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Det.Insp. Todd "Ratso" Holtom #2
Dead Fix
DEAD FIX #2 in the Det. Insp.Todd "Ratso" Holtom series
Now, in this gripping and compelling plot, London cop Ratso is tasked with investigating international sportsmatch-fixing.
Following a vicious attack on seeming innocents, he uncovers that he is up against more than bent players as he enters the shady and murderous world of criminal gangs. Billions are being staked on fixed results using illegal bookies operating in a global black-market.
The trail and a murder point to a mastermind operating from Dubai and India. But are Ratso's instincts failing him? Once again he is supported by his police colleagues, Jock Strang, Tosh Watson and Nancy Petrie.
As the investigation twists and turns, fresh evidence points to the USA. Here, his svelte long-distance lover, Det. Kirsty-Ann Webber of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department yet again proves her worth as the scope and scale of the investigation race to a dramatic climax.
Now, in this gripping and compelling plot, London cop Ratso is tasked with investigating international sportsmatch-fixing.
Following a vicious attack on seeming innocents, he uncovers that he is up against more than bent players as he enters the shady and murderous world of criminal gangs. Billions are being staked on fixed results using illegal bookies operating in a global black-market.
The trail and a murder point to a mastermind operating from Dubai and India. But are Ratso's instincts failing him? Once again he is supported by his police colleagues, Jock Strang, Tosh Watson and Nancy Petrie.
As the investigation twists and turns, fresh evidence points to the USA. Here, his svelte long-distance lover, Det. Kirsty-Ann Webber of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department yet again proves her worth as the scope and scale of the investigation race to a dramatic climax.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2017
24 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Stewart
19 books54 followersBorn in Scotland, Douglas was brought up in England and became a London based international lawyer, later living in Las Vegas. In tandem, he developed a successful career as a widely read author of mystery thrillers and non-fiction with a chart-topper and a W H Smith Paperback of the Week to his credit.
He has written 4 books in a series of international mystery thrillers based on Det. Insp. Todd "Ratso" Holtom, a London detective. Ratso also featured in a short story contributed to Capital Crimes, an anthology, which became a number one bestseller. They are available individually or as a box set of 4.
HARD PLACE, The first in that series was hailed as the best British crime thriller the reviewer had read in 2024.
His 18th book released on 18th November 2025 is DEADLY DESCENT is the second in the series involving Finlay "Dex" Dexter. The first was the acclaimed DEADLINE VEGAS.
Douglas is a member of International Thriller Writers (ITW) of the USA. His true crime book Terror at Sea was regarded as the benchmark on modern day piracy and crime at sea.
His series of three mystery books originally published under the pen-name of Cameron Ross are now available under his own name.
When not travelling,Douglas now lives on the Isle of Man - very different from Las Vegas!
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 1, 2018
This is the second of Douglas Stewart's books in the 'Ratso' series, following the excellent Hard Place. I really enjoyed this latest one, in which the London-based detective has to investigate the murky world of match-fixing in top level sport. The novel is well-crafted, seemingly well-researched and zipped from place to place as it led to a frenetic denouement that kept me glued. It will appeal to lovers of all thrillers but, for those who also are keen on sport, this book is a must. I eagerly await Ratso's next adventure.
May 11, 2020
Having no knowledge of the high stakes involved in the world of sports betting this book was absolutely fascinating. When U.K. Investigator Det. Inspector Todd ‘Ratso’ Holtom and his talented team are called to get involved and solve an international ring of billion dollar corrupt ‘sports fixers’ that results in savage murders all while bantering with their extremely witty and urbane sense of humors. You won’t be able to put this book down.
August 29, 2025
If you like crime stories....
This is a series I would recommend if you like crime stories.
Some of the UK English words require a quick Google search, but otherwise, it is an easy read.
This is a series I would recommend if you like crime stories.
Some of the UK English words require a quick Google search, but otherwise, it is an easy read.
March 26, 2018
Fantastic reading .
Fantastic storyline and very believable no super human stu ts just good believable action . roll on the next one in the series
Fantastic storyline and very believable no super human stu ts just good believable action . roll on the next one in the series
June 1, 2020
Five star plus
Only finished the first book in this series yesterday and now read the second book today. Couldn't put it down. An excellent series. Looking forward to nimber 3.
Only finished the first book in this series yesterday and now read the second book today. Couldn't put it down. An excellent series. Looking forward to nimber 3.
May 14, 2020
"Gripping, action-packed thriller that pierces the fabric of the sporting world"
Peter James
Peter James
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews