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DI Nick Dixon #7
Heads or Tails
The highly anticipated seventh novel in the bestselling DI Nick Dixon Crime Series.
A man has been mutilated and left to drown on the incoming tide, handcuffed in his van. With the murder bearing a striking resemblance to a string of sadistic killings carried out with surgical precision in 1990s gangland Manchester, it can mean only one the killer is back.
Transferred to the Major Investigation Team, DI Nick Dixon is assigned a new partner and sent to Manchester. Meanwhile, the gruesome murders in Somerset continue.
Convinced of a connection with the unsolved gangland killings, and with the odds stacked against him, Dixon takes the ultimate gamble, determined to bring the killer to justice before it’s too late.
But is it the same killer? If so, why has he resurfaced now? And how many more must die?
A man has been mutilated and left to drown on the incoming tide, handcuffed in his van. With the murder bearing a striking resemblance to a string of sadistic killings carried out with surgical precision in 1990s gangland Manchester, it can mean only one the killer is back.
Transferred to the Major Investigation Team, DI Nick Dixon is assigned a new partner and sent to Manchester. Meanwhile, the gruesome murders in Somerset continue.
Convinced of a connection with the unsolved gangland killings, and with the odds stacked against him, Dixon takes the ultimate gamble, determined to bring the killer to justice before it’s too late.
But is it the same killer? If so, why has he resurfaced now? And how many more must die?
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2017
About the author
Damien Boyd
28 books1,007 followersDamien Boyd is a former solicitor turned crime fiction writer.
Drawing on extensive experience of criminal law as well as a spell in the Crown Prosecution Service, Damien writes fast paced crime novels featuring Detective Inspector Nick Dixon.
Damien is published by Thomas & Mercer.
Drawing on extensive experience of criminal law as well as a spell in the Crown Prosecution Service, Damien writes fast paced crime novels featuring Detective Inspector Nick Dixon.
Damien is published by Thomas & Mercer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
September 15, 2017
EXCERPT: The tide was up to Harry's neck now; that much was visible from the shore. His head was tipped back, his mouth open, and he was fighting to keep his chin above the water with his last gasp. His eyes were wide open, tears mixing with the seawater. Harry was conscious enough to know what was happening to him. Dixon shook his head. He was watching a man's life ebbing away on a flood tide and there was nothing he could do to stop it.
THE BLURB: A man has been mutilated and left to drown on the incoming tide, handcuffed in his van. With the murder bearing a striking resemblance to a string of sadistic killings carried out with surgical precision in 1990s gangland Manchester, it can mean only one thing: the killer is back.
Transferred to the Major Investigation Team, DI Nick Dixon is assigned a new partner and sent to Manchester. Meanwhile, the gruesome murders in Somerset continue.
Convinced of a connection with the unsolved gangland killings, and with the odds stacked against him, Dixon takes the ultimate gamble, determined to bring the killer to justice before it’s too late.
But is it the same killer? If so, why has he resurfaced now? And how many more must die?
MY VIEWS: Firstly, Heads or Tails by Damien Boyd is book #7 in the DI Nick Dixon series. I have not previously read any of the preceding books in the series. Heads or Tails contains the occasional reference to past crimes that are not explained, and the relationships between characters are obviously long standing ones. Although not fully understanding references to past occurrences does not really impact on understanding or enjoying the plot of Heads or Tails, it probably would be advisable, if at all possible, to read the series in order from the beginning to get the most out of it. But, if not, it is still a pretty good read as a stand alone.
Heads or Tails was a good read, but nothing very special. It is a well written British police procedural/ crime novel with good characterisation. It flows smoothly, is an easy read and even has a couple of OMG! moments that give added interest - including what the book title refers to. But it never really gripped me. There wasn't that special 'tingling ' feeling that means I would put on my 'DO NOT DISTURB' hat and, when I was finished, rush off to order the rest of the series. If another book in the series was to fall into my hands, I would definitely read it, but I won't be going out of my way to find it.
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Heads or Tails by Damien Boyd for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, and therefore, if you enjoyed the excerpt, pick up a copy of Heads or Tails. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page for an explanation of my ratings. You can check out this review and others at sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
THE BLURB: A man has been mutilated and left to drown on the incoming tide, handcuffed in his van. With the murder bearing a striking resemblance to a string of sadistic killings carried out with surgical precision in 1990s gangland Manchester, it can mean only one thing: the killer is back.
Transferred to the Major Investigation Team, DI Nick Dixon is assigned a new partner and sent to Manchester. Meanwhile, the gruesome murders in Somerset continue.
Convinced of a connection with the unsolved gangland killings, and with the odds stacked against him, Dixon takes the ultimate gamble, determined to bring the killer to justice before it’s too late.
But is it the same killer? If so, why has he resurfaced now? And how many more must die?
MY VIEWS: Firstly, Heads or Tails by Damien Boyd is book #7 in the DI Nick Dixon series. I have not previously read any of the preceding books in the series. Heads or Tails contains the occasional reference to past crimes that are not explained, and the relationships between characters are obviously long standing ones. Although not fully understanding references to past occurrences does not really impact on understanding or enjoying the plot of Heads or Tails, it probably would be advisable, if at all possible, to read the series in order from the beginning to get the most out of it. But, if not, it is still a pretty good read as a stand alone.
Heads or Tails was a good read, but nothing very special. It is a well written British police procedural/ crime novel with good characterisation. It flows smoothly, is an easy read and even has a couple of OMG! moments that give added interest - including what the book title refers to. But it never really gripped me. There wasn't that special 'tingling ' feeling that means I would put on my 'DO NOT DISTURB' hat and, when I was finished, rush off to order the rest of the series. If another book in the series was to fall into my hands, I would definitely read it, but I won't be going out of my way to find it.
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Heads or Tails by Damien Boyd for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, and therefore, if you enjoyed the excerpt, pick up a copy of Heads or Tails. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page for an explanation of my ratings. You can check out this review and others at sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
October 21, 2017
Tightly woven action plot that allows DI Nick Dixon to see through sabotage and discover the truth that has allowed brutal murders to revisit the region. It had been many months since I read the 6th in this series and was happy to find this 7th book available through Kindle Unlimited.
September 22, 2017
What a ride readers get with Damien Boyd's latest DI Nick Dixon crime thriller 'Heads or Tails'.
From the dark professional report that acts as prologue to it's final climatic chase this novel is action based and all about good policing.
Trouble is that the Avon & Somerset police fear they have a copycat killer when brutal executions occur which are a throw back to Manchester's gangs and the iron enforcement by a killer know as "The Vet".
This requires Dixon to visit Manchester CID to look for clues. However, his attempts to understand seems to be controlled by unknown forces making him question the information and facts shared. There is a thought that perhaps the force has a leak and elements of corruption somewhere in its ranks.
This contrast with the investigation at home makes for an interesting counter-balance to the more gentle paced police work in a rural setting; indeed Dixon fronting up to the current crime lords in Manchester is well written and shows his character against that of City's discredited detectives.
Although this is now the 7th novel in this series I think you could easily jump straight in here without worrying about the back story, great as they are. The book reads as a stand-alone police procedural full of action and impressive set pieces.
The plot is beautifully spun and there is real drama here. Life is seen as precious but murder seems to be different, historically within criminal circles in Manchester but re-introduced by the copycat for quite different reasons.
Fear is a common factor and the killing is less clinical in it's revised methods but harsher in it's reach. Criminals killing other bad people seems less personal than when the copycat resurfaces with methods to terrorise a different group that may have wronged him.
The book also poses the question of people being able to change. It is also brought into focus with a sub-plot involving Nick's girlfriend Jane.
I love the fact that the author doesn't over write his stories but finds time to introduce a group of supporting characters. He does so without blurring them as just extras but each with distinction and clarity in the story. No-one is used better than Monty Dixon's faithful dog who drifts in and out of scenes but by his presence elevates it to a reality other author's fail to capture.
Guaranteed that you'll love it and if new to the author think of the fun you'll get finding six equally good crime dramas to read.
From the dark professional report that acts as prologue to it's final climatic chase this novel is action based and all about good policing.
Trouble is that the Avon & Somerset police fear they have a copycat killer when brutal executions occur which are a throw back to Manchester's gangs and the iron enforcement by a killer know as "The Vet".
This requires Dixon to visit Manchester CID to look for clues. However, his attempts to understand seems to be controlled by unknown forces making him question the information and facts shared. There is a thought that perhaps the force has a leak and elements of corruption somewhere in its ranks.
This contrast with the investigation at home makes for an interesting counter-balance to the more gentle paced police work in a rural setting; indeed Dixon fronting up to the current crime lords in Manchester is well written and shows his character against that of City's discredited detectives.
Although this is now the 7th novel in this series I think you could easily jump straight in here without worrying about the back story, great as they are. The book reads as a stand-alone police procedural full of action and impressive set pieces.
The plot is beautifully spun and there is real drama here. Life is seen as precious but murder seems to be different, historically within criminal circles in Manchester but re-introduced by the copycat for quite different reasons.
Fear is a common factor and the killing is less clinical in it's revised methods but harsher in it's reach. Criminals killing other bad people seems less personal than when the copycat resurfaces with methods to terrorise a different group that may have wronged him.
The book also poses the question of people being able to change. It is also brought into focus with a sub-plot involving Nick's girlfriend Jane.
I love the fact that the author doesn't over write his stories but finds time to introduce a group of supporting characters. He does so without blurring them as just extras but each with distinction and clarity in the story. No-one is used better than Monty Dixon's faithful dog who drifts in and out of scenes but by his presence elevates it to a reality other author's fail to capture.
Guaranteed that you'll love it and if new to the author think of the fun you'll get finding six equally good crime dramas to read.
October 20, 2017
7th and most recent in the Nick Dixon series, so I'm all up to date. Luckily the author seems to write quite quickly so it shouldn't be too long until the next one.
Dixon investigates a series of murders using the same method as a notorious serial killer who was active in Manchester in the 90s, but then disappeared. Yet again he throws himself into danger, to the chagrin of poor Jane, upsets senior police officers, but gets away with it by being cleverer than anyone else, and his dog Monty spends a lot of time in cars.
This was a good mystery although I got a bit confused by all the minor characters mentioned, so didn't really understand the motives of some of them, but it was all wrapped up satisfactorily.
I've really enjoyed this series and have read them in quick succession which helps with following who's who, but each could be read as a standalone.
Dixon investigates a series of murders using the same method as a notorious serial killer who was active in Manchester in the 90s, but then disappeared. Yet again he throws himself into danger, to the chagrin of poor Jane, upsets senior police officers, but gets away with it by being cleverer than anyone else, and his dog Monty spends a lot of time in cars.
This was a good mystery although I got a bit confused by all the minor characters mentioned, so didn't really understand the motives of some of them, but it was all wrapped up satisfactorily.
I've really enjoyed this series and have read them in quick succession which helps with following who's who, but each could be read as a standalone.
September 13, 2017
I'll start with the usual spiel. This is book seven of the series and, although the main story contained within is complete, to get the best from the characters with regard to their development and backstory, it is best to start from book one and read in order. This being book seven, I realise there is a lot to do to catch up so if you're not inclined I do think this one would work well in isolation although a few of the relationships between certain parties would have more depth if read with their backstories.
I personally have read and enjoyed all the previous books and have been looking forward to revisiting the characters, especially Nick himself. Where other series have hit the ground running and, after a few books, somewhat fizzled out. This series for me has done the opposite and I have seen both the author and the characters mature as the series has gone on without any signs of it becoming stale at all.
So, we begin with Nick on the trail of some elver poachers. That done, he is called to investigate a van on the verge of being claimed by the incoming tide. There's a man in the van and Nick struggles to get him out due to him being handcuffed. He also has certain injuries. Sadly, Nick and the first responders fail to save him and when eventually they recover his body it appears that the injuries are familiar to the Police. They are reminiscent of those inflicted by an old serial killer who has never been caught. The case is taken from Nick and claimed by the MIT which initially disgruntles Nick until he gets on their team, going up to Manchester to re-visit the original murders. And so begins a bit of a cat and mouse game, pitting Nick and his team against what they think could be a copycat but Nick believes that there is more to the story and he, once again, goes out on a limb, putting himself in danger to get to the bottom of things once and for all. Focusing on what is going on in the present, could he be the one that breaks the cold case and close it once and for all.
Wow, this was pretty action packed right from the off. As well as all the investigation work from Nick and his team, we also have the cross Force involvement and delving into the past unsolved case. Whilst the plot was, at times, a wee bit convoluted and maybe not wholly convincing, it was definitely seat of your pants exciting in nature and Nick employs every trick in his book to get what he needs and wants in his own inimitable, ignore the superior officers, sort of way! As more and more was uncovered, my need to know even more kicked in and I found it very hard to put the book down, even for a moment. It gripped me from the first page and didn't let me go until all was done and dusted.
Every good cop needs a good sidekick and, as well as his fellow officers, and of course long suffering girlfriend Jane, we also have Monty the dog who features quite a lot in this book. Love that guy! I've already mentioned Jane and here, she play a bit of a back seat investigation wise but appears occasionally, mostly regarding her ongoing family issues. I won't expand here for those who haven't read previous books and maybe want to, but where in earlier books, the balance wasn't quite right between the professional and personal, here the author has it spot on.
All in all, another great addition to an already well established series. All I can do now is wait for book eight.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
I personally have read and enjoyed all the previous books and have been looking forward to revisiting the characters, especially Nick himself. Where other series have hit the ground running and, after a few books, somewhat fizzled out. This series for me has done the opposite and I have seen both the author and the characters mature as the series has gone on without any signs of it becoming stale at all.
So, we begin with Nick on the trail of some elver poachers. That done, he is called to investigate a van on the verge of being claimed by the incoming tide. There's a man in the van and Nick struggles to get him out due to him being handcuffed. He also has certain injuries. Sadly, Nick and the first responders fail to save him and when eventually they recover his body it appears that the injuries are familiar to the Police. They are reminiscent of those inflicted by an old serial killer who has never been caught. The case is taken from Nick and claimed by the MIT which initially disgruntles Nick until he gets on their team, going up to Manchester to re-visit the original murders. And so begins a bit of a cat and mouse game, pitting Nick and his team against what they think could be a copycat but Nick believes that there is more to the story and he, once again, goes out on a limb, putting himself in danger to get to the bottom of things once and for all. Focusing on what is going on in the present, could he be the one that breaks the cold case and close it once and for all.
Wow, this was pretty action packed right from the off. As well as all the investigation work from Nick and his team, we also have the cross Force involvement and delving into the past unsolved case. Whilst the plot was, at times, a wee bit convoluted and maybe not wholly convincing, it was definitely seat of your pants exciting in nature and Nick employs every trick in his book to get what he needs and wants in his own inimitable, ignore the superior officers, sort of way! As more and more was uncovered, my need to know even more kicked in and I found it very hard to put the book down, even for a moment. It gripped me from the first page and didn't let me go until all was done and dusted.
Every good cop needs a good sidekick and, as well as his fellow officers, and of course long suffering girlfriend Jane, we also have Monty the dog who features quite a lot in this book. Love that guy! I've already mentioned Jane and here, she play a bit of a back seat investigation wise but appears occasionally, mostly regarding her ongoing family issues. I won't expand here for those who haven't read previous books and maybe want to, but where in earlier books, the balance wasn't quite right between the professional and personal, here the author has it spot on.
All in all, another great addition to an already well established series. All I can do now is wait for book eight.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
June 16, 2018
2.5 stars.
Slow solid, that's what this is. :)
The mystery was interesting, the romance sweet, and the overall story was enjoyable. I like how Jane figured into the mystery solving in this one.
Slow solid, that's what this is. :)
The mystery was interesting, the romance sweet, and the overall story was enjoyable. I like how Jane figured into the mystery solving in this one.
September 14, 2017
Another masterly novel involving DI Nick Dixon
When DI Nick Dixon is on a stake-out involving illicit eel poachers, he is confronted with all the signs of a historical gangland killing from the Manchester area, involving a person nicknamed ‘The Vet’. A man with stab wounds and an apparent gunshot wound to the head has been handcuffed to the steering wheel of a Ford Transit van which is stuck in the mud with the tide rising.
So commences the latest in the superb DI Nick Dixon series. This, the seventh, is no less absorbing and intriguing than the first six. Dixon and his team – including girlfriend DS Jane Winter and Monty, the dog – have to work very hard to get to the bottom of this seemingly copycat killing, and they seem to be thwarted at every step. As Nick travels between Somerset and Manchester, he finds that his presence in another force’s cold case is not met with much enthusiasm. In fact, he experiences some outright antagonism.
However, Nick being Nick, far from being thwarted by this professional indifference and disrespect, gets his teeth into the case with surprising and far-reaching effects, and more than a little risk to himself.
As well as the killing plotline, Damien Boyd enlarges on Nick and Jane’s personal lives, and this gives the novel an extra dimension. He skillfully handles Jane’s issues with having been adopted and finding and meeting her birth-mother, and you sense that despite the stress, this brings into their lives, it will eventually bring Nick and Jane even closer.
And so to the end of the seventh of the DI Nick Dixon books. Whilst we have known from the beginning that our hero will solve the case, see that justice is done and put his colleagues in their places, Damien Boyd cleverly closes this novel in such a way as to open the beginning for the next in the series!
Thanks, Damien Boyd.
Sméagol
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review
When DI Nick Dixon is on a stake-out involving illicit eel poachers, he is confronted with all the signs of a historical gangland killing from the Manchester area, involving a person nicknamed ‘The Vet’. A man with stab wounds and an apparent gunshot wound to the head has been handcuffed to the steering wheel of a Ford Transit van which is stuck in the mud with the tide rising.
So commences the latest in the superb DI Nick Dixon series. This, the seventh, is no less absorbing and intriguing than the first six. Dixon and his team – including girlfriend DS Jane Winter and Monty, the dog – have to work very hard to get to the bottom of this seemingly copycat killing, and they seem to be thwarted at every step. As Nick travels between Somerset and Manchester, he finds that his presence in another force’s cold case is not met with much enthusiasm. In fact, he experiences some outright antagonism.
However, Nick being Nick, far from being thwarted by this professional indifference and disrespect, gets his teeth into the case with surprising and far-reaching effects, and more than a little risk to himself.
As well as the killing plotline, Damien Boyd enlarges on Nick and Jane’s personal lives, and this gives the novel an extra dimension. He skillfully handles Jane’s issues with having been adopted and finding and meeting her birth-mother, and you sense that despite the stress, this brings into their lives, it will eventually bring Nick and Jane even closer.
And so to the end of the seventh of the DI Nick Dixon books. Whilst we have known from the beginning that our hero will solve the case, see that justice is done and put his colleagues in their places, Damien Boyd cleverly closes this novel in such a way as to open the beginning for the next in the series!
Thanks, Damien Boyd.
Sméagol
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review
December 14, 2017
Another episode in the career of DI Nick Dixon of the Avon and Somerset Police - a complex plot of copycat killings and hidden identities emerging from mid-90s Manchester. Good stuff.
September 12, 2017
This is the first novel in this series that I have had the pleasure of reading. And after finishing, I can tell you two things without a doubt:
1. This will not be the last story from this author that I read.
2. You do not need to have read any of the earlier stories in this series in order to enjoy this one.
I enjoyed the way the author managed to seamlessly blend in murders from the past into things happening in the present. The dynamic between the main characters was also well done, the characters were complex and presented a strong (and realistic) image of how I perceive police officers to be.
The plot moves along at a steady pace, with new details being revealed in seemingly every chapter. In fact, I was so completely engrossed by this story that I found it hard to put down. Instead, I found myself staying up long after the rest of my family had gone to bed just so I could see what was in store for DI Dixon and company. Nothing about this story seemed over-done or predictable, which is often hard to accomplish with these types of novels.
Overall, I am sure this story will still appeal to those who enjoy a good thriller novel.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
1. This will not be the last story from this author that I read.
2. You do not need to have read any of the earlier stories in this series in order to enjoy this one.
I enjoyed the way the author managed to seamlessly blend in murders from the past into things happening in the present. The dynamic between the main characters was also well done, the characters were complex and presented a strong (and realistic) image of how I perceive police officers to be.
The plot moves along at a steady pace, with new details being revealed in seemingly every chapter. In fact, I was so completely engrossed by this story that I found it hard to put down. Instead, I found myself staying up long after the rest of my family had gone to bed just so I could see what was in store for DI Dixon and company. Nothing about this story seemed over-done or predictable, which is often hard to accomplish with these types of novels.
Overall, I am sure this story will still appeal to those who enjoy a good thriller novel.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
September 15, 2017
Heads up on this one
Heads or Tails did not disappoint: the seventh in the DI Nick Dixon Crime Series is a good book on its own but a strong part of the developing story of Nick and Jane which seems to be going from strength to strength.
The hidden twists and turns of this fast moving tale reveal interesting facts and bring out the realities of our outstanding Police, Fire, Coastguard and RNLI who we overlook as they go about their daily business. Steve Yelland was 'man of the moment' here bringing to life the characters of the plot and helping to build another great read by Damien Boyd; who sadly can't write them fast enough for me.
Time to start reading the series again in the hope that story No 8 is on its way.
Heads or Tails did not disappoint: the seventh in the DI Nick Dixon Crime Series is a good book on its own but a strong part of the developing story of Nick and Jane which seems to be going from strength to strength.
The hidden twists and turns of this fast moving tale reveal interesting facts and bring out the realities of our outstanding Police, Fire, Coastguard and RNLI who we overlook as they go about their daily business. Steve Yelland was 'man of the moment' here bringing to life the characters of the plot and helping to build another great read by Damien Boyd; who sadly can't write them fast enough for me.
Time to start reading the series again in the hope that story No 8 is on its way.
September 16, 2017
I've read all of the Di Nick Dixon books. This has a genius moment of suspense close to the start, the plot holds together well and I found it easy to read straight through. The character development adds a lot to this series; if you're new to it it's worth picking up from the start.
September 11, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars — Another Outstanding Damien Boyd Thriller!
Heads or Tales by Damien Boyd is another cracking installment from an author who knows exactly how to keep a crime reader turning the pages. From the opening chapters, the story grabs your attention and steadily builds the tension, delivering the combination of mystery, investigation, twists, and courtroom/police procedural elements that makes Boyd’s books so enjoyable.
What I particularly appreciate about Damien Boyd is that he doesn't need to drown the story in unnecessary description or endless filler. The investigation keeps moving, the characters feel believable, and there is always another piece of the puzzle waiting to be uncovered. Heads or Tales is no exception.
The mystery is cleverly constructed, and Boyd does a great job of giving the reader enough information to try to work things out without making the solution obvious. Just when you think you've figured out where the story is heading, another development changes the picture.
The pacing is one of the book's biggest strengths. There is a real sense of momentum throughout, and I never found myself thinking the story was dragging or filled with unnecessary material. The investigation develops naturally, with enough twists and complications to maintain the suspense right through to the conclusion.
The characters are another major positive. They feel like real people rather than simply existing to move the plot from one scene to another. The police investigation is particularly enjoyable because it provides that sense of authenticity without becoming overloaded with technical details.
What I Loved
⭐ Fast-paced and engaging — The story keeps moving and never feels like a slog.
⭐ Excellent mystery — Plenty of clues and developments without giving everything away.
⭐ Strong investigative work — The police/procedural elements feel convincing.
⭐ Well-developed characters — The people involved actually matter to the story.
⭐ Good twists and surprises — Several developments kept me guessing.
⭐ Excellent pacing — No excessive filler or unnecessary subplots.
⭐ Strong ending — The conclusion brings the various threads together effectively.
⭐ Easy to get into — Boyd's writing style makes this a very readable thriller.
Pros
✔ Engaging plot
✔ Excellent pacing
✔ Cleverly constructed mystery
✔ Believable investigation
✔ Strong character development
✔ Plenty of suspense
✔ Good twists and revelations
✔ Doesn't waste pages on unnecessary detail
✔ Keeps you wanting to read "just one more chapter"
Cons
✘ A few developments may be predictable for experienced crime-fiction readers.
✘ Some secondary characters could have been explored a little further.
✘ If you're looking for an extremely dark or graphic crime thriller, this is more focused on the investigation and mystery than shock value.
Final Thoughts
Heads or Tales is exactly the kind of British crime thriller I enjoy. It has a compelling mystery, a solid investigation, believable characters, plenty of twists, and—most importantly—it keeps the story moving.
Damien Boyd once again demonstrates why he is such a reliable author for crime-fiction fans. There is enough suspense to keep you guessing, but the story never becomes unnecessarily complicated or bogged down in excessive detail.
For me, this is another five-star Damien Boyd read. If you've been following the series, this is an easy recommendation. If you're new to Boyd, Heads or Tales is another great example of why his books are worth picking up.
⭐ FINAL RATING: 5/5 — Highly Recommended!
Heads or Tales by Damien Boyd is another cracking installment from an author who knows exactly how to keep a crime reader turning the pages. From the opening chapters, the story grabs your attention and steadily builds the tension, delivering the combination of mystery, investigation, twists, and courtroom/police procedural elements that makes Boyd’s books so enjoyable.
What I particularly appreciate about Damien Boyd is that he doesn't need to drown the story in unnecessary description or endless filler. The investigation keeps moving, the characters feel believable, and there is always another piece of the puzzle waiting to be uncovered. Heads or Tales is no exception.
The mystery is cleverly constructed, and Boyd does a great job of giving the reader enough information to try to work things out without making the solution obvious. Just when you think you've figured out where the story is heading, another development changes the picture.
The pacing is one of the book's biggest strengths. There is a real sense of momentum throughout, and I never found myself thinking the story was dragging or filled with unnecessary material. The investigation develops naturally, with enough twists and complications to maintain the suspense right through to the conclusion.
The characters are another major positive. They feel like real people rather than simply existing to move the plot from one scene to another. The police investigation is particularly enjoyable because it provides that sense of authenticity without becoming overloaded with technical details.
What I Loved
⭐ Fast-paced and engaging — The story keeps moving and never feels like a slog.
⭐ Excellent mystery — Plenty of clues and developments without giving everything away.
⭐ Strong investigative work — The police/procedural elements feel convincing.
⭐ Well-developed characters — The people involved actually matter to the story.
⭐ Good twists and surprises — Several developments kept me guessing.
⭐ Excellent pacing — No excessive filler or unnecessary subplots.
⭐ Strong ending — The conclusion brings the various threads together effectively.
⭐ Easy to get into — Boyd's writing style makes this a very readable thriller.
Pros
✔ Engaging plot
✔ Excellent pacing
✔ Cleverly constructed mystery
✔ Believable investigation
✔ Strong character development
✔ Plenty of suspense
✔ Good twists and revelations
✔ Doesn't waste pages on unnecessary detail
✔ Keeps you wanting to read "just one more chapter"
Cons
✘ A few developments may be predictable for experienced crime-fiction readers.
✘ Some secondary characters could have been explored a little further.
✘ If you're looking for an extremely dark or graphic crime thriller, this is more focused on the investigation and mystery than shock value.
Final Thoughts
Heads or Tales is exactly the kind of British crime thriller I enjoy. It has a compelling mystery, a solid investigation, believable characters, plenty of twists, and—most importantly—it keeps the story moving.
Damien Boyd once again demonstrates why he is such a reliable author for crime-fiction fans. There is enough suspense to keep you guessing, but the story never becomes unnecessarily complicated or bogged down in excessive detail.
For me, this is another five-star Damien Boyd read. If you've been following the series, this is an easy recommendation. If you're new to Boyd, Heads or Tales is another great example of why his books are worth picking up.
⭐ FINAL RATING: 5/5 — Highly Recommended!
September 9, 2021
Another unmissable story from Damien Boyd. Starting with a trap set for poachers the watchers stumble across a van partly submerged in the mud. When they realise the person inside is still alive the race is on to get him out before the tide completely covers the vehicle but it's more than mud and tide that make their job so difficult.
This is soon linked to several cold cases where victims have been killed by a unique method. Related to gangland killings in Manchester, undercover cops and leaks in Manchester's police force, Nick finds himself on the trail of several missing persons. The coastguard and RNLI are involved once again and the descriptions of their rescues and the preparation for their joint training exercise makes you feel like one of the onlookers. Once again Nick gets his feet wet but the real danger comes from a quite different source.
This is soon linked to several cold cases where victims have been killed by a unique method. Related to gangland killings in Manchester, undercover cops and leaks in Manchester's police force, Nick finds himself on the trail of several missing persons. The coastguard and RNLI are involved once again and the descriptions of their rescues and the preparation for their joint training exercise makes you feel like one of the onlookers. Once again Nick gets his feet wet but the real danger comes from a quite different source.
January 9, 2022
Setting: Somerset and Manchester, UK. Nick Dixon is out on a dark and stormy night helping to apprehend some eel poachers who previously put a water bailiff in a coma with a brutal assault. But he also finds a van slipping into the incoming tide - with its driver handcuffed to the steering wheel. The method used to assault the driver is similar to one used by a notorious gangland enforcer called The Vet who worked for one of the big Manchester crime families but slid off the radar when the family lost their influence. Now he may be back, with a completely new agenda....
Another crime story featuring Nick Dixon and his team. Definitely hard to put down any of the books in this gripping series of great crimes and excellent characters - 9/10.
Another crime story featuring Nick Dixon and his team. Definitely hard to put down any of the books in this gripping series of great crimes and excellent characters - 9/10.
November 26, 2017
Another great story from Damien Boyd with even more twists and turns than usual. DI Nick Dixon is as reckless as ever, DS Jane Winter grows into a more rounded character all the time, and Monty is as endearing as always. And even though I guessed a couple of the twists, I got the real baddie completely wrong. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 4, 2020
Twists and Turns
This series is getting better as it goes along and this was the best so far with lots of twists and turns in the plot. Thoroughly enjoyed it and Nick Dixon and the team are becoming more alive. More please
This series is getting better as it goes along and this was the best so far with lots of twists and turns in the plot. Thoroughly enjoyed it and Nick Dixon and the team are becoming more alive. More please
May 29, 2020
As I have continued with this series it has grown on me. The MC DI Nick Dixon has a sharp intelligence which picks up on observations missed by others and there a a lot of satisfying twists.
This book and the earlier books are available on Kindle Unlimited.
This book and the earlier books are available on Kindle Unlimited.
January 16, 2025
The series is getting better. Swift action keeping us in the dark as Nick Dixon outfoxes the might of the Greater Manchester Police to help uncover a mole and solve a decades old case as well as bringing his own copycat murderer to book. Just the job. 4 stars.
March 24, 2018
Possibly the best one in the series so far. Boyd's books have come a long way since his first novel.
April 28, 2025
Easy audio listening
September 16, 2017
Damien Boyd, never disapoints.
I started reading this series some time ago and had read books 1-4. I've enjoyed reacquainting myself with DI Nick Dixon and his team and have just finished books 5-7, back to back.
Each book is a bit of a slow burner, but that's mainly due to the complexity of the plots. Heads or Tails is a prime example of the slow burn, that then builds and then ratchets up the tension to a climatic finally. A host of charachters and a deluge of information and misinformation that means the reader, is not only kept guessing, but is focused and engaged throughout.
A real good read and I'm looking forward to book 8 x
I started reading this series some time ago and had read books 1-4. I've enjoyed reacquainting myself with DI Nick Dixon and his team and have just finished books 5-7, back to back.
Each book is a bit of a slow burner, but that's mainly due to the complexity of the plots. Heads or Tails is a prime example of the slow burn, that then builds and then ratchets up the tension to a climatic finally. A host of charachters and a deluge of information and misinformation that means the reader, is not only kept guessing, but is focused and engaged throughout.
A real good read and I'm looking forward to book 8 x
October 14, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed Heads and Tails, have enjoyed the whole series of Di Nick Dixon books. Love Damien's writing. Hope he has one in the pipeline no 8 perhaps?. Looking forward to the next
Instalment.
Instalment.
October 20, 2017
I've been reading this series of crime stories from the beginning and I think of Dixon as a bit of a old friend now. For the most part I thought this kept the same standard as the rest of the series but there were some elements of the final resolution that didn't really make sense to me.
August 12, 2017
4 stars
DI Nick Dixon is taking part in a night time sting on some eel poachers on the coast. After capturing the poachers, one of his officers alerts him to a body in a van that it in the water and the tide is closing in fast. Nick discovers that the man named Harry is still alive but he is handcuffed to the steering wheel. He has strange wounds on his body, including a hole in the middle of his forehead. After freeing him from the steering wheel, he still can’t get him freed. His foot is stuck. Time runs out. When the tide goes out again, they discover that his foot was handcuffed to a foot pedal. They couldn’t have gotten him out any sooner.
Nick vows to catch the killer of Harry Lucas. The pathologist Roger Poland remembers some similar cases – perhaps a while ago. He has to look it up. The killing appears to have the same MO as a person who was active in the 1990’s called “The Vet.”
When the Major Investigation Team shows up and takes over Nick’s case, he is naturally upset. When he learns that he is to be temporarily assigned to the MIT he relaxes a bit.
While Nick is convinced that the killer is not The Vet, but a copycat, he does not tell the rest of the team just yet. The vet was just not as sloppy as Harry Lucas’ murder was. Nick wants to see the lay of the land first.
The investigation gets underway and personalities clash. When Nick is badly injured, he swears his team to silence for their bad guys most likely believe that he’s dead and out of their hair.
As with all of the Damien Boyd novels, this book is both well written and plotted. The story starts out with suspense and the tension in the story increases as the book goes on. I like the way Nick’s team interacts and gets along well. Mr. Boyd is a remarkable writer and I will most certainly continue to read all of his novels.
I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read.
DI Nick Dixon is taking part in a night time sting on some eel poachers on the coast. After capturing the poachers, one of his officers alerts him to a body in a van that it in the water and the tide is closing in fast. Nick discovers that the man named Harry is still alive but he is handcuffed to the steering wheel. He has strange wounds on his body, including a hole in the middle of his forehead. After freeing him from the steering wheel, he still can’t get him freed. His foot is stuck. Time runs out. When the tide goes out again, they discover that his foot was handcuffed to a foot pedal. They couldn’t have gotten him out any sooner.
Nick vows to catch the killer of Harry Lucas. The pathologist Roger Poland remembers some similar cases – perhaps a while ago. He has to look it up. The killing appears to have the same MO as a person who was active in the 1990’s called “The Vet.”
When the Major Investigation Team shows up and takes over Nick’s case, he is naturally upset. When he learns that he is to be temporarily assigned to the MIT he relaxes a bit.
While Nick is convinced that the killer is not The Vet, but a copycat, he does not tell the rest of the team just yet. The vet was just not as sloppy as Harry Lucas’ murder was. Nick wants to see the lay of the land first.
The investigation gets underway and personalities clash. When Nick is badly injured, he swears his team to silence for their bad guys most likely believe that he’s dead and out of their hair.
As with all of the Damien Boyd novels, this book is both well written and plotted. The story starts out with suspense and the tension in the story increases as the book goes on. I like the way Nick’s team interacts and gets along well. Mr. Boyd is a remarkable writer and I will most certainly continue to read all of his novels.
I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read.
August 22, 2017
The 7th in the Keith Dixon series was a welcome return to Keith, his partner Jane and of course Monty, the Staffie.
When Keith and a partner are in the process of catching elver poachers, they discover a van about to be buried in the fast moving tide. They try to rescue the driver, who is severely hurt by a hole in his forehead and stab wounds in his neck. They discover his hands are tied to the steering wheel and his foot is manacled to the floor. They helplessly watch the man die, despite frantic efforts to cut him loose. The mode of death is similar to a slew of deaths in the 1990's and Keith finds himself investigating these murders, trying to determine whether this is a copycat killer, or is the original killer back?
Two gangland brothers who ran Manchester's main crime ring are suspected of being involved in the 1990 deaths, but they disappeared without trace, possibly dead?
Keith is a likeable, honorable man who is in a steady, loving relationship and I particularly enjoy the way he incorporates Monty's walks into his daily police routine. Monty is a very lucky dog!
This fast paced police procedural has a thrilling ending and I eagerly await no. 8 in the series.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Mercer for the eARC.
When Keith and a partner are in the process of catching elver poachers, they discover a van about to be buried in the fast moving tide. They try to rescue the driver, who is severely hurt by a hole in his forehead and stab wounds in his neck. They discover his hands are tied to the steering wheel and his foot is manacled to the floor. They helplessly watch the man die, despite frantic efforts to cut him loose. The mode of death is similar to a slew of deaths in the 1990's and Keith finds himself investigating these murders, trying to determine whether this is a copycat killer, or is the original killer back?
Two gangland brothers who ran Manchester's main crime ring are suspected of being involved in the 1990 deaths, but they disappeared without trace, possibly dead?
Keith is a likeable, honorable man who is in a steady, loving relationship and I particularly enjoy the way he incorporates Monty's walks into his daily police routine. Monty is a very lucky dog!
This fast paced police procedural has a thrilling ending and I eagerly await no. 8 in the series.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Mercer for the eARC.
December 29, 2022
This series seems to have lots of fans. Unfortunately, I’m not one of them. Have been grinding through these hoping they’ll improve in quality. But other than the locations, can’t see why other reviewers rave about these.
The lead detective Nick Dixon remains as rude and lacking in charm as ever. He seems to make a habit of getting himself into dodgy situations, but always escapes with A-team levels of inevitability. This time, it’s trying to rescue a man trapped in a van as the tide comes in and threatens to drown him. It turns out he’d been handcuffed to the steering wheel, and this kicks off a murder investigation which links back to serial killer related case in Manchester 20 years previously.
The central idea / premise isn’t actually too bad, but the writing style made it a chore / drudge to get through. There’s no real drama or tension. Everything feels stiff and wooden. The dialogue is often cringe-worthy levels of bad, and you get overwhelmed with irrelevant and tedious details. You learn what time he sets his alarm. Where he parks his car. When he walks his dog. What he and his wishy-washy female partner eat and drink, and what movies they watch. Assume these are in to try and add colour / character. But found all these details deathly dull, and they made no difference to the story.
There’s also a half developed secondary plot involving his partner’s mum who had given her up for adoption. But this adds very little, other than to give a new plot line right at the very end which assume will appear in future books.
That at least was enough to distract from the convoluted and unlikely nature of the ending. It barely makes sense and seems so unlikely a series of events, that rather than drawing me in, felt myself skipping through the ending just to finish the book faster.
If you’re a fan of the other books, then this is more of the same. However, really wasn’t for me, and wouldn’t recommend it.
The lead detective Nick Dixon remains as rude and lacking in charm as ever. He seems to make a habit of getting himself into dodgy situations, but always escapes with A-team levels of inevitability. This time, it’s trying to rescue a man trapped in a van as the tide comes in and threatens to drown him. It turns out he’d been handcuffed to the steering wheel, and this kicks off a murder investigation which links back to serial killer related case in Manchester 20 years previously.
The central idea / premise isn’t actually too bad, but the writing style made it a chore / drudge to get through. There’s no real drama or tension. Everything feels stiff and wooden. The dialogue is often cringe-worthy levels of bad, and you get overwhelmed with irrelevant and tedious details. You learn what time he sets his alarm. Where he parks his car. When he walks his dog. What he and his wishy-washy female partner eat and drink, and what movies they watch. Assume these are in to try and add colour / character. But found all these details deathly dull, and they made no difference to the story.
There’s also a half developed secondary plot involving his partner’s mum who had given her up for adoption. But this adds very little, other than to give a new plot line right at the very end which assume will appear in future books.
That at least was enough to distract from the convoluted and unlikely nature of the ending. It barely makes sense and seems so unlikely a series of events, that rather than drawing me in, felt myself skipping through the ending just to finish the book faster.
If you’re a fan of the other books, then this is more of the same. However, really wasn’t for me, and wouldn’t recommend it.
February 18, 2019
A good read in the end, though it took me to about 48% before I really got into it. Does a policeman really travel all over the country in order to obtain information? Perhaps there’s a little artistic licence in there.
Having said that, I thought the plot was strong, the characters believable and generally a good read.
I have now read all of the Dixon books up to this one and feel that this and the previous one, not so page turntable. It could, of course, be me. Perhaps I need a break to read another author for a while, then to come back to the remaining books.
If people are into crime series, despite my negative comments, I would say, if you don’t read the Dixon series, your reading life would be poorer.
Having said that, I thought the plot was strong, the characters believable and generally a good read.
I have now read all of the Dixon books up to this one and feel that this and the previous one, not so page turntable. It could, of course, be me. Perhaps I need a break to read another author for a while, then to come back to the remaining books.
If people are into crime series, despite my negative comments, I would say, if you don’t read the Dixon series, your reading life would be poorer.
January 16, 2018
I found this to be a little more confusing than the other 6 books in the series but it didn’t lose me completely, which was good. And one reviewer said there were too many characters in this and I have to agree. It could have done with about 10 fewer characters.
BUT, overall it was a great story about a serial killer who stopped killing then years and years later a copycat took his place, with details of the first killer’s victims that were never released to the public. The two killed buy stabbing their victims in the neck and drilling a hole right between their eyes, and there was a reason for that, you’ll have to read the book to find out why they killed that way.
Again, I gotta tell ya’ that I hate when you like a character and the author kills them off. This character wasn’t just in the book for a minute he was in it for most of the book. I was really bummed about that. No warning, no nothing, just BOOM he’s dead.
As always, there was no sex in this, I think a couple of pecks on the cheek between Dixon and Jane, our hero and heroine. And the F-bomb was used 24 times.
As to the narrator: Phenomenal! Napoleon Ryan laughed, cried, whispered, yelled, groaned, everything the book called for. I never get tired of listening to him. And the women sound exactly like women, not like a man trying to do a woman’s voice. He’s incredible.
August 14, 2017
I have read all 6 of the previous DI Nick Dixon novels so this is a bit like meeting old friends.
Like the previous book, 'Death Sentence', the story moves beyond the Somerset area. This time it switches between Manchester and Somerset. This story opens with a fairly graphic and slow drowning of a victim in a van, being flooded by the rising tide.
Why has he been mutilated?
Why is he handcuffed to the van?
Many of the key characters have featured in the earlier books, so the depth of the characters can be seen to develop. I would recommend reading the stories in order if you can. However, this would still be worth reading as a story in its own right.
As the body count for the copy-cat killer 'the Vet' rises in Somerset, there are parallels with old gangland cases in Manchester.
If you like this genre and are looking for a well-researched novel with a range of UK based geographical locations, I think you will enjoy this book.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Thomas and Mercer for a copy in exchange for this honest review.
Like the previous book, 'Death Sentence', the story moves beyond the Somerset area. This time it switches between Manchester and Somerset. This story opens with a fairly graphic and slow drowning of a victim in a van, being flooded by the rising tide.
Why has he been mutilated?
Why is he handcuffed to the van?
Many of the key characters have featured in the earlier books, so the depth of the characters can be seen to develop. I would recommend reading the stories in order if you can. However, this would still be worth reading as a story in its own right.
As the body count for the copy-cat killer 'the Vet' rises in Somerset, there are parallels with old gangland cases in Manchester.
If you like this genre and are looking for a well-researched novel with a range of UK based geographical locations, I think you will enjoy this book.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Thomas and Mercer for a copy in exchange for this honest review.
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