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DI Nick Dixon #11
Dying Inside
In this thriller from the bestselling DI Nick Dixon crime series, a brutal murder looks like a gangland execution... until the next body is found.
Newly promoted DCI Nick Dixon is stuck behind a desk when the peace of the Somerset countryside is shattered by a spate of sheep killings. Dixon recognises a sinister pattern: the animals have all been slaughtered with a crossbow, the power increasing with each kill. It seems whoever is responsible is practising, but for what?
Then the owner of a yacht that capsized on a suspected drug run is found dead, pinned to a tree by four crossbow bolts. Convinced that the killing is a gangland execution, the organised crime unit take over the investigation.
Dixon is sure the motive lies elsewhere, but is forced to watch from the sidelines—until another body is found.
Leading a major investigation team at Avon and Somerset Police headquarters, and with internal politics threatening to thwart him at every turn, Dixon must find the murderer before he kills again. And again…
Newly promoted DCI Nick Dixon is stuck behind a desk when the peace of the Somerset countryside is shattered by a spate of sheep killings. Dixon recognises a sinister pattern: the animals have all been slaughtered with a crossbow, the power increasing with each kill. It seems whoever is responsible is practising, but for what?
Then the owner of a yacht that capsized on a suspected drug run is found dead, pinned to a tree by four crossbow bolts. Convinced that the killing is a gangland execution, the organised crime unit take over the investigation.
Dixon is sure the motive lies elsewhere, but is forced to watch from the sidelines—until another body is found.
Leading a major investigation team at Avon and Somerset Police headquarters, and with internal politics threatening to thwart him at every turn, Dixon must find the murderer before he kills again. And again…
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2021
1300 people are currently reading
2338 people want to read
About the author
Damien Boyd
21 books953 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 242 reviews
June 20, 2021
Another complete novel by Damien Boyd.
What I mean by that? Simply: Here is a crafted and thoughtful police procedure where you feel able to commit yourself as a reader.
So many books become bogged down and you lose your way; with little interest to read on and get to the end.
When you have a familiar author you feel safe and know that your investment of time will be well rewarded. Furthermore, the book offers you more going forward and you want to understand the unfolding mystery.
That trust in a writer brings a sense of loyalty in a reader like me and a familiar set of characters help to reinforce this relationship in what is now the 11th outing for DI Nick Dixon and his team.
When an increasing level of violence seems to be befalling a local sheep farmer, Nick is the only one who sees this as an example of escalation, perhaps, even leading to murder. Newly, promoted he should be taking a less active role and using management skills more. Yet we find him no better than a young child trying to avoid his boss and sneaking away from his desk, investigating the sheep killing in person.
With great humour Boyd sets up the crime brilliantly and uses new personnel as well as familiar faces to open the case up.
I enjoyed it from the start, never more so than when Monty, the dog is on the page. The quiet times dog walking is the normality for Nick; a time to recharge and relax while reviewing his thoughts on the crimes and unfolding drama. All detectives seem to need someone or something to refocus or sound off to. Whether a Watson, a violin or a stimulating substance or depressant. I love Nick’s interactions with his loyal companion and the moments leading to debates over barbed wire and criminal damage.
Now, although number eleven in books published, this is a series you can meet fresh and take up at each stage along that journey. Like those preceding books, “Dying Inside“ can be read as a stand-alone novel, however it will have you borrowing or buying more as soon as possible.
Hints to past events never cloud the current investigation or delay the action. They are the items that are filed and recalled within the narrative; they provide that richer tapestry of text and content.
This is a complex case where connections are hard to find, even as the body count increases. No stone is left unturned and the numbers of personnel required to review evidence is very realistic as always. We are taken through the plot with no greater knowledge than the detective team. It is Dixon leading the way but this remains a team effort and others feel able to make suggestions or question its direction.
Finally, the book delivers without sleight of hand, unforeseen participants or withheld clues. All is in plain sight, yet so wonderfully packaged, just like a pictorial jigsaw puzzle and seemingly only Dixon can join the dots.
What I mean by that? Simply: Here is a crafted and thoughtful police procedure where you feel able to commit yourself as a reader.
So many books become bogged down and you lose your way; with little interest to read on and get to the end.
When you have a familiar author you feel safe and know that your investment of time will be well rewarded. Furthermore, the book offers you more going forward and you want to understand the unfolding mystery.
That trust in a writer brings a sense of loyalty in a reader like me and a familiar set of characters help to reinforce this relationship in what is now the 11th outing for DI Nick Dixon and his team.
When an increasing level of violence seems to be befalling a local sheep farmer, Nick is the only one who sees this as an example of escalation, perhaps, even leading to murder. Newly, promoted he should be taking a less active role and using management skills more. Yet we find him no better than a young child trying to avoid his boss and sneaking away from his desk, investigating the sheep killing in person.
With great humour Boyd sets up the crime brilliantly and uses new personnel as well as familiar faces to open the case up.
I enjoyed it from the start, never more so than when Monty, the dog is on the page. The quiet times dog walking is the normality for Nick; a time to recharge and relax while reviewing his thoughts on the crimes and unfolding drama. All detectives seem to need someone or something to refocus or sound off to. Whether a Watson, a violin or a stimulating substance or depressant. I love Nick’s interactions with his loyal companion and the moments leading to debates over barbed wire and criminal damage.
Now, although number eleven in books published, this is a series you can meet fresh and take up at each stage along that journey. Like those preceding books, “Dying Inside“ can be read as a stand-alone novel, however it will have you borrowing or buying more as soon as possible.
Hints to past events never cloud the current investigation or delay the action. They are the items that are filed and recalled within the narrative; they provide that richer tapestry of text and content.
This is a complex case where connections are hard to find, even as the body count increases. No stone is left unturned and the numbers of personnel required to review evidence is very realistic as always. We are taken through the plot with no greater knowledge than the detective team. It is Dixon leading the way but this remains a team effort and others feel able to make suggestions or question its direction.
Finally, the book delivers without sleight of hand, unforeseen participants or withheld clues. All is in plain sight, yet so wonderfully packaged, just like a pictorial jigsaw puzzle and seemingly only Dixon can join the dots.
July 4, 2021
Another fine adventure in crime in Bristol environs with increasingly successful Dixon on top of his job. There is plenty of action in this one featuring death by crossbow. It takes a substantial team effort to resolve a complex web of financial fraud leading to murders.
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June 21, 2021
Dying Inside is the eleventh instalment in the Detective (Chief) Inspector Nick Dixon series set in and around Bridgwater, Somerset. Having recently been promoted, the Avon and Somerset DCI, Nick Dixon, is snowed under with more paperwork than he's ever seen in his life. Used to being on the beat, he wonders if he's going to be suited to tedious desk work and a management role and is bursting at the seams to find a case to investigate already. So when a farmer approaches him about a truck full of dead sheep he grabs the opportunity with both hands, although it's hardly the crime of the century. However, Nick recognises, as all decent officers should, that animal torture and killing frequently leads to the psychotic individual desiring bigger thrills and a more extensive adrenaline rush which means escalating their behaviour and slaughtering human prey. This isn't the first time the farmer’s flock has been targeted by a crossbow-wielding maniac, however, and each time it happens the shots appear to be becoming more accurate. Is this a cruel and disturbing training mechanism? When sketchy accountant Godfrey Collins is found impaled to a tree by several powerful crossbow bolts, one in his head, the second in the chest and another in his eye, Nick realises his instinct was right. Godfrey had been up to his neck in organised crime.
The yacht he owned, Sunset Boulevard II, had been used for drug runs but recently capsized mid-Atlantic and two hundred and sixty kilos of cocaine went to the bottom of the ocean; it had street value of about twenty million and that certainly cannot have gone down well with the mob bosses. Then another body is discovered, this time it's a manager at HMRC who was investigating fraud perpetrated by a business known as Clearwater Wealthcare who defrauded thirty-one million pounds from two hundred and two clients. James Bowen and Miranda Mather, the couple behind the pension scam were found with crossbows to the head in the Costa Del Sol the previous day. Can Nick decipher what links these victims before anyone else perishes? This is a compulsive and exciting procedural from the off and is packed with action, wicked twists and turns, devious red herrings and a complex plot woven to perfection. It is a series that is so believable, realistic and authentic that you cannot help but be riveted. The attention to detail and captivating mystery really ramp up the tension propelling everything along superbly and continue to keep you guessing. Dixon is a highly likeable protagonist who refuses to be more hands-off and managerial and he proves that his intelligence will be sorely wasted if he merely sits behind a desk as instructed. Highly recommended.
The yacht he owned, Sunset Boulevard II, had been used for drug runs but recently capsized mid-Atlantic and two hundred and sixty kilos of cocaine went to the bottom of the ocean; it had street value of about twenty million and that certainly cannot have gone down well with the mob bosses. Then another body is discovered, this time it's a manager at HMRC who was investigating fraud perpetrated by a business known as Clearwater Wealthcare who defrauded thirty-one million pounds from two hundred and two clients. James Bowen and Miranda Mather, the couple behind the pension scam were found with crossbows to the head in the Costa Del Sol the previous day. Can Nick decipher what links these victims before anyone else perishes? This is a compulsive and exciting procedural from the off and is packed with action, wicked twists and turns, devious red herrings and a complex plot woven to perfection. It is a series that is so believable, realistic and authentic that you cannot help but be riveted. The attention to detail and captivating mystery really ramp up the tension propelling everything along superbly and continue to keep you guessing. Dixon is a highly likeable protagonist who refuses to be more hands-off and managerial and he proves that his intelligence will be sorely wasted if he merely sits behind a desk as instructed. Highly recommended.
June 23, 2021
Dying Inside is book eleven in the DCI Nick Dixon series about a tenacious rule-breaking detective and his loyal team, solving murders in Somerset. If you’re not worried about characters’ backstories, you could enjoy this as a stand-alone but you’ll get much more out of this series if you read them in order. I’ve enjoyed them all and the quality has not dipped at all.
This one centres on a couple of British financial fiascos that I had not heard of, but was quickly able to confirm through google are real - the Loan Charge saga and UK pensions scams. While that sounds boring, the way these are dealt with made them anything but, so I felt like I learned something along the way, while engrossed in another well-crafted mystery.
Dixon has recently been promoted and is struggling with being chained to his desk by boring management duties, so when a disgruntled farmer threatens to dump dead sheep on the steps of his police station, he’s happy to find out more. Discovering that they were killed by increasingly powerful crossbow bolts, he worries who the next target may be. Soon after, a dodgy accountant is found pinned to a tree by similar bolts, but the local organised crime unit wants the case. Dixon never gives up, and when another victim with no gang connections is found, he is finally able to take over the investigation and run it his own way. Can he catch this crafty killer in between performance reviews and team meetings?
Having got to know Dixon over the course of the series, I could appreciate the subtle humour of his situation - sneaking around to avoid his bosses, scheming to extricate himself from boring meetings and only just keeping his temper when confronted by idiots. I do really like his relationship with his fiancée Jane, and budding friendship with slow but solid PC Nigel.
The crimes here are fairly gruesome - the sheep killings were more distressing to me than the human murders, but you don’t ever see any of them happening so it isn’t too dark.
The plot got a bit complicated with multiple minor characters to keep track of, but it all makes sense in the end. If you like intelligent authentic police procedurals, don’t miss this series.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and am posting this review voluntarily.
Dying Inside is available now.
This one centres on a couple of British financial fiascos that I had not heard of, but was quickly able to confirm through google are real - the Loan Charge saga and UK pensions scams. While that sounds boring, the way these are dealt with made them anything but, so I felt like I learned something along the way, while engrossed in another well-crafted mystery.
Dixon has recently been promoted and is struggling with being chained to his desk by boring management duties, so when a disgruntled farmer threatens to dump dead sheep on the steps of his police station, he’s happy to find out more. Discovering that they were killed by increasingly powerful crossbow bolts, he worries who the next target may be. Soon after, a dodgy accountant is found pinned to a tree by similar bolts, but the local organised crime unit wants the case. Dixon never gives up, and when another victim with no gang connections is found, he is finally able to take over the investigation and run it his own way. Can he catch this crafty killer in between performance reviews and team meetings?
Having got to know Dixon over the course of the series, I could appreciate the subtle humour of his situation - sneaking around to avoid his bosses, scheming to extricate himself from boring meetings and only just keeping his temper when confronted by idiots. I do really like his relationship with his fiancée Jane, and budding friendship with slow but solid PC Nigel.
The crimes here are fairly gruesome - the sheep killings were more distressing to me than the human murders, but you don’t ever see any of them happening so it isn’t too dark.
The plot got a bit complicated with multiple minor characters to keep track of, but it all makes sense in the end. If you like intelligent authentic police procedurals, don’t miss this series.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and am posting this review voluntarily.
Dying Inside is available now.
June 17, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of Dying Inside, the eleventh novel to feature DCI Nick Dixon of the Avon and Somerset Police.
Nick is suffocating in paperwork in his new job as detective chief inspector, so when a farmer turns up with a third lot dead sheep, all killed by a crossbow of increasing power, he recognises the signs and decides to investigate. His premonition comes true when a man is found impaled to a tree by several crossbow bolts, but it’s still not his investigation as the victim has ties to organised crime and the Organised Crime Unit will be in charge, that is until a second victim is found.
I enjoyed Dying Inside which is a good police procedural with some neat twists. I was hooked by the unusualness of the weapon and the mystery of the motive, but there are all sorts of little conundrums thrown in throughout the novel to make it more interesting.
I like that it is a novel with its feet planted firmly on the ground, there are no flights of fancy, just solid investigation and a believable motive. I also liked the “and there’s more” feel to the novel where the reader thinks it’s solved and Dixon produces more thoughts and pushes on. It’s effective and keeps the reader wondering. I also liked the final chapter which, while I can’t say what’s in it, encapsulates Dixon’s approach to policing and life in an appropriately high tension manner. The plot itself is interesting in that it mostly consists of sorting out the relationships between characters, like who’s guilty of what, who’s a pawn and how they intersect. It’s well thought out and conceived.
Nick Dixon, man of action is wasted behind a desk and his thoughts on webinars, resource allocation and management in general are a joy to behold. He speaks for most of us. There is more change in the air for him and his fiancée, Jane, most of which is due to manipulation by Assistant Chief Constable Charlesworth, but not all. It will be interesting to watch it unfold.
Dying Inside is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Nick is suffocating in paperwork in his new job as detective chief inspector, so when a farmer turns up with a third lot dead sheep, all killed by a crossbow of increasing power, he recognises the signs and decides to investigate. His premonition comes true when a man is found impaled to a tree by several crossbow bolts, but it’s still not his investigation as the victim has ties to organised crime and the Organised Crime Unit will be in charge, that is until a second victim is found.
I enjoyed Dying Inside which is a good police procedural with some neat twists. I was hooked by the unusualness of the weapon and the mystery of the motive, but there are all sorts of little conundrums thrown in throughout the novel to make it more interesting.
I like that it is a novel with its feet planted firmly on the ground, there are no flights of fancy, just solid investigation and a believable motive. I also liked the “and there’s more” feel to the novel where the reader thinks it’s solved and Dixon produces more thoughts and pushes on. It’s effective and keeps the reader wondering. I also liked the final chapter which, while I can’t say what’s in it, encapsulates Dixon’s approach to policing and life in an appropriately high tension manner. The plot itself is interesting in that it mostly consists of sorting out the relationships between characters, like who’s guilty of what, who’s a pawn and how they intersect. It’s well thought out and conceived.
Nick Dixon, man of action is wasted behind a desk and his thoughts on webinars, resource allocation and management in general are a joy to behold. He speaks for most of us. There is more change in the air for him and his fiancée, Jane, most of which is due to manipulation by Assistant Chief Constable Charlesworth, but not all. It will be interesting to watch it unfold.
Dying Inside is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 16, 2021
I enjoyed hanging out with Nick, Jane, Monty, and the gang again. The mystery was interesting (and the premise was a bit infuriating, to be honest), and the twist at the end almost took me by surprise. I'm excited to see where Damien Boyd takes Nick and his crew next.
August 5, 2021
Everyone should know by now that my preferred genre of choice is psychological thrillers.
I have read more thrillers in the past two months than any other genre, and I'm not sorry about it.
Suspenseful, fast paced, and gripping. I LOVE detective series and this one did not disappoint.
My only one set back?
I wish I had heard of this author before.
Dying Inside by @damienboydwriter
This book is part of a series with DI Nick Dixon and I am quite annoyed with myself that I have not read the other books 😂
Although the book can be read as a stand-alone, I will be going back to read his earlier books. I want to appreciate and get to know DI Nick Dixon more in-depth.
The narrative was new and fresh, but he is an established character and I felt like I was missing out on our first date.
I felt like I was a reading the love child of a Harlan Coben/James Patterson epic combo. The narrative and pace of the book was moving was not as faced paced as I would have initially liked, but once you are settled and start conjuring up your own theories, it’s pretty brilliant to be proved wrong.
I appreciate the ‘slow drip feed’ technique that many authors are now favouring in their storytelling. The gradual build-up of suspense and climax helps to intensify the level of excitement, and Damien Boyd was able to do that in such a clever way.
His writing flowed with great consistency and there were no gaps in sequences.
Thriller fans – if you want to read something with James Patterson vibes then this one is definitely for you.
Zubs
For more reviews check out my instagram page @zubscovered
I have read more thrillers in the past two months than any other genre, and I'm not sorry about it.
Suspenseful, fast paced, and gripping. I LOVE detective series and this one did not disappoint.
My only one set back?
I wish I had heard of this author before.
Dying Inside by @damienboydwriter
This book is part of a series with DI Nick Dixon and I am quite annoyed with myself that I have not read the other books 😂
Although the book can be read as a stand-alone, I will be going back to read his earlier books. I want to appreciate and get to know DI Nick Dixon more in-depth.
The narrative was new and fresh, but he is an established character and I felt like I was missing out on our first date.
I felt like I was a reading the love child of a Harlan Coben/James Patterson epic combo. The narrative and pace of the book was moving was not as faced paced as I would have initially liked, but once you are settled and start conjuring up your own theories, it’s pretty brilliant to be proved wrong.
I appreciate the ‘slow drip feed’ technique that many authors are now favouring in their storytelling. The gradual build-up of suspense and climax helps to intensify the level of excitement, and Damien Boyd was able to do that in such a clever way.
His writing flowed with great consistency and there were no gaps in sequences.
Thriller fans – if you want to read something with James Patterson vibes then this one is definitely for you.
Zubs
For more reviews check out my instagram page @zubscovered
July 9, 2021
Newly promoted DCI Nick Dixon is fed up with being desk-bound and sitting in meetings when he would far rather be actively solving crimes. When a series of sheep killings escalate and two bodies are found, both victims shot at close range by crossbow, Dixon gets his wish.
What follows is a fast-paced and tightly written narrative with plenty to engage the reader. We are drawn into an investigation focusing on the link between a dead accountant, a pensions scam, a capsized yacht, and a tax avoidance scheme. Even when the case appears to be wrapped up, there is one further twist to come but it absolutely makes sense.
Dixon's policing instincts are natural and realistic, and we are always fed just enough information to move things forward. The tension gradually mounts as the perpetrator's identity becomes clear; however, it is often what we aren't told that proves crucial, as there proves to be more going on than initially appears the case.
I also liked the interaction between the different officers and look forward to how this develops over future stories, especially the relationship between Dixon and PC Nigel Cole. The setting in the Avon and Somerset area is a bonus.
Damien Boyd is a new writer to me, but will definitely be reading more and catching up on the previous books in this series.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
What follows is a fast-paced and tightly written narrative with plenty to engage the reader. We are drawn into an investigation focusing on the link between a dead accountant, a pensions scam, a capsized yacht, and a tax avoidance scheme. Even when the case appears to be wrapped up, there is one further twist to come but it absolutely makes sense.
Dixon's policing instincts are natural and realistic, and we are always fed just enough information to move things forward. The tension gradually mounts as the perpetrator's identity becomes clear; however, it is often what we aren't told that proves crucial, as there proves to be more going on than initially appears the case.
I also liked the interaction between the different officers and look forward to how this develops over future stories, especially the relationship between Dixon and PC Nigel Cole. The setting in the Avon and Somerset area is a bonus.
Damien Boyd is a new writer to me, but will definitely be reading more and catching up on the previous books in this series.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.
October 2, 2021
Di Dixon has been promoted and is now expected to do much more administration than detecting, however, he happens to be around when an irate farmer reports the bizarre killing of several sheep. This is the third time his sheep have been targeted and given the weapon used it doesn't seem to be random killing for the sake of it. While his superiors are convinced this is linked to gangland rivalry, Nick is not so sure but the case is handed to the Organised Crime Squad. Unconvinced Nick makes discreet enquiries of his own and when the marksman moves on to human targets there are few links between all the deceased. Meantime, a yacht sinks in the Atlantic with the loss of all four crew members and a link is found between one of them and one of the earlier 'gangland' victims. The case follows the usual twists and turns until Nick discovers that there is more than one culprit and more than one motive. Once again Nick ends up in hospital having been shot at close range.
August 13, 2021
My only problem with the Nick Dixon books is that I devour them in a single session. This is the most underrated police procedural series out at the moment. Each book is thoroughly enjoyable and follows the course of an investigation during which the author provides all the information the reader needs to solve, usually, the whydunnit. No dirty tricks, like withholding evidence, are played on the reader either. The characters are all believable, the scenes are always well described and the motivations for the crimes are realistic.
Because of the lockdown this volume stays close to home: Bristol's underbelly is realised with empathy.
And, of course, there's Monty, our hero's lovable canine, who, this time, plays a greater part in proceedings than he normally does.
If you're reading this series, you don't need my endorsement to tell you how good they are. If you're not... Start reading them instanter!
Because of the lockdown this volume stays close to home: Bristol's underbelly is realised with empathy.
And, of course, there's Monty, our hero's lovable canine, who, this time, plays a greater part in proceedings than he normally does.
If you're reading this series, you don't need my endorsement to tell you how good they are. If you're not... Start reading them instanter!
June 18, 2021
DCI Nick Dixon is back, newly promoted in this the 11th book of the series. What starts off as sheep being killed, ramps up to full bloodied murder - by crossbow. This character and his team are now well established and realistic. As is the policing, with all the chores of day to day policing, like performance reviews, all types of meetings and the mundane but essential juggling of manpower around a police force, to fill gaps made by ruthless cutbacks over the years. As such, it has such a ring of authenticity that this book gripped me from the start. The storyline as ever is well plotted and intriguing, with lots of lines of enquiry that have to be chased down by the team, again, so realistically, and not all lead to the results wanted. A really absorbing read. Here’s looking forward to his next outing.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 2, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.
This was my first Damien Boyd/Nick Dixon book and I enjoyed it as a standalone novel. Dixon is an engaging character and I suspect I would have given four stars if I had read the previous books and got to know Dixon better. The previous books are now on my list to read.
It's a well-constructed plot and I enjoyed the 'Englishness' of it.
This was my first Damien Boyd/Nick Dixon book and I enjoyed it as a standalone novel. Dixon is an engaging character and I suspect I would have given four stars if I had read the previous books and got to know Dixon better. The previous books are now on my list to read.
It's a well-constructed plot and I enjoyed the 'Englishness' of it.
July 8, 2021
Excellent police novel as always, enlivened by the loyal Monty.
October 12, 2021
Really good. Have enjoyed all his other books too.
June 21, 2021
This is another of my favourite series which has only got better as it has gone along, with absolutely no signs of flagging. We're now at book 11 and it looks like there are those who would prefer DCI Nick Dixon to take a less hands on approach to things and stay behind the desk he has been promoted to. One of those who disagree is Nick himself and so when a farmer approaches him with a truck full of dead sheep, he literally jumps at the chance to help. Further investigation reveals that this is the third such spate of dead sheep for this farmer - all having been shot with what looks to be a crossbow. The method being refined and perfected more each time. Nick is intrigued by this and when soon after he hears that there's a dead body pinned to a tree by crossbow bolts, can't wait to make a connection and, despite it being the territory of the organised crime unit, can't help but stick his nose in.
And he does this all whilst ignoring the powers that be who are hounding him over his promotion and relocation...
In Nick Dixon the author has created a great cop. He's not like most you'd find in this genre book. His only health issue is his diabetes, and he is settled in his relationship, the only issue there being Jane also being a cop and having been sidelined out of his team due to that. This means that although I would always advocate starting a series from book one and reading in order, with this one I'd say you could read most as stand alones. As with all his previous books, the author has taken the time and effort and done his research. But, that said, it was all necessary for Nick and his team to know to be able to better do their jobs. I quite admire Nick's work and life ethos, especially the way he falls back on the simple things to clear his head - walking with Monty being my favourite. He's a smart cookie and methodical and the crime in this book really lends itself to this way of investigating.
So, with an intriguing plot, cracking characters - both main and extras - and delivered in a no nonsense way with no superfluous padding, this book was gripping from start to finish and left me, at its conclusion, wholly satisfied. Roll on book 12...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
And he does this all whilst ignoring the powers that be who are hounding him over his promotion and relocation...
In Nick Dixon the author has created a great cop. He's not like most you'd find in this genre book. His only health issue is his diabetes, and he is settled in his relationship, the only issue there being Jane also being a cop and having been sidelined out of his team due to that. This means that although I would always advocate starting a series from book one and reading in order, with this one I'd say you could read most as stand alones. As with all his previous books, the author has taken the time and effort and done his research. But, that said, it was all necessary for Nick and his team to know to be able to better do their jobs. I quite admire Nick's work and life ethos, especially the way he falls back on the simple things to clear his head - walking with Monty being my favourite. He's a smart cookie and methodical and the crime in this book really lends itself to this way of investigating.
So, with an intriguing plot, cracking characters - both main and extras - and delivered in a no nonsense way with no superfluous padding, this book was gripping from start to finish and left me, at its conclusion, wholly satisfied. Roll on book 12...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
February 6, 2022
Firstly, thank you to NetGallery & Amazon Publishing UK for the advanced copy.
Being a fan of Nick Dixon I was very much looking forward to the latest instalment; and I was not disappointed.
At the start of the book we see a different Nick, newly promoted to DCI, and having to work as a Manager rather than a Detective. As the book develops we start to see the Nick we all love, driving his polarising Land Rover and getting involved in an investigation his been told to stay clear of.
The pace of the book is great, & is a constant page turner; the key highlight for me was the humour throughout the book which had me reading with a constant smile on my face.
No only do I recommend this book, but I recommend the entire Nick Dixon series.
Being a fan of Nick Dixon I was very much looking forward to the latest instalment; and I was not disappointed.
At the start of the book we see a different Nick, newly promoted to DCI, and having to work as a Manager rather than a Detective. As the book develops we start to see the Nick we all love, driving his polarising Land Rover and getting involved in an investigation his been told to stay clear of.
The pace of the book is great, & is a constant page turner; the key highlight for me was the humour throughout the book which had me reading with a constant smile on my face.
No only do I recommend this book, but I recommend the entire Nick Dixon series.
June 22, 2021
Back in the day when I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue was actually funny, and I'm talking about the late 1970s, one of my favourite rounds was Late Arrivals At The Ball, where a servant announces the arrival of . . . cue wonderful and bizarre puns, such as:
(The Astronauts' Ball) Mr and Mrs Secondstoblastoff and their Scottish son, Fife
(The Booksellers' Ball) Mr & Mrs Zeen, & their disgusting daughter, Margaret - known as 'Dirty Maggie'
(The Butchers' Ball) Mr and Mrs Poundamince and their son, Arfur
I only mention this because twice now, within a few days, I have found a crime series to which I have come very late. This, for an avowed fan of police procedural novels, is pretty damning. At least the Trevor Negus novels featuring Danny Swift was only a three book series, but much to my shame I find that there have been ten previous books in the DCI Nick Dickson series. All I can do, is review the eleventh - Dying Inside - and mutter "mea culpa." Below, numbers one to five in the Nick Dixon Books.
Nick Dickson works for Avon and Somerset Constabulary, so his beat covers much of England's glorious West Country from Bristol down to Weston super Mare. He is relatively recently promoted, which is good for his salary and pension, but has dragged him into the vortex of tedium which includes mission statements, performance reviews and coma-inducing courses with titles like Developing Inclusive Management Styles In A Modern Police Service. ( I just made that up, but a pound to a penny something very like it actually exists) Dixon, like his creator, is a former solicitor, so he is very wise to the standard stunts pulled by defence lawyers, and it also accounts for his rapid promotion through the ranks. Witnesses often remark that he looks "too young to be such an important officer", to which his response is usually a neutral smile
Here though, he has, dead bodies to deal with. Not so good for the victims - firstly a number of sheep, secondly a dodgy accountant and then an HMRC manager investigating fraud - but good for Dixon's state of mind. The two humans and the sheep have all been killed with fatal shots from a powerful crossbow. Were the sheep just practice targets while the killer honed his or her skills, or were they unrelated incidents? And what is the true story behind the ocean-going yacht owned by the dodgy accountant capsizing and sinking taking with it one of its crew, Laura Dicken?
Bit by bit, Dixon completes the jigsaw, and is convinced that the deaths are revenge attacks by one of the people who were lured into a scam which ruined their pensions and left them more or less destitute. With his bosses anxious for him to wrap the case up and devote himself to the serious business of Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Committees and Diversity Webinars, Dixon has one or two surprises up his sleeve before the case can finally be closed. Dying Inside is a thoroughly entertaining read, full of twists and turns, and is published by Thomas and Mercer. It is out in paperback and Kindle on 22nd June.
(The Astronauts' Ball) Mr and Mrs Secondstoblastoff and their Scottish son, Fife
(The Booksellers' Ball) Mr & Mrs Zeen, & their disgusting daughter, Margaret - known as 'Dirty Maggie'
(The Butchers' Ball) Mr and Mrs Poundamince and their son, Arfur
I only mention this because twice now, within a few days, I have found a crime series to which I have come very late. This, for an avowed fan of police procedural novels, is pretty damning. At least the Trevor Negus novels featuring Danny Swift was only a three book series, but much to my shame I find that there have been ten previous books in the DCI Nick Dickson series. All I can do, is review the eleventh - Dying Inside - and mutter "mea culpa." Below, numbers one to five in the Nick Dixon Books.
Nick Dickson works for Avon and Somerset Constabulary, so his beat covers much of England's glorious West Country from Bristol down to Weston super Mare. He is relatively recently promoted, which is good for his salary and pension, but has dragged him into the vortex of tedium which includes mission statements, performance reviews and coma-inducing courses with titles like Developing Inclusive Management Styles In A Modern Police Service. ( I just made that up, but a pound to a penny something very like it actually exists) Dixon, like his creator, is a former solicitor, so he is very wise to the standard stunts pulled by defence lawyers, and it also accounts for his rapid promotion through the ranks. Witnesses often remark that he looks "too young to be such an important officer", to which his response is usually a neutral smile
Here though, he has, dead bodies to deal with. Not so good for the victims - firstly a number of sheep, secondly a dodgy accountant and then an HMRC manager investigating fraud - but good for Dixon's state of mind. The two humans and the sheep have all been killed with fatal shots from a powerful crossbow. Were the sheep just practice targets while the killer honed his or her skills, or were they unrelated incidents? And what is the true story behind the ocean-going yacht owned by the dodgy accountant capsizing and sinking taking with it one of its crew, Laura Dicken?
Bit by bit, Dixon completes the jigsaw, and is convinced that the deaths are revenge attacks by one of the people who were lured into a scam which ruined their pensions and left them more or less destitute. With his bosses anxious for him to wrap the case up and devote himself to the serious business of Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Committees and Diversity Webinars, Dixon has one or two surprises up his sleeve before the case can finally be closed. Dying Inside is a thoroughly entertaining read, full of twists and turns, and is published by Thomas and Mercer. It is out in paperback and Kindle on 22nd June.
September 3, 2023
After a recent promotion, DCI Nick Dixon finds himself sidelined from the field work and detective work he loves. His schedule crammed with meetings and performance appraisals and webinar training sessions, Dixon is finding himself drowning in the boring slog of police work which doesn’t satisfy him. So when a local farmer rocks up out front of the station with the six decaying sheep carcasses killed with a crossbow bolt to make his concerns taken seriously, Dixon is thrilled to finally have something – no matter how small – to actually investigate. When a body with the same crossbow bolt markings soon turns up, Dixon can see the sheep carcasses for that they really are. Practice. And now the killer is ready for his real targets – humans.
I’ve been enjoying this series for quite some time now and I’m thoroughly pleased that this author has only grown from strength to strength. I heartily sympathized with Dixon – caught between a rock and a hard place. With his management squeezing him into a slot he has no real desire to fill Dixon has been trying to work his own solutions but his streak of luck is finally running out. Grabbing a hold of this multi-faceted case though has finally put some spark back into Dixon’s work life and it’s really interesting to follow along with him and see where it all leads.
In many respects this is an average or normal type of case, a number of different elements – a sunken yacht, dead sheep and a murder victim – all tied together through either coincidence or very thin threads, but watching Dixon and his team tie everything together and uncover what’s really going on what excellent reading. This is not a crack-paced, fast action thriller, but it’s also not a plodding or boring police procedural story. I did feel some of the office politics was a little boring – though I can readily admit it gave quite a bit of tension and structure behind just how pinched and trapped Dixon felt with where his career had turned. I felt all these different elements wound together to form a really interesting, well paced and very well plotted murder mystery.
Readers can be assured they can easily pick this story up by itself. Despite it being the latest in a decent length series the plot and setting and characters are all very well explained and while I enjoyed seeing the various elements of Dixon’s team work together and felt the ending was quite satisfying on a number of levels.
An excellent British police procedural story with a realistic and compelling plot, some great characters and a delicious story to add into this series. A great book.
I’ve been enjoying this series for quite some time now and I’m thoroughly pleased that this author has only grown from strength to strength. I heartily sympathized with Dixon – caught between a rock and a hard place. With his management squeezing him into a slot he has no real desire to fill Dixon has been trying to work his own solutions but his streak of luck is finally running out. Grabbing a hold of this multi-faceted case though has finally put some spark back into Dixon’s work life and it’s really interesting to follow along with him and see where it all leads.
In many respects this is an average or normal type of case, a number of different elements – a sunken yacht, dead sheep and a murder victim – all tied together through either coincidence or very thin threads, but watching Dixon and his team tie everything together and uncover what’s really going on what excellent reading. This is not a crack-paced, fast action thriller, but it’s also not a plodding or boring police procedural story. I did feel some of the office politics was a little boring – though I can readily admit it gave quite a bit of tension and structure behind just how pinched and trapped Dixon felt with where his career had turned. I felt all these different elements wound together to form a really interesting, well paced and very well plotted murder mystery.
Readers can be assured they can easily pick this story up by itself. Despite it being the latest in a decent length series the plot and setting and characters are all very well explained and while I enjoyed seeing the various elements of Dixon’s team work together and felt the ending was quite satisfying on a number of levels.
An excellent British police procedural story with a realistic and compelling plot, some great characters and a delicious story to add into this series. A great book.
June 25, 2021
My Thanks to Netgalley and to publishers Thomas and Mercer for an ARC of this novel in return for an honest review. Having thoroughly enjoyed several of Damien Boyd’s Inspector Nick Dixon novels I was full of anticipation. I wasn’t disappointed. It was fast-paced, believable and very difficult to put down. Well written in straightforward English, but with plenty of intriguing conundrums, it was everything I look for in a detective story. The knowledge of police procedure also seemed good to an outsider. There was a bit of a back story to the main characters to add some interest, but it didn’t intrude. The author had obviously well-researched crossbows and bolts as well as pensions and tax scams.
Nick Dixon, now promoted to Chief Inspector, finds himself marooned behind a desk, spending a lot of time in seemingly meaningless meetings. Until that is a local farmer blocks the station entrance with his tractor pulling a trailer containing the six rotting carcases of some of his best sheep. They’ve been shot through the head using a crossbow. This is the third time this has happened and the farmer wants some action. Dixon decides to oblige. When his suspicions are confirmed and the first body is found shot with a crossbow he becomes involved.
Another huge pleasure for me is that these books are set in my area of the country. I know many of these places well. I travelled every mile of the way in my mind with these characters. I walked the streets of Bristol with them. I was particularly impressed by the briefest mention of a local police station having been closed and rehoused in the neighbourhood fire station. Completely accurate. One of the addresses visited by the police is literally around a few corners from my house. I will be walking down there, but am expecting to find the house number and the building itself are fictitious. Big action-packed climax, near the end of the book, takes place on the Downs in Bristol, near the Observatory at night. Very dramatic. I know it well, For me it all reinforces the authenticity and detailed research that has gone into this writing. I can’t recommend the book enough if you are a lover of well-written detective fiction. I shall now be catching up on the back novels I have so far missed.
Nick Dixon, now promoted to Chief Inspector, finds himself marooned behind a desk, spending a lot of time in seemingly meaningless meetings. Until that is a local farmer blocks the station entrance with his tractor pulling a trailer containing the six rotting carcases of some of his best sheep. They’ve been shot through the head using a crossbow. This is the third time this has happened and the farmer wants some action. Dixon decides to oblige. When his suspicions are confirmed and the first body is found shot with a crossbow he becomes involved.
Another huge pleasure for me is that these books are set in my area of the country. I know many of these places well. I travelled every mile of the way in my mind with these characters. I walked the streets of Bristol with them. I was particularly impressed by the briefest mention of a local police station having been closed and rehoused in the neighbourhood fire station. Completely accurate. One of the addresses visited by the police is literally around a few corners from my house. I will be walking down there, but am expecting to find the house number and the building itself are fictitious. Big action-packed climax, near the end of the book, takes place on the Downs in Bristol, near the Observatory at night. Very dramatic. I know it well, For me it all reinforces the authenticity and detailed research that has gone into this writing. I can’t recommend the book enough if you are a lover of well-written detective fiction. I shall now be catching up on the back novels I have so far missed.
September 27, 2025
Damien Boyd delivers another masterclass in the police procedural with Dying Inside, the fifth installment in the DI Nick Dixon crime series. This book plunges the reader immediately into a cold-case investigation, demanding attention from the very first page. Boyd excels at painting a vivid, almost tangible picture of the Somerset landscape and the grim realities of high-stakes detective work, making the atmosphere a character in itself.
What truly elevates this novel is the compelling depth of the central characters. DI Nick Dixon remains a fiercely dedicated and often complicated protagonist, and his interactions with his loyal team—and of course, his beloved dog Monty—provide much-needed anchor points in an otherwise relentlessly complex mystery. The personal stakes feel higher here than ever before, adding a visceral layer of emotion to the logical pursuit of the truth.
Boyd's plotting is intricate and intelligent. He meticulously crafts a web of clues and red herrings, leading the reader down numerous paths before subtly revealing how all the seemingly disparate threads connect. The pace is expertly controlled, offering moments of intense action followed by the methodical, satisfying work of deduction.
Dying Inside is not just a thrilling mystery; it is a testament to the quality of writing in this series. It's detailed, character-driven, and perfectly balanced, promising a deep, absorbing reading experience without ever needing to rely on cheap tricks. If you appreciate sophisticated crime fiction that respects the reader's intelligence, this is an absolutely essential read.
What truly elevates this novel is the compelling depth of the central characters. DI Nick Dixon remains a fiercely dedicated and often complicated protagonist, and his interactions with his loyal team—and of course, his beloved dog Monty—provide much-needed anchor points in an otherwise relentlessly complex mystery. The personal stakes feel higher here than ever before, adding a visceral layer of emotion to the logical pursuit of the truth.
Boyd's plotting is intricate and intelligent. He meticulously crafts a web of clues and red herrings, leading the reader down numerous paths before subtly revealing how all the seemingly disparate threads connect. The pace is expertly controlled, offering moments of intense action followed by the methodical, satisfying work of deduction.
Dying Inside is not just a thrilling mystery; it is a testament to the quality of writing in this series. It's detailed, character-driven, and perfectly balanced, promising a deep, absorbing reading experience without ever needing to rely on cheap tricks. If you appreciate sophisticated crime fiction that respects the reader's intelligence, this is an absolutely essential read.
March 28, 2023
“Dying Inside” by Damian Boyd (2021) Kindle Edition
Overall Rating 7/10 – Bolt Action
Plot
Someone is running amok killing sheep with a crossbow. Then (because you know stuff like this happens), folk start turning up dead with a crossbow bolt stuck through their eye socket.
Of course, Dixon is on the case and it doesn’t take him long to track down the killer. But, is there more going on than meets the eye? (See what I did there?)
Writing Style
High School writing. Simple, no bells, no whistles, no flavour. Pretty much written as a 1st person narrative but done in the 3rd person.
Point of View
Written in the 3rd Person / Present Tense (virtual protagonist narrative)
Critique
The author has a certain way about his writing that does seem to be unique. In one sense you might imagine that his style is juvenile and, yet, in another, it isn’t. You will find no flowers, no aromas and no adornments of any kind. In this though, I found myself drifting and not able to stay on point. I even put the book down for several days at a time and found it difficult to get back into. In the end, it was compelling and good. It just felt like it was such a drag to get there.
Overall Rating 7/10 – Bolt Action
Plot
Someone is running amok killing sheep with a crossbow. Then (because you know stuff like this happens), folk start turning up dead with a crossbow bolt stuck through their eye socket.
Of course, Dixon is on the case and it doesn’t take him long to track down the killer. But, is there more going on than meets the eye? (See what I did there?)
Writing Style
High School writing. Simple, no bells, no whistles, no flavour. Pretty much written as a 1st person narrative but done in the 3rd person.
Point of View
Written in the 3rd Person / Present Tense (virtual protagonist narrative)
Critique
The author has a certain way about his writing that does seem to be unique. In one sense you might imagine that his style is juvenile and, yet, in another, it isn’t. You will find no flowers, no aromas and no adornments of any kind. In this though, I found myself drifting and not able to stay on point. I even put the book down for several days at a time and found it difficult to get back into. In the end, it was compelling and good. It just felt like it was such a drag to get there.
April 16, 2024
I listened on Audible and really enjoyed this. This is book 11 in a series and I've read or listened to them all. It was great catching up with Nick Dixon and his team. I especially like Nick's avoidance of his superiors when he is on a case and they are trying to intercept him for whatever reason. It always makes me smile.
Something stopped this being a 5 star read for me. See below.
S
P
O
I
L
E
R:
Towards the end of the book Jane says to Dixon that she had gained weight. His answer to her was it wasn't surprising if she was pregnant. She hadn't tested, wasn't aware of it herself. Essentially it was the bloke telling his fiancee that she was pregnant - 7 weeks duration! I think any intellegent woman, and I'm including Jane in this as she is a DS, would know to check for pregnancy long before her clothes didn't fit and her partner mentioned pregnancy. Surely she would have missed her period as her first sign and wanted to do a pregnancy test? But no, Dixon told her to do a test before he ordered her a G&T. Mansplaining at its best!
Definitely written by a man.
That said, I'm still going to order book 12 as I've enjoyed all the books.
Something stopped this being a 5 star read for me. See below.
S
P
O
I
L
E
R:
Towards the end of the book Jane says to Dixon that she had gained weight. His answer to her was it wasn't surprising if she was pregnant. She hadn't tested, wasn't aware of it herself. Essentially it was the bloke telling his fiancee that she was pregnant - 7 weeks duration! I think any intellegent woman, and I'm including Jane in this as she is a DS, would know to check for pregnancy long before her clothes didn't fit and her partner mentioned pregnancy. Surely she would have missed her period as her first sign and wanted to do a pregnancy test? But no, Dixon told her to do a test before he ordered her a G&T. Mansplaining at its best!
Definitely written by a man.
That said, I'm still going to order book 12 as I've enjoyed all the books.
July 2, 2021
Chockablock w/ police procedures, murders, and financial crimes
This book can be read as a stand-alone, but it’s best if readers are already acquainted with the characters. There are about fifty to sixty characters, so it helps to know the police and affiliated characters. I jotted down secondary characters’ names, to better keep track of them.
The gruesome, crossbow-murders storyline is complex, with incidents of sheep killing, a yacht sinking, and possible gangs & drugs involvement. Then, into the plot creeps two British financial schemes—the pension transfer scam and the tax avoidance “loan scheme.” These very real scams devastated the lives of pensioners, wage workers, people with means, etc. At times the financial storyline overwhelms the murder, but it’s imperative to follow both.
Author Damien Boyd proceeds carefully and logically, but I kept my left brain engaged, and I also read more about the new-to-me swindles. In retrospect, the crossbow murders alone might’ve been predictable, but when combined with the financial storyline, this mystery is a doozy.
This book can be read as a stand-alone, but it’s best if readers are already acquainted with the characters. There are about fifty to sixty characters, so it helps to know the police and affiliated characters. I jotted down secondary characters’ names, to better keep track of them.
The gruesome, crossbow-murders storyline is complex, with incidents of sheep killing, a yacht sinking, and possible gangs & drugs involvement. Then, into the plot creeps two British financial schemes—the pension transfer scam and the tax avoidance “loan scheme.” These very real scams devastated the lives of pensioners, wage workers, people with means, etc. At times the financial storyline overwhelms the murder, but it’s imperative to follow both.
Author Damien Boyd proceeds carefully and logically, but I kept my left brain engaged, and I also read more about the new-to-me swindles. In retrospect, the crossbow murders alone might’ve been predictable, but when combined with the financial storyline, this mystery is a doozy.
July 19, 2021
Dying Inside is the eleventh instalment in the DCI Nick Dixon series, although as I can personally vouch for, it can be read as a stand-alone novel. I haven’t read any of the previous books in the series and had no problems getting to grips with who’s who.
Dixon is everything you would expect from a good inspector: his dogged determination and gut feelings don’t often steer him wrong. We’re also exposed to plenty of his personal life, which breaks up the gruesome details of Dixon’s latest case.
This book is not short of action and mystery. The short chapters keep the pace quick and interesting, and I genuinely didn’t guess who was behind the crimes.
I did struggle to fully connect with the characters though which left my reading experience feeling a little dry. Perhaps if I’d have read more of the previous books this would not have been an issue, but I wanted to get behind Dixon more than I did. I felt he was lacking a vulnerable edge to his character.
An enjoyable and quick read that crime-lovers should definitely add to their ‘to be read’ pile.
Dixon is everything you would expect from a good inspector: his dogged determination and gut feelings don’t often steer him wrong. We’re also exposed to plenty of his personal life, which breaks up the gruesome details of Dixon’s latest case.
This book is not short of action and mystery. The short chapters keep the pace quick and interesting, and I genuinely didn’t guess who was behind the crimes.
I did struggle to fully connect with the characters though which left my reading experience feeling a little dry. Perhaps if I’d have read more of the previous books this would not have been an issue, but I wanted to get behind Dixon more than I did. I felt he was lacking a vulnerable edge to his character.
An enjoyable and quick read that crime-lovers should definitely add to their ‘to be read’ pile.
June 26, 2021
This is #11 in the DI Nick Dixon series but can easily be read as a standalone.
I was looking forward to reading this as it’s set in an area that I know very well, and I wasn’t disappointed.
There are several cases of sheep being killed by a crossbow and when a body turns up, killed in the same way, it’s clear to Nick that the perpetrator was using the sheep for practice shots. The organised crime unit take over the case as they’re sure it was a gangland killing, but then another body is found – with connections to the first body – so Nick’s team take on the case.
Nick’s partner is a DS, and there’s just enough about their private lives to be interesting but not to negatively affect the story.
This was a great thriller with an unexpected ending, and I’ll definitely be reading more of the DI Nick Dixon books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
I was looking forward to reading this as it’s set in an area that I know very well, and I wasn’t disappointed.
There are several cases of sheep being killed by a crossbow and when a body turns up, killed in the same way, it’s clear to Nick that the perpetrator was using the sheep for practice shots. The organised crime unit take over the case as they’re sure it was a gangland killing, but then another body is found – with connections to the first body – so Nick’s team take on the case.
Nick’s partner is a DS, and there’s just enough about their private lives to be interesting but not to negatively affect the story.
This was a great thriller with an unexpected ending, and I’ll definitely be reading more of the DI Nick Dixon books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
April 20, 2025
Another offering in the Nick Dixon series. Dixon is now made up to Chief Inspector and struggling to maintain his current team and not be shunted off to the Major Incident Team. A man is found dead with a crossbow bolt pinning him to a tree. Nick has been looking at several incidents involving sheep shot dead by someone using a crossbow, and he goes to the crime scene. Soon, there is a conflict with the Organised crime team, who are insisting that the murder is drug related. With his record for solving crimes of this nature, he is soon leading a team of detectives.
Lots of action as once again he puts himself in danger before his team but does enlist the help of his partner Jane Winter. The issues revolve around fraudulent actions with peoples pay, pensions, how inmates are treated in prisons and on the streets homeless. Very good action sequences. On the personal side he and Jane are thinking weddings and soon has some news for him. A good quick read. 3 stars.
Lots of action as once again he puts himself in danger before his team but does enlist the help of his partner Jane Winter. The issues revolve around fraudulent actions with peoples pay, pensions, how inmates are treated in prisons and on the streets homeless. Very good action sequences. On the personal side he and Jane are thinking weddings and soon has some news for him. A good quick read. 3 stars.
August 15, 2021
Dying Inside was an exciting book in parts. I was anxious to find out who the killer was and the author made it difficult to put together until the end of the book where it was finally tied up into a neat package. My problems with the book were due to several facts. First of all this was the first DI Nick Dixon book that I had ever read and was unfamiliar with the characters. The second issue dealt with the British dialect and slang encountered in the book which made it difficult to understand without looking up many of the words. However, I was still able to enjoy most of the novel and found it very engaging.
I would like to thank Thomas and Mercer Publishing as well as Net Galley for the chance to read and review this thriller of a book. I recommend reading this book as it is a definite page-turner.
I would like to thank Thomas and Mercer Publishing as well as Net Galley for the chance to read and review this thriller of a book. I recommend reading this book as it is a definite page-turner.
August 19, 2021
This was an exciting thriller and it joined newly promoted DCI Nick Dixon in what appears to be a well established series. I think this is the first book I have read from Damien Boyd and I have no doubt there would be benefits to reading the series in order!
However, having not done that I can only base this review on Dying Inside although I am tempted to now read from book 1 onwards.
DCI Nick Dixon was a good character and I enjoyed following him through the book.
The storyline was clever and certainly unique for me which made it all the more interesting! The internal conflict within the police is quite a common theme and I wonder how much it reflects upon real life.
All in all, I really enjoyed following the story and will be keeping a look out for Damien Boyd books in the future.
However, having not done that I can only base this review on Dying Inside although I am tempted to now read from book 1 onwards.
DCI Nick Dixon was a good character and I enjoyed following him through the book.
The storyline was clever and certainly unique for me which made it all the more interesting! The internal conflict within the police is quite a common theme and I wonder how much it reflects upon real life.
All in all, I really enjoyed following the story and will be keeping a look out for Damien Boyd books in the future.
July 6, 2021
This would rate a fifth star, if I had been able to keep all the characters straight~! Maybe it is me, but I kept having to go back and remember who was who and such info. (Maye a Character Tree inside the front cover?)
The story grabbed my interest from the first pages. The Good Guy (Dixon) carrys mystery around himself and made me want to read the earlier parts of his tale for better understanding of him.
Better understanding certainly may be found by reading them in order, rather than how I jumped on Book #11~
Fast Paced (they needed to be!), mind twisting trying to solve the mystery and a real page turner~ I fully recommend this book. I also learned new terms from the UK - I felt I was there~ Enjoy.
The story grabbed my interest from the first pages. The Good Guy (Dixon) carrys mystery around himself and made me want to read the earlier parts of his tale for better understanding of him.
Better understanding certainly may be found by reading them in order, rather than how I jumped on Book #11~
Fast Paced (they needed to be!), mind twisting trying to solve the mystery and a real page turner~ I fully recommend this book. I also learned new terms from the UK - I felt I was there~ Enjoy.
April 12, 2023
I can’t believe this is the 11th book in Damien Boyd’s Nick Dixon crime thriller series. They are enjoyable to read and like the other stories in the series Dying Inside gradually develops the key characters whilst focusing on a capsized ship and a series of murders by use of crossbow. There are twists and turns throughout the book with an unexpected ending. I recommend Damien Boyd Nick Dixon series, you could read Dying Inside as a stand-alone or my recommendation would be pick up the first book and see how you get on, although you don’t necessarily need to read in strict order. Another key factor that makes Damien’s books so interesting is the way he covers police procedures as part of the story, All set in the Somerset countryside and along its coastline and beaches.
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