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DI Nick Dixon #10
Down Among the Dead
Somerset’s bloody past meets a dangerous present in this thriller from the bestselling DI Nick Dixon crime series.
When a badly decomposed body is discovered during an archaeological dig on the Sedgemoor battlefield, Avon and Somerset police are notified immediately. The remains are recent, and Detective Chief Inspector Peter Lewis knows exactly who they have found.
A single stab wound from a curved blade implicates convicted serial killer Daniel Parker, who Lewis arrested fifteen years ago.
With Parker’s appeal hearing imminent, Lewis comes under intense pressure to pin this new murder on him quickly and quietly. It’s an open and shut case—and Lewis should know—so why then does he insist on assigning it to DI Nick Dixon?
As Dixon starts to re-examine the original investigation, shocking revelations come in from the forensics team. And just as Dixon’s worst fears begin to surface, another body is found…
When a badly decomposed body is discovered during an archaeological dig on the Sedgemoor battlefield, Avon and Somerset police are notified immediately. The remains are recent, and Detective Chief Inspector Peter Lewis knows exactly who they have found.
A single stab wound from a curved blade implicates convicted serial killer Daniel Parker, who Lewis arrested fifteen years ago.
With Parker’s appeal hearing imminent, Lewis comes under intense pressure to pin this new murder on him quickly and quietly. It’s an open and shut case—and Lewis should know—so why then does he insist on assigning it to DI Nick Dixon?
As Dixon starts to re-examine the original investigation, shocking revelations come in from the forensics team. And just as Dixon’s worst fears begin to surface, another body is found…
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2020
1731 people are currently reading
3015 people want to read
About the author
Damien Boyd
22 books965 followersDamien Boyd is a former solicitor turned crime fiction writer.
Drawing on extensive experience of criminal law as well as a spell in the Crown Prosecution Service, Damien writes fast paced crime novels featuring Detective Inspector Nick Dixon.
Damien is published by Thomas & Mercer.
Drawing on extensive experience of criminal law as well as a spell in the Crown Prosecution Service, Damien writes fast paced crime novels featuring Detective Inspector Nick Dixon.
Damien is published by Thomas & Mercer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews
June 2, 2020
I really can’t believe this is the tenth in this police procedural series set in Somerset. The detective team is led by the dynamic and unconventional police officer DI Nick Dixon. He is a senior officer’s nightmare in that he is spontaneous, truth seeking and refuses to follow the party line especially if it gets in the way of solving a murder.
When cold case seems to be heating up with an appeal due; a victim’s body of the Scytheman is found on an archeological dig of the 1685 battle of Sedgemoor. DCI Lewis was a junior officer in the original investigation 15 years previously. He was never happy about the conviction and when political expediency is required he appoints Dixon to seek out the truth and hopefully ease his own conscience.
The juxtaposition of the historic battle and the site of the body being found in a modern case makes for an absorbing read. The mists and topography of the location which thwarted the rebellion makes the modern crime scene even more confusing. The drainage canals and rhynes act as both barriers and an alternative means of travel across this landscape.
I love history and this interweaving of the old and the new was as fascinating as it was revealing. I love it when a plot arising from such associations and the meticulous detail and faithfulness to this premise still enabled a deeper mystery to remain hidden until the final chapters.
Another fast paced thriller with touches of humour and grounded in normal identifiable relationships. Damien Boyd is in my opinion an under appreciated author of great talent and original story telling. It is always a delight to read these novels and I have now read all ten. It is a mark of his skill and ability that this series shows now sign of stalling or running out of fresh ideas. That he can keep Jane central to the plot as Nick’s partner and former colleague shows the originality and thought that goes into creating these books.
That Nick finds time to walk Monty also grounds these novels and allows the readers a brief interlude from the action and time to process everything.
A perfect set of books for anyone to dip into UK crime fiction and lose themselves in Somerset. Brilliantly written as engaging stories and intriguing plots these are novels everyone should be aware of to read and share with others.
I unreservedly recommend them to you.
When cold case seems to be heating up with an appeal due; a victim’s body of the Scytheman is found on an archeological dig of the 1685 battle of Sedgemoor. DCI Lewis was a junior officer in the original investigation 15 years previously. He was never happy about the conviction and when political expediency is required he appoints Dixon to seek out the truth and hopefully ease his own conscience.
The juxtaposition of the historic battle and the site of the body being found in a modern case makes for an absorbing read. The mists and topography of the location which thwarted the rebellion makes the modern crime scene even more confusing. The drainage canals and rhynes act as both barriers and an alternative means of travel across this landscape.
I love history and this interweaving of the old and the new was as fascinating as it was revealing. I love it when a plot arising from such associations and the meticulous detail and faithfulness to this premise still enabled a deeper mystery to remain hidden until the final chapters.
Another fast paced thriller with touches of humour and grounded in normal identifiable relationships. Damien Boyd is in my opinion an under appreciated author of great talent and original story telling. It is always a delight to read these novels and I have now read all ten. It is a mark of his skill and ability that this series shows now sign of stalling or running out of fresh ideas. That he can keep Jane central to the plot as Nick’s partner and former colleague shows the originality and thought that goes into creating these books.
That Nick finds time to walk Monty also grounds these novels and allows the readers a brief interlude from the action and time to process everything.
A perfect set of books for anyone to dip into UK crime fiction and lose themselves in Somerset. Brilliantly written as engaging stories and intriguing plots these are novels everyone should be aware of to read and share with others.
I unreservedly recommend them to you.
May 13, 2020
I really enjoy the Nick Dixon books, a detective who does not need a traumatic personal life to be a great lead character. A body is found near an archeological dig and reopens a fifteen year old case. Fast paced throughout with a good plot - we don’t know the culprits until near the end of the book.
May 7, 2020
I have read all previous 9 books of the Nick Dixon series and was thus able to enjoy this one well enough. I would not recommend it as a one off as the reader would be totally lost with the number of characters and slim references dependent on knowing what has gone before.
The problem that brings Nick Dixon on board as SIO is the pending hearing for a man who has been serving time for assumed guilt as a serial killer. The complex puzzle is couched within the framework of a pending celebration of the Battle of Sedgemoor. History buffs, archaeologists, ghost hunters and fear mongers congregate in numbers bringing more death to the area. Will Nick save the day?
on the personal side...Nick and Jane not yet married; the dog is back in good health and Nick had small op on his eye due to diabetic retinopathy. Clearly there will more Nick Dixon to look forward to.
Kindle Unlimited
The problem that brings Nick Dixon on board as SIO is the pending hearing for a man who has been serving time for assumed guilt as a serial killer. The complex puzzle is couched within the framework of a pending celebration of the Battle of Sedgemoor. History buffs, archaeologists, ghost hunters and fear mongers congregate in numbers bringing more death to the area. Will Nick save the day?
on the personal side...Nick and Jane not yet married; the dog is back in good health and Nick had small op on his eye due to diabetic retinopathy. Clearly there will more Nick Dixon to look forward to.
Kindle Unlimited
June 19, 2021
Down Among the Dead is the tenth book in the DI Nick Dixon series set in Somerset. I’ve read all but the ninth, which I skipped in my haste to get up to date for book 11, which is published this week, as I have an ARC copy waiting. All these mysteries stand alone, but there is now a large cast of regular minor characters in the police team, so it is preferable to read them in order. He doesn’t spoil the earlier books - previous cases are referred to only briefly. This is a consistently excellent series and Boyd deserves to be better known.
An archeological dig of the scene of a historic 1685 battle of Sedgemoor turns up a corpse - but the pacemaker in the body proves that it is recent, that of a teenager who disappeared years earlier. The cause of death was a scythe wound, linking it to a serial killer caught in 2005, whose case is now up for appeal, but the body was only buried nine months earlier.
The police in charge want to avoid the embarrassment of a possible wrongful conviction, but the original arresting officer, DCI Lewis, has long had doubts, and knows that only Dixon has the nose and the determination to find the true killer.
I had never heard of the Monmouth rebellion, where a local rebel army led by his illegitimate nephew took on King James II’s forces, and were comprehensively routed. This takes real events and introduces fictional historical characters to provide a background for a cold case serial killer investigation. It’s another carefully plotted, believable police procedural, featuring a detective who is well fleshed out and refreshingly undamaged: his steady relationship with calm colleague Jane is a key feature of the series, as is his relationship with his beloved Staffie Monty. I’m looking forward to reading the next one, and hopefully many more.
An archeological dig of the scene of a historic 1685 battle of Sedgemoor turns up a corpse - but the pacemaker in the body proves that it is recent, that of a teenager who disappeared years earlier. The cause of death was a scythe wound, linking it to a serial killer caught in 2005, whose case is now up for appeal, but the body was only buried nine months earlier.
The police in charge want to avoid the embarrassment of a possible wrongful conviction, but the original arresting officer, DCI Lewis, has long had doubts, and knows that only Dixon has the nose and the determination to find the true killer.
I had never heard of the Monmouth rebellion, where a local rebel army led by his illegitimate nephew took on King James II’s forces, and were comprehensively routed. This takes real events and introduces fictional historical characters to provide a background for a cold case serial killer investigation. It’s another carefully plotted, believable police procedural, featuring a detective who is well fleshed out and refreshingly undamaged: his steady relationship with calm colleague Jane is a key feature of the series, as is his relationship with his beloved Staffie Monty. I’m looking forward to reading the next one, and hopefully many more.
June 30, 2020
Whenever I see the phrase 'serial killer' on a blurb I usually move on to another book but, given how much I've enjoyed the previous volumes in this series, I decided to read this one. I certainly was not disappointed. The serial killer aspect is not to the fore and we are spared the torture-porn that is usually involved. Instead we have a well plotted and convincing detective novel with believable action, interesting characters and an attention to detail that is enough to convince but not too much to overwhelm.
There are many series that earn more critical plaudits but there are few that are as enjoyable.
There are many series that earn more critical plaudits but there are few that are as enjoyable.
February 5, 2025
Setting: Somerset Levels, England; modern day.
This is the 10th book in the series featuring DI Nick Dixon.
Dixon is allocated to investigate the conviction of a local man, allegedly responsible for the murders of several local people and dubbed The Scytheman due to the weapon used. The man has served 15 years in prison but is in the process of further appealing his conviction. The bodies of several of the victims were never found but then, as the date of the appeal approaches, an archaeological dig at the site of the Civil War battle of Sedgemoor reveals a recently-buried body of one of the earlier victims....
This was another thrilling crime novel with great characters and an intriguing and complex storyline as Dixon and his team work tirelessly to try to solve the mystery. I really enjoy the books in this series, particularly as it is set in an area with which I am quite familiar. Good job that I have more of this series ready to read! - 9/10.
This is the 10th book in the series featuring DI Nick Dixon.
Dixon is allocated to investigate the conviction of a local man, allegedly responsible for the murders of several local people and dubbed The Scytheman due to the weapon used. The man has served 15 years in prison but is in the process of further appealing his conviction. The bodies of several of the victims were never found but then, as the date of the appeal approaches, an archaeological dig at the site of the Civil War battle of Sedgemoor reveals a recently-buried body of one of the earlier victims....
This was another thrilling crime novel with great characters and an intriguing and complex storyline as Dixon and his team work tirelessly to try to solve the mystery. I really enjoy the books in this series, particularly as it is set in an area with which I am quite familiar. Good job that I have more of this series ready to read! - 9/10.
June 19, 2025
Different concept to the rest.
May 31, 2020
The battles never quite end
Another great read from the pen of Damion Boyd , I can’t believe we are already up to book no.10 it’s been a pleasure to read each and everyone of the novels so far and I hope to be kept entertained for ,many more episodes in the life of nice Dixon and team, family and friends
Another great read from the pen of Damion Boyd , I can’t believe we are already up to book no.10 it’s been a pleasure to read each and everyone of the novels so far and I hope to be kept entertained for ,many more episodes in the life of nice Dixon and team, family and friends
May 25, 2020
Another day, another great series book is released. Another one of my favourites. I've been with this series since book one and, although not the strongest in the series, it has gone from strength to strength as it has gone on.
As well as a cracking story, this book is chock full of local history that both interested and intrigued me along the way as I was reading. The past and present collide when there's a body found during an archaeological dig on the Sedgemore battlefield. It appears that the body shows similar wounds to those inflicted by an already convicted and incarcerated killer - Daniel Parker - a man who has always protested his innocence, accusing the police of being framed. He is, coincidentally, due to appear at a hearing which could find him released. Is the timing coincidental or is there more to this? With the police eager to attribute this latest find to Parker and close it down quickly it is strange that the Chief Inspector assigns it to Nick Dixon. Is there something he isn't sure about being as he worked the original case. As we all know, Dixon won't be lead, something that becomes obvious as he starts to investigate... and then there's another death...
I really do love this series, another one that I have been with since the beginning, and as already mentioned, one that has matured along the way with each book released. In Nick Dixon the author has created one of my favourite series characters. He has a stable home life although he does have his health issues but these don't really overshadow things. His partner is also on the force and, in this book especially, aids him along the way, as does his dog who provides some good entertainment along the way too.
With the battlefield angle quite prominent in the book it is obvious that the author has once again done his research before diving in. I found this side of things to be both interesting and intriguing and it did fit in well with the story being told in the main plot.
Pacing is good, characters are well drawn and there is no superfluous waffle to pad things out. All things that I find are key to enjoying a book. The story is also well plotted and ably executed.
All in all, a cracking addition to an already well established series. Roll on book 11.
As well as a cracking story, this book is chock full of local history that both interested and intrigued me along the way as I was reading. The past and present collide when there's a body found during an archaeological dig on the Sedgemore battlefield. It appears that the body shows similar wounds to those inflicted by an already convicted and incarcerated killer - Daniel Parker - a man who has always protested his innocence, accusing the police of being framed. He is, coincidentally, due to appear at a hearing which could find him released. Is the timing coincidental or is there more to this? With the police eager to attribute this latest find to Parker and close it down quickly it is strange that the Chief Inspector assigns it to Nick Dixon. Is there something he isn't sure about being as he worked the original case. As we all know, Dixon won't be lead, something that becomes obvious as he starts to investigate... and then there's another death...
I really do love this series, another one that I have been with since the beginning, and as already mentioned, one that has matured along the way with each book released. In Nick Dixon the author has created one of my favourite series characters. He has a stable home life although he does have his health issues but these don't really overshadow things. His partner is also on the force and, in this book especially, aids him along the way, as does his dog who provides some good entertainment along the way too.
With the battlefield angle quite prominent in the book it is obvious that the author has once again done his research before diving in. I found this side of things to be both interesting and intriguing and it did fit in well with the story being told in the main plot.
Pacing is good, characters are well drawn and there is no superfluous waffle to pad things out. All things that I find are key to enjoying a book. The story is also well plotted and ably executed.
All in all, a cracking addition to an already well established series. Roll on book 11.
December 2, 2020
363 pages
5 stars
I must chuckle at myself for the background of this story had me running to Google the Monmouth Rebellion. It was most interesting – and sad.
DCI Peter Lewis was a DS when he arrested Daniel Parker fifteen years earlier. Daniel Parker was widely believed to be a serial killer called the Scytheman for his string of murders using a scythe. Daniel Parker was imprisoned and is now up for parole.
Coincidentally, a new body is discovered. Killed with a scythe. But all is not what it seems.
Peter Lewis has never believed that Parker was guilty. And he is not the only one. The doubt is eating him alive. He assigns acting DCI Nick Dixon to the new case. If anyone can get to the bottom of it, Dixon can.
Damien Boyd's stories seem to get better and better. His characters are both colorful and fully fleshed out. I like Dixon and his team very much and I appreciate the little tidbits that Mr. Boyd drops here and there about the main characters' lives. He successfully weaves the past and present in this novel. I really liked the inclusion of the Monmouth Rebellion in this book, even though it was in a small way.
I'll be looking very much forward to reading the next in this series.
5 stars
I must chuckle at myself for the background of this story had me running to Google the Monmouth Rebellion. It was most interesting – and sad.
DCI Peter Lewis was a DS when he arrested Daniel Parker fifteen years earlier. Daniel Parker was widely believed to be a serial killer called the Scytheman for his string of murders using a scythe. Daniel Parker was imprisoned and is now up for parole.
Coincidentally, a new body is discovered. Killed with a scythe. But all is not what it seems.
Peter Lewis has never believed that Parker was guilty. And he is not the only one. The doubt is eating him alive. He assigns acting DCI Nick Dixon to the new case. If anyone can get to the bottom of it, Dixon can.
Damien Boyd's stories seem to get better and better. His characters are both colorful and fully fleshed out. I like Dixon and his team very much and I appreciate the little tidbits that Mr. Boyd drops here and there about the main characters' lives. He successfully weaves the past and present in this novel. I really liked the inclusion of the Monmouth Rebellion in this book, even though it was in a small way.
I'll be looking very much forward to reading the next in this series.
November 7, 2022
Another stonking read from Damien Boyd.
A historic battlefield, a man in prison for a double murder, then a mummified body is found in a ditch on the Somerset Levels. Daniel Parker has always proclaimed his innocence and is appealing his conviction for the murders committed by the Scytheman. The officer who made the arrest also believes him and wants some answers. Nick Dixon is drafted in to provide the answers.
A historic battlefield, a man in prison for a double murder, then a mummified body is found in a ditch on the Somerset Levels. Daniel Parker has always proclaimed his innocence and is appealing his conviction for the murders committed by the Scytheman. The officer who made the arrest also believes him and wants some answers. Nick Dixon is drafted in to provide the answers.
May 9, 2020
Another very good thriller from Boyd
April 6, 2025
A case from the past where a man has been convicted and imprisoned for life but many feel the case was unsafe, including DCI Lewis. He supports Dixon when a body with a similar MO is found in an archeological dig trench on the site of the Battle of Sedgemoor. Lots of interesting material about the battle, which was fought during Monmouth's rebellion. Nick, as usual, has Lewis and his prospective wife Jane for support as he delves into the records. He picks his usual team with lots of extra support when the hierarchy decides the force may have been in the wrong. Strong characters some you love, some you don't. An easy and fast-paced story. Lots of action, death and promotions. It was a good enjoyable read. 3 stars.
June 5, 2020
Mixed this with audio still magnificent
i couldnt wait for this to be released i have read all the previous books in the Nick Dixon series
Damien Boyd has done it again coming up with another cracking storyline
i love the characters i wont spoil it for you but i will say this i was tempted to buy this as an audible book as well as reading them which i love the narrator has to take huge credit for a few times i found myself laughing at situations where i don't think i may have if i were reading so i waited a while for this and wasn't disappointed i hope Damien Boyd doesn't make me or rather us as his followers wait as long next time what i will also add is this if like me you are thinking what its like audible then i recommend it highly i thoroughly enjoyed it i hope you do to
i couldnt wait for this to be released i have read all the previous books in the Nick Dixon series
Damien Boyd has done it again coming up with another cracking storyline
i love the characters i wont spoil it for you but i will say this i was tempted to buy this as an audible book as well as reading them which i love the narrator has to take huge credit for a few times i found myself laughing at situations where i don't think i may have if i were reading so i waited a while for this and wasn't disappointed i hope Damien Boyd doesn't make me or rather us as his followers wait as long next time what i will also add is this if like me you are thinking what its like audible then i recommend it highly i thoroughly enjoyed it i hope you do to
September 23, 2021
Damien likes to educate his readers as well as 'entertain' with an excellent story and this time we have a history lesson based on the Battle of Sedgemoor, 1685. Of course this is not history for the sake of it but bares a close connection with a series of disappearances and deaths which have taken place over several decades. An arrest is made and conviction obtained but as often happens the perpetrator continues to profess his innocence. Eventually given leave to appeal Nick is called in to review the evidence and prove the conviction safe. Until, that is, he becomes convinced that the conviction is not safe.
September 6, 2020
Unputdownable
Full of suspense,always against the tide, Nick Dixon follows his nose and his convictions, feeling his way through all the unlikely info he collects from unlikely sources. It's always in the tiny details hidden in the accounts and observations of all the characters that eventually lead to a clear suspect who had the opportunity , motive and personality to commit the murder/s. Always someone completely invisible to the reader until the narrative turns from discovering the possible suspects to the chase and and a race to catch the killer before they can escape or kill again.
Full of suspense,always against the tide, Nick Dixon follows his nose and his convictions, feeling his way through all the unlikely info he collects from unlikely sources. It's always in the tiny details hidden in the accounts and observations of all the characters that eventually lead to a clear suspect who had the opportunity , motive and personality to commit the murder/s. Always someone completely invisible to the reader until the narrative turns from discovering the possible suspects to the chase and and a race to catch the killer before they can escape or kill again.
September 8, 2020
Another great Dixon read.
Although this is the 10th book in the series, the characters and setting have lost none of their appeal, and the storytelling is still quite excellent. I do recommend that you start the series from the beginning to understand all the references, but this is a cracking read.
Although this is the 10th book in the series, the characters and setting have lost none of their appeal, and the storytelling is still quite excellent. I do recommend that you start the series from the beginning to understand all the references, but this is a cracking read.
July 10, 2020
Keeping up the quality
Another fine crime adventure from Damien Boyd. I would liken DI Dixon to Ian Ramkin’s Rebus. Both are Mavericks that work on a slightly different plain to the rest. Both loved and hated, with a dollop of grudging respect from his peers.
Another fine crime adventure from Damien Boyd. I would liken DI Dixon to Ian Ramkin’s Rebus. Both are Mavericks that work on a slightly different plain to the rest. Both loved and hated, with a dollop of grudging respect from his peers.
March 22, 2021
Another great book in a great series!
This is a great series and this book didn't disappoint, with suspense, drama, and a story that develops. I've always liked that this author keeps the questions of who and why unknown and not obvious it's cleverly done. Highly recommend
This is a great series and this book didn't disappoint, with suspense, drama, and a story that develops. I've always liked that this author keeps the questions of who and why unknown and not obvious it's cleverly done. Highly recommend
May 16, 2020
I love the Nick Dixon series and have read all the previous books. Down Among the Dead was built up layer on layer during the terrific story to an ending which still had a surprise which I wasn't expecting. It would be better to read the series from the beginning rather than this as a standalone. The characters and relationships have been explored in earlier books and 'fleshed out' as well so you wouldn't enjoy this as much. Highly recommended.
May 21, 2021
History, a cold case, a possible miscarriage of justice and a new murder. Everything comes at once for DI Nick Dixon. And if that's not enough, fiancee Jane's sister is causing problems too. Another exciting read from Damien Boyd, full of plot twists, red herrings and some grisly discoveries. A most satisfying read.
May 13, 2020
Brilliant read
I have been so excited to read this book for ages and it did not disappoint! I love detective Nick Dixon and every investigations has solved,this one was also brilliantly written,if you love a good detective series then I highly recommend giving this series a read,you won't be disappointed!! Hope there will be another one soon! Look forward to seeing what happens between Nick and jane!
I have been so excited to read this book for ages and it did not disappoint! I love detective Nick Dixon and every investigations has solved,this one was also brilliantly written,if you love a good detective series then I highly recommend giving this series a read,you won't be disappointed!! Hope there will be another one soon! Look forward to seeing what happens between Nick and jane!
May 11, 2020
I have read this series from the beginning and love it. Not too gruesome but not "cosy" either and our cop isn't a washed up drunk with failed marriage, nor do the plots fall into the all too common misogynistic men doing despicable things to women. It is not necessary to have read the previous books but I suspect it has added to my enjoyment as many of the central characters are from the earlier books so it's like meeting up with old friends.
May 9, 2020
Once again Damien Boyd has given his all to this story.
I have followed Nick Dixon since his first book. I enjoyed this one very much, but I am not a fan of battle history. I could not keep up with all the different people from three hundred years ago. Takes me all my time to keep up with Nick and his dog..
I have followed Nick Dixon since his first book. I enjoyed this one very much, but I am not a fan of battle history. I could not keep up with all the different people from three hundred years ago. Takes me all my time to keep up with Nick and his dog..
May 23, 2020
D B best book so far. I would recommend his work to anyone, but please read them in order. Much better than a stand alone read.
Can't wait for book 11.
Can't wait for book 11.
May 15, 2020
Another excellent read
So easy to read and get fully immersed into Nicks world
Hurry up and release the next instalment please
Highly recommend
So easy to read and get fully immersed into Nicks world
Hurry up and release the next instalment please
Highly recommend
June 3, 2020
Old Bussex farm/Rhyne Westonzoyland (drainage ditch, canal). Malcolm (driver), Sandra Smith (guide), Dr./Professor Colin Timperley (group leader), Zak Holman (Reading U archaeology Dept. student), Rob Salmon (historical society), Mrs. Smith (historical society), Dr./Professor Watkins, Dr. Graham Ashton were informed long ago in Westonzoyland, the Royal Army was camped for the night. 400 were killed.
A, 1696, diary is safe kept at the Somerset Heritage Centre.
The TV cameras from Digging for Britain will film the archaeological dig.
It wasn’t long & a badly decomposed body was discovered during the archaeological dig.
The male corpse had a single stab wound to the chest of. Looked like a scythe.
Sr. Scientific Services officer Donald Watson had the body removed from the hole.
Burnham-on-Sea Hurley’s pub. DS Jane Winter (Safeguarding Unit) was doing her best to calm Mrs. Monika Morris (owner) down.
Billy Parker’s in trouble again.
Somerset PD. Asst. Chief Constable Charlesworth was discussing the decomposed body that was found with CI Bateman, DCI Peter Lewis (line mgr.), DC Dave Harding, DC Mark Pearce, DC Louise Willmott, DCS Ridley, DI Nick Dixon, & DS Winter.
The body had been ID as Rory Estcourt (17).
Dr. Helen Martin (forensic anthropologist) & Roger Poland were examining/cataloging the corpse.
What happened to DCI Lewis?
DS Samuel West & DS Dominic Hands were integrating Thomas “Tom” along with his lawyer Michael Salter (Michael Salter & Co).
What were DI Dixon & Jane discussing?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written crime thriller book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author (s); Thomas & Mercer; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
A, 1696, diary is safe kept at the Somerset Heritage Centre.
The TV cameras from Digging for Britain will film the archaeological dig.
It wasn’t long & a badly decomposed body was discovered during the archaeological dig.
The male corpse had a single stab wound to the chest of. Looked like a scythe.
Sr. Scientific Services officer Donald Watson had the body removed from the hole.
Burnham-on-Sea Hurley’s pub. DS Jane Winter (Safeguarding Unit) was doing her best to calm Mrs. Monika Morris (owner) down.
Billy Parker’s in trouble again.
Somerset PD. Asst. Chief Constable Charlesworth was discussing the decomposed body that was found with CI Bateman, DCI Peter Lewis (line mgr.), DC Dave Harding, DC Mark Pearce, DC Louise Willmott, DCS Ridley, DI Nick Dixon, & DS Winter.
The body had been ID as Rory Estcourt (17).
Dr. Helen Martin (forensic anthropologist) & Roger Poland were examining/cataloging the corpse.
What happened to DCI Lewis?
DS Samuel West & DS Dominic Hands were integrating Thomas “Tom” along with his lawyer Michael Salter (Michael Salter & Co).
What were DI Dixon & Jane discussing?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written crime thriller book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author (s); Thomas & Mercer; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
November 30, 2021
Fifteen years ago the Scytheman claimed six victims and five of the bodies were never found. He was nicknamed the Scytheman for obvious reasons, the scythe being an unusual choice of weapon. Maybe it was because all of the murders were concentrated in a small geographic area, a small area which had long been agricultural land, and which long ago had been the scene of the Battle of Sedgemoor from the English Civil War. The last murder victim was found and nearby was Daniel Parker. Dixon’s immediate boss, DCS Peter Lewis, actually arrested Parker after running across a field in the dark and the fog. Parker was still clutching the scythe. When a couple of witnesses came forward to say they had seen Parker earlier, near the victim’s house, already carrying the scythe, the SIO DCS Ridley was sure they had their man. Case closed. When it came to court, the jurors agreed at almost indecent haste. Parker was jailed without hope of early release. The only problem being that Parker insisted he was innocent.
It’s taken fifteen years but Parker has won a hearing to see if there are grounds to appeal. A week before the hearing, a body turns up in a drainage ditch uncovered by an archaeological dig. The University of Reading and the local history group led by Sandra Smith have teamed up to look for a mass burial pit and to see if they can find evidence of a friendly fire incident hinted at in papers from the time. DCS Lewis insists to ACC Charlesworth that there’s only one man for the job and that man is Dixon. Because of their past history, it’s only with reluctance that Charlesworth agrees. The body turns out to be one of the Scythian’s original victims. When the body is examined, the pathologist makes a remarkable discovery. The body had originally been mummified and then buried only nine months previously. The discovery of the body seemed to be timed to negatively influence Parker’s hearing. That has got to be significant. So who wants Parker to stay in prison and why?
Another well plotted, well written who done it. I didn’t spot the twist at the end. I do end up worrying about his poor eating habits in the context of his diabetes. Sometimes I wonder if Dixon’s going to slip into a coma before he get’s his man. I hope not as I’m very fond of him.
It’s taken fifteen years but Parker has won a hearing to see if there are grounds to appeal. A week before the hearing, a body turns up in a drainage ditch uncovered by an archaeological dig. The University of Reading and the local history group led by Sandra Smith have teamed up to look for a mass burial pit and to see if they can find evidence of a friendly fire incident hinted at in papers from the time. DCS Lewis insists to ACC Charlesworth that there’s only one man for the job and that man is Dixon. Because of their past history, it’s only with reluctance that Charlesworth agrees. The body turns out to be one of the Scythian’s original victims. When the body is examined, the pathologist makes a remarkable discovery. The body had originally been mummified and then buried only nine months previously. The discovery of the body seemed to be timed to negatively influence Parker’s hearing. That has got to be significant. So who wants Parker to stay in prison and why?
Another well plotted, well written who done it. I didn’t spot the twist at the end. I do end up worrying about his poor eating habits in the context of his diabetes. Sometimes I wonder if Dixon’s going to slip into a coma before he get’s his man. I hope not as I’m very fond of him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2023
Fifteen years ago, DCI Lewis was just an underling who happened to be in the right place at the right time for a major arrest – that of a notorious serial killer. Only, in his gut, Lewis never felt the conviction was right and he hasn’t enjoyed an easy sleep since what he felt might be the wrong man was imprisoned. Now, as a new body is discovered on the very cusp of this prisoner having his appeal heard, there is only one man Lewis can trust to do the investigation right and not bow to any pressure – no matter how high up it comes from.
This is an interesting and enjoyable British police procedural murder mystery. There is a tiny bit of archeology and historical re-enactment that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I thought added well to the plot. I also was glad the author did an excellent job of laying out the groundwork for a few moving parts of the plot including both the victims and police working both in the past and present. I felt this was a well plotted story and it absolutely kept my attention right from the beginning.
I was also pretty relieved that a number of the more regular members of DI Nick Dixon’s team were back in play. The last few books Dixon has been working with a few other divisions and officers and while his regular team has always remained in the background, I was pleased to see the team come back together and I greatly enjoyed the familiarity and smooth way they all meshed back together and worked as a team. I strongly feel this added to the appeal I had for this story. I also was pleased Dixon’s fiancé – and her half-sister – added to the storyline. I was pleased the author seemed to be returning Dixon back to his roots a bit more.
Readers looking for a heavily action base plot or something really fast paced won’t find that here. I definitely felt the investigation moved at a decent clip, but this was solidly a police procedural and smaller town type of murder mystery – no massive car chases or helicopters or movie style of shenanigans here. This was a well written and very well plotted British police mystery and exactly what I was hoping for.
A good story in a great series I definitely enjoy.
This is an interesting and enjoyable British police procedural murder mystery. There is a tiny bit of archeology and historical re-enactment that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I thought added well to the plot. I also was glad the author did an excellent job of laying out the groundwork for a few moving parts of the plot including both the victims and police working both in the past and present. I felt this was a well plotted story and it absolutely kept my attention right from the beginning.
I was also pretty relieved that a number of the more regular members of DI Nick Dixon’s team were back in play. The last few books Dixon has been working with a few other divisions and officers and while his regular team has always remained in the background, I was pleased to see the team come back together and I greatly enjoyed the familiarity and smooth way they all meshed back together and worked as a team. I strongly feel this added to the appeal I had for this story. I also was pleased Dixon’s fiancé – and her half-sister – added to the storyline. I was pleased the author seemed to be returning Dixon back to his roots a bit more.
Readers looking for a heavily action base plot or something really fast paced won’t find that here. I definitely felt the investigation moved at a decent clip, but this was solidly a police procedural and smaller town type of murder mystery – no massive car chases or helicopters or movie style of shenanigans here. This was a well written and very well plotted British police mystery and exactly what I was hoping for.
A good story in a great series I definitely enjoy.
July 4, 2020
Damien Boyd did it again. Another great Dixon novel. ONly the ending killed me. I didn’t want that for one of the characters. To me that was the worst part. I was so so sad to see that ending. I liked the fact that Dixon once again was placed under pressure and didn’t care what others thought or wanted. He wasn’t allowing anyone to bully him about the past investigations nor was he allowing pressure to get him to not to do his job his way. He was Dixon at his best and that was awesome. It was hard watching Lewis be eaten by guilt and I was glad Dixon was there not as a colleague but as a friend to him for this man needed someone to listen to him and help him right a wrong he felt occurred.
Dixon got caught up in this by accident to me to a situation dealing with the past and now the present was bringing about more issues for the one whose life in jail is hanging in the balance. Dixon in true Dixon fashion put the appeal on it’s knees and turned everything upside down. He was his awesome self and I loved how he fought for justice even if it put eggs on people’s faces. Seeing him tackle finding out who killed all those years ago and now was filled with twists and turns, secrets and reveals that have your head spin. Watching him unravel those secrets and what happened in the slow methodical fashion that was Dixon was delectable. The story was amazing in how it revealed things and brought about the full picture so that it came to you without it being aha but a nice careful laid out reveal that doesn’t overwhelm you. The secrets and revelations will because they are just wow..The ending I still can’t believe it...Now what i wanted but wonder where this leaves Dixon..So great a tale I can’t wait to see where Dixon goes next and what he will solve.
Dixon got caught up in this by accident to me to a situation dealing with the past and now the present was bringing about more issues for the one whose life in jail is hanging in the balance. Dixon in true Dixon fashion put the appeal on it’s knees and turned everything upside down. He was his awesome self and I loved how he fought for justice even if it put eggs on people’s faces. Seeing him tackle finding out who killed all those years ago and now was filled with twists and turns, secrets and reveals that have your head spin. Watching him unravel those secrets and what happened in the slow methodical fashion that was Dixon was delectable. The story was amazing in how it revealed things and brought about the full picture so that it came to you without it being aha but a nice careful laid out reveal that doesn’t overwhelm you. The secrets and revelations will because they are just wow..The ending I still can’t believe it...Now what i wanted but wonder where this leaves Dixon..So great a tale I can’t wait to see where Dixon goes next and what he will solve.
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