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Dead Man's Gift and Other Stories
In Dead Man's Gift , MP Tim Horton arrives home to find his seven year old son has been abducted by a ruthless gang of kidnappers. All they have left behind is the brutally murdered body of the Horton’s nanny. The gang’s demands are Tim must sacrifice his own life in order to save his son’s. It’s the ultimate dead man’s gift. In One by One , six former school-friends have been brought together on a remote island. They haven’t all been in contact since a fateful night 21 years ago, when their friend Rachel was found dead. The man arrested for her murder has now been acquitted, and the seven friends fear for their own lives. But are they hiding from the right person? Or have they fallen into a deadly trap? Plus, three more thrillers guaranteed to keep you gripped to the page
- GenresThriller
400 pages, Paperback
Published September 18, 2018
About the author
Simon Kernick
85 books1,196 followersSimon Kernick (born 1966 in Slough, Berkshire) is a British thriller/crime writer now living in Oxfordshire with his wife and two daughters. He attended Gillotts School, a comprehensive in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. Whilst he was a student his jobs included fruitpicker and Christmas-tree uprooter. He graduated from Brighton Polytechnic in 1991 with a degree in humanities. Kernick had a passion for crime fiction writing from a young age and produced many short stories during his time at polytechnic. After graduating Kernick joined MMT Computing in London in early 1992, where a relative was the Chairman and Managing Director. Kernick was a key member of the sales team and was very highly regarded. However, he left the company after 4 years in the hope of trying to secure a publishing deal. Despite interest from a number of publishers Kernick was unable to secure a deal, so he joined the sales force of the specialist IT and Business Consultancy Metaskil plc in Aldermaston, Berkshire in 1998 where he remained until he secured his first book deal (The Business of Dying) in September 2001. His novel Relentless was recommended on Richard & Judy's Summer book club 2007. It was the 8th best-selling paperback, and the best-selling thriller in the UK in the same year
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 1, 2020
Simon Kernick writes very good short stories and this is an excellent collection of some of his better ones. Often short stories lack substance and good gritty characters, but Simon Kernick manages to pack so much detail and action into such few pages.
The book is a collection of two novellas and five short stories that will grip you and entertain throughout. Opening with 'Dead Man’s Gift', MP Tim Horton is being blackmailed into taking his own life with threats to his 7 year old son. The boy was abducted and his nanny brutally murdered leaving his father with an impossible scenario whether to give in to the kidnappers demands or watch his son die.
The second novella 'One By One' sees a group of former university friends summoned to a remote island off the coast of South Wales by high-flying politician Charlie Williams. The friends have remained apart since a fateful night twenty-one years ago, when their friend Rachel was killed. Now they fear for their own lives because the man arrested for Rachel's murder has been released. The former friends are united by the decision they took to cover up a murder and point the blame at an innocent man. Now that man is free, released from prison 20 years later sentenced for a crime he didn’t commit.
There are also a number of short stories that are also worth a read. This is a good introduction to new readers of Simon Kernick's work but also great to re read many of this stories that serve up twists and turns to entertain all.
The book is a collection of two novellas and five short stories that will grip you and entertain throughout. Opening with 'Dead Man’s Gift', MP Tim Horton is being blackmailed into taking his own life with threats to his 7 year old son. The boy was abducted and his nanny brutally murdered leaving his father with an impossible scenario whether to give in to the kidnappers demands or watch his son die.
The second novella 'One By One' sees a group of former university friends summoned to a remote island off the coast of South Wales by high-flying politician Charlie Williams. The friends have remained apart since a fateful night twenty-one years ago, when their friend Rachel was killed. Now they fear for their own lives because the man arrested for Rachel's murder has been released. The former friends are united by the decision they took to cover up a murder and point the blame at an innocent man. Now that man is free, released from prison 20 years later sentenced for a crime he didn’t commit.
There are also a number of short stories that are also worth a read. This is a good introduction to new readers of Simon Kernick's work but also great to re read many of this stories that serve up twists and turns to entertain all.
June 1, 2020
Simon Kernick is an author I’ve been meaning to read for quite some time, and when I stumbled upon Dead Man’s Gift and Other Stories, I decided it was time to dive in. Although I’m not the biggest lover of short stories, I find them to be a great way of getting a feel for an author.
Dead Man’s Gift, which is more of a novella than a short story, certainly hooked me. Split into three parts, each sucked me into the story in different ways. The first part introduced everything and had me curious. The second part started to pull everything together and had me excited to see how things would play out. The third part provided a conclusion that ensured I was happy to power through it. Although I enjoyed it, this one ended up being a rounded down three-star rating. It certainly left me eager for more, though.
One By One, another story that is more novella, also hooked me. It’s another story split into three parts, and it offered the kind of story I adore. The first part got me gripped, desperate to see how everything would come together. The second part sucked me in deeper, and I became more confident in my belief of what would happen. The third part provided an action-packed conclusion, although it was a bit predictable and I had hoped for more. Although I enjoyed this one, it wasn’t quite everything it could have been. Another three-star rating.
The Debt was the first of the stories that were short stories not novella, and it packed plenty into the pages. There were some elements that were predictable and obvious, but it was not enough to take away from the fact I was hooked throughout. All in all, this was a three-star read.
Flytrap was another addictive short story that hooked me right away. I had a feeling where things were heading, but it was still a fun read to watch the specifics of how everything came together. It was quick and there was plenty packed into it, and I had a lot of fun with it. This could have been a four-star rating, but I would have liked a wee bit more from a couple of things. In the end, this one ended up a three-star rating.
Funeral for a Friend was one of the quickest reads in this, but it was just as enjoyable as the rest. It happened with speed, but it kept me hooked throughout. I wasn’t quite sure if I’d love it as much as I enjoyed the prior books, but the way things finished certainly had me smiling. Another three-star rating.
Robert Hayer’s Dead was another extremely quick read, but it was another addictive read. Even though I saw where things were heading, it kept me gripped throughout. It hooked, kept me wanting more, and I had so much fun watching things play out. Another three-star rating.
The Glint in a Killer’s Eye was a great conclusion to the stories, another story that hooked throughout. It had plenty packed into it, and I could not put it down. I was eager to watch the pieces come together and had so much fun watching how everything played out. Another three-star rating.
After enjoying all these short stories, I’m even more eager to read a full-length novel from the author. These gripped me, and I’m eager to see more.
Dead Man’s Gift, which is more of a novella than a short story, certainly hooked me. Split into three parts, each sucked me into the story in different ways. The first part introduced everything and had me curious. The second part started to pull everything together and had me excited to see how things would play out. The third part provided a conclusion that ensured I was happy to power through it. Although I enjoyed it, this one ended up being a rounded down three-star rating. It certainly left me eager for more, though.
One By One, another story that is more novella, also hooked me. It’s another story split into three parts, and it offered the kind of story I adore. The first part got me gripped, desperate to see how everything would come together. The second part sucked me in deeper, and I became more confident in my belief of what would happen. The third part provided an action-packed conclusion, although it was a bit predictable and I had hoped for more. Although I enjoyed this one, it wasn’t quite everything it could have been. Another three-star rating.
The Debt was the first of the stories that were short stories not novella, and it packed plenty into the pages. There were some elements that were predictable and obvious, but it was not enough to take away from the fact I was hooked throughout. All in all, this was a three-star read.
Flytrap was another addictive short story that hooked me right away. I had a feeling where things were heading, but it was still a fun read to watch the specifics of how everything came together. It was quick and there was plenty packed into it, and I had a lot of fun with it. This could have been a four-star rating, but I would have liked a wee bit more from a couple of things. In the end, this one ended up a three-star rating.
Funeral for a Friend was one of the quickest reads in this, but it was just as enjoyable as the rest. It happened with speed, but it kept me hooked throughout. I wasn’t quite sure if I’d love it as much as I enjoyed the prior books, but the way things finished certainly had me smiling. Another three-star rating.
Robert Hayer’s Dead was another extremely quick read, but it was another addictive read. Even though I saw where things were heading, it kept me gripped throughout. It hooked, kept me wanting more, and I had so much fun watching things play out. Another three-star rating.
The Glint in a Killer’s Eye was a great conclusion to the stories, another story that hooked throughout. It had plenty packed into it, and I could not put it down. I was eager to watch the pieces come together and had so much fun watching how everything played out. Another three-star rating.
After enjoying all these short stories, I’m even more eager to read a full-length novel from the author. These gripped me, and I’m eager to see more.
October 11, 2019
This was very good . Not usually a fan of short stories but this was definitely the exception .
December 24, 2023
Two novellas and five short stories, all delivered in Kernick’s trademark full-speed-ahead-and-damn-the-torpedos prose style. The last story, featuring ex-cop hitman Dennis Milne, is the absolute best of them.
March 16, 2023
Novelas cortas de novela negra, muy chulo. Y sobre todo me ha hecho salir un poco del bloqueo lector🤧 repetiría más libros del autor!!
September 28, 2023
This is a collection of seven short stories, varying from 142 pages to 14 pages. My favourite was One by One, it had a And Then There Were None vibe to it.
They're all clever and engaging, despite only being short. I've read some short stories where you feeling like they end quite abruptly but these all had enough detail and ended well.
I think I've found my new favourite author...
They're all clever and engaging, despite only being short. I've read some short stories where you feeling like they end quite abruptly but these all had enough detail and ended well.
I think I've found my new favourite author...
August 25, 2018
I am not usually a fan of short story books but this was a good read
August 13, 2018
Politicians don’t always have it that easy….
This is a short story which is about a third the length of a full-length novel. I understand that it’s the first part of a trilogy – the next two short stories being “Last Night” and “Today”. In this novella, Tim Horton’s son Max is kidnapped, and his au pair murdered which shows that the perpetrators mean business. Tim is a senior politician and comes with all the trappings, including mistress. The kidnappers have an objective which means Tim has to choose between his own life and that of his son. Enter Scope – Tim’s brother-in-law and perhaps the only person with the experience to be able to act quickly enough to save them both.
I am aware that Charles Dickens published his novels as a series in newspapers, so Simon Kernick follows a well-trodden route, but as a trilogy, each a third the length of an average novel, why not publish the three stories in one book or as one complete novel? Short stories have to get going quickly and condense the action and characterisations. This one does well on the first but not on the second in my opinion. The reader gets to know Tim Horton and Scope quite well, but the other characters are more two dimensional.
The plot moves fast and is full of twists and turns. It’s an exciting read, but due to the restricted length, it feels a little thin on detail and description in places. Having said that it’s an excellent read and I look forward to receiving the next two.
This edition of the book includes other stories, some of which are only 20 pages long but no less interesting nonetheless.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
This is a short story which is about a third the length of a full-length novel. I understand that it’s the first part of a trilogy – the next two short stories being “Last Night” and “Today”. In this novella, Tim Horton’s son Max is kidnapped, and his au pair murdered which shows that the perpetrators mean business. Tim is a senior politician and comes with all the trappings, including mistress. The kidnappers have an objective which means Tim has to choose between his own life and that of his son. Enter Scope – Tim’s brother-in-law and perhaps the only person with the experience to be able to act quickly enough to save them both.
I am aware that Charles Dickens published his novels as a series in newspapers, so Simon Kernick follows a well-trodden route, but as a trilogy, each a third the length of an average novel, why not publish the three stories in one book or as one complete novel? Short stories have to get going quickly and condense the action and characterisations. This one does well on the first but not on the second in my opinion. The reader gets to know Tim Horton and Scope quite well, but the other characters are more two dimensional.
The plot moves fast and is full of twists and turns. It’s an exciting read, but due to the restricted length, it feels a little thin on detail and description in places. Having said that it’s an excellent read and I look forward to receiving the next two.
This edition of the book includes other stories, some of which are only 20 pages long but no less interesting nonetheless.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
February 4, 2024
A collection of two novellas (each of which is a three part series), and a few short stories.
Surprisingly, the short stories were far better written than the two novellas. And, by far better, I mean that it's not even a fight. While 'Dead Man's Gift' and 'One by One' were both ok, some of the shorts really blew my mind.
1. Dead Man's Gift - An average action thriller, no real surprises here. Overall perhaps a 57/100
2. One by One - Better than the first one! Reminds me of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None. Quite engaging, though the narrator was not very likeable. Overall, a 68/100.
3. The Debt - Another average action thriller. 55/100
4. Flytrap - A better action thriller. 75/100
5. Funeral for a Friend - Far better short than all the reads thus far in the novel. Entertaining the whole way, though predictable. 84/100
6. Robert Hayer's dead - The very best! A solid 98/100 minimally.
7. The Glint in a Killer's eye - Another engaging, but predictable read. Overall 81/100.
All in all, perhaps I can give this a 73/100. Gonna add this to favorites for Robert Hayer's dead though.
Surprisingly, the short stories were far better written than the two novellas. And, by far better, I mean that it's not even a fight. While 'Dead Man's Gift' and 'One by One' were both ok, some of the shorts really blew my mind.
1. Dead Man's Gift - An average action thriller, no real surprises here. Overall perhaps a 57/100
2. One by One - Better than the first one! Reminds me of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None. Quite engaging, though the narrator was not very likeable. Overall, a 68/100.
3. The Debt - Another average action thriller. 55/100
4. Flytrap - A better action thriller. 75/100
5. Funeral for a Friend - Far better short than all the reads thus far in the novel. Entertaining the whole way, though predictable. 84/100
6. Robert Hayer's dead - The very best! A solid 98/100 minimally.
7. The Glint in a Killer's eye - Another engaging, but predictable read. Overall 81/100.
All in all, perhaps I can give this a 73/100. Gonna add this to favorites for Robert Hayer's dead though.
September 20, 2022
I have read most of the author's books and am now trying to read the ones I missed. Published in 2018 this is a collection which comprises a brief foreword by the author, two novellas (originally published digitally), five short stories and the first two chapters of the author's then up-coming novel "We can see you". There are several mentions of characters who have appeared in the author's previous books and indeed Scope is the main character in one of the novellas and Dennis Milne is the main character in a short story. A bit of a mixed bag but if you have enjoyed the author's novels this may be worth a read.
August 7, 2018
I am not normally a fan of short stories by authors who write exceptionally good novels (eg: Peter James, Ian Rankin, Peter Robinson) so I was expecting to be slightly disappointed, despite having previously read and enjoyed novella Dead Man's Gift. Glad to be proved wrong. Simon Kernick is equally adept with the short format as he is with full length novels. Also nice to see Dennis Milne in the final short story.
Ray Smillie
Ray Smillie
January 24, 2026
This would have been 5 ⭐️’s if it wasn’t for the ending. I didn’t get it?! It was this massive incredible build up and then it was just over?! As a whole this was a fast paced book that I couldn’t stop listening to! A lot of unrealistic drama but I loved it!
Tim is stuck between a rock and a hard place. His child has been kidnapped, his house has been infested with cameras, and there’s only one way to save his son’s life - loose his own.
Tim is stuck between a rock and a hard place. His child has been kidnapped, his house has been infested with cameras, and there’s only one way to save his son’s life - loose his own.
August 27, 2018
Simon Kernick one of my favourite authors.
This book is a collection of previously published novellas and a new Dennis Milne short story.
I enjoyed the book and the novellas which were a mixture of hits and misses in my opinion.
It was great to have new Dennis Milne tale. Please bring him back Simon!!!!!
This book is a collection of previously published novellas and a new Dennis Milne short story.
I enjoyed the book and the novellas which were a mixture of hits and misses in my opinion.
It was great to have new Dennis Milne tale. Please bring him back Simon!!!!!
January 16, 2022
I don’t normally read short stories, I like a big meaty book with interesting characters, but since I’ve read most of his books and they’ve all been great stories, I thought I would give it a try, well it did not disappoint, my favourite was the dead man’s gift, the plots are good, plenty of action, so read it and enjoy.
October 22, 2023
This was my first read on Audible, and I loved every second of the experience although I had been concerned my lack of attention would hinder my ability to follow the story. It did help that I originally read these stories many years ago. Still as entertaining second time around.
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January 20, 2024Simon Kernick at his thrilling best and with the return of 2 iconic characters
First rate thriller as always. Could not put it down. Simon Kernick always delivers twists and turns on every page of every book!
First rate thriller as always. Could not put it down. Simon Kernick always delivers twists and turns on every page of every book!
December 11, 2025
bought in haste
Bought this after reading the first Scope book, thinking it was the second. Surprised to find it wasn’t and not normally a fan of short stories but thoroughly enjoyed enjoyed these
Bought this after reading the first Scope book, thinking it was the second. Surprised to find it wasn’t and not normally a fan of short stories but thoroughly enjoyed enjoyed these
August 3, 2018
Brilliant short story’s couldn’t put it down
August 23, 2018
Excellent high standard from Mr Kernick
February 9, 2020
First 5 star book for the year!
April 12, 2022
A nice little medley of novellas.
February 26, 2023
don’t bother
Disappointed Really liked his other books but this was not very good
I hope he reads this. Page fillers. Poor
Disappointed Really liked his other books but this was not very good
I hope he reads this. Page fillers. Poor
May 1, 2023
A nice collection of shorts , but with the full simon kernick penmanship. Nice quick reads between novels.
November 29, 2023
Thrilling and disturbing set of short stories. Read very quickly because they were all so gripping. Easy read would read again
July 1, 2024
I enjoyed reading the short stories within this book, wonderful imagination from the author & well written as usual.
March 10, 2025
It was good. It didn't keep my attention but it was a good book. This author was recommended to me by a friend, I enjoyed it as I listened while I worked.
May 24, 2026
Read dead man's gift as an extra in another book. Fast passed story a man dies to save hus son max.
August 4, 2026
3.5* Not bad. Got the old heart beat up in a few places. Good narration.
September 23, 2024
A great collection of stories by a great author! I really enjoy his work.
August 15, 2018
This is a collection of seven short stories. The first two are three part novellas and both have previously been made available as ebooks. The first story features Scope and the final story features Dennis Milne but otherwise they are all new characters.
I enjoy Simon Kernick's fast past books but I didn't particularly like these stories. (The first, Dead Man's Gift is the best but I'd already read it before). Each story had a very nasty villain and a lot of violence. In the context of a book that also has character development and an involving plot, I don't mind those elements, but here it felt like that was all there was to the stories. They were not pleasant to read and I didn't like them.
I enjoy Simon Kernick's fast past books but I didn't particularly like these stories. (The first, Dead Man's Gift is the best but I'd already read it before). Each story had a very nasty villain and a lot of violence. In the context of a book that also has character development and an involving plot, I don't mind those elements, but here it felt like that was all there was to the stories. They were not pleasant to read and I didn't like them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews