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DI Mike Nash #10

Running Scared

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Detective Mike Nash thought that moving back to Yorkshire from London would give him a quieter life. Little did he know . . .

WHILE THE CAT’S AWAY . . .

Mike Nash is away on compassionate leave but that doesn’t mean the criminals are going to take a break.

Detective Clara Mironova and the Helmsdale team face a sudden increase in crime. Minor offences ranging from theft, shoplifting, and poaching, pale into insignificance when a violent turf war breaks out between rival drugs gangs.

Soon they have to cope with three murders, including the shooting of a police officer killed on a routine call.

NOW IT’S PERSONAL

Then a batch of deliberately contaminated heroin hits the streets, resulting in the deaths of three addicts and causing media panic.

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2018

731 people are currently reading
130 people want to read

About the author

Bill Kitson

57 books142 followers

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5 stars
1,515 (57%)
4 stars
780 (29%)
3 stars
247 (9%)
2 stars
50 (1%)
1 star
22 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Alan Cotterell.
561 reviews191 followers
December 23, 2022
Not a bad book, but probably one of the weaker ones. I was scoring this around 2.75-3.25 max for most of the book. but went for 3.75 rounded up to 4 by the end.
Profile Image for Andy Wormald.
449 reviews22 followers
October 18, 2018
A Slightly different DI Nash novel in that whilst away on compassionate leave he only plays a bit part in the story, however, that does mean that DS Clara Mironova comes more to the fore.

When a colleague is murdered whilst out on a routine call caught up in a turf war which is breaking out between rival drugs gangs. As the investigation progresses a batch of contaminated Heroin starts to surface on the streets.

Murder, drugs, migrant problems, animal theft as with previous books in the series there are several strands and plot lines running throughout the book, however, as usual Bill Kitson has a style that manages to tie these all neatly into one wonderfully told story.

The main characters are always central to the story and all well rounded and brought to life on the pages.

Whichever direction the story may lead you the author keeps the story flowing with slick plotting and always fast paced.

I found myself hooked from the opening pages, intrigued as to where the story would lead, racing to the end where all the plot lines are beautifully brought together, it’s one of those hard to put down books.

The DI Nash series is a highly compelling set of police procedurals with characters to match and all of whom play central roles in the books

A highly recommended police procedural
Profile Image for Robert Crouch.
Author 14 books17 followers
February 14, 2022
It’s the tenth book in the DI Mike Nash series, and it shows no signs of flagging, even if he’s absent for most of the story. While it’s unusual not to have Nash in the driving seat, DS Miranova and DC Pierce take the strain as drug related crime provokes a rise in criminal activity. And that’s before a police officer is killed investigating a case of rustling.

Two rival drug gangs are fighting for control of the Helmsdale area, striking at each other, taking no prisoners. Meanwhile, in France, a young Muslim woman, fearful for her life after refusing to marry a man chosen by her parents, escapes, determined to flee to England. A British couple come to her rescue, offering to take her in their boat. If only she knew they were smuggling drugs…

It’s an exciting mix of non-stop action, stretching the police to breaking point as they try to keep up with the killings. All the while, Nash is on compassionate leave and cannot be called back. Despite the strain, the black humour and banter remains among the familiar characters as they battle with personal struggles alongside the crime wave.

Without a dip in pace or quality, I flew through the story, carried along by the various storylines as they finally merged into a one thread that explained everything. Excellent writing and characterisation has always been a trademark of the series and this story is no exception.

This is storytelling of the highest order.
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,337 reviews73 followers
October 15, 2023
Running Scared is book 10 in the DI Mike Nash series by Bill Kitson. Detective Clara Mironova suddenly has to lead the Helmsdale team due to DI Mike Nash going on compassionate leave. Detective Clara Mironova
and her team were investigating multiple crimes while DI Mike Nash was on leave, including theft, shoplifting and a turf war between rival drug gangs. The Police Commissioner would not recall DI Mick Nash to help his team even after the murder of a local Police Constable. The readers of Running Scared will continue to follow DI Mike Nash to discover what happens.

Wow, another roller-coaster ride with DI Mike Nash and his team. I had trouble putting this book down due to the suspense that happens on every page of this book. I love Bill Kitson's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Running Scared is well-written and researched by Bill Kitson. I like Bill Kitson's description of the settings of Running Scared, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

The readers of Running Scared will learn about some of the consequences for the loved ones of military personnel when they go into war zones. Also, the readers of Running Scared will understand the suffering of children when families do not accept them as themselves.

I recommend this book.
1,909 reviews18 followers
July 28, 2020
Quite Different!

Clara and the police team are main characters as Mike Nash is on compassionate leave in France with his son, Daniel. They are faced with animal theft and warfare between two rival drug gangs! Lots of action, many characters, and confusing information. Finally, these separate events start to coincide and clarify the occurrences. Big finale, when events collide!
63 reviews
August 4, 2020
Not the same

Not the same without Mike. Although the story was great as usual by this author I missed Mike in the forefront of the investigation. In saying that it was a good read with the team run by Cora. Must say I would have liked to have more of Lisa in the books following her time in the book where she met her man. Anyway I would certainly read more from this author especially books written around Mike and his team.
264 reviews3 followers
May 4, 2022
Running and Running

Now this one kept you on your toes! Goodness me, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen next. So much going on by so many people in so many places. A bit gory in places but some really superb writing. Twists and turns in it and a pretty big twist right near the end that helps make sense of things. Get reading. It’s brilliant.
4 reviews
March 30, 2025
Great story

Lots of work for the DS and she shone through. Very little about the DI but his training of the team did have a great influence in their work which was non stop.
Just about to start on book No 11. Each book has been addictive and my expectations are that the remaining in the series will be equally so.
Profile Image for Gillian.
515 reviews6 followers
July 29, 2020
Review

I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. The twists and turns in the book made it very hard to put down. It is well written and well thought out. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading a really great thriller.
891 reviews5 followers
December 19, 2020
Running Scared

This is the second novel in this series in which I purchase and found it to be worth the read. Bill Kitson is a new crime author on my vast library. His storyline has creative storytelling with humor and surprising finish.
Profile Image for taffykathiegmail.com.
576 reviews
Read
September 3, 2021
Soldiers follow, Leaders lead

We can all be soldiers following orders, but there comes a time when one has to step forward & lead! Doing your best in Life is all one can ask, but sometimes 110% is asked of you!
16 reviews
September 14, 2021
Excellent

Again, another outstanding book by Bill Kitson. Already waiting for the next one. Some comments have mention the absence of Mike Nash, it didn't spoil my enjoyment at all.
Profile Image for Christine Richmond.
93 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2022
Wow great read - couldn't put it down

Another fantastic adventure with many twists and turns but well thought out all the way through. Nice that Clara got her chance and a great ending - these books never disappoint.
1,181 reviews6 followers
Read
November 4, 2022
Another Excellent Story

Another excellent story by Bill featuring Detective Mike Nash and his team though his role is obscure until the end. Great characters and a good story line that moved at a fast pace and kept you gripped.Looking forward to reading more about Mike Nash.
8 reviews
January 15, 2023
Running Scared

Wow! I really enjoyed this book. Great plot, lots of twists and turns to keep you wondering what will happen next. A lot of research has gone into writing this book. Bill Kitson is an excellent author!
Profile Image for W H Nicholls.
333 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2025
For once Nash did not feature much in the story which was more abut a drug turf war. The story unravels over the stupidity of some one shoplifting and from there they find more and more clues. I don't think we are finished with the Soldiers yet
Profile Image for Allan Pendlebury.
273 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2025
I am not a male chauvenist and have no problem with females working in a male dominated society. but is the British police force totally run by women? The story throws the odd male in but to me this female dominance of the highest positions in the police force is unbelievable.
26 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2020
I have now read all of the Mike Nash books. This one was probably my least favorite. Just seemed to have too many story lines going on at the same time. Still definitely worth reading.
35 reviews
October 7, 2020
Well written

Can't wait for more hopefully Nash will reconnect with Alondra the plot was well thought out have read all 10 books in a coup!e of weeks need another dose of Nash
9 reviews
December 16, 2020
Twist and turn

Too good to miss. the plot thickens, goes one way then another, had me hooked from page one. great read
6 reviews
January 17, 2021
Gripping read,

This was a random choice for me, but I enjoyed it very much, exciting, pacey and could not wait .
15 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2021
Absolutely fantastic griping read, that you just don't want to put down. I have read through the whole 10 books in 6 weeks.
Profile Image for Veronica Flowers.
95 reviews
September 2, 2021
Great suspense book

That was a very different storyline but also very suspenseful. I don't think that anything is wrong with the writing of the book either.
44 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2021
Addictive

An unusual Mike Nash story with hardly any Mike in it nonetheless still fast paced and highly addictive story to keep the pages turning
89 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2021
GG

I thought this was a good mystery book. I read many of this author and I will continue to read more. Never disappointed.
41 reviews
December 8, 2021
Another gripping storyline

Another strong plot in the Inspector Nash series. I don't want to spoil the storyline but things are not always quite what they seem in this one.
104 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2022
Another excellent story in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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