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DI Mike Nash #3
Playing with Fire
Detective Mike Nash thought that moving back to Yorkshire from London would give him a quieter life. Little did he know . . .
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A REVISED EDITION OF A BOOK FIRST PUBLISHED AS “MINDS THAT HATE”
Gary Vickers killed his lover's daughter. There was overwhelming evidence of his guilt. He is now due for release from prison.
Against all advice, he insists on returning to Helmsdale, where Detective Mike Nash must protect him.
But Nash has other, more pressing worries . . . With extremist politicians fanning racial hatred and provoking attacks on migrant workers, Nash has to prevent an explosive situation from boiling over into civil unrest.
SHOULD YOU PROTECT SOMEONE CONVICTED OF AN UNSPEAKABLE CRIME?
Nash's small team of detectives has little time to spare for convicted murderer Vickers.
But as Nash becomes acquainted with the facts, doubts start to grow about Vickers' conviction.
Proving him innocent will be difficult enough . . . but keeping him alive until they find the truth may well be impossible.
A BREATH-TAKING CRIME THRILLER PERFECT FOR FANS OF IAN RANKIN, JD KIRK, DS BUTLER or PETER ROBINSON.
LOCATION
The books are set in a fictional rural North Yorkshire with a scattering of market towns, many small villages and countryside that changes from high moorland with dramatic crags, mountain tarns and sparse vegetation, to the gentler, lush agricultural land lower down the valley that is bisected by the river Helm. The town of Helmsdale is where Mike Nash and his team are based, in a sub-division of their headquarters in the larger town of Netherdale. Further to the west is Bishopton, also part of the hub our detectives cover.
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A REVISED EDITION OF A BOOK FIRST PUBLISHED AS “MINDS THAT HATE”
Gary Vickers killed his lover's daughter. There was overwhelming evidence of his guilt. He is now due for release from prison.
Against all advice, he insists on returning to Helmsdale, where Detective Mike Nash must protect him.
But Nash has other, more pressing worries . . . With extremist politicians fanning racial hatred and provoking attacks on migrant workers, Nash has to prevent an explosive situation from boiling over into civil unrest.
SHOULD YOU PROTECT SOMEONE CONVICTED OF AN UNSPEAKABLE CRIME?
Nash's small team of detectives has little time to spare for convicted murderer Vickers.
But as Nash becomes acquainted with the facts, doubts start to grow about Vickers' conviction.
Proving him innocent will be difficult enough . . . but keeping him alive until they find the truth may well be impossible.
A BREATH-TAKING CRIME THRILLER PERFECT FOR FANS OF IAN RANKIN, JD KIRK, DS BUTLER or PETER ROBINSON.
LOCATION
The books are set in a fictional rural North Yorkshire with a scattering of market towns, many small villages and countryside that changes from high moorland with dramatic crags, mountain tarns and sparse vegetation, to the gentler, lush agricultural land lower down the valley that is bisected by the river Helm. The town of Helmsdale is where Mike Nash and his team are based, in a sub-division of their headquarters in the larger town of Netherdale. Further to the west is Bishopton, also part of the hub our detectives cover.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2010
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159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 27, 2020
Full review to follow shortly.
December 4, 2019
4.5 stars. Book 3 in the DI Mike Nash series.
Again, the book took a while to get going but then it took off like a rocket (think space ship launch). The release from prison of a convicted rapist/murderer who wants to return to his home has the small town of Helmsdale in Yorkshire seething with anger. DI Nash and his team are charged with protecting this man. As Nash gets to know him he starts to wonder if, in fact, there might be much more to the story. At the same time a local politician launches his new far right agenda setting residents against each other in simmering violence.
Nash risks his career and his life to get to the bottom of the unrest plaguing his town. I don't want to give too much away. I will say that Nash is a wonderful character. Despite having a reputation as a 'ladies man' he is a supportive boss and has unique insights into the criminal mind. Very enjoyable.
Again, the book took a while to get going but then it took off like a rocket (think space ship launch). The release from prison of a convicted rapist/murderer who wants to return to his home has the small town of Helmsdale in Yorkshire seething with anger. DI Nash and his team are charged with protecting this man. As Nash gets to know him he starts to wonder if, in fact, there might be much more to the story. At the same time a local politician launches his new far right agenda setting residents against each other in simmering violence.
Nash risks his career and his life to get to the bottom of the unrest plaguing his town. I don't want to give too much away. I will say that Nash is a wonderful character. Despite having a reputation as a 'ladies man' he is a supportive boss and has unique insights into the criminal mind. Very enjoyable.
March 5, 2023
Playing With Fire is book three of the DI Mike Nash series by Bill Kitson. Gary Vickers decided to return to his home in Helmsdale after serving his time for the rape and murder of his stepdaughter, and DI Mike Nash and his team on protecting duties. DI Mike Nash does not believe Gary Vickers guilty of the crime and has to rush to find the answers before someone kills him. On top of looking after Gary Vickers, DI Mike Nash's team needs to find the people who his inciting the community against migrant workers. The readers of Playing with Fire will continue following DI Mike Nash's team to discover what happens.
Wow, Playing With Fire was a fantastic addition to this excellent series. Every time I read books in this series, I have trouble putting the books down until the last page is read and Playing With Fire keeps up the tradition. I love Bill Kitson's portrayal of his characters, which sometimes causes me to laugh at the way they interact throughout this book. Playing With Fire is well-written and researched by Bill Kitson. I like Bill Kitson's description of the sittings of Playing With Fire, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Playing With Fire will understand some of the consequences that can happen to young people influenced to do something wrong by others. The readers of Playing with Fire will learn about running a small community paper.
I recommend this book.
Wow, Playing With Fire was a fantastic addition to this excellent series. Every time I read books in this series, I have trouble putting the books down until the last page is read and Playing With Fire keeps up the tradition. I love Bill Kitson's portrayal of his characters, which sometimes causes me to laugh at the way they interact throughout this book. Playing With Fire is well-written and researched by Bill Kitson. I like Bill Kitson's description of the sittings of Playing With Fire, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Playing With Fire will understand some of the consequences that can happen to young people influenced to do something wrong by others. The readers of Playing with Fire will learn about running a small community paper.
I recommend this book.
April 13, 2020
A gripping read
Another highly complicated circle of crime for Mike Nash to resolve. His work is made more difficult by the involvement of higher ranking officers. However Nash is assisted by a newspaper reporter who keeps resists his sexual appeal. An interesting and gripping read.
Another highly complicated circle of crime for Mike Nash to resolve. His work is made more difficult by the involvement of higher ranking officers. However Nash is assisted by a newspaper reporter who keeps resists his sexual appeal. An interesting and gripping read.
December 11, 2019
A good read
A fifteen year old murder, the convicted man is released still protesting his innocence and Mike Nash's gut tells him there was something wrong with the original case. It doesn't add up.
The local MEP has political ambitions & has no conscience about how he will achieve them, in close association with the local crooks & gang members.
Other murders occur , Nash is pressured by some higher ranks, not getting the personnel or support required to conduct the investigation.
Fortunately for him, he has struck up an unlikely friendship with local reporter, Becky. Coincidentally her godmother is the Chief Constable, who happens to approve of Mike's work ethic, but not his reputation with women.
The story unfolds nicely, lots of story threads, unexpected victims and a clean finish.
Well written, plenty of action. Will definitely be checking out what this detective got up to in the previous novels.
A fifteen year old murder, the convicted man is released still protesting his innocence and Mike Nash's gut tells him there was something wrong with the original case. It doesn't add up.
The local MEP has political ambitions & has no conscience about how he will achieve them, in close association with the local crooks & gang members.
Other murders occur , Nash is pressured by some higher ranks, not getting the personnel or support required to conduct the investigation.
Fortunately for him, he has struck up an unlikely friendship with local reporter, Becky. Coincidentally her godmother is the Chief Constable, who happens to approve of Mike's work ethic, but not his reputation with women.
The story unfolds nicely, lots of story threads, unexpected victims and a clean finish.
Well written, plenty of action. Will definitely be checking out what this detective got up to in the previous novels.
November 1, 2023
Gahhh these books. But I can’t stop! Totally ridiculous, happens so fast, lots of huge leaps in conclusions, and of course he always gets the bad guy. 2.5 stars.
July 15, 2021
Once again, detective Mike Nash has to deal with a big scale drama in a quiet part of rural Yorkshire. This time it’s double trouble. A convicted killer is about to be released and seems determined to return to his home despite death threats. Meanwhile, as local politicians increase racial tensions in the local community, an arsonist takes more direct action.
As both situations intensify, the call for more resources is rejected, leaving Mike and his small team to manage as best they can. Somehow they maintain their sanity and sense of humour as the body count rises. Mike even has time for a spot of romance as a local reporter comes to his aid.
As with the previous two novels in the series, the author piles on the suspicions, cranking up the tension and excitement, testing and stretching his characters to deliver complex crime fiction that lives on in the memory after the story finishes.
There’s so much happening on so many levels, that like Mike Nash you don’t have time to catch your breath
While you can read this novel on its own, it’s best to start with the first book in the series to get the full benefit. You’ll be itching to read the next in the series long before you finish the first.
As both situations intensify, the call for more resources is rejected, leaving Mike and his small team to manage as best they can. Somehow they maintain their sanity and sense of humour as the body count rises. Mike even has time for a spot of romance as a local reporter comes to his aid.
As with the previous two novels in the series, the author piles on the suspicions, cranking up the tension and excitement, testing and stretching his characters to deliver complex crime fiction that lives on in the memory after the story finishes.
There’s so much happening on so many levels, that like Mike Nash you don’t have time to catch your breath
While you can read this novel on its own, it’s best to start with the first book in the series to get the full benefit. You’ll be itching to read the next in the series long before you finish the first.
March 29, 2022
This is the third mystery in the Detective Inspector Mike Nash of Helmsdale, England series. I’ve read the other two and gave them 5 stars each. Theses mysteries are primarily police procedural type mysteries. I gave it four stars instead of five because it was apparent to the reader, but not DI Mike Nash, who the probable perpetrators were. I would have preferred guessing along with DI Nash as clues were uncovered. But it is a well written, intricate, detailed plot that keeps Nash busy. The characters are very believable and realistically portrayed. This is cold case murder that turns into current period murder as closing in on the solution to the old case puts pressure on the guilty to try and throw off the police investigators with new crimes littered with evidence to implicate other suspects. The story veers from a Joe Friday strictly the facts case when Mike’s personal life intrudes into the investigation and a personal friend of Mike’s is placed in some danger. Again, I prefer police procedural mysteries without personal life complications crowding into the story. But it you don’t mind those subplots, then you’d probably give this mystery a five-star rating.
November 10, 2019
Another great story
Once again, Bill Kitson has created a great story. Although, to me, the beginning was a bit slow and I found it difficult to get into, the tide soon turned to the point that I couldn't put it down.
Has Nash finally found the love he has been seeking? Will he find contentment in his life?I hope so. Will Kitson carry on writing more books about Nash? Please do.
Well earned 5 stars.
Once again, Bill Kitson has created a great story. Although, to me, the beginning was a bit slow and I found it difficult to get into, the tide soon turned to the point that I couldn't put it down.
Has Nash finally found the love he has been seeking? Will he find contentment in his life?I hope so. Will Kitson carry on writing more books about Nash? Please do.
Well earned 5 stars.
March 26, 2021
A BOOK FOR THE PRURIENT
Kitson just can't help letting smut get in the way of an otherwise good narrative. Incessantly , the book wallows in bawdy humour and gratuitous sexual innuendo. The whole process is tiresome and irritating. Indeed, the entire lot of the Helmsdale staff should be investigated by the vice squad
Kitson just can't help letting smut get in the way of an otherwise good narrative. Incessantly , the book wallows in bawdy humour and gratuitous sexual innuendo. The whole process is tiresome and irritating. Indeed, the entire lot of the Helmsdale staff should be investigated by the vice squad
January 6, 2025
An old murder and a new one. A list of suspects, some in positions of power. A list of potential victims, including Nash himself. A new lady in Nash's life who refuses to be an afterthought. Plenty of twists,and turns in this one.
March 26, 2020
Disappointed
I was disappointed in this story.
Compared to the first 2 books in the series this
one was boring!
The thrill of Detective Nash was missing.
I was disappointed in this story.
Compared to the first 2 books in the series this
one was boring!
The thrill of Detective Nash was missing.
October 22, 2025
Another great read in the DI Mike Nash series. Nash certainly has a way of attracting the ladies and they are always young and pretty. Let's see if he can settle down a bit more with this recent relationship...you never know. She's keen, but wary.
Corruption, racism, murder, arson....there is a political time bomb waiting to explode. So much for Nash's quieter policing by moving from London! An exciting plot centering around one mans' release from prison for a rape and murder he said he didn't commit. Determined to return to his hometown rather than starting a new life elsewhere the police force are expecting trouble....a lot of trouble!
Well written with a great speedy pace. Couldn't put it down. Book four here I come.
Corruption, racism, murder, arson....there is a political time bomb waiting to explode. So much for Nash's quieter policing by moving from London! An exciting plot centering around one mans' release from prison for a rape and murder he said he didn't commit. Determined to return to his hometown rather than starting a new life elsewhere the police force are expecting trouble....a lot of trouble!
Well written with a great speedy pace. Couldn't put it down. Book four here I come.
September 25, 2022
Monk meets Holmes
If you like a good mystery/ thriller combined with British police procedural this is a great book and series for you. As an American I had to guess at some of the Yorkshire slang used but that did nothing to lessen my enjoyment. Even though I had a fairly good idea where the story was going to end the twists and turns the story took to get there were addictive. This book would be acceptable reading for most readers. There is little to no swearing and what sex is seems to takes place almost completely off page.
If you like a good mystery/ thriller combined with British police procedural this is a great book and series for you. As an American I had to guess at some of the Yorkshire slang used but that did nothing to lessen my enjoyment. Even though I had a fairly good idea where the story was going to end the twists and turns the story took to get there were addictive. This book would be acceptable reading for most readers. There is little to no swearing and what sex is seems to takes place almost completely off page.
December 1, 2025
I found this third book in the series a step up from the previous two. The characters are improving all the time and behave more logically. There is more 'police procedure' than the detectives coming to conclusions based on hunches and intuition. Some of the themes here are very topical at the current time (2025) and this was published in 2010.
Quite a reasonably complex plot with a few light twists and turn. As the next book in the series is called 'Killing Christmas', and it's now early December, I will continue straight on to read the seasonal crime story.
Quite a reasonably complex plot with a few light twists and turn. As the next book in the series is called 'Killing Christmas', and it's now early December, I will continue straight on to read the seasonal crime story.
Read
April 4, 2020Quite good
Politics this time. Make a case for a new party by inciting violence in a poor district inhabited by immigrants and citizens alike . Lots of evil.
In addition DI Nash is tasked with protecting a man convicted of rape and murder just released after 15 years in prison . Might be a hint of corruption in the police department . Typos decreased the rating from 5 stars .
Politics this time. Make a case for a new party by inciting violence in a poor district inhabited by immigrants and citizens alike . Lots of evil.
In addition DI Nash is tasked with protecting a man convicted of rape and murder just released after 15 years in prison . Might be a hint of corruption in the police department . Typos decreased the rating from 5 stars .
July 12, 2020
Another Fiery Piece of Writing!!
What a book! It took me a little longer to read this but only because I was busy doing other things. And the frustration of not being able to just pick up my book and carry on reading was immeasurable. However, every page was worth the wait! This is the best so far, in my opinion. Full of action and reaction. The same team and their brilliant working dynamic. No spoilers, read it for yourselves. You won’t regret it!
What a book! It took me a little longer to read this but only because I was busy doing other things. And the frustration of not being able to just pick up my book and carry on reading was immeasurable. However, every page was worth the wait! This is the best so far, in my opinion. Full of action and reaction. The same team and their brilliant working dynamic. No spoilers, read it for yourselves. You won’t regret it!
July 22, 2020
A Good One
Another great story by Bill Kitson. Well written and plotted. DI Nash now seems destined for a big promotion. With all the high-profile cases he's solved Nash should be Deputy Chief Constable next! Nevertheless, he can't be promoted too high yet or he'd be in Administration and miss the detective part. Glad he seems to have found a girlfriend who's permanent. There is much pathos in this story, a lot of tragedy. On to the next in the series!
Another great story by Bill Kitson. Well written and plotted. DI Nash now seems destined for a big promotion. With all the high-profile cases he's solved Nash should be Deputy Chief Constable next! Nevertheless, he can't be promoted too high yet or he'd be in Administration and miss the detective part. Glad he seems to have found a girlfriend who's permanent. There is much pathos in this story, a lot of tragedy. On to the next in the series!
September 24, 2020
A policeman a released prisoner and political power grab
The third in the series, for once the hero cop gets the love interest between the sheets but not has he expected. The released prisoner hands to go back to the area where the murder he was convicted of, even though there have been threats made on his life. A political power grab which includes corruption adds to the mix of this well constructed crime fiction.
The third in the series, for once the hero cop gets the love interest between the sheets but not has he expected. The released prisoner hands to go back to the area where the murder he was convicted of, even though there have been threats made on his life. A political power grab which includes corruption adds to the mix of this well constructed crime fiction.
November 20, 2021
Fast, fun and easy to read
This book has the same primary characters as the first two books. Additionally, there see many, many more characters introduced. So it was challenging to get through the test this if the story. There was less police procedure and more action. So for every story had the same blurb ("thriller with a huge twist"), which i find unnecessary. But i give a hearty recommendation!
This book has the same primary characters as the first two books. Additionally, there see many, many more characters introduced. So it was challenging to get through the test this if the story. There was less police procedure and more action. So for every story had the same blurb ("thriller with a huge twist"), which i find unnecessary. But i give a hearty recommendation!
May 24, 2020
Engrossing
I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey of this series. Mike Nash is an unorthodox character with a unique way of working. I know the area the books are set in and like placing things. If you like a quirky, slightly dysfunctional good guy with a great , well drawn team and a surprise at the end, these books are a must.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey of this series. Mike Nash is an unorthodox character with a unique way of working. I know the area the books are set in and like placing things. If you like a quirky, slightly dysfunctional good guy with a great , well drawn team and a surprise at the end, these books are a must.
July 24, 2022
Bill Kitson is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and Playing With Fire, his third Mike Nash book is yet again giving me a page-turning treat. Beautifully written with a lot of intuitive coppering interlaced with deep drama and skin-tingling moments of humour that had me laughing out loud.
September 12, 2022
Another compelling read
This time Nash's wanderings were kept at arms length, but the perpetrator of a 15 year old crime was proved and their perpetrator brought to justice, again. Corruption in the force was identified and the bent coppers arrested leaving Has in charge. What happened to them?
This time Nash's wanderings were kept at arms length, but the perpetrator of a 15 year old crime was proved and their perpetrator brought to justice, again. Corruption in the force was identified and the bent coppers arrested leaving Has in charge. What happened to them?
April 7, 2020
TERRFIC!
Good characters, action, saddness, joy and more than one murder, my kind of read! I, for one don't like books that are devoted to just one murder case. GREAT JOB MR. KITSON!!! Buy this book, you won't regret it.
Good characters, action, saddness, joy and more than one murder, my kind of read! I, for one don't like books that are devoted to just one murder case. GREAT JOB MR. KITSON!!! Buy this book, you won't regret it.
May 18, 2020
Excellent!
Another wild ride adventure with Mike and his small police squad is a terrific mystery! There are too many seemingly separate events and people involved to describe. It is nonstop action, start to finish.
Another wild ride adventure with Mike and his small police squad is a terrific mystery! There are too many seemingly separate events and people involved to describe. It is nonstop action, start to finish.
August 28, 2020
The plot is really good, very intriguing.
Mike Nash is a character who thinks deeply about victims and their relatives who are left. Kept me thinking from start to finish. Hope he makes a go of it with Becky!!
Mike Nash is a character who thinks deeply about victims and their relatives who are left. Kept me thinking from start to finish. Hope he makes a go of it with Becky!!
January 11, 2021
Gripping, as usual!
Edgy and turbulent, this continues the Nash series drawing you into the machinations of an all too possible outcome caused by greed, egocentricity and criminality. At the heart though is the warmth and love and integrity of Nash the detective and his team.
Edgy and turbulent, this continues the Nash series drawing you into the machinations of an all too possible outcome caused by greed, egocentricity and criminality. At the heart though is the warmth and love and integrity of Nash the detective and his team.
January 16, 2021
This book was a little slower than the first two. There were so many characters thrown into the book quickly and it was a little confusing. But as usual, the book picked up and was exciting. Love the character.
April 2, 2023
Another great story
Another great story in the Detective Mike Nash series and although I read it out of sequence I still found it thoroughly enjoyable. Great story line and good strong interesting characters.Looking forward to reading more by Bill.
Another great story in the Detective Mike Nash series and although I read it out of sequence I still found it thoroughly enjoyable. Great story line and good strong interesting characters.Looking forward to reading more by Bill.
March 14, 2020
A must read
Once again Bill Kitson pulled off another great read. Another page turner, with a twist at the end. Would highly recommend this trilogy
Once again Bill Kitson pulled off another great read. Another page turner, with a twist at the end. Would highly recommend this trilogy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews