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Paul Storey Saga #1
Storey
When Paul Storey comes home from London he’s escaping an event that ruined his professional life. Now he’s slowly making contact with people again … but the people he winds up meeting are lowlifes, thieves and conmen.
Exactly the kind of people he was trying to escape.
Exactly the kind of people he was trying to escape.
Worse, one of them is a con-woman who, for some reason, he can’t get out of his mind and who has a habit of manipulating men ...
When he gets involved in a scam to sell smuggled antiquities from Syria he realises he can’t escape being a professional either—and one with a specialised skill that makes him even more desirable to his new colleagues.
Finding a purpose in life while keeping his head connected to his shoulders keeps him busy, until a Syrian who wants the return of one of the stolen antiquities shows up ... and he's not inclined to take prisoners.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2016
37 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Keith Dixon
88 books79 followersKeith Dixon was born in Yorkshire and grew up in the Midlands. He’s been writing since he was thirteen years old in a number of different genres: thriller, espionage, science fiction, literary. He’s the author of seven novels in the Sam Dyke Investigations series and two other non-crime works, as well as two collections of blog posts on the craft of writing. When he’s not writing he enjoys reading, learning the guitar, watching movies and binge-inhaling great TV series. He’s currently spending more time in France than is probably good for him.
Learn more about Keith by following him on Twitter @keithyd6, by reading his blog at www.cwconfidential.blogspot.com or connect with him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SamDykeInvest...
On his website you can download a couple of free books and find out more about the others: www.keithdixonnovels.com.
His Amazon page from which you can buy all the books is here: http://www.amazon.com/Keith-Dixon/e/B...
Learn more about Keith by following him on Twitter @keithyd6, by reading his blog at www.cwconfidential.blogspot.com or connect with him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SamDykeInvest...
On his website you can download a couple of free books and find out more about the others: www.keithdixonnovels.com.
His Amazon page from which you can buy all the books is here: http://www.amazon.com/Keith-Dixon/e/B...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 21, 2016
Returning to his home town of Coventry to escape the difficulties of his professional life, Paul Storey decides to take things one day at a time. But when he meets an attractive young woman who has a habit of manipulating everyone she comes into contact with, he starts to wonder what he's getting into. Is she just playing silly games, or is there a more sinister reason behind her behaviour? Certainly, the low-life rogues she hangs around with aren't what Storey had in mind for a social life - in fact, they're exactly the sort of people he's been trying to avoid.
This is my first taste of this author's work and I'm very happy to say it won't be the last. The novel begins quietly, sliding its characters into your mind, planting the seeds of what's to come. There's no hit-hard, smack-em-over-the-head opening, but rather a slow-burning fuse that sizzles away, gathering momentum, building to a thrilling climax. Keith Dixon's writing appears deceptively simple, the text easy on the eye, the language ordinary and straightforward. Except - it isn't. The author's skill is in avoiding the obvious, painting a picture we can't quite see as he introduces his characters, each subtly different, beautifully drawn and wryly observed. This is a highly intelligent, witty and well-plotted thriller that'll keep you guessing til the end.
This is my first taste of this author's work and I'm very happy to say it won't be the last. The novel begins quietly, sliding its characters into your mind, planting the seeds of what's to come. There's no hit-hard, smack-em-over-the-head opening, but rather a slow-burning fuse that sizzles away, gathering momentum, building to a thrilling climax. Keith Dixon's writing appears deceptively simple, the text easy on the eye, the language ordinary and straightforward. Except - it isn't. The author's skill is in avoiding the obvious, painting a picture we can't quite see as he introduces his characters, each subtly different, beautifully drawn and wryly observed. This is a highly intelligent, witty and well-plotted thriller that'll keep you guessing til the end.
June 8, 2018
"British crime thriller that delivers the goods"
I always enjoy a crime thriller where the main protagonists don't take themselves too seriously. Paul Storey is the kind of guy that exudes a light-hearted menace. In this story he's surrounded by villains that provide plenty of laughs with their stereotypical machismo, which is meaningless in the face of Storey's character. Complex, well-paced, and topical, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I always enjoy a crime thriller where the main protagonists don't take themselves too seriously. Paul Storey is the kind of guy that exudes a light-hearted menace. In this story he's surrounded by villains that provide plenty of laughs with their stereotypical machismo, which is meaningless in the face of Storey's character. Complex, well-paced, and topical, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
December 8, 2016
I don't read too many crime novels, but I got hooked on Dixon's Sam Dyke private eye series, of which there are seven so far, and try to keep up with his latest. STOREY is a crime novel all right, as the title indicates, but it doesn't feature Sam Dyke. It shifts gears to the story of Storey, a former homicide detective in London who quits the force after remorse over fatally shooting a man.
Paul Storey is at loose ends as the story begins. After the death of his father, he has returned to his childhood home of Coventry to sell his father's house and wrap up the estate details. He has an eye for ladies, and in an intriguing opening chapter he strikes up an relationship with an attractive young woman in a coffee shop They are pulled toward each other, but with mutual suspicion that the other is not quite what they seem. She claims to be a journalist, Storey claims to be an insurance agent. Both are lying.
From here, Storey almost accidentally gets involved with a gang of thieves. It comes about when he meets the woman, Janice, again. He has a good nose for phoniness and begins to doubt even more that she is a journalist. If he were smart, he would have walked out. Instead, almost in spite of himself, he defends her against the gang leader who is harassing her. He uses some tough physical tactics which get him grudging respect, but also animosity from the gang members.
Janice, who also goes by the name of Araminta Smith, however, turns out to be friendly with the gang, and before he knows it, Storey finds himself mixed up in their criminal activity, or more accurately, he finds he is unable to easily extricate himself. .
The gang of four men are dangerous, all right, but not particularly bright so there is an element of humor in the story. The plot concerns a theft of smuggled treasures from Syria, especially a valuable owl ( a nod to Hammett's Maltese Falcon?). Storey is in on the robbery, feeling very ambiguous as his speciality was in law enforcement, not law violation. He has a growing sexual interest in Janice/Araminta, who has a a side operation of embezzlement going on, and added to this mix are some very dangerous Arabs who think they've been double-crossed by the treasure thieves.
It's a gripping read to see how this works out, and near the end in an upbeat aspect, the dark character of Janice, the femme fatale, is replaced with a figure of light, a good woman, a police officer, so not all romance is lost for Storey. Dixon's previous Sam Dyke books, have had satisfying twists and variations, never repeating themselves, but this one goes a step farther by changing the perspective from private detective to that of a former police detective who becomes an almost reluctant force for good. As I mentioned I don't read that much crime fiction, but when I find myself unable to put the book down, compulsively turning pages, I know I'm in the hands of a excellent writer.
Paul Storey is at loose ends as the story begins. After the death of his father, he has returned to his childhood home of Coventry to sell his father's house and wrap up the estate details. He has an eye for ladies, and in an intriguing opening chapter he strikes up an relationship with an attractive young woman in a coffee shop They are pulled toward each other, but with mutual suspicion that the other is not quite what they seem. She claims to be a journalist, Storey claims to be an insurance agent. Both are lying.
From here, Storey almost accidentally gets involved with a gang of thieves. It comes about when he meets the woman, Janice, again. He has a good nose for phoniness and begins to doubt even more that she is a journalist. If he were smart, he would have walked out. Instead, almost in spite of himself, he defends her against the gang leader who is harassing her. He uses some tough physical tactics which get him grudging respect, but also animosity from the gang members.
Janice, who also goes by the name of Araminta Smith, however, turns out to be friendly with the gang, and before he knows it, Storey finds himself mixed up in their criminal activity, or more accurately, he finds he is unable to easily extricate himself. .
The gang of four men are dangerous, all right, but not particularly bright so there is an element of humor in the story. The plot concerns a theft of smuggled treasures from Syria, especially a valuable owl ( a nod to Hammett's Maltese Falcon?). Storey is in on the robbery, feeling very ambiguous as his speciality was in law enforcement, not law violation. He has a growing sexual interest in Janice/Araminta, who has a a side operation of embezzlement going on, and added to this mix are some very dangerous Arabs who think they've been double-crossed by the treasure thieves.
It's a gripping read to see how this works out, and near the end in an upbeat aspect, the dark character of Janice, the femme fatale, is replaced with a figure of light, a good woman, a police officer, so not all romance is lost for Storey. Dixon's previous Sam Dyke books, have had satisfying twists and variations, never repeating themselves, but this one goes a step farther by changing the perspective from private detective to that of a former police detective who becomes an almost reluctant force for good. As I mentioned I don't read that much crime fiction, but when I find myself unable to put the book down, compulsively turning pages, I know I'm in the hands of a excellent writer.
October 18, 2016
There’s always a pregnant pause when one of your favourite authors introduces a new series with a new protagonist. Your mind fills with expectancy, memories of the prior novels you have enjoyed so much… and questions. Is the character going to be sufficiently different from the ones you know to hold their own in a new series? Will the theme be as interesting as the others? Will the story be as original?
If you are a fan of Keith Dixon’s Sam Dyke Private Investigator books I say only one thing to you: Have no fear; ‘Storey’ is here. And he’s here to stay in a big way. Dixon sites the action in Coventry this time and the protagonist is an ex-London copper, but I won’t say more about his superbly-drawn backstory because that would be in the realm of spoilers, something I never do. The tale kicks off in a very low key fashion, a chance encounter with a stranger over a coffee in a café; Dixon then works his literary magic to sink the hook so subtly, you don’t realise you’ve been caught until he starts to reel you into the ever more complicated consequences of that brief meeting. Bodies, guns, gangs, and general mayhem stalk the pages of Keith Dixon’s newest crime thriller, and take the reader to an explosive finale that will not disappoint.
A new winner from author Dixon.
If you are a fan of Keith Dixon’s Sam Dyke Private Investigator books I say only one thing to you: Have no fear; ‘Storey’ is here. And he’s here to stay in a big way. Dixon sites the action in Coventry this time and the protagonist is an ex-London copper, but I won’t say more about his superbly-drawn backstory because that would be in the realm of spoilers, something I never do. The tale kicks off in a very low key fashion, a chance encounter with a stranger over a coffee in a café; Dixon then works his literary magic to sink the hook so subtly, you don’t realise you’ve been caught until he starts to reel you into the ever more complicated consequences of that brief meeting. Bodies, guns, gangs, and general mayhem stalk the pages of Keith Dixon’s newest crime thriller, and take the reader to an explosive finale that will not disappoint.
A new winner from author Dixon.
October 31, 2016
I must admit that I hadn't read any of Keith Dixon's novels before so starting with a new series seemed to be a good place. Paul Storey is an ex London Police Officer that has returned to his home town of Coventry to sell his dad's house after his death, but when a woman catches his eye a few days running his life takes on a new unpredictable turn that he can't seem to pull himself away from.
This really is an all round entertaining book. I found Storey to be an amusing character that was in a class of his own, more toying with the people around him to pass time. Like they were a good source of entertainment more than anything else that is until it got serious. I really quite mellowed to the local gang that were more brawn than brain and at times I wanted to mother these big hunks
of men.
This is a great plot to follow. A little romance and lust, a ton of deception and double cross, and funny with quite a bit of violence. I will certainly be watching out for book two in the series. I wish to thank the author for an arc of this book which I have chosen to review.
This really is an all round entertaining book. I found Storey to be an amusing character that was in a class of his own, more toying with the people around him to pass time. Like they were a good source of entertainment more than anything else that is until it got serious. I really quite mellowed to the local gang that were more brawn than brain and at times I wanted to mother these big hunks
of men.
This is a great plot to follow. A little romance and lust, a ton of deception and double cross, and funny with quite a bit of violence. I will certainly be watching out for book two in the series. I wish to thank the author for an arc of this book which I have chosen to review.
November 8, 2016
Storey is the first book I’ve read by Keith Dixon but it won’t be the last. I found the author’s style easy to read as it flowed smoothly. The intelligent plot isn’t over-complicated and the pages are packed with just the right amount of suspense, violence, dry humour and intrigue. The characters on both sides of the law are credible. I sometimes wanted to slap troubled ex-police marksman Storey for involving himself with a con-woman destined to lead him into danger, although if he hadn’t, there’d have been no Storey. The book is a fast-paced crime thriller set in Coventry where I studied art for five years, so I appreciated my exciting trip down memory lane and look forward to the next in the series.
October 24, 2016
Wow another great book from this author, a new hero for us to get to know set in Coventry. Some really well written characters even if a somewhat complicated plot, though carried through very well. I await book 2 in this series with anticipation.
April 25, 2018
As an avid fan of Keith Dixon's Sam Dyke series I was looking forward to this new series, but I felt it was a bit of a let down - not as good as the Sam Dyke's for me.
It's a shame as I really like this author's other stuff and am disappointed that I didn't like this one as much as I thought I would.
It's a shame as I really like this author's other stuff and am disappointed that I didn't like this one as much as I thought I would.
August 6, 2018
Brilliantly written
Hard-boiled criminals take centre stage in this dramatic caper. This is a page turner, entertaining and modern. I felt in good hands: Dixon knows his craft and takes the reader through the plot with conviction and — charisma. Highly recommended for everybody who likes to sit at the edge of their chair while they read.
Hard-boiled criminals take centre stage in this dramatic caper. This is a page turner, entertaining and modern. I felt in good hands: Dixon knows his craft and takes the reader through the plot with conviction and — charisma. Highly recommended for everybody who likes to sit at the edge of their chair while they read.
March 20, 2018
Excellent thriller
This is a very good thriller. The language is a little too rough for my taste but accurately depicts the speech of the populace. The content, however, was riveting. I will read more of Mr. Dixon's books including some of the other genres.
This is a very good thriller. The language is a little too rough for my taste but accurately depicts the speech of the populace. The content, however, was riveting. I will read more of Mr. Dixon's books including some of the other genres.
October 26, 2023
Well written
This is a well-written story that drags and slows down in some places. The main character is interesting and well developed but he is frustrating at times,but perhaps the next book will get his head back into reality. I enjoyed it.
This is a well-written story that drags and slows down in some places. The main character is interesting and well developed but he is frustrating at times,but perhaps the next book will get his head back into reality. I enjoyed it.
December 14, 2018
Storey
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about a cop who leaves the job but not the lifestyle after killing a suspect during an arrest.
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about a cop who leaves the job but not the lifestyle after killing a suspect during an arrest.
January 14, 2019
Poor story, flat caracters. 2 stars is generous...
November 4, 2016
I enjoyed reading this crime thriller, even though the main character, Paul Storey, frustrated me at times. I wanted to give him a good shake. He’s a burnt out cop who has returned to his home town of Coventry to take care of his deceased father’s effects. However, he drifts aimlessly, becoming involved with a con woman, Araminta, who fascinates him. He knows he should turn away but seems helpless to resist her. Through his connection with her, he gets sucked into a group of small time criminals who are planning a bigger crime. He knows it is out of their league but he continues to associate with them and goes along with their plans.
Of course, everything goes horribly wrong and things become decidedly dangerous, but he is now so involved he finds it difficult to break free. There is quite a lot of suspense in this book to ensure the attention is gripped until the end.
Of course, everything goes horribly wrong and things become decidedly dangerous, but he is now so involved he finds it difficult to break free. There is quite a lot of suspense in this book to ensure the attention is gripped until the end.
October 23, 2016
A totally absorbing and enjoyable read.
A con-woman, a group of low level thugs with delusions of grandeur who attempt one too many ill thought through plan. And Storey in the midst of it all.
Storey is a complex, but intriguing character with an amusing dry wit. Never quite sure what Storey was up to and it made for a tense and quite nerve-wracking time following him on his chosen and always convoluted path.
Next Storey please. Sorry, couldn't resist that way too tempting and all too obvious pun.
If you don't have any Keith Dixon novels in your bookcase, you should have! His Sam Dyke series is equally compelling.
A con-woman, a group of low level thugs with delusions of grandeur who attempt one too many ill thought through plan. And Storey in the midst of it all.
Storey is a complex, but intriguing character with an amusing dry wit. Never quite sure what Storey was up to and it made for a tense and quite nerve-wracking time following him on his chosen and always convoluted path.
Next Storey please. Sorry, couldn't resist that way too tempting and all too obvious pun.
If you don't have any Keith Dixon novels in your bookcase, you should have! His Sam Dyke series is equally compelling.
November 7, 2016
When Paul Storey returns to England it is two fold. He is there to sell his father's house and try to get his head on straight. Then he 'meets' a lovely mysterious lady at Starbucks. Neither Paul or the lady are on the up and up about what they do for a living. Slowly Paul gets caught up with some unsavory characters and dealings. But Paul is or was a police officer, how will he handle this? Read the book to find out. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews