about them. The situation in Belfast is unusual and I've learned a lot about the "troubles". Start with the first book in this series. Very good reading.
April 21, 2016
can't put it down
This it's the 4th in a series that I think is one of the best. Mr. Fee's characters are totally real and flawed...like us all. Can't wait for the next one.
This it's the 4th in a series that I think is one of the best. Mr. Fee's characters are totally real and flawed...like us all. Can't wait for the next one.
April 23, 2016
I thought this book was good. It seemed to be free of the typos that have plagued earlier books in this series. By this time the characters are well developed.
May 20, 2016
Well Done!
Ha e read several of the series. Tightly written, well edited (no small accomplishment). Like the cast of characters. Heading into another one now.
Ha e read several of the series. Tightly written, well edited (no small accomplishment). Like the cast of characters. Heading into another one now.
August 4, 2016
Dark circles
Ian Wilson certainly grows on you. It is to be hoped that the increasing circle who are out to get him don't suceed
Ian Wilson certainly grows on you. It is to be hoped that the increasing circle who are out to get him don't suceed
December 15, 2016
Intense and excellent
Kept me full engaged. Well woven. Solid characters. I recommend the series to all. The Belfast background i
Adds color
Kept me full engaged. Well woven. Solid characters. I recommend the series to all. The Belfast background i
Adds color
April 3, 2017
Loved it!
This is my first Derek Fee novel and introduction to character Ian Wilson. I very much enjoyed the cast of characters as well as the environment where they did their work.
This is my first Derek Fee novel and introduction to character Ian Wilson. I very much enjoyed the cast of characters as well as the environment where they did their work.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews