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Solomon Gray #1
Dig Two Graves
Was it suicide ... or murder? Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray is driven to discover the truth. Whatever the personal cost.
When teenager Nick Buckingham tumbles from the fifth floor of an apartment block, Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray answers the call with a sick feeling in his stomach. The victim was just a kid, sixteen years old. And the exact age the detective's son was, the son Gray has not seen since he went missing at a funfair ten years ago. Each case involving children haunts Gray with the reminder that his son may still be out there – or worse, dead. The seemingly open and shut case of suicide twists into a darker discovery. Buckingham and Gray have never met, so why is Gray's number on the dead teenager's mobile phone?
Gray begins to unravel a murky world of abuse, lies, and corruption. And when the body of Reverend David Hill is found shot to death in the vestry of Gray's old church, Gray wonders how far the depravity stretches and who might be next. Nothing seems connected, and yet there is one common thread: Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray, himself. As the bodies pile up, Gray must face his own demons and his son's abduction.
Crippled by loss Gray takes the first step on the long road of redemption. But is the killer closer to home than he realised?
Set in the once grand town of Margate in the south of England, the now broken and depressed seaside resort becomes its own character in this dark police suspense thriller, perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Stuart MacBride, and Peter James.
Dig Two Graves is the first in the Solomon Gray series. Pick it up now to discover whether Gray finds his son in this thrilling new crime series.
What Others Say
"... deeply emotional, a dark rollercoaster ride."
Ed James, author of bestselling DI Fenchurch series
"A stunning book and a new series that has become a must read."
M.W. Craven, author of the Washington Poe series
"Keith Nixon is one hell of a writer."
Ken Bruen, author of the Jack Taylor series
"A compelling murder mystery with a multilayered and engaging new hero. Great read."
Mason Cross, author of the Carter Blake thriller series
"Dig Two Graves is a smartly conceived introduction to a new series, and there are a good number of loose ends just waiting to tempt you to continue the journey."
Crime Fiction Lover
What Readers Say
"It’s just too damned good, I loved it."
"I haven’t given 5* for a while, this deserves it."
"Read it, you won’t regret it."
"What a joy."
"Could not put it down."
"Grittiness seeps out of this book from every pore."
"The author has hooked me in yet again."
"OMG loved this book!"
“This is a must read."
"A dark, uncompromising tale of loss, murder, and revenge. Glorious noir, which takes the police procedural elements and gives them new life. I can't wait to read the next step in Solomon Gray's journey for answers ..."
Luca Veste, author of the Murphy and Rossi crime series
"A damaged detective, haunted by a tragic past, a young son missing or dead, a man on a quest for redemption. Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray is a fine creation and Dig Two Graves is an intriguing, nourish mystery. Keith Nixon is a sparkling crime fiction talent."
Howard Linskey, author of the Detective Ian Bradshawcrime series
"Keith Nixon does for Margate what Peter James did for Brighton … As dark and brooding as the wind-lashed shores of the North Sea, and with its disturbing echoes of the Elm Guest House scandal and suggestions of deep-seated institutional corruption, Dig Two Graves is a superb addition to the rich Brit Crime scene."
Tim Baker, CWA shortlisted author of Fever City
When teenager Nick Buckingham tumbles from the fifth floor of an apartment block, Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray answers the call with a sick feeling in his stomach. The victim was just a kid, sixteen years old. And the exact age the detective's son was, the son Gray has not seen since he went missing at a funfair ten years ago. Each case involving children haunts Gray with the reminder that his son may still be out there – or worse, dead. The seemingly open and shut case of suicide twists into a darker discovery. Buckingham and Gray have never met, so why is Gray's number on the dead teenager's mobile phone?
Gray begins to unravel a murky world of abuse, lies, and corruption. And when the body of Reverend David Hill is found shot to death in the vestry of Gray's old church, Gray wonders how far the depravity stretches and who might be next. Nothing seems connected, and yet there is one common thread: Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray, himself. As the bodies pile up, Gray must face his own demons and his son's abduction.
Crippled by loss Gray takes the first step on the long road of redemption. But is the killer closer to home than he realised?
Set in the once grand town of Margate in the south of England, the now broken and depressed seaside resort becomes its own character in this dark police suspense thriller, perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Stuart MacBride, and Peter James.
Dig Two Graves is the first in the Solomon Gray series. Pick it up now to discover whether Gray finds his son in this thrilling new crime series.
What Others Say
"... deeply emotional, a dark rollercoaster ride."
Ed James, author of bestselling DI Fenchurch series
"A stunning book and a new series that has become a must read."
M.W. Craven, author of the Washington Poe series
"Keith Nixon is one hell of a writer."
Ken Bruen, author of the Jack Taylor series
"A compelling murder mystery with a multilayered and engaging new hero. Great read."
Mason Cross, author of the Carter Blake thriller series
"Dig Two Graves is a smartly conceived introduction to a new series, and there are a good number of loose ends just waiting to tempt you to continue the journey."
Crime Fiction Lover
What Readers Say
"It’s just too damned good, I loved it."
"I haven’t given 5* for a while, this deserves it."
"Read it, you won’t regret it."
"What a joy."
"Could not put it down."
"Grittiness seeps out of this book from every pore."
"The author has hooked me in yet again."
"OMG loved this book!"
“This is a must read."
"A dark, uncompromising tale of loss, murder, and revenge. Glorious noir, which takes the police procedural elements and gives them new life. I can't wait to read the next step in Solomon Gray's journey for answers ..."
Luca Veste, author of the Murphy and Rossi crime series
"A damaged detective, haunted by a tragic past, a young son missing or dead, a man on a quest for redemption. Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray is a fine creation and Dig Two Graves is an intriguing, nourish mystery. Keith Nixon is a sparkling crime fiction talent."
Howard Linskey, author of the Detective Ian Bradshawcrime series
"Keith Nixon does for Margate what Peter James did for Brighton … As dark and brooding as the wind-lashed shores of the North Sea, and with its disturbing echoes of the Elm Guest House scandal and suggestions of deep-seated institutional corruption, Dig Two Graves is a superb addition to the rich Brit Crime scene."
Tim Baker, CWA shortlisted author of Fever City
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2017
2542 people are currently reading
1275 people want to read
About the author
Keith Nixon
36 books175 followersBestselling author Keith Nixon lives in Cheshire, England and works in a high tech industry. Novels include the Solomon Gray, Konstantin, Harry Vaughan and Caradoc series.
Sign up to a regular newsletter for information on upcoming books, offers etc. at http://www.keithnixon.co.uk/stay-up-t...
He can be found on Twitter (@knntom) and Facebook or his website www.keithnixon.co.uk.
Praise for Keith Nixon’s Work
‘A stunning book and a new series that has become a must read. ’
-M.W. Craven, author of the Washington Poe series
‘Keith Nixon does for Margate what Peter James did for Brighton … As dark and brooding as the wind-lashed shores of the North Sea, and with its disturbing echoes of the Elm Guest House scandal and suggestions of deep-seated institutional corruption, Dig Two Graves is a superb addition to the rich Brit Crime scene. ’
Tim Baker, CWA shortlisted author of Fever City and City Without Stars
‘Deeply emotional, a dark rollercoaster ride. ’
Ed James, author of bestselling DI Fenchurch series
‘A compelling murder mystery with a multilayered and engaging new hero. Great read. ’
Mason Cross, author of the Carter Blake thriller series
‘A damaged detective, haunted by a tragic past, a young son missing or dead, a man on a quest for redemption. Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray is a fine creation and Dig Two Graves an intriguing, nourish mystery. Keith Nixon is a sparkling crime fiction talent. ’
Howard Linskey, author of the David Blake crime series
‘A dark, uncompromising tale of loss, murder, and revenge. Glorious noir, which takes the police procedural elements and gives them new life. I can't wait to read the next step in Solomon Gray's journey for answers ... ’
Luca Veste, author of the Murphy and Rossi series
‘One hell of a writer.’
Ken Bruen, Author of The Jack Taylor series
‘Nixon writes hard-hitting fiction, with a dash of humour, a cast of great characters, and a dollop of violence. Konstantin is a fantastic creation.’
Luca Veste, author of The Murphy and Rossi series and The Bonekeeper
‘Reads like the UK’s answer to Carl Hiassen. Criminally underrated.’
MW Craven, author of The Washington Poe series
‘Lean, mean and gritty, with writing as sharp as a razor cut. Keith Nixon serves up a ‘Konstantin Kocktail’, with equal parts Vodka to Vodka, that'll hit you just where it's needed.’
Matt Hilton, Author of the Joe Hunter thrillers
‘I have to liken reading this novel to being a smoker - it leaves a dirty taste in your mouth but you JUST CAN'T STOP.’ Lisa Hall, author of Between You and Me, Tell Me No Lies, The Party
‘If you told me that Konstantin put the K in KGB, I wouldn't even argue. This character is a badass of the highest calibre.’
Gerard Brennan, author of Undercover
‘Feels like Snatch meets a steampunk Sherlock Holmes. Nixon continues the story of Russian-born Konstantin, anti-hero for the modern age. Like Marlowe before him, Konstantin has a penchant for finding trouble and an unflinching sense of morality to get him out of it.’
Joe Clifford, author of The Jay Porter series
‘Hardboiled action and sharp, gritty humour. Highly recommended.’
Paul D. Brazill, author of Guns Of Brixton and A Case Of Noir
‘Gritty and glorious, dirty and dynamic, fast and furious. My kind of book.’
Col’s Criminal Library
‘A superior action-thriller, layered with flashbacks, intriguing characters and tendon-snapping sequences of graphic violence.’
Murder, Mayhem and More
‘A fast-paced and witty tale.’
Big Al’s Books and Pals
‘With his unique style of writing, the author grabs the reader’s attention and makes for an entertaining read.’
By The Letter Book Reviews
‘Tight, punchy with a distinct voice.’
Crimesquad
‘The ability to get his readers onside, rooting for his messed-up characters as they battle against the
Sign up to a regular newsletter for information on upcoming books, offers etc. at http://www.keithnixon.co.uk/stay-up-t...
He can be found on Twitter (@knntom) and Facebook or his website www.keithnixon.co.uk.
Praise for Keith Nixon’s Work
‘A stunning book and a new series that has become a must read. ’
-M.W. Craven, author of the Washington Poe series
‘Keith Nixon does for Margate what Peter James did for Brighton … As dark and brooding as the wind-lashed shores of the North Sea, and with its disturbing echoes of the Elm Guest House scandal and suggestions of deep-seated institutional corruption, Dig Two Graves is a superb addition to the rich Brit Crime scene. ’
Tim Baker, CWA shortlisted author of Fever City and City Without Stars
‘Deeply emotional, a dark rollercoaster ride. ’
Ed James, author of bestselling DI Fenchurch series
‘A compelling murder mystery with a multilayered and engaging new hero. Great read. ’
Mason Cross, author of the Carter Blake thriller series
‘A damaged detective, haunted by a tragic past, a young son missing or dead, a man on a quest for redemption. Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray is a fine creation and Dig Two Graves an intriguing, nourish mystery. Keith Nixon is a sparkling crime fiction talent. ’
Howard Linskey, author of the David Blake crime series
‘A dark, uncompromising tale of loss, murder, and revenge. Glorious noir, which takes the police procedural elements and gives them new life. I can't wait to read the next step in Solomon Gray's journey for answers ... ’
Luca Veste, author of the Murphy and Rossi series
‘One hell of a writer.’
Ken Bruen, Author of The Jack Taylor series
‘Nixon writes hard-hitting fiction, with a dash of humour, a cast of great characters, and a dollop of violence. Konstantin is a fantastic creation.’
Luca Veste, author of The Murphy and Rossi series and The Bonekeeper
‘Reads like the UK’s answer to Carl Hiassen. Criminally underrated.’
MW Craven, author of The Washington Poe series
‘Lean, mean and gritty, with writing as sharp as a razor cut. Keith Nixon serves up a ‘Konstantin Kocktail’, with equal parts Vodka to Vodka, that'll hit you just where it's needed.’
Matt Hilton, Author of the Joe Hunter thrillers
‘I have to liken reading this novel to being a smoker - it leaves a dirty taste in your mouth but you JUST CAN'T STOP.’ Lisa Hall, author of Between You and Me, Tell Me No Lies, The Party
‘If you told me that Konstantin put the K in KGB, I wouldn't even argue. This character is a badass of the highest calibre.’
Gerard Brennan, author of Undercover
‘Feels like Snatch meets a steampunk Sherlock Holmes. Nixon continues the story of Russian-born Konstantin, anti-hero for the modern age. Like Marlowe before him, Konstantin has a penchant for finding trouble and an unflinching sense of morality to get him out of it.’
Joe Clifford, author of The Jay Porter series
‘Hardboiled action and sharp, gritty humour. Highly recommended.’
Paul D. Brazill, author of Guns Of Brixton and A Case Of Noir
‘Gritty and glorious, dirty and dynamic, fast and furious. My kind of book.’
Col’s Criminal Library
‘A superior action-thriller, layered with flashbacks, intriguing characters and tendon-snapping sequences of graphic violence.’
Murder, Mayhem and More
‘A fast-paced and witty tale.’
Big Al’s Books and Pals
‘With his unique style of writing, the author grabs the reader’s attention and makes for an entertaining read.’
By The Letter Book Reviews
‘Tight, punchy with a distinct voice.’
Crimesquad
‘The ability to get his readers onside, rooting for his messed-up characters as they battle against the
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
August 31, 2017
It all starts when a teenage boy apparently falls from the balcony of an apartment. Was this an accident? murder? suicide? He's only 16 years old. And although Gray does not know this young man, Gray's phone number is on his phone.
This is not the only death that somehow involves Solomon. His parish priest is found shot to death in his church. And when Solomon has a one-night-stand, the woman in question is also found shot to death the next morning. Is Solomon a killer? Or a victim?
Solomon is a very vivid character. He is a man who has suffered immensely with losses in his life. His then 5-year-old son was abducted 10 years ago. He has never been seen since. But there's not a day goes by that Solomon pours over police reports and newspaper accountings looking for something .. anything ... that might be a lead. Five years after that his wife took an intentional overdose of medications, putting an end to her suffering. Solomon has a daughter, but she chose to live with her grandparents and he hasn't seen her since his wife died.
And yet he is a very strong man ... cranky at times, depressed at times, but still he recognizes his first job is justice for the victims he encounters in his job. Not everyone likes him, but he doesn't seem to care.
The book bounces back and forth between what he's encountering today and memories of when his son disappeared. I couldn't put this book down. As a parent, I had so much empathy for what he had gone through. As a member of a law enforcement family, I could understand why his job means so much ... it's all he has left.
Many thanks to the author / Bastei Entertainment / Netgalley for the advance digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
This is not the only death that somehow involves Solomon. His parish priest is found shot to death in his church. And when Solomon has a one-night-stand, the woman in question is also found shot to death the next morning. Is Solomon a killer? Or a victim?
Solomon is a very vivid character. He is a man who has suffered immensely with losses in his life. His then 5-year-old son was abducted 10 years ago. He has never been seen since. But there's not a day goes by that Solomon pours over police reports and newspaper accountings looking for something .. anything ... that might be a lead. Five years after that his wife took an intentional overdose of medications, putting an end to her suffering. Solomon has a daughter, but she chose to live with her grandparents and he hasn't seen her since his wife died.
And yet he is a very strong man ... cranky at times, depressed at times, but still he recognizes his first job is justice for the victims he encounters in his job. Not everyone likes him, but he doesn't seem to care.
The book bounces back and forth between what he's encountering today and memories of when his son disappeared. I couldn't put this book down. As a parent, I had so much empathy for what he had gone through. As a member of a law enforcement family, I could understand why his job means so much ... it's all he has left.
Many thanks to the author / Bastei Entertainment / Netgalley for the advance digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 8, 2023
Solomon Gray is a police officer whose life has been put on hold since his son went missing ten years ago at a fairground. In the present there is a sixteen-year-old who has been murdered, and of all things, he has Gray’s number in his phone. Gray is now on the hunt for the murderer, complicated by bodies beginning to stack up around him. The blame somehow seems to point to him. The story is more about Soloman Gray than the actual murders, and I’m fine with that as it is book #1 and the murders happened 10 years ago. A little background is always a good thing. The author has created a dark protagonist with the character of Gray whose life is a storm going somewhere to pour down. He has no idea if his son is dead or alive. He doesn’t know if the sixteen-year-old might even BE his son, though his age sets off loads of possibilities in his mind. Gray's wife, Kate, committed suicide after their son disappeared, and Gray has no relationship what-so-ever with his daughter. That isn't even all his troubles...now he has to deal with the religious busy-body, Alice, who encouraged Kate’s faith, aggressive colleagues, and the possibility of a new and complicated love. At this point I began to question if Gray was going to be an asset or a hinderance. After one particular murder I wanted to bash him over the head with the whisky bottle that he had become so fawned of, for not being clear with the police. Since he WAS the police, that just felt entirely out of place. It wasn't by any means a bad story. It deserved the 4 stars I gave it. If you like moody, down on their luck characters and stories full of drama and suspense, then this is diffidently your read.
January 14, 2018
Dig two graves by keith Nixon.
3 murders are they connected? A boy gone missing. Soloman is in turmoil. His boy is missing. His wife commited suicide. His daughter doesn't want to know him. Will he find the murderer? What about his son?
Absolutely fantastic read. Loved the story and the characters. I do hope there is more to come. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. 5*.
3 murders are they connected? A boy gone missing. Soloman is in turmoil. His boy is missing. His wife commited suicide. His daughter doesn't want to know him. Will he find the murderer? What about his son?
Absolutely fantastic read. Loved the story and the characters. I do hope there is more to come. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. 5*.
August 24, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bastei Entertainment for an advance copy of Dig Two Graves, the debut novel in a projected series featuring DS Solomon Grey of Margate police.
DS Solomon Grey is haunted by the disappearance of his six year old son ten years ago so when a 16 year old youth falls from a balcony he is motivated to find out what happened but as the body count rises he finds himself in too deep.
Dig Two Graves is an interesting read as it is more a character study of Sol than a police procedural and the crime definitely takes second place to Sol's experiences. The hint is in the title, taken from the Chinese proverb "when seeking revenge first dig two graves". In this case it's not Sol seeking revenge but he is digging his own grave with his self destructive behaviour and attitudes.
I was a bit disappointed in this novel as I expected it to be a police procedural and it clearly isn't. The crime investigation is rather perfunctory and wrapped up in the same manner at the end. It is all about Sol and as he's a distinctly unpleasant individual it's a bit of a dreary read. He hasn't come to terms with Tom's disappearance and his guilt over it so he is now a curmudgeonly, self pitying, self destructive individual with an obsessive need to find his son. Some of it is understandable as the reader slowly finds out in flashback chapters what happened 10 years ago but the sympathy soon wears off when he makes no effort to help himself.
I would like to think that the glimmer of hope offered at the end of Dig Two Graves will make the sequel a more interesting read for me.
Dig Two Graves is a solid novel, just not to my taste.
DS Solomon Grey is haunted by the disappearance of his six year old son ten years ago so when a 16 year old youth falls from a balcony he is motivated to find out what happened but as the body count rises he finds himself in too deep.
Dig Two Graves is an interesting read as it is more a character study of Sol than a police procedural and the crime definitely takes second place to Sol's experiences. The hint is in the title, taken from the Chinese proverb "when seeking revenge first dig two graves". In this case it's not Sol seeking revenge but he is digging his own grave with his self destructive behaviour and attitudes.
I was a bit disappointed in this novel as I expected it to be a police procedural and it clearly isn't. The crime investigation is rather perfunctory and wrapped up in the same manner at the end. It is all about Sol and as he's a distinctly unpleasant individual it's a bit of a dreary read. He hasn't come to terms with Tom's disappearance and his guilt over it so he is now a curmudgeonly, self pitying, self destructive individual with an obsessive need to find his son. Some of it is understandable as the reader slowly finds out in flashback chapters what happened 10 years ago but the sympathy soon wears off when he makes no effort to help himself.
I would like to think that the glimmer of hope offered at the end of Dig Two Graves will make the sequel a more interesting read for me.
Dig Two Graves is a solid novel, just not to my taste.
December 27, 2017
Absolutely terrific police procedural. A great reminder that the best crime fiction stories are really first and foremost about people and what they do and what they become when faced with the most nerve-wracking and horrible circumstances. Here, we have a British policeman whose life has been torn asunder more than anyone who could possibly bear and who could be described as a walking deadman, that is, dead inside. And yet he soldiers on, barely permitting himself to think or feel. There's a few mysteries at the heart of this story, but the magic of the story is in the realistic characters that Nixon creates. This was a truly unexpected treat, far superior to most of the police procedurals you might pick up.
November 14, 2017
Tight plot? Check. Classic, damaged detective? Check. Punchy sentence structure? Check. Healthy dose of black humour and cynicism? Check.
Keith’s crime writer’s writer. A classic of his species.
His latest offering is a predictable leap forward in his development. Guided by Al Guthrie, Keith has fine tuned his finely-tuned skill set and story craft, producing his most accessible, tightly-edited and genre-perfect book of his catalogue to date.
Keith’s the best. Guthrie’s the best. Dig Two Graves is the best.
Be the best, read the best.
Keith’s crime writer’s writer. A classic of his species.
His latest offering is a predictable leap forward in his development. Guided by Al Guthrie, Keith has fine tuned his finely-tuned skill set and story craft, producing his most accessible, tightly-edited and genre-perfect book of his catalogue to date.
Keith’s the best. Guthrie’s the best. Dig Two Graves is the best.
Be the best, read the best.
January 13, 2018
Dig Two Graves by Keith Nixon was a bit different to what I was expecting, which was a good thing! Solomon Gray is struggling with still coming to terms with his son going missing 10 years ago. So when he is called to a crime scene where a 16yr old boy has fallen to his death (the same age his son would be now) he gets pulled in more than he would have previously.
I enjoyed the plot, it had enough going on to keep me interested and I liked the look back at what happened 10 years ago to Gray's son. However I would have liked to read more about his son's disappearance, I seemed to enjoy that part more.
Gray is not really a likeable man, he doesn't listen to anyone and does his own thing however at times I did feel sorry for him. He has suffered heartbreak and pain more times than I could count.
There's more twists and turns than I was expecting and some that I didn't expect at all. It's much more than your average police crime read, definitely a series to watch out for!
The setting of Margate was different, I vaguely recall visiting Margate years ago but I know in time it has suffered from neglect and people going elsewhere for holidays. Keith has written it well, it really did feel dark and depressing being there and I couldn't imagine going to visit now let alone live.
I will look forward to more books in this series, I'm interested to know how Gray will turn out in later books.
I enjoyed the plot, it had enough going on to keep me interested and I liked the look back at what happened 10 years ago to Gray's son. However I would have liked to read more about his son's disappearance, I seemed to enjoy that part more.
Gray is not really a likeable man, he doesn't listen to anyone and does his own thing however at times I did feel sorry for him. He has suffered heartbreak and pain more times than I could count.
There's more twists and turns than I was expecting and some that I didn't expect at all. It's much more than your average police crime read, definitely a series to watch out for!
The setting of Margate was different, I vaguely recall visiting Margate years ago but I know in time it has suffered from neglect and people going elsewhere for holidays. Keith has written it well, it really did feel dark and depressing being there and I couldn't imagine going to visit now let alone live.
I will look forward to more books in this series, I'm interested to know how Gray will turn out in later books.
August 27, 2017
Thank you Netgalley, Bastei Entertainment and Keith Nixon for this eARC.
10 Years ago, DSI Salomon Gray took his 6-year old son, Ton, to the funfair for his birthday...only to lose him.
5 Years later, his wife committed suicide. The past decade Gray has been eaten up by unbearable grief and guilt and when he is called to the scene of the suspected suicide of a 16-year old teenager, the age
Tom would be now, it again rips open the old wound.
He's a lonely, driven man who has obsessively tried to solve the mystery of Tom's disappearance.
At times I got a little impatient with Gray, but overall I felt a deep empathy.
After 3 subsequent murders, he ends up as a suspect, but help comes from a surprising direction and we are left with a feeling of optimism as to Gray's future emotional life. He's not as alone as he thought, the likeable DI Yvonne Hamson and DCI Carslake have his back.
Unusually, I didn't guess the murderer(s) and I highly recommend this well-written thriller. Looking forward to no. 2 in the series!
10 Years ago, DSI Salomon Gray took his 6-year old son, Ton, to the funfair for his birthday...only to lose him.
5 Years later, his wife committed suicide. The past decade Gray has been eaten up by unbearable grief and guilt and when he is called to the scene of the suspected suicide of a 16-year old teenager, the age
Tom would be now, it again rips open the old wound.
He's a lonely, driven man who has obsessively tried to solve the mystery of Tom's disappearance.
At times I got a little impatient with Gray, but overall I felt a deep empathy.
After 3 subsequent murders, he ends up as a suspect, but help comes from a surprising direction and we are left with a feeling of optimism as to Gray's future emotional life. He's not as alone as he thought, the likeable DI Yvonne Hamson and DCI Carslake have his back.
Unusually, I didn't guess the murderer(s) and I highly recommend this well-written thriller. Looking forward to no. 2 in the series!
October 23, 2017
Excellent beginning to a brand new series.
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed all of Keith Nixon’s crime novels to date, ‘Dig Two Graves’ has got to be his best yet. The author clearly has a knack for creating unusual and intriguing characters, and his latest protagonist, Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray, is no exception. For a character who, on the surface at least, doesn't come across as particularly likeable, Nixon has managed to make him incredibly sympathetic and multi-dimensional.
Skilfully blending the tragic events of DS Gray’s past with a tightly plotted murder investigation in the present, this is no ordinary police procedural or whodunit. It’s certainly a page turner with many a twist and turn along the way, but it’s also a book of great depth with some fascinating insights into the protagonist’s tortured psyche.
An excellent beginning to a brand new series. Looking forward to the next one.
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed all of Keith Nixon’s crime novels to date, ‘Dig Two Graves’ has got to be his best yet. The author clearly has a knack for creating unusual and intriguing characters, and his latest protagonist, Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray, is no exception. For a character who, on the surface at least, doesn't come across as particularly likeable, Nixon has managed to make him incredibly sympathetic and multi-dimensional.
Skilfully blending the tragic events of DS Gray’s past with a tightly plotted murder investigation in the present, this is no ordinary police procedural or whodunit. It’s certainly a page turner with many a twist and turn along the way, but it’s also a book of great depth with some fascinating insights into the protagonist’s tortured psyche.
An excellent beginning to a brand new series. Looking forward to the next one.
December 5, 2017
This was my first Keith Nixon book but it certainly won't be my last. How I took poor, beleaguered DS Solomon Gray to my heart. How much heartbreak can one man take without giving up? Luckily for the residents of Margate, Solomon has dedicated what remains of his life to his work and gives his all to catching criminals. This is a particularly difficult case for Solomon, and he hides his emotions behind booze and cigarettes. Just as you think there is a flicker of hope for the poor policeman, Mr Nixon throws a spanner in the works. Seemingly random murders get solved but is there any possibility of happiness for Solomon Gray? No spoilers here but I definitely need to listen to book 2. I am thrilled to highly recommend this book and look forward to a new series.
July 13, 2017
Dig Two Graves introduces us to Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray, a man that is struggling with the weight of the past, a man forced to confront his demons when the body of sixteen year old boy is discovered - an apparent suicide.
The novel examines the pain that Solomon lives with every day. Haunted by his role when his son vanished a decade earlier - the novel peels back Solomon’s life through a series of flashbacks and an increasing body count. It reveals his struggles with religion, the guilt of the role that he played in his son’s disappearance, his depression and, ultimately his loneliness.
His often-complicated relationship with his fellow officers, compounded by his tendency to hide the truth leads to an accelerating self-destructive spiral.
As he seeks solace and answers he is forced to pick through the gruesome wreckage of multiple murders, before suffering the ultimate fear and humiliation of becoming a suspect in some of the deaths.
Solomon Gray is a damaged police detective who knows he's in a job that will never stop opening old wounds, a job that will, every single day, require him to fight hard to keep his head above water.
Dig Two Graves will keep you guessing to the end, while wondering if Solomon can identify the murderers and their motivations under such an intense personal onslaught.
The novel examines the pain that Solomon lives with every day. Haunted by his role when his son vanished a decade earlier - the novel peels back Solomon’s life through a series of flashbacks and an increasing body count. It reveals his struggles with religion, the guilt of the role that he played in his son’s disappearance, his depression and, ultimately his loneliness.
His often-complicated relationship with his fellow officers, compounded by his tendency to hide the truth leads to an accelerating self-destructive spiral.
As he seeks solace and answers he is forced to pick through the gruesome wreckage of multiple murders, before suffering the ultimate fear and humiliation of becoming a suspect in some of the deaths.
Solomon Gray is a damaged police detective who knows he's in a job that will never stop opening old wounds, a job that will, every single day, require him to fight hard to keep his head above water.
Dig Two Graves will keep you guessing to the end, while wondering if Solomon can identify the murderers and their motivations under such an intense personal onslaught.
January 19, 2018
Omg loved this book, I didn’t want to put it down but kinda needed sleep and to work lol.
The flashback scenes really helped to understand why Solomon Grey is the way he is and what keeps driving him on and why he keeps digging in a suspected suicide
Lots of twists and I can’t wait for book #2
The flashback scenes really helped to understand why Solomon Grey is the way he is and what keeps driving him on and why he keeps digging in a suspected suicide
Lots of twists and I can’t wait for book #2
October 10, 2017
In the first of a new Crime series, Keith Nixon moves away from his romping Konstantin thrillers and his action Caradoc historicals to give a poignant and heart-wrenching portrayal of a man in torment trying to keep it together while reaching inexorably for self-destruct.
Ten years ago, as a stressed police officer just off a long shift, he took his six year old to the local fair as a promised birthday treat – and lost him for all time. His guilt is shared by his fellow officers who failed to find a trace of the boy, and just as a bruised fruit decays and contaminates those around it, none of his colleagues have escaped unscarred. Each uses his or her own defence mechanism, from snide remarks to cold professionalism, all mostly unrecognised by Gray who rigidly walks the police’s disciplinary line like a drunk of old. His single guiding star is the belief that staying within the force and being able to sift information, one day he’ll find a lead to his son’s whereabouts.
Then comes the call, and echoes begin to resound. A teen who would now be the age of his son has committed suicide. But did he jump? Did he fall? Was he pushed? Most of all, why is Gray in a triangle with the dead teen and a too-helpful officer from London’s Met?
Characterisations are sharply etched and the reader both empathises and feels great sympathy, not only for Gray in his argumentative desolation, but for those around him, be they his work colleagues or friends and acquaintances from before he lost his Faith and his family. When Tanya the cafe owner shows him a little care the reaction is marked and carries like a lightning strike through to the reader. Yet, even as Gray recognises it as a tentative route to salvation, the author’s use of a parallel time-line brings all, even Gray, into a new and disturbing light.
This stark portrayal of a man fighting himself is an engrossing read conveyed by a deft hand. If you are more interested in the Crime than the manifestations of guilt and retribution there are plenty of clues to ruminate over. It leaves ‘Dig Two Graves’ as a solid foundation for an interesting series. Highly recommended.
Ten years ago, as a stressed police officer just off a long shift, he took his six year old to the local fair as a promised birthday treat – and lost him for all time. His guilt is shared by his fellow officers who failed to find a trace of the boy, and just as a bruised fruit decays and contaminates those around it, none of his colleagues have escaped unscarred. Each uses his or her own defence mechanism, from snide remarks to cold professionalism, all mostly unrecognised by Gray who rigidly walks the police’s disciplinary line like a drunk of old. His single guiding star is the belief that staying within the force and being able to sift information, one day he’ll find a lead to his son’s whereabouts.
Then comes the call, and echoes begin to resound. A teen who would now be the age of his son has committed suicide. But did he jump? Did he fall? Was he pushed? Most of all, why is Gray in a triangle with the dead teen and a too-helpful officer from London’s Met?
Characterisations are sharply etched and the reader both empathises and feels great sympathy, not only for Gray in his argumentative desolation, but for those around him, be they his work colleagues or friends and acquaintances from before he lost his Faith and his family. When Tanya the cafe owner shows him a little care the reaction is marked and carries like a lightning strike through to the reader. Yet, even as Gray recognises it as a tentative route to salvation, the author’s use of a parallel time-line brings all, even Gray, into a new and disturbing light.
This stark portrayal of a man fighting himself is an engrossing read conveyed by a deft hand. If you are more interested in the Crime than the manifestations of guilt and retribution there are plenty of clues to ruminate over. It leaves ‘Dig Two Graves’ as a solid foundation for an interesting series. Highly recommended.
January 15, 2018
Solomon Gray is a troubled man who is haunted by the disappearance of his son, 10 years earlier. His life kind of unravelled after that and he is going through the motions of his life and his career and still looking for his son everywhere he goes.
This is a solid enough book, part police procedural, part psychological profile of Sol, who comes off looking like a man who others should really avoid, in work and in personal situations. There is a lot going on in his workplace, and he doesn't know who to trust, which doesn't help his position either.
All in all, I think this book had promise but it was a hard slog to read it and it was unrelentingly grim. Sol was so depressed and fed up (btw, you can't just take anti-depressants willy nilly, as described in the book), that it tainted everything he touched. I would absolutely hate to work with someone like him, and I found him pretty unpleasant. Yes, we all have things that we need to overcome in our lives but do we have to make everyone else's lives a misery as well? I couldn't summon up any liking for this character at all. A little bit of light would have been nice in this book actually, something positive, anything, or even a quirky character trait.
I am sorry, but it is a 3 for me because it has potential and the writing is solid. Unfortunately, by the time the book ended I didn't even really care that there might be a glimmer of hope for Sol somewhere on the horizon.
This is a solid enough book, part police procedural, part psychological profile of Sol, who comes off looking like a man who others should really avoid, in work and in personal situations. There is a lot going on in his workplace, and he doesn't know who to trust, which doesn't help his position either.
All in all, I think this book had promise but it was a hard slog to read it and it was unrelentingly grim. Sol was so depressed and fed up (btw, you can't just take anti-depressants willy nilly, as described in the book), that it tainted everything he touched. I would absolutely hate to work with someone like him, and I found him pretty unpleasant. Yes, we all have things that we need to overcome in our lives but do we have to make everyone else's lives a misery as well? I couldn't summon up any liking for this character at all. A little bit of light would have been nice in this book actually, something positive, anything, or even a quirky character trait.
I am sorry, but it is a 3 for me because it has potential and the writing is solid. Unfortunately, by the time the book ended I didn't even really care that there might be a glimmer of hope for Sol somewhere on the horizon.
January 14, 2018
Dig Two Graves is the first book in a new series, D S Solomon Gray is a man with a ten ton weight on his shoulders, riddled with guilt over his young son who went missing whilst in his care, now ten years later the police are no closer to knowing the truth. A family torn apart from grief, and D S Gray is not in a good place emotionally or physically. The past comes back to haunt him when the body of a young teenager is found, all pointers indicate he committed suicide, but why is Grays number found on the dead boys phone?. Keith Dixon has written a great storyline for what promises to be an intriguing new character in this series , though I must say, at times I wanted to shout at Gray to get his act together!, it’s a dark complex procedural with enough corruption and interesting characters that kept me wanting to find know more, a very well paced , well thought out plot line. Looking forward to learning more about Solomon Gray in the next instalment of the series.Highly recommended.
October 6, 2017
Keith Nixon has easily become one of my favourite authors since I started reviewing over two years ago so I jumped at the chance of an advanced copy of his latest book. Does that mean I’d let him off lightly? Certainly not. Just to prove how much I enjoy his work I pre-ordered a copy myself.
Solomon Gray is a man torn apart by memories of the past.. he drinks too much and is certainly on a short leash at work…but despite everything he’s one hell of a copper.
When a young boy turns up dead Gray can’t help being swept up in the case as he’s reminded of his own son who disappeared ten years ago.
The case doesn’t have many leads.. or have they just missed them?
While working the case Gray is constantly reminded of his past, even more so when Rev. David Hill is murdered. As the workload increases Gray tries to make sense of things best he can but it’s hard to do his job with superiors breathing down his neck.
When another body turns up and tears Gray’s world apart he needs a much needed kick up the arse to get his head in the game.
I loved the character of Solomon Gray, I really felt for him at times. He’s the type of detective I like reading about. He’s got his personal issues to work through and he’s good at his job and you can rely on him to see things through.
I can’t spoil the plot for you, it’s just too damn good but to be honest with you I loved it, hooked in easily and there was a pretty amazing twist I didn’t see coming towards the end which really cemented how good of a novel this was.
There’s so much more to the plot than the synopsis suggests, it’s got depth to it, it’s more than just the normal police procedural tale. The tale is expertly woven together, while the cases overlap there no confusion for the reader at all.
For me it was perfectly paced, good chapter length and with such a good plot line nothing else mattered, the world shut off and I was in Gray’s world. I really hope we see more soon.
Another cracking read from the author! Get on it now and get a copy ordered – it’s released on Tuesday 10th October!
Solomon Gray is a man torn apart by memories of the past.. he drinks too much and is certainly on a short leash at work…but despite everything he’s one hell of a copper.
When a young boy turns up dead Gray can’t help being swept up in the case as he’s reminded of his own son who disappeared ten years ago.
The case doesn’t have many leads.. or have they just missed them?
While working the case Gray is constantly reminded of his past, even more so when Rev. David Hill is murdered. As the workload increases Gray tries to make sense of things best he can but it’s hard to do his job with superiors breathing down his neck.
When another body turns up and tears Gray’s world apart he needs a much needed kick up the arse to get his head in the game.
I loved the character of Solomon Gray, I really felt for him at times. He’s the type of detective I like reading about. He’s got his personal issues to work through and he’s good at his job and you can rely on him to see things through.
I can’t spoil the plot for you, it’s just too damn good but to be honest with you I loved it, hooked in easily and there was a pretty amazing twist I didn’t see coming towards the end which really cemented how good of a novel this was.
There’s so much more to the plot than the synopsis suggests, it’s got depth to it, it’s more than just the normal police procedural tale. The tale is expertly woven together, while the cases overlap there no confusion for the reader at all.
For me it was perfectly paced, good chapter length and with such a good plot line nothing else mattered, the world shut off and I was in Gray’s world. I really hope we see more soon.
Another cracking read from the author! Get on it now and get a copy ordered – it’s released on Tuesday 10th October!
November 3, 2018
Dig Two Graves is our first introduction Solomon Gray who is a Detective Sergeant in the police force. As with many leading characters in this genre, Solomon has his own demons to contend with. He has never forgiven himself for his son going missing and lives with the guilt everyday.
The disappearance of Gray's son and the subsequent effects it has on him after that event is quite heart wrenching. The not knowing exactly what has happened must be a constant battle to have to deal with. The once normal and happy family he once used to have has all changed. What was sad was the relationships he used to have with some of his work colleagues that have subsequently drifted apart.
I have to admit I was just as intrigued as to what had happened to Gray's son as I was with the death of a teenager that he ends up being called out to. As the death toll starts to top up though, I was just as desperate to get to the bottom of those as well.
You can't help but feel sorry for Gray through out it all as he just seems to dig himself into a deeper hole the further into the story we go. It's as if he is almost on a road of self destruction. Bending the rules where he shouldn't be and having to deal with the consequences. It makes for some entertaining reading though and I had to keep turning those pages to find out more.
Dig Two Graves is a great start to an enthralling new crime series. It is packed full of mystery and suspense and I hadn't managed to work anything out until it was all laid out in front of my eyes. This book has definitely made me excited to what is next for Gray and the reader. A tense and gripping read that I struggled to put down.
The disappearance of Gray's son and the subsequent effects it has on him after that event is quite heart wrenching. The not knowing exactly what has happened must be a constant battle to have to deal with. The once normal and happy family he once used to have has all changed. What was sad was the relationships he used to have with some of his work colleagues that have subsequently drifted apart.
I have to admit I was just as intrigued as to what had happened to Gray's son as I was with the death of a teenager that he ends up being called out to. As the death toll starts to top up though, I was just as desperate to get to the bottom of those as well.
You can't help but feel sorry for Gray through out it all as he just seems to dig himself into a deeper hole the further into the story we go. It's as if he is almost on a road of self destruction. Bending the rules where he shouldn't be and having to deal with the consequences. It makes for some entertaining reading though and I had to keep turning those pages to find out more.
Dig Two Graves is a great start to an enthralling new crime series. It is packed full of mystery and suspense and I hadn't managed to work anything out until it was all laid out in front of my eyes. This book has definitely made me excited to what is next for Gray and the reader. A tense and gripping read that I struggled to put down.
October 21, 2017
This is the first of the Solomon Gray series and I’m already a fan. Gray is a detective and the main story thread appears, at least at first, to be a straightforward (although certainly unique) murder case. I anticipated a straightforward police procedural. It might have been except for Solomon Gray’s past, which haunts him in many ways and I think tends to change the way he views and approaches crime solving. As the story alternates between the two threads, us learning about Gray’s past and observing his efforts to solve the current case (eventually cases) the two threads start getting tangled with each other. I never saw that coming.
The result can be viewed as a police procedural or noir crime fiction or a bit of both. But what struck me is that the underlying story has more depth than is typical of either.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
The result can be viewed as a police procedural or noir crime fiction or a bit of both. But what struck me is that the underlying story has more depth than is typical of either.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
January 13, 2018
Dig two graves
I loved this book and the main detective Solomon Gray. His character and background are fascinating so I was caught up in the story from early on. The plotting is well managed without too much given away at any one time. The setting is a dark and depressed seaside town so matches Gray's personality. This is a classic whodunit with a dark twist and a suggestion that some of the characters may turn up in the next novel. The body count is very high and at one stage I did think "there's not enough book left to sort all this out". Did this mean the ending was a bit rushed? Possibly but, that's a small quibble and would not stop me from reading more of this series. Happy to give 4 stars and to recommend it to fellow readers.
I loved this book and the main detective Solomon Gray. His character and background are fascinating so I was caught up in the story from early on. The plotting is well managed without too much given away at any one time. The setting is a dark and depressed seaside town so matches Gray's personality. This is a classic whodunit with a dark twist and a suggestion that some of the characters may turn up in the next novel. The body count is very high and at one stage I did think "there's not enough book left to sort all this out". Did this mean the ending was a bit rushed? Possibly but, that's a small quibble and would not stop me from reading more of this series. Happy to give 4 stars and to recommend it to fellow readers.
January 21, 2018
Great stuff!
I'm drawn to flawed, damaged cops (well, men generally really!) So I immediately liked Solomon Gray, although the reason he is damaged is heart breaking. His son disappeared aged 6 whilst in his care, and he has spent 10 years carrying the guilt, and conducting his own investigation into the disappearance.
I liked Gray's general disregard for his superiors, although it does him no favours, and I was frustrated with him sometimes for not being more open, or asking for help.
The story, beginning with the apparent suicide of a young man zips along nicely, and the bodies mount up. I didn't guess 'whodunit' so that was great. There is a bit of a cliff hanger at the end, so I am very much looking forward to reading a follow up.
I'm drawn to flawed, damaged cops (well, men generally really!) So I immediately liked Solomon Gray, although the reason he is damaged is heart breaking. His son disappeared aged 6 whilst in his care, and he has spent 10 years carrying the guilt, and conducting his own investigation into the disappearance.
I liked Gray's general disregard for his superiors, although it does him no favours, and I was frustrated with him sometimes for not being more open, or asking for help.
The story, beginning with the apparent suicide of a young man zips along nicely, and the bodies mount up. I didn't guess 'whodunit' so that was great. There is a bit of a cliff hanger at the end, so I am very much looking forward to reading a follow up.
January 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this gritty story. Solomon Gray is a loveable rogue who has had to endure a lot in the past and is still struggling to cope and find answers.
At the same time he is committed to his work and solving crimes. Whilst dealing with all of this he finds happiness but it is cruelly snatched away.
Will he eventually find out what happened to his son Tom?
I look forward to reading the follow up to this book and what happens next for Sol Gray.
At the same time he is committed to his work and solving crimes. Whilst dealing with all of this he finds happiness but it is cruelly snatched away.
Will he eventually find out what happened to his son Tom?
I look forward to reading the follow up to this book and what happens next for Sol Gray.
December 17, 2024
Ran across this on my Kindle while searching for a James Harper novel of the same name, and decided to read it again - STILL no return of Happy Valley and I still miss my lady cops. I enjoyed this novel the first time and decided that this is the series I would binge on next, British and in the smaller towns in Thanet, England, once an island, now a peninsula and adjacent to Kent. Very interesting... An excellent British police procedural, personable characters, interesting situations, and wonderful, detailed travel through the small towns and villages that make up Thanet. I really enjoyed the trip.
Reviewed on September 16, 2024, at Goodreads AmazonSmile, B&N, BookBub, and Kobo.
August 27, 2017
I received a free electronic copy of this British police procedural from Netgalley, Keith
Nixon, and Bastie Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
I really am enjoying Solomon Gray. He is essentially depressed to the max with good reason, but is able to turn that angst and the memory of his personal losses into a tool to find lost souls, so that could be considered a good thing by anyone but Solomon Gray. I am enjoying Pennance as well - no nonsense and no politics allowed. I want to like Hamson but she makes that difficult at times. In any case, I am very pleased that this is the first of a new series and am adding Keith Nixon to my must-read authors list. This may keep me happy until the next release of the BBC series Happy Valley.
Reviewed September 18, 2017, at Goodreads, Netgalley, AmazonSmile, and Barnes&Noble.
Reviewed on September 16, 2024, at Goodreads AmazonSmile, B&N, BookBub, and Kobo.
August 27, 2017
I received a free electronic copy of this British police procedural from Netgalley, Keith
Nixon, and Bastie Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
I really am enjoying Solomon Gray. He is essentially depressed to the max with good reason, but is able to turn that angst and the memory of his personal losses into a tool to find lost souls, so that could be considered a good thing by anyone but Solomon Gray. I am enjoying Pennance as well - no nonsense and no politics allowed. I want to like Hamson but she makes that difficult at times. In any case, I am very pleased that this is the first of a new series and am adding Keith Nixon to my must-read authors list. This may keep me happy until the next release of the BBC series Happy Valley.
Reviewed September 18, 2017, at Goodreads, Netgalley, AmazonSmile, and Barnes&Noble.
January 20, 2018
A new author to me, this was an intriguing read. DS Solomon Gray a man with a troubled past, faced with the murder/suicide of a young man it brings back memories of his son who disappeared ten years before.
Gray isn't exactly the life and soul of the party, it's a grim life he's lived this last ten years and he's never got over the loss of his son and his wife.
More murders put Gray in a difficult place when the tables are well and truly turned when he becomes a suspect instead of investigator.
Police procedural with a smattering of psychological profiling going into the mix, this is a good book and I'd like to read more about DS Gray
Gray isn't exactly the life and soul of the party, it's a grim life he's lived this last ten years and he's never got over the loss of his son and his wife.
More murders put Gray in a difficult place when the tables are well and truly turned when he becomes a suspect instead of investigator.
Police procedural with a smattering of psychological profiling going into the mix, this is a good book and I'd like to read more about DS Gray
September 14, 2017
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
While the book was readable, I kept finding myself wanting to slap the main character - "Get out of you head and all it's misery and PAY ATTENTION to the world you're in NOW!" While it was readable, I found the characters a little flat (and irritating) and the plot line a little too contrived / coincidental. I did finish the book, mostly so I could go on a read something else.
While the book was readable, I kept finding myself wanting to slap the main character - "Get out of you head and all it's misery and PAY ATTENTION to the world you're in NOW!" While it was readable, I found the characters a little flat (and irritating) and the plot line a little too contrived / coincidental. I did finish the book, mostly so I could go on a read something else.
January 14, 2018
This is the first book I have read of Keith Nixon's work and it won't be the last, it goes at such a pace that I didn't think he would fit it all in the whole book. I really enjoyed the story and Solomon Grey. a great 4 star read, hurry up book 2.
November 14, 2021
Oh man! ......... this was a damn fine book. So good in fact that I've downloaded the next 3 books in the series to see what happens in Sol's investigation to find his missing son.
March 11, 2018
Dig Two Graves (The Detective Solomon Gray Series Book 1) by Keith Nixon
Detective Solomon Gray is a haunted man. He lost his six-year-old son, Tom, at a local Funfair ten years ago. Guilt driven, he searches police records and newspapers, looking for clues to his whereabouts in hope that Tom is alive. When Gray is called to the scene of an apparent suicide of a sixteen-year-old boy who happens to have Gray’s phone number on his phone, Gray takes a special interest in his case. Was it murder or suicide?
The storyline moves at a nice pace as the plot twists and turns and bodies start piling up. They all seem random, and the only connection the police can find is Gray himself. Well timed flashbacks fill the reader in on why Solomon turns to alcohol and pills to numb his pain at night. However, he is a dedicated detective who does his best to find justice for the victims. And he is damn good at his job.
I was filled with empathy for Gray, the man has lost everything that was important to him. All he has left is his job, so he immerses himself in his work. Mr. Nixon does an excellent job weaving this well-edited story together. I enjoyed this book immensely and only wanted to whack Mr. Nixon over the head once…
I generally don’t read thrillers or crime fiction genre books, they just seem too real to me and I read to escape reality. But I have become invested in the brooding Solomon Gray, and I really want things to turn around for him. Highly recommend.
Detective Solomon Gray is a haunted man. He lost his six-year-old son, Tom, at a local Funfair ten years ago. Guilt driven, he searches police records and newspapers, looking for clues to his whereabouts in hope that Tom is alive. When Gray is called to the scene of an apparent suicide of a sixteen-year-old boy who happens to have Gray’s phone number on his phone, Gray takes a special interest in his case. Was it murder or suicide?
The storyline moves at a nice pace as the plot twists and turns and bodies start piling up. They all seem random, and the only connection the police can find is Gray himself. Well timed flashbacks fill the reader in on why Solomon turns to alcohol and pills to numb his pain at night. However, he is a dedicated detective who does his best to find justice for the victims. And he is damn good at his job.
I was filled with empathy for Gray, the man has lost everything that was important to him. All he has left is his job, so he immerses himself in his work. Mr. Nixon does an excellent job weaving this well-edited story together. I enjoyed this book immensely and only wanted to whack Mr. Nixon over the head once…
I generally don’t read thrillers or crime fiction genre books, they just seem too real to me and I read to escape reality. But I have become invested in the brooding Solomon Gray, and I really want things to turn around for him. Highly recommend.
October 23, 2017
Keith Nixon made his name with the Konstantin books (featuring a giant Russian tramp who isn't what he first seems). They are fast, ferocious and funny crime capers with snappy writing and cracking characters (not least Konstantin himself). I'm a real fan of Nixon's work.
This latest novel moves away from Konstantin (although he gets alluded to very briefly in one chapter) and instead follows the story of Solomon Gray, a detective in the faded coastal town of Margate.
The disappearance of his son at an amusement park has turned Gray's life upside down. Gray's life and career are in a kind of holding pattern, and some of his colleagues are worried about his mental health mainly because he keeps people at arm's length. And when he's not aloof, Gray is belligerent and surly.
When Gray is called to investigate the apparent death by suicide of a young man, memories of his son resurface. Why did the young man have Gray's phone number on his mobile phone? And when another murder follows closely, Gray is forced to confront his past and deal with it – even though it could be dangerous.
Dig Two Graves is a bold start to a series that could with time eclipse Nixon's work with the Konstantin books. It has an excellent cast of characters, good pacing, a neat plot twist, and a nice line in droll humour. I'm not a massive fan of police procedurals, so the fact that I enjoyed this as much as I did shows that Nixon has done something rather good. Highly recommended.
This latest novel moves away from Konstantin (although he gets alluded to very briefly in one chapter) and instead follows the story of Solomon Gray, a detective in the faded coastal town of Margate.
The disappearance of his son at an amusement park has turned Gray's life upside down. Gray's life and career are in a kind of holding pattern, and some of his colleagues are worried about his mental health mainly because he keeps people at arm's length. And when he's not aloof, Gray is belligerent and surly.
When Gray is called to investigate the apparent death by suicide of a young man, memories of his son resurface. Why did the young man have Gray's phone number on his mobile phone? And when another murder follows closely, Gray is forced to confront his past and deal with it – even though it could be dangerous.
Dig Two Graves is a bold start to a series that could with time eclipse Nixon's work with the Konstantin books. It has an excellent cast of characters, good pacing, a neat plot twist, and a nice line in droll humour. I'm not a massive fan of police procedurals, so the fact that I enjoyed this as much as I did shows that Nixon has done something rather good. Highly recommended.
January 7, 2018
I was concerned after the first couple of chapters that I didn’t really like the main protagonist and that I wasn’t going to enjoy the book as a result. Happily, as I got to know DS Gray more as the book went on, I began to sympathise more and more and he became a nuanced and well-drawn character. He is still not instantly likeable but as the book progresses I was rooting more and more for the flawed and broken hero.
I thought that the writing was excellent and the plot developed at a nice pace, there were a good number of twists and turns that kept me interested and keen to find out what would happen next. However, there were some aspects of the conclusion of the book that didn’t sit quite right with me. They didn’t spoil the book but to my mind bring it down from five to four stars. Overall a great start to a series and the introduction of a lead character who I would like to read more about.
I thought that the writing was excellent and the plot developed at a nice pace, there were a good number of twists and turns that kept me interested and keen to find out what would happen next. However, there were some aspects of the conclusion of the book that didn’t sit quite right with me. They didn’t spoil the book but to my mind bring it down from five to four stars. Overall a great start to a series and the introduction of a lead character who I would like to read more about.
September 14, 2017
This is the first book in a new mystery suspense series called Detective Solomon Gray. Gray lost his son several years ago, kidnapped and never found this led Gray to never stop looking for him. When a case of a 16 year old boy the same age is son would be is found dead it stirs up a lot of emotion and questions. Will Gray ever find out what happened to the boy, what happened to his son? do they tie together? Is there even more evil out there than even Grays is aware of and will death come calling ? Thank you NetGalley and Keith Nixon for allowing me to read this ARC and to write a honest review.
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