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Door to a Dark Room: A Dickie Floyd Detective Novel
The City of Santa Clarita is considered safe until a decapitated woman is discovered in the car of a missing realtor. When detectives home in on her wealthy husband, a mystery begins to unravel.
L.A. Sheriff's Homicide Detective Dickie Jones has returned to work after recovering from gunshot wounds. His wife has left him, and his partner, Matt "Pretty Boy Floyd" Tyler, has been assigned a new partner. A serial killer is on the loose, which might be just the diversion Dickie needs. When he and Floyd are reunited to hunt the killer, all seems right in his world--until the veteran detectives discover that Dickie is next on the killer's list.
Door to a Dark Room travels beyond the yellow tape into the hearts, souls, and tormented minds of those who hunt evil.
* * *
"Like too few great reads, this one is experienced rather than read. It sucks you in and holds you . . . the characters are fallible and real. I speak from having known them; every cop will." - Deac Slocumb
"I finished the book in one day. I can honestly say that as much as I love the first book, I loved this one even more. It will appeal to both the seasoned officer and the layperson who loves crime drama.
It draws you in and holds your interest." - Moon Mullen
L.A. Sheriff's Homicide Detective Dickie Jones has returned to work after recovering from gunshot wounds. His wife has left him, and his partner, Matt "Pretty Boy Floyd" Tyler, has been assigned a new partner. A serial killer is on the loose, which might be just the diversion Dickie needs. When he and Floyd are reunited to hunt the killer, all seems right in his world--until the veteran detectives discover that Dickie is next on the killer's list.
Door to a Dark Room travels beyond the yellow tape into the hearts, souls, and tormented minds of those who hunt evil.
* * *
"Like too few great reads, this one is experienced rather than read. It sucks you in and holds you . . . the characters are fallible and real. I speak from having known them; every cop will." - Deac Slocumb
"I finished the book in one day. I can honestly say that as much as I love the first book, I loved this one even more. It will appeal to both the seasoned officer and the layperson who loves crime drama.
It draws you in and holds your interest." - Moon Mullen
344 pages, Paperback
Published August 15, 2018
501 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Danny R. Smith
17 books109 followersDanny R. Smith spent 21 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the last seven as a homicide detective. He now lives in Idaho where he works as a private investigator and consultant. He is blessed with a beautiful family and surrounded by an assortment of furry critters whom he counts among his friends.
Danny is the author of the Dickie Floyd Detective Novel series and the Rich Farris Detective series. He writes about true crime and other topics in his blog, The Murder Memo.
He has appeared as an expert on numerous podcasts and shows including True Crime Daily and the STARZ channel’s WRONG MAN series, and is the host of Unsolved Murders with Danny Smith on the Dr. Carlos Crime Network podcast.
Danny is a member of the Idaho Writers Guild and the Public Safety Writers Association.
Be sure to follow Danny on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/danny...
Danny is the author of the Dickie Floyd Detective Novel series and the Rich Farris Detective series. He writes about true crime and other topics in his blog, The Murder Memo.
He has appeared as an expert on numerous podcasts and shows including True Crime Daily and the STARZ channel’s WRONG MAN series, and is the host of Unsolved Murders with Danny Smith on the Dr. Carlos Crime Network podcast.
Danny is a member of the Idaho Writers Guild and the Public Safety Writers Association.
Be sure to follow Danny on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/danny...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 3, 2019
No Head No Hands
This is a very well written story. There are some funny and interesting conversations between the characters. There is also some serious and hard hitting conversations as well. The story has a great plot with a great flow to it. Great Read
This is a very well written story. There are some funny and interesting conversations between the characters. There is also some serious and hard hitting conversations as well. The story has a great plot with a great flow to it. Great Read
April 6, 2019
It's not often that I give a book a "5-star review" on here, but wow, did this book deserve it. I became an instant fan of Danny Smith's after reading his first novel A Good Bunch of Men: A Dickie Floyd Detective Novel, and this second installment in the series was even better. I finished it in less than two days and I read almost 250 pages in the first day--it was that good.
I am "on the job" in Massachusetts and while some of the reviews of Smith's books say that the dialogue is over the top at times, I can verify that Smith is 100% accurate as to the way cops talk both to each other and to public. The fact that Smith spent 20+ years with the LASD comes through in his books as they just feel "real." Sometimes I have a hard time reading police procedurals and watching police TV shows written and directed by people who have never been cops. I spend the whole time finding mistakes and pointing out things that are unrealistic or would never happen in the real world. I don't have to do that with Smith's novels as the realism comes through on every page.
I also found the mix of 1st and 3rd person to be extremely effective and the tension he built could be cut with a knife at several points during the book when Dickie and Leonard had several close calls with each other.
I can't wait to dive into the 3rd installment in the series and eagerly await more novels by Danny Smith. I just hope he can write a little bit faster than my favorite LA author Michael Connelly, as I devour his books too quickly!
I am "on the job" in Massachusetts and while some of the reviews of Smith's books say that the dialogue is over the top at times, I can verify that Smith is 100% accurate as to the way cops talk both to each other and to public. The fact that Smith spent 20+ years with the LASD comes through in his books as they just feel "real." Sometimes I have a hard time reading police procedurals and watching police TV shows written and directed by people who have never been cops. I spend the whole time finding mistakes and pointing out things that are unrealistic or would never happen in the real world. I don't have to do that with Smith's novels as the realism comes through on every page.
I also found the mix of 1st and 3rd person to be extremely effective and the tension he built could be cut with a knife at several points during the book when Dickie and Leonard had several close calls with each other.
I can't wait to dive into the 3rd installment in the series and eagerly await more novels by Danny Smith. I just hope he can write a little bit faster than my favorite LA author Michael Connelly, as I devour his books too quickly!
March 14, 2019
Door to a Dark Room by Danny R. Smith is a solid hardboiled police procedural. As a former LA County Sheriff’s homicide detective, Smith knows how things really are in the world of murder investigations. And I really enjoyed seeing those little details that spoke of how real cops work and interact.
This is the second in the Dickie Floyd series and opens with an intriguing case of a murdered headless and handless woman discovered in Santa Clarita. Dickie has just come back from a year off, following a shooting incident and having recovered from some serious injuries himself. His ambiguity about returning to work and the emotional baggage he still carries from the trauma add to the tension and open the door to some good back story as well.
As the case unfolds it becomes more complex and seems to connect to other odd and seemingly unrelated crimes. Dickie and his fellow detectives work diligently in trying to get to the bottom of the situation – but every time they think they’ve got the thing nailed something else happens. Lots of twists and turns and a few things you won’t see coming. Don’t want to say more or give anything away. Suffice to say, If you like gritty cop fiction you’ll likely enjoy this novel.
One funny thing that really made me laugh though, was that the bad guy’s name is also the name of my roommate. What are the odds? LOL. Good job, Danny.
This is the second in the Dickie Floyd series and opens with an intriguing case of a murdered headless and handless woman discovered in Santa Clarita. Dickie has just come back from a year off, following a shooting incident and having recovered from some serious injuries himself. His ambiguity about returning to work and the emotional baggage he still carries from the trauma add to the tension and open the door to some good back story as well.
As the case unfolds it becomes more complex and seems to connect to other odd and seemingly unrelated crimes. Dickie and his fellow detectives work diligently in trying to get to the bottom of the situation – but every time they think they’ve got the thing nailed something else happens. Lots of twists and turns and a few things you won’t see coming. Don’t want to say more or give anything away. Suffice to say, If you like gritty cop fiction you’ll likely enjoy this novel.
One funny thing that really made me laugh though, was that the bad guy’s name is also the name of my roommate. What are the odds? LOL. Good job, Danny.
January 12, 2022
Is convoluted the right word, or would twisted be better?
This has to be one of the most involved crime novels I have ever read. The good thing was that it twisted at the right times to keep you on your toes. Well done, Danny.
This has to be one of the most involved crime novels I have ever read. The good thing was that it twisted at the right times to keep you on your toes. Well done, Danny.
May 28, 2025
Dicky and Floyd are at it again! Chasing killers, solving murders, and being smart asses (well mainly Floyd on that last part lol ;)) I love this series! Danny R Smith makes you feel a part of the action and gives you a feel for the emotions of his characters. Makes you think about things that happen to the investigators of these horrific crimes and the toll it takes on them. Thank you so much for another great read Sir!
April 4, 2020
Written by a former homicide detective, Door to a Dark Room gives an authentic insight into the realities of life for the people who protect our streets. The horrors that Detective Dickie Jones encounters are so devastating that he must relegate them to “the dark room”; a place in his mind where he can keep them at bay.
Door to a Dark Room is a fascinating and disturbing story, exploring evil and depravity at its worst. Thankfully, Detective Jones is able to find his own peace in the troubled world he moves in.
Door to a Dark Room is a fascinating and disturbing story, exploring evil and depravity at its worst. Thankfully, Detective Jones is able to find his own peace in the troubled world he moves in.
September 24, 2019
Our Gem tonight is a smoggy grey, but if we wait a moment and polish it a bit we see a dim light begin to glow and then slowly break through the grey and grow brighter. A Gem straight from Los Angeles. This is Danny R. Smith’s Door To A Dark Room. The second of his Dickie Floyd Detective Series. But not by any stretch a lesser novel for having come second.
The series is called Dickie Smith for partners Richard “Dickie” Smith and Matt “Pretty Boy Floyd” Tyler of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Homicide Squad. Richard takes part of being the fabled “Hat Squad” seriously and wears his fedoras with pride. Matt takes his appearance very seriously, working out, checking his looks several times a day, especially if an attractive female is nearby, thus the title “Pretty Boy Floyd” like the bygone criminal. Matt is married with children, but a skirt chaser nonetheless.
As this tale begins, Dickie has come back after a one year leave, having been wounded on the job. He was nearly killed by a drug dealer, whom he shot and killed in return. He’s lost a kidney and his second marriage as a result and he’s not happy about either. Matt is partnered with a new detective nicknamed Mongo, so Dickie is sent to the Cold Case squad, but they aren’t working cold cases very long. A woman turns up dead, missing her hands and head and Dickie and his new partner are assigned the case. Meanwhile, Dickie is being followed by a nefarious unknown. All he knows is the guy has to be an ex-con, because of clues the guy leaves his first night casing Dickie.
Dickie is pulled back in with his old partner Floyd and his new partner when they find out that a missing woman the police were looking for and the headless corpse may be one in the same person. Then bodies start popping up everywhere. A Russian Used Car Dealer, his secretary and in another section of the city an innocent 13 year old latch key kid, dead in her own home. At first it looks like none of the murders are related …or are they.. and is any of this related to the ex-con following Dickie?
I loved this book. Actually I read both the first in the series, “A Good Bunch of Men” and then dove into this one. If, like me, you love Noir, those old detective stories where political correctness had not yet reared it’s ugly head, where police procedure was laid bare in all it’s fascinating unseemliness, and testosterone flowed like beer on tap then this series is for you. The characters are not over the top, the scenes and dialogue are realistic and the caring, pain and hard work these detectives go through to solve the murders of those who cannot speak for themselves is as gritty as it gets. Think Mickey Spillane or James Ellroy. Grab the first two in the series, get to know these guys.. you’ll like them. They are available on Danny’s website: https://dickiefloydnovels.com/books/d... and Amazon. Danny has a new book coming out soon and I can’t wait to get my hands on Death After Dishonor.
Drakon T. Longwitten , Your Humble Book Dragon
I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The series is called Dickie Smith for partners Richard “Dickie” Smith and Matt “Pretty Boy Floyd” Tyler of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Homicide Squad. Richard takes part of being the fabled “Hat Squad” seriously and wears his fedoras with pride. Matt takes his appearance very seriously, working out, checking his looks several times a day, especially if an attractive female is nearby, thus the title “Pretty Boy Floyd” like the bygone criminal. Matt is married with children, but a skirt chaser nonetheless.
As this tale begins, Dickie has come back after a one year leave, having been wounded on the job. He was nearly killed by a drug dealer, whom he shot and killed in return. He’s lost a kidney and his second marriage as a result and he’s not happy about either. Matt is partnered with a new detective nicknamed Mongo, so Dickie is sent to the Cold Case squad, but they aren’t working cold cases very long. A woman turns up dead, missing her hands and head and Dickie and his new partner are assigned the case. Meanwhile, Dickie is being followed by a nefarious unknown. All he knows is the guy has to be an ex-con, because of clues the guy leaves his first night casing Dickie.
Dickie is pulled back in with his old partner Floyd and his new partner when they find out that a missing woman the police were looking for and the headless corpse may be one in the same person. Then bodies start popping up everywhere. A Russian Used Car Dealer, his secretary and in another section of the city an innocent 13 year old latch key kid, dead in her own home. At first it looks like none of the murders are related …or are they.. and is any of this related to the ex-con following Dickie?
I loved this book. Actually I read both the first in the series, “A Good Bunch of Men” and then dove into this one. If, like me, you love Noir, those old detective stories where political correctness had not yet reared it’s ugly head, where police procedure was laid bare in all it’s fascinating unseemliness, and testosterone flowed like beer on tap then this series is for you. The characters are not over the top, the scenes and dialogue are realistic and the caring, pain and hard work these detectives go through to solve the murders of those who cannot speak for themselves is as gritty as it gets. Think Mickey Spillane or James Ellroy. Grab the first two in the series, get to know these guys.. you’ll like them. They are available on Danny’s website: https://dickiefloydnovels.com/books/d... and Amazon. Danny has a new book coming out soon and I can’t wait to get my hands on Death After Dishonor.
Drakon T. Longwitten , Your Humble Book Dragon
I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2023
Wow! This is undiscovered treasure! Shades of Wambaugh, but with some Connelley thrown in. This is some of the best police fiction I have read in a long damned time. Lack of publicity is the only reason this is not on the best seller list. A great plot, several mysteries that develop, great characters, some humor as well and excellent characters. Some might call this a "police procedural" as it does have the detailed elements of homicide investigations, but that would not do it justice. The author is a former homicide detective and does have the inside knowledge of what goes on in these investigations, but the book is far more than just homicide work.
I finished this in one very long day, and had that feeling towards the end of "Uh oh, I don't want to finish this because I won't have anything else as good to read", but finish it I did as it was such a good book.
Happily, the author has several more books out so I am not yet high and dry. I rarely gush about books I've read, but this was truly an excellent read.
I finished this in one very long day, and had that feeling towards the end of "Uh oh, I don't want to finish this because I won't have anything else as good to read", but finish it I did as it was such a good book.
Happily, the author has several more books out so I am not yet high and dry. I rarely gush about books I've read, but this was truly an excellent read.
August 17, 2019
This was my favorite Dickie Floyd book so far. The police work necessary to link several murders seemed realistic, and moved at an adequate pace. Luckily Dickie and Floys were not partnered, so the tiresome bawdy exchanges leading to grabbing a beer and bite to eat were less frequent.... the Bro-love was turned down a tad. More attention to three other detectives was welcome. Generally, in police procedurals, the bad guy stalking the detective, seems like a gimmick, but in this case it was interesting to me, because of the evidence gathering, deduction and proctective strategies called upon. The reason behind the "hit" also hung together.
It was a little disappointing that the puppeteer mobster and his toady were not identified, nor part of the plot resolution. I will read more from this author.
It was a little disappointing that the puppeteer mobster and his toady were not identified, nor part of the plot resolution. I will read more from this author.
January 16, 2019
4-1/2 stars – "Door to a Dark Room" by Danny R. Smith
The more Danny R. Smith books I read, the more I enjoy and appreciate Smith's unique talent.
This is another of Danny R. Smith's gritty, noire novels of detective sleuthing and hijinks. Take an Elmore Leonard plot; a protagonist that is a combination John Connolly's Charlie Parker and Michael Connelly'd Hieronymus Bosch; twist them together into a Gordian knot, and you will be reading "Door to a Dark Room".
Smith has thrown some horrible screwballs, and I'm certain that few readers will connect with even one of them. (Sorry to throw a baseball analogy in, but the twists and blind alleys of this plot defy description.)
The more Danny R. Smith books I read, the more I enjoy and appreciate Smith's unique talent.
This is another of Danny R. Smith's gritty, noire novels of detective sleuthing and hijinks. Take an Elmore Leonard plot; a protagonist that is a combination John Connolly's Charlie Parker and Michael Connelly'd Hieronymus Bosch; twist them together into a Gordian knot, and you will be reading "Door to a Dark Room".
Smith has thrown some horrible screwballs, and I'm certain that few readers will connect with even one of them. (Sorry to throw a baseball analogy in, but the twists and blind alleys of this plot defy description.)
February 23, 2019
The author Danny R. Green gets better and better.
His first book in this series was great but in my opinion is even bette. He is spot on his characterization of police officers thoughts, words and emotions. He knows the evil that surrounds all citizens without them even being aware of it. He exposes his readers to the dark room that lives in the mind of all good police officers that they try often times without success to keep the door closed on. On to third book in this series!
His first book in this series was great but in my opinion is even bette. He is spot on his characterization of police officers thoughts, words and emotions. He knows the evil that surrounds all citizens without them even being aware of it. He exposes his readers to the dark room that lives in the mind of all good police officers that they try often times without success to keep the door closed on. On to third book in this series!
February 26, 2024
Tense Police Thriller
This book is the second in a series following a pair of Homicide Detectives in LA. This episode has many twists and a surprising ending. This book is a lot more harsh than the first episode. There is more violence and some of it is quite graphic. Part of the book is told from the killer's point of view. His watching and targetting a child who he kills was way beyond what I call entertainment. I am not certain that I will read any more of this series. I read for fun, not to get nightmares.
This book is the second in a series following a pair of Homicide Detectives in LA. This episode has many twists and a surprising ending. This book is a lot more harsh than the first episode. There is more violence and some of it is quite graphic. Part of the book is told from the killer's point of view. His watching and targetting a child who he kills was way beyond what I call entertainment. I am not certain that I will read any more of this series. I read for fun, not to get nightmares.
November 1, 2019
Dickie and Floyd are a lot of fun. I do literally laugh out loud at some of their wise cracks. Besides the occasional chuckles, there really are some real crimes that are solved before the book comes to an end. Dickie is no Harry Bosch, Jack Reacher, or Virgil Flowers, but I am happy for the time I spend in his company. Give Danny R. Smith’s books a try!
April 17, 2020
Second book in the series
Another great read. Some of the same series characters and some new ones to add variety. The story takes place all over LA county with multiple murders being investigated by the sheriff’s detectives. More twists and turns than Malibu Canyon Road. Highly enjoyable.
Another great read. Some of the same series characters and some new ones to add variety. The story takes place all over LA county with multiple murders being investigated by the sheriff’s detectives. More twists and turns than Malibu Canyon Road. Highly enjoyable.
May 16, 2021
The Real Deal
Fantastic second novel in the Dickie Floyd series. I am completely immersed in the world of Richard “Dickie” Jones and his partner Matt “Floyd” Tyler and can’t get enough. Gritty, real, and my new obsession. Thank you, Danny Smith, for bringing these wonderful characters into my life.
Fantastic second novel in the Dickie Floyd series. I am completely immersed in the world of Richard “Dickie” Jones and his partner Matt “Floyd” Tyler and can’t get enough. Gritty, real, and my new obsession. Thank you, Danny Smith, for bringing these wonderful characters into my life.
September 21, 2021
Great Read
Another great book from Danny Smith. Great plot that moves smoothly and keeps your interest until the last word. The plot moves around with interesting characters, real life locations, and a life like story. Danny's many years in law enforcement shows in his writings. Highly recommend.
Another great book from Danny Smith. Great plot that moves smoothly and keeps your interest until the last word. The plot moves around with interesting characters, real life locations, and a life like story. Danny's many years in law enforcement shows in his writings. Highly recommend.
September 24, 2019
Love reading the Dickie Floyd series of books. After the initial book, setting out the characters... each new book continues to improve. Great scenarios, realistic, interesting, strong characters and super pacing. Leaves you wanting to read... the NEXT Dickie Floyd book!!!
August 23, 2021
Really excellent follow-up to A Good Bunch of Men. We know Dickie and his partner Floyed. Things are deeper in the 2nd novel as the partners and bigger cast of detectives race to figure out a series of murders. Its dark and its good. I highly recommend this novel.
August 25, 2021
This is the best that I have read of Danny. I plan on reading more of his books. I think that the research that did was good, (I was a Cop in Burbank for 32 years) and the story was outstanding. Keep up the good work.
December 4, 2021
If you like Harry Bosch, then you should love this series of Dickie/Floyd books. Mr. Smith weaves a great story about a serial killer on the lose in third book and connects it to the first book nicely. Looking forward to the third book now in the series.
April 15, 2022
Gritty and deep
This is the second book in the series. The humorous banter from book one is pushed to the background as this book becomes more introspective. Excellent story with lots of believable surprises. Great work, Danny!
This is the second book in the series. The humorous banter from book one is pushed to the background as this book becomes more introspective. Excellent story with lots of believable surprises. Great work, Danny!
March 26, 2023
Great Police Novel!!
Thoroughly great novel with multiple stories running into one. Great lead and backup characters. I would enthusiastically recommend this book and author to others.
Thoroughly great novel with multiple stories running into one. Great lead and backup characters. I would enthusiastically recommend this book and author to others.
March 21, 2024
One very good read
I love this series more and more. Danny has a very enjoyable way of telling stories. Quick reads with good storylines. I continue to think, which part of the story is from his real world?
I love this series more and more. Danny has a very enjoyable way of telling stories. Quick reads with good storylines. I continue to think, which part of the story is from his real world?
September 11, 2019
Great series.
January 22, 2020
Suspensful and funny.
March 14, 2021
Fantastic
The first book was great the second even better. I can’t wait to dive into #3. Anyone who enjoys a good detective novel I STRONGLY recommend the Dickie Floyd series
The first book was great the second even better. I can’t wait to dive into #3. Anyone who enjoys a good detective novel I STRONGLY recommend the Dickie Floyd series
November 26, 2021
Very intriguing
I very much enjoyed this book and A Bunch of Good Men. I plan to read the whole series as soon as I can.
I very much enjoyed this book and A Bunch of Good Men. I plan to read the whole series as soon as I can.
January 24, 2023
This series becomes even better each time I reread them.
September 24, 2019
Go Dickie Floyd novels!!!
Currently reading
February 26, 2019A easy to read story
One that you could lay down and pick up at your leisure. , but still very enjoyable.good, but not unforgetable.
One that you could lay down and pick up at your leisure. , but still very enjoyable.good, but not unforgetable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews