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DI Mike Nash #7
Blood Diamond
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 “BURIED IN THE PAST”
DIAMONDS, REVENGE, AND MURDER REVEAL BURIED PASSIONS
1986: A consignment of illicit diamonds en route to London vanishes, along with the couriers. It isn't long before East End gangster Max Perry is found dead, having suffered horrific torture.
Present Day: Max's nephew, Ray, was sentenced to life in prison for taking his revenge. He is released after twenty-five years and heads for Helmsdale.
A NAIL-BITING CRIME MYSTERY WITH A HUGE TWIST
But before he can get there, Ray is the victim of a hit-and-run. DI Mike Nash is convinced it was no accident.
Then a garage mechanic is found tied up and bludgeoned to death. Nash discovers a link to an unidentified skeleton found years ago in Helmsdale woodland.
How do crimes committed long ago in London connect to the current wave of violence? As the body count rises, the detectives struggle to keep pace with those who would prefer the truth to remain dead and buried.
A BREATH-TAKING CRIME THRILLER PERFECT FOR FANS OF IAN RANKIN, JD KIRK, DS BUTLER or PETER ROBINSON.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT BLOOD DIAMOND
“Lots of twists and turns and an amazing ending that I couldn’t predict.” Julie
“Excellent and enthralling, as usual. Keeps you guessing right to the end.” Alison
“A real page turner and one that you will find hard to put down once started.” Andy
“I have just read it in one sitting as I couldn't put it down.” Elaine
MIKE NASH
A highly talented detective, he was a rising star in the Metropolitan Police. Following a particularly gruesome case involving a sadistic serial killer, Nash turns down the chance of promotion and heads back to his native county of Yorkshire. He hopes that returning to his roots will bring peace of mind. However, although the pace of life seems gentler, the crimes prove no less horrific. His skills are tested to the limit by a series of violent crimes that threaten to ruin his plans for a more relaxed lifestyle. Nor is his secret ambition to settle down made any easier by his one weakness, a seemingly unquenchable thirst for female company. That is, until . . .?
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.
DI MIKE NASH SERIES
Book 1: WHAT LIES BENEATH
Book 2: VANISH WITHOUT TRACE
Book 3: PLAYING WITH FIRE
Book 4: KILLING CHRISTMAS
Book 5: SLASH KILLER
Book 6: ALONE WITH A KILLER
Book 7: BLOOD DIAMOND
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A REVISED EDITION OF A BOOK FIRST PUBLISHED AS “BURIED IN THE PAST”
DIAMONDS, REVENGE, AND MURDER REVEAL BURIED PASSIONS
1986: A consignment of illicit diamonds en route to London vanishes, along with the couriers. It isn't long before East End gangster Max Perry is found dead, having suffered horrific torture.
Present Day: Max's nephew, Ray, was sentenced to life in prison for taking his revenge. He is released after twenty-five years and heads for Helmsdale.
A NAIL-BITING CRIME MYSTERY WITH A HUGE TWIST
But before he can get there, Ray is the victim of a hit-and-run. DI Mike Nash is convinced it was no accident.
Then a garage mechanic is found tied up and bludgeoned to death. Nash discovers a link to an unidentified skeleton found years ago in Helmsdale woodland.
How do crimes committed long ago in London connect to the current wave of violence? As the body count rises, the detectives struggle to keep pace with those who would prefer the truth to remain dead and buried.
A BREATH-TAKING CRIME THRILLER PERFECT FOR FANS OF IAN RANKIN, JD KIRK, DS BUTLER or PETER ROBINSON.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT BLOOD DIAMOND
“Lots of twists and turns and an amazing ending that I couldn’t predict.” Julie
“Excellent and enthralling, as usual. Keeps you guessing right to the end.” Alison
“A real page turner and one that you will find hard to put down once started.” Andy
“I have just read it in one sitting as I couldn't put it down.” Elaine
MIKE NASH
A highly talented detective, he was a rising star in the Metropolitan Police. Following a particularly gruesome case involving a sadistic serial killer, Nash turns down the chance of promotion and heads back to his native county of Yorkshire. He hopes that returning to his roots will bring peace of mind. However, although the pace of life seems gentler, the crimes prove no less horrific. His skills are tested to the limit by a series of violent crimes that threaten to ruin his plans for a more relaxed lifestyle. Nor is his secret ambition to settle down made any easier by his one weakness, a seemingly unquenchable thirst for female company. That is, until . . .?
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.
DI MIKE NASH SERIES
Book 1: WHAT LIES BENEATH
Book 2: VANISH WITHOUT TRACE
Book 3: PLAYING WITH FIRE
Book 4: KILLING CHRISTMAS
Book 5: SLASH KILLER
Book 6: ALONE WITH A KILLER
Book 7: BLOOD DIAMOND
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2014
827 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 24, 2020
It was a great story and very complex and twisted, which I normally love, but I just couldn’t get into this one. A diamond heist in 1986 is still having repercussions in the present day as a couple of crooks try to get their hands on the diamonds which seem to have disappeared into thin air. Never mind think the crooks, and they proceed to beat the shit out of anyone who may know anything to get them to talk. But they can’t seem to get their hands on someone who knows something. Meanwhile the cops Are following a trail of dead bodies and finding links to dead bodies in the past.
As I said, it was a great story. Don’t let my shitty review put you off. As they say in the classics - “it’s not you, it’s me.” I need a change from crime thrillers. So I’m reading a crime thriller but it’s more gothic and classical so - fingers crossed 😬
As I said, it was a great story. Don’t let my shitty review put you off. As they say in the classics - “it’s not you, it’s me.” I need a change from crime thrillers. So I’m reading a crime thriller but it’s more gothic and classical so - fingers crossed 😬
July 15, 2023
Blood Diamond is book seven in the DI Mike Nash series by Bill Kitson. In 1986 East End gangster Max Perry died, and the couriers of some illicit diamonds disappeared. Detective Inspector Mike Nash caught a case of the hit and run of Max Perry's nephew Ray after his release from prison after twenty-five years. Detective Inspector Mike Nash does not believe it was an accident, and several other incidents happened. Detective Inspector Mike Nash and his team rush to find the link. The readers of Blood Diamond will continue to follow Detective Inspector Mike Nash to find out what happens.
Wow, the more books I read in the DI Mike Nash series more fascinating the series becomes for me. Bill Kitson knows how to engage me with the twists and turns in his stories. I love Bill Kitson's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. Blood Diamond is well-written and researched by Bill Kitson. I like Bill Kitson's description of the settings of Blood Diamond which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Blood Diamond will learn about the meaning of Blood Diamond and how it affects the jewel industry. Also, the readers of Blood Diamond will learn about the consequences for people convicted of crimes they did not commit.
I recommend this book.
Wow, the more books I read in the DI Mike Nash series more fascinating the series becomes for me. Bill Kitson knows how to engage me with the twists and turns in his stories. I love Bill Kitson's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. Blood Diamond is well-written and researched by Bill Kitson. I like Bill Kitson's description of the settings of Blood Diamond which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Blood Diamond will learn about the meaning of Blood Diamond and how it affects the jewel industry. Also, the readers of Blood Diamond will learn about the consequences for people convicted of crimes they did not commit.
I recommend this book.
March 22, 2019
Good mystery, and I liked the hero, Detective Inspector Mike Nash. It's not a long book, so it's a great for when you're pressed for time.
November 21, 2021
In another fast paced thriller in the DI Mike Nash series, the story starts back in 1986 with the hijacking of illicit diamonds and a couple of brutal murders. In London, rival gangs are fighting for power. With one gang leader dead, another soon dies, leaving Ray Perry accused of a murder he did not commit.
Wind forward to the present and Ray’s release from prison. Rather than heading back to London, he makes for Helmsdale. He’s struck in a hit and run and winds up in hospital in a coma. He’s soon identified, giving Mike Nash another puzzle to solve. It the hit and run wasn’t an accident as he suspects, who wants to kill the ex-gangster?
And what’s he doing in Helmsdale?
With an unidentified skeleton found in nearby woods and more murders, this looks like a case that will test of all of Nash’s considerable skills. That’s before he finds out there are more London gangsters on his patch, chasing the elusive diamonds.
Like all of the Mike Nash series, the crimes are big and far reaching, stretching the small team as they wrestle with their own issues. The twists and turns will keep you on your toes as you try to connect the dots and make sense of the investigation as the tension increases towards an exciting climax and a final unexpected twist to round off proceedings.
While this is a more brutal in places than the other novels in the series, it has all the familiar elements, black humour, touching moments and an evolving backstory that reveals more about the main characters with each story.
Thrilling stuff.
Wind forward to the present and Ray’s release from prison. Rather than heading back to London, he makes for Helmsdale. He’s struck in a hit and run and winds up in hospital in a coma. He’s soon identified, giving Mike Nash another puzzle to solve. It the hit and run wasn’t an accident as he suspects, who wants to kill the ex-gangster?
And what’s he doing in Helmsdale?
With an unidentified skeleton found in nearby woods and more murders, this looks like a case that will test of all of Nash’s considerable skills. That’s before he finds out there are more London gangsters on his patch, chasing the elusive diamonds.
Like all of the Mike Nash series, the crimes are big and far reaching, stretching the small team as they wrestle with their own issues. The twists and turns will keep you on your toes as you try to connect the dots and make sense of the investigation as the tension increases towards an exciting climax and a final unexpected twist to round off proceedings.
While this is a more brutal in places than the other novels in the series, it has all the familiar elements, black humour, touching moments and an evolving backstory that reveals more about the main characters with each story.
Thrilling stuff.
June 26, 2020
Family ties.
Not quite the usual Bill Kitson, more familial relationships playing an integral part, which ends with reuniting a grandmother, her son & his daughter.
The curse of blood diamonds, the initial collection of them, those killed trying to secure them - both guilty & innocent victims.
A man released from prison on a mission to find who framed him.
The plot has more threads than an afghan, all seemingly independent, all interacting to create a the final article. Justice for the victims, punishment for the guilty not having already having received the ultimate result at the hands of fellow law breakers.
Mike Nash's character has been undergoing a subtle change since Daniel came into his life, this book shows his intuition & devious ways have not suffered, but have been honed to be more empathetic with living victims.
Read in one sitting and not disappointed with the final twist.
Not quite the usual Bill Kitson, more familial relationships playing an integral part, which ends with reuniting a grandmother, her son & his daughter.
The curse of blood diamonds, the initial collection of them, those killed trying to secure them - both guilty & innocent victims.
A man released from prison on a mission to find who framed him.
The plot has more threads than an afghan, all seemingly independent, all interacting to create a the final article. Justice for the victims, punishment for the guilty not having already having received the ultimate result at the hands of fellow law breakers.
Mike Nash's character has been undergoing a subtle change since Daniel came into his life, this book shows his intuition & devious ways have not suffered, but have been honed to be more empathetic with living victims.
Read in one sitting and not disappointed with the final twist.
July 3, 2021
Blood Diamonds by Bill Kitson 6/21/2021 Kindle
While this book is the seventh in a series of Mike Nash, police detective, it’s the first one I’ve read. We get to resurrect an old diamond heist along with a bevy of other, mostly criminals doing the same thing. Yes, there are lots of twists and turns, but I found my mind wandering when it should have been glued to the page.
I never felt I got to know the lead character but I’ll take the blame from never reading the earlier installments of this series. I can’t say I found anything specifically wrong with this book, it just didn’t grab me. I did have a bit of trouble with the actions of a man released from prison. Think about it. How would a real life person spend at least their first few hours of freedom?
This was a short book, and as such a fairly entertaining read. Just not great.
While this book is the seventh in a series of Mike Nash, police detective, it’s the first one I’ve read. We get to resurrect an old diamond heist along with a bevy of other, mostly criminals doing the same thing. Yes, there are lots of twists and turns, but I found my mind wandering when it should have been glued to the page.
I never felt I got to know the lead character but I’ll take the blame from never reading the earlier installments of this series. I can’t say I found anything specifically wrong with this book, it just didn’t grab me. I did have a bit of trouble with the actions of a man released from prison. Think about it. How would a real life person spend at least their first few hours of freedom?
This was a short book, and as such a fairly entertaining read. Just not great.
November 16, 2025
4.5* rounded up.
A complex storyline with horrendous crimes. It was fascinating following how things slotted into place of a very big jigsaw puzzle. Complete with many twists and surprises the story was cleverly plotted and well written. Only one thing niggled me by the end...a certain death that I just couldn't fathom. It seemed to me like a plot hole, but then again I could have just missed the crucial point that would have explained it. As I said, it was complex. Nevertheless, a big page turner and it had me gripped throught.
A complex storyline with horrendous crimes. It was fascinating following how things slotted into place of a very big jigsaw puzzle. Complete with many twists and surprises the story was cleverly plotted and well written. Only one thing niggled me by the end...a certain death that I just couldn't fathom. It seemed to me like a plot hole, but then again I could have just missed the crucial point that would have explained it. As I said, it was complex. Nevertheless, a big page turner and it had me gripped throught.
Read
April 11, 2020Old case
Ray Perry is released from prison after serving a life sentence for murder . What follows is an intriguing mystery with old murders and new ones . A couple who are determined to find some diamonds stolen 25 years ago . Definite twists and remarkable detective work .
A few typos .
Ray Perry is released from prison after serving a life sentence for murder . What follows is an intriguing mystery with old murders and new ones . A couple who are determined to find some diamonds stolen 25 years ago . Definite twists and remarkable detective work .
A few typos .
May 21, 2020
Terrific!
This is very different from others in this series--- it involves connected murders and theft, unsolved, from 25 years ago and more murders currently from criminals looking to recover the missing diamonds. It is excellent police work and deductions and the unexpected, shocking conclusion.
This is very different from others in this series--- it involves connected murders and theft, unsolved, from 25 years ago and more murders currently from criminals looking to recover the missing diamonds. It is excellent police work and deductions and the unexpected, shocking conclusion.
July 25, 2020
What a 5 Star Twist?
Wow! I am addicted to these books! They get better and better with each book. I just wish I wasn’t nearing the end of this series. I am willing the author to write more adventures for DI Nash. They seem to have more twists and turns each book! Roll on the next one.
Wow! I am addicted to these books! They get better and better with each book. I just wish I wasn’t nearing the end of this series. I am willing the author to write more adventures for DI Nash. They seem to have more twists and turns each book! Roll on the next one.
February 16, 2025
Another superb book by Bill Kitson though I did feel he went into a bit too much detail on some of the killings. You get a hint that the killer does not have all the facts and in the end just stumbles into finding what he wanted and at times it was more like a comedy in their actions. Well worth the read though
March 30, 2020
Review
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The suspense builds up throughout the book making it very hard to put down. I am already anticipating reading the next in the series. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading a really great crime thriller.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The suspense builds up throughout the book making it very hard to put down. I am already anticipating reading the next in the series. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading a really great crime thriller.
April 4, 2020
Loved these books
Just finished the Severn book of this series, loved all the characters and the way they solved the cases, liked the way he describes things to what is happening, hope there is going to be number 8
Just finished the Severn book of this series, loved all the characters and the way they solved the cases, liked the way he describes things to what is happening, hope there is going to be number 8
July 14, 2020
Not the page turner
This was an ok read, just not as good as previous ones by Mr. Kitson. Nash is too easily enamored by pretty females and I really didn't care for all the MYSTERY that the writer tried to use. Just tell the story!!!!!!
This was an ok read, just not as good as previous ones by Mr. Kitson. Nash is too easily enamored by pretty females and I really didn't care for all the MYSTERY that the writer tried to use. Just tell the story!!!!!!
February 7, 2021
Next one please!
This one was pleasantly surprising. From a slow start to a brilliant ending. I love the characters in this series and can't wait to get the next one. Bill Kitson you're a master storyteller, please keep it up!
This one was pleasantly surprising. From a slow start to a brilliant ending. I love the characters in this series and can't wait to get the next one. Bill Kitson you're a master storyteller, please keep it up!
August 23, 2021
Another great book
At first I was going nuts with the storyline going all over the place and trying to figure out what was going on. Then some of it came together and the end really shocked me with its thrilling conclusion.
At first I was going nuts with the storyline going all over the place and trying to figure out what was going on. Then some of it came together and the end really shocked me with its thrilling conclusion.
August 28, 2021
Coming home is not always lollipops and roses!
Fast paced story that has you glued to the pages wondering h o w they figured out all the obvious, but hidden twists to accomplish their murderous schemes.
Fast paced story that has you glued to the pages wondering h o w they figured out all the obvious, but hidden twists to accomplish their murderous schemes.
September 22, 2022
A gripping yarn
A switch of identities, 25 years previously, resulted in the attempt to recover diamonds. In so doing a number of murders are committed. Nash and his team get to the bottom of the issue with lots of twists and turns.
A switch of identities, 25 years previously, resulted in the attempt to recover diamonds. In so doing a number of murders are committed. Nash and his team get to the bottom of the issue with lots of twists and turns.
September 23, 2022
Another great story
Another great story by Bill in the Detective Mike Nash series set in Yorkshire. Great story line with lots of interesting characters and plenty of intrigue. Looking forward to reading w.
Another great story by Bill in the Detective Mike Nash series set in Yorkshire. Great story line with lots of interesting characters and plenty of intrigue. Looking forward to reading w.
November 20, 2022
A good story first released under another name
A worthy follow up in the DI Mike Nash series. It always annoys me though when books are re-released under a different name, and you end up buying them twice.
A worthy follow up in the DI Mike Nash series. It always annoys me though when books are re-released under a different name, and you end up buying them twice.
November 27, 2024
How do missing blood diamonds and several deaths connect to more deaths over the years and up to the present. DI Mike Nash and his team investigate and try to unravel the web of conjecture and facts.
An entertaining modern mystery
An entertaining modern mystery
April 21, 2020
Great series
Really enjoyed reading this series. At least seven nights with little sleep as I couldn't put each of them down.
Really enjoyed reading this series. At least seven nights with little sleep as I couldn't put each of them down.
April 25, 2020
Another page turner
As usual Bill Kitson keeps you on the edge , I enjoy his books immensely. There are so many twists and turns .Great
As usual Bill Kitson keeps you on the edge , I enjoy his books immensely. There are so many twists and turns .Great
April 27, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. I have read all the Det. Mike Nash books and I hope Bill Kitson is busy writing No. 8
May 14, 2020
GC
I recommend this book to all those who enjoy detective books. A lot of twists and turns in the detective department. Good 👍.
I recommend this book to all those who enjoy detective books. A lot of twists and turns in the detective department. Good 👍.
July 16, 2020
A good read but I think that DI Nash falls to easily for a pretty girl
August 28, 2020
Another great story with Mike Nash and his crew. Highly recommended reading.
September 2, 2020
The plots to these novels are so well thought out. I was gripped from start to finish. Mike Nash and his side kicks are totally believable.
March 19, 2021
Compelling
Compelling story thoroughly enjoyed the journey. Captivated to the end.I would thoroughly recommend this story and in fact the who?e series.
Compelling story thoroughly enjoyed the journey. Captivated to the end.I would thoroughly recommend this story and in fact the who?e series.
May 26, 2021
Great read
Again , another great week paced plot with very believable characters. I would recommend this book as it is a page turner full of twists
Again , another great week paced plot with very believable characters. I would recommend this book as it is a page turner full of twists
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews