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DCI Danny Flint #1
Evil in Mind
Two evil men. One deadly obsession.
Nottinghamshire, 1984. Jimmy Wade is pure evil - he first killed at the age of eleven and lately he’s been feeling those urges again. And now he finds an unlikely partner in psychopathic police sergeant Mick Reynolds.
Against the background of a bitter, acrimonious strike called by the National Union of Mineworkers, the two embark on a horrific killing spree, Wade's natural cunning and Reynolds' knowledge of forensics and police procedure allowing them to stay one step ahead of the law.
DI Danny Flint is tasked with investigating the series of brutal murders and so begins a deadly game of cat and mouse. The killers revel in playing mind games, confident they will never be caught.
Then, as he slowly closes in on them, Danny discovers that someone he cares about is in terrible danger…
Evil in Mind – the first in a gripping new detective series featuring DI Danny Flint.
Nottinghamshire, 1984. Jimmy Wade is pure evil - he first killed at the age of eleven and lately he’s been feeling those urges again. And now he finds an unlikely partner in psychopathic police sergeant Mick Reynolds.
Against the background of a bitter, acrimonious strike called by the National Union of Mineworkers, the two embark on a horrific killing spree, Wade's natural cunning and Reynolds' knowledge of forensics and police procedure allowing them to stay one step ahead of the law.
DI Danny Flint is tasked with investigating the series of brutal murders and so begins a deadly game of cat and mouse. The killers revel in playing mind games, confident they will never be caught.
Then, as he slowly closes in on them, Danny discovers that someone he cares about is in terrible danger…
Evil in Mind – the first in a gripping new detective series featuring DI Danny Flint.
- GenresMystery
522 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2021
513 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Trevor Negus
21 books60 followersDuring a varied thirty year police career Trevor spent six years as an authorised firearms officer and sniper, before transferring onto the CID. He spent the last twelve years of his career as a detective, becoming a specialist interviewer involved in the planning and implementation of interviews with murder suspects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 17, 2022
3.5 rounded up
Two evil men, one utterly filled with hate, the other horrifyingly cold and calculating and who first kills at the age of eleven. This dark crime novel is set in Nottinghamshire against the backdrop of the 1984 miners strike, especially divisive in this county. One killer is a miner, the other a police sergeant bussed in from the Met. Two birds, not necessarily of similar feather but likeminded in their desire to kill. The two embark on a brutal killing spree that tests the Mansfield based team led by DCI Danny Flint. The two challenge the force in more ways than one and a deadly and horrifying ‘game’ ensues.
First of all, the historical context and backdrop are excellent providing that extra dimension of grit to the storyline. The plot is gripping, its action packed with constantly changing scenes that keep you reading on. It’s very dark and violent and you feel the despair of the police team who I like very much, having their own brand of camaraderie. It’s a good police procedural and it’s left me definitely wanting to read more in the series but it’s a bit overlong in places with some extraneous details.
A Kindle Unlimited read.
Two evil men, one utterly filled with hate, the other horrifyingly cold and calculating and who first kills at the age of eleven. This dark crime novel is set in Nottinghamshire against the backdrop of the 1984 miners strike, especially divisive in this county. One killer is a miner, the other a police sergeant bussed in from the Met. Two birds, not necessarily of similar feather but likeminded in their desire to kill. The two embark on a brutal killing spree that tests the Mansfield based team led by DCI Danny Flint. The two challenge the force in more ways than one and a deadly and horrifying ‘game’ ensues.
First of all, the historical context and backdrop are excellent providing that extra dimension of grit to the storyline. The plot is gripping, its action packed with constantly changing scenes that keep you reading on. It’s very dark and violent and you feel the despair of the police team who I like very much, having their own brand of camaraderie. It’s a good police procedural and it’s left me definitely wanting to read more in the series but it’s a bit overlong in places with some extraneous details.
A Kindle Unlimited read.
September 19, 2021
Evil in mind is a great crime thriller based during the minor strike In 1984. When two murders become friends they decide to partner up. Detective don't know how to catch the killer because they never leave evidence.
I enjoyed this book however it is a slow burner so bare with it. I would also suggest getting yourself a note boon to write who is who as I still don't really know therefore won't be using character names in this review.
I enjoyed the storyline its an interesting case with an interesting psychology around murder.
As well as the murder investigation we get engrossed in the personal lives of every significant person in the book. The local police officer and his father storyline was quite emotional and also great to read, I felt by the time I finished the the book I was emotionally invested in all of the characters and I wanna know what happened to them all!! I’m just really happy that this isn’t a one and done series in terms of the detectives
Something that I found really intriguing about this because it’s set in the 80s, there is so much about the story that I had to remind myself would only be relevant in a modern tech technological world which this book is not based in. There for things like people having to call the police but having to find a house or phone box to make the phone call was really funny to me as a millenial I couldn’t help but I think that was a crazy time !!. I really got a sense of being in that year and i really enjoyed this different slant on an investigation and how the advancement of technology has played a huge role in modern day policing. I didn’t think it would add anything to the story but actually I feel like it adds everything to story and made the story far more interesting !!
The prose is written very well as I said prior the book is extremely long this was not a one and done day for me . Although the book is longer is not over compensating for a lack of a good storyline as the storyline is really well written as I said I believe that the book is so long because of the amount of different characters that play vital in central roles within the story. The author has a very good way of describing scenes so you really feel like you are there, I probably won’t be going to woods again anytime soon!
All I know Is i enjoyed this book I found that the context was really well written the characters were believable the investigation is done so well in terms of realistical police procedures got that decade its a great novel. I would therefore recommend evil in mind and rate it 3.5 stars out of five, the only reason it is not higher is because it took me such a long time to fully feel connection with the book and by then I kind of forgot who everybody was and at one point I was very confused thinking there was like 10 cops who were killers which they could have been but not in this book so just pay good attention LOL!
Thank you to netgalley, the author and the publishers for the advanced digital copy of evil in mind in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.
I enjoyed this book however it is a slow burner so bare with it. I would also suggest getting yourself a note boon to write who is who as I still don't really know therefore won't be using character names in this review.
I enjoyed the storyline its an interesting case with an interesting psychology around murder.
As well as the murder investigation we get engrossed in the personal lives of every significant person in the book. The local police officer and his father storyline was quite emotional and also great to read, I felt by the time I finished the the book I was emotionally invested in all of the characters and I wanna know what happened to them all!! I’m just really happy that this isn’t a one and done series in terms of the detectives
Something that I found really intriguing about this because it’s set in the 80s, there is so much about the story that I had to remind myself would only be relevant in a modern tech technological world which this book is not based in. There for things like people having to call the police but having to find a house or phone box to make the phone call was really funny to me as a millenial I couldn’t help but I think that was a crazy time !!. I really got a sense of being in that year and i really enjoyed this different slant on an investigation and how the advancement of technology has played a huge role in modern day policing. I didn’t think it would add anything to the story but actually I feel like it adds everything to story and made the story far more interesting !!
The prose is written very well as I said prior the book is extremely long this was not a one and done day for me . Although the book is longer is not over compensating for a lack of a good storyline as the storyline is really well written as I said I believe that the book is so long because of the amount of different characters that play vital in central roles within the story. The author has a very good way of describing scenes so you really feel like you are there, I probably won’t be going to woods again anytime soon!
All I know Is i enjoyed this book I found that the context was really well written the characters were believable the investigation is done so well in terms of realistical police procedures got that decade its a great novel. I would therefore recommend evil in mind and rate it 3.5 stars out of five, the only reason it is not higher is because it took me such a long time to fully feel connection with the book and by then I kind of forgot who everybody was and at one point I was very confused thinking there was like 10 cops who were killers which they could have been but not in this book so just pay good attention LOL!
Thank you to netgalley, the author and the publishers for the advanced digital copy of evil in mind in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.
May 14, 2021
Evil in Mind is the first instalment in the Detective Chief Inspector Danny Flint series, set in and around the village of Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire. It's 1984 and the county's in the grip of a bitter, acrimonious strike called by the National Union of Mineworkers. Jimmy Wade is the very definition of evil, he first killed at the age of eleven, he's now a coal miner in Nottinghamshire. Mick Reynolds is in a hateful marriage and has a pathological hatred of women, he's a sergeant in the Metropolitan Police. When Reynolds is sent to police the strike, his duties involve escorting Wade and other miners breaking the strike into work every day. Thrown together by circumstance and recognising each other's murderous natures, they embark on a brutal killing spree, using Wade's natural cunning and Reynolds knowledge of forensics and police procedures to evade detection. The two men are pursued in Nottinghamshire by DCI Flint and in London by DI Johnson and both are under increasing pressure to get results. To make matters worse Flint’s father has just suffered a life-threatening stroke that'll need plenty of time in rehabilitation but at least he has the love of a good woman. The killers revel in playing games, taunting the police, ultimately intending to kill one of the detectives. As the police close in, the story reaches a thrilling and unexpected climax.
This is a compulsive, captivating and thoroughly original fact meets fiction police procedural set in the dark time of the eighties miners strikes, which caused havoc around the country. Not only is the plot intricate and detailed but so is the backdrop and the political, social and economical issues of the time are brought into sharp focus. It also had me pondering whether two killers or psychopaths can recognise each other as brothers in arms as the story goes here. From all the true crime I've read, I feel it would take a very special type of personality to share their kills with another as murderers are narcissistic and always seeking the limelight at all costs. Negus captures perfectly the hustle and bustle of a mining town and the opportunities such work brought for the working class. Trevor is a 30-year police veteran with 12 of those spent as a Detective involved in specialised interviewing of murder suspects, bringing an authentic and believable element to the story. This is a dark, sinister and surprisingly riveting tale that moves at a blistering pace with good use of twists and red herrings to pull the wool over your eyes. The police investigation is realistic and gave very good insight into the time by exploring both the political and policing pressures involved. A cracking, unexpectedly compelling read.
This is a compulsive, captivating and thoroughly original fact meets fiction police procedural set in the dark time of the eighties miners strikes, which caused havoc around the country. Not only is the plot intricate and detailed but so is the backdrop and the political, social and economical issues of the time are brought into sharp focus. It also had me pondering whether two killers or psychopaths can recognise each other as brothers in arms as the story goes here. From all the true crime I've read, I feel it would take a very special type of personality to share their kills with another as murderers are narcissistic and always seeking the limelight at all costs. Negus captures perfectly the hustle and bustle of a mining town and the opportunities such work brought for the working class. Trevor is a 30-year police veteran with 12 of those spent as a Detective involved in specialised interviewing of murder suspects, bringing an authentic and believable element to the story. This is a dark, sinister and surprisingly riveting tale that moves at a blistering pace with good use of twists and red herrings to pull the wool over your eyes. The police investigation is realistic and gave very good insight into the time by exploring both the political and policing pressures involved. A cracking, unexpectedly compelling read.
May 16, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Inkubator Books for an advance copy of Evil in Mind, the first novel to feature DI Danny Flint of the Nottinghamshire Police, set during the Miners’ Strike in 1984-5.
Two very different characters, miner Jimmy Wade and police sergeant Mick Reynolds, find they have an interest in common, murder, and set out on a killing spree. Jimmy supplies the plan and Mick supplies the technical know-how to avoid detection. Together they think they are unstoppable, DI Danny Flint begs to differ.
I enjoyed Evil in Mind, which has an easy style and a compulsive plot. Obviously, with Jimmy and Mick identified early on, it is not a whodunnit, but more of a psychological chase. The narrative is mostly told from Danny, Jimmy and Mick’s points of view with other characters chiming in as and when necessary. This is interesting as it highlights the investigation and the evasion tactics taken by the killers, and at the same time the dynamic between the two killers, which is more a meeting of needs than minds.
The novel is longer than standard, which on the upside offers more character development and a deeper dive into their psyches, but on the downside offers a lot of unnecessary trivialities and is slower than it needs to be. I liked this slower pace as the novel never fades and it supports the detailed plot. I just wanted to keep reading.
I was, however, disappointed in the background. The miners’ strike was vicious, brutal and desperate on both sides and the author has treated it as an almost cosy dispute with no mention of the police brutality or the communities torn apart.
Evil in Mind is a good read that I can recommend.
Two very different characters, miner Jimmy Wade and police sergeant Mick Reynolds, find they have an interest in common, murder, and set out on a killing spree. Jimmy supplies the plan and Mick supplies the technical know-how to avoid detection. Together they think they are unstoppable, DI Danny Flint begs to differ.
I enjoyed Evil in Mind, which has an easy style and a compulsive plot. Obviously, with Jimmy and Mick identified early on, it is not a whodunnit, but more of a psychological chase. The narrative is mostly told from Danny, Jimmy and Mick’s points of view with other characters chiming in as and when necessary. This is interesting as it highlights the investigation and the evasion tactics taken by the killers, and at the same time the dynamic between the two killers, which is more a meeting of needs than minds.
The novel is longer than standard, which on the upside offers more character development and a deeper dive into their psyches, but on the downside offers a lot of unnecessary trivialities and is slower than it needs to be. I liked this slower pace as the novel never fades and it supports the detailed plot. I just wanted to keep reading.
I was, however, disappointed in the background. The miners’ strike was vicious, brutal and desperate on both sides and the author has treated it as an almost cosy dispute with no mention of the police brutality or the communities torn apart.
Evil in Mind is a good read that I can recommend.
February 4, 2024
What a superb read this was. Absolutely thrilling. I have enjoyed each and every page of this book.
Lucky for me I currently have books 2,3 and 4 to read. Hoping the series continues as strongly as its started.
Lucky for me I currently have books 2,3 and 4 to read. Hoping the series continues as strongly as its started.
April 19, 2017
As a person who lived in the area this book is set; who was a young teen during the period in which it exists and who’s family was involved in the Miners strike………………….my opinion is no more valid than anyone else’s and should be given not one jot of extra attention. So lets stick to the book shall we, this is not about authentic the details are or what the writers political perspective is but about how good a murder mystery this is.
Fortunately its great, huge fun and a grower which is good because I had my doubts at the start. The author was a Police officer during the strike and I believe this is his first book and as I began reading the book I thought I could tell as there is a very cold and clinical style to the writing. This is not a book where you are emoting all over the place and at times it felt like there was such a sharp attention to detail in the facts presented that you were being presented with a report from a crime scene. The introductions of the characters felt like that in particular at times, a resume provided rather than character discovered. But as I read the book it changed (or I did). I cannot pinpoint where but the following happened.
1. The sense of place began to impress me and the non-judgmental way all characters were dealt with as well. This is a period of history where sides are easy to take, my background is one of the other side to the author but I liked the way he was not there to judge but to tell a good story. There was a humanity at the heart of the book with an understanding that people are just people trying to live rather than being a representation of their opinions and affiliations. There was a warmth that grew on me. The detailed presentation actually helped in this and I began to appreciate this was a style of writing I actually enjoyed quite a lot as opposed to a flaw that took me out of the narrative. Not dissimilar to Sjowall and Wahloo in many ways, and they are masters of the art.
2. The Plot is great and keeps moving. I had little idea where it was going, there were twists and turns and a great ending that means I will be buying the next book. The plot ties to the place and how nice not to get yet another master detective just solving everything but some hard graft, luck and solid police work described. A team effort.
3. The characters are interesting and as you bed into the style the nuances are there to be seen and enjoyed. I grew to like the main protagonists and while I was going to say that the key players are almost too nice and decent I don't think I will because you are meant to like your heroes and the main players. Its too snippy and mean spirited. Despite my reservations as to the style I grew to like this bunch and there was clearly something in there to draw you in.
It is not relevant to my review but I actually lived very close to the scene of one of the incidents in this book. The detail of is was absolutely bang on. It was a well chosen location for the purpose it served.
All in all this was a pleasant surprise. A deftly written and impressive book and one which I would not hesitate recommending to another.
Do I get a prize or something for being the first review of it?
Fortunately its great, huge fun and a grower which is good because I had my doubts at the start. The author was a Police officer during the strike and I believe this is his first book and as I began reading the book I thought I could tell as there is a very cold and clinical style to the writing. This is not a book where you are emoting all over the place and at times it felt like there was such a sharp attention to detail in the facts presented that you were being presented with a report from a crime scene. The introductions of the characters felt like that in particular at times, a resume provided rather than character discovered. But as I read the book it changed (or I did). I cannot pinpoint where but the following happened.
1. The sense of place began to impress me and the non-judgmental way all characters were dealt with as well. This is a period of history where sides are easy to take, my background is one of the other side to the author but I liked the way he was not there to judge but to tell a good story. There was a humanity at the heart of the book with an understanding that people are just people trying to live rather than being a representation of their opinions and affiliations. There was a warmth that grew on me. The detailed presentation actually helped in this and I began to appreciate this was a style of writing I actually enjoyed quite a lot as opposed to a flaw that took me out of the narrative. Not dissimilar to Sjowall and Wahloo in many ways, and they are masters of the art.
2. The Plot is great and keeps moving. I had little idea where it was going, there were twists and turns and a great ending that means I will be buying the next book. The plot ties to the place and how nice not to get yet another master detective just solving everything but some hard graft, luck and solid police work described. A team effort.
3. The characters are interesting and as you bed into the style the nuances are there to be seen and enjoyed. I grew to like the main protagonists and while I was going to say that the key players are almost too nice and decent I don't think I will because you are meant to like your heroes and the main players. Its too snippy and mean spirited. Despite my reservations as to the style I grew to like this bunch and there was clearly something in there to draw you in.
It is not relevant to my review but I actually lived very close to the scene of one of the incidents in this book. The detail of is was absolutely bang on. It was a well chosen location for the purpose it served.
All in all this was a pleasant surprise. A deftly written and impressive book and one which I would not hesitate recommending to another.
Do I get a prize or something for being the first review of it?
May 16, 2021
4 stars
A slow burn mystery featuring two serial killers with some complex MO’s. This was a unique police procedural for me, both in terms of writing style & narrative construction. It’s a long read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
[What I liked:]
•It was interesting having two criminals in this story, both with different motivations to kill, different triggers, different styles of violence, etc. Having one organized & one disorganized killer in the same book gave a nice contrast.
•The characters on the police force are great. I like Danny a lot, how intense & driven he is, while still being a compassionate & loving person. He cares about results at work, but also takes care of his employees & family. Rob is funny, Rachel is smart & intuitive. Glyn & Craig play off each other with great banter.
•I appreciate how the plot started with Jimmy’s background, how his psychology was shaped since childhood. The introduction of Mick felt a bit random at first but quickly made sense as the story progressed. The murders, escalation of violence, small mistakes made by the killers, etc. unfolded in a very carefully plotted way that kept the tension high.
•The writing style is different than what I usually gravitate towards, but I liked it. There is a higher ratio of narration to scenes with dialogue, but it never felt like summary. The amount of details was good, & the dialogue mostly smooth.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Minor quibble, but there was a lot of Sue towards the beginning of the book, & then mentions of her & Danny’s dad just dropped off until the end. I know Danny was busy & not seeing her for most of the book, but it felt unbalanced to me for a character to feature & then disappear into the background.
•Practically every woman character in the book is introduced with a long description of their sex appeal. The ones who aren’t, are described as trying too hard to appear sexy so end up looking tacky. I just...does it matter to the narrative how attractive a professional woman is?
CW: murder, torture, domestic violence, drug abuse, sexual assault, suicide, physical assault, racism
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
A slow burn mystery featuring two serial killers with some complex MO’s. This was a unique police procedural for me, both in terms of writing style & narrative construction. It’s a long read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
[What I liked:]
•It was interesting having two criminals in this story, both with different motivations to kill, different triggers, different styles of violence, etc. Having one organized & one disorganized killer in the same book gave a nice contrast.
•The characters on the police force are great. I like Danny a lot, how intense & driven he is, while still being a compassionate & loving person. He cares about results at work, but also takes care of his employees & family. Rob is funny, Rachel is smart & intuitive. Glyn & Craig play off each other with great banter.
•I appreciate how the plot started with Jimmy’s background, how his psychology was shaped since childhood. The introduction of Mick felt a bit random at first but quickly made sense as the story progressed. The murders, escalation of violence, small mistakes made by the killers, etc. unfolded in a very carefully plotted way that kept the tension high.
•The writing style is different than what I usually gravitate towards, but I liked it. There is a higher ratio of narration to scenes with dialogue, but it never felt like summary. The amount of details was good, & the dialogue mostly smooth.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Minor quibble, but there was a lot of Sue towards the beginning of the book, & then mentions of her & Danny’s dad just dropped off until the end. I know Danny was busy & not seeing her for most of the book, but it felt unbalanced to me for a character to feature & then disappear into the background.
•Practically every woman character in the book is introduced with a long description of their sex appeal. The ones who aren’t, are described as trying too hard to appear sexy so end up looking tacky. I just...does it matter to the narrative how attractive a professional woman is?
CW: murder, torture, domestic violence, drug abuse, sexual assault, suicide, physical assault, racism
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
August 16, 2019
Absolutely gripping. For anyone wanting to read in the correct order read The Coal Killer first before A Different Kind of Evil. I’ve only just started reading Trevors books and I’m not usually into the Crime genre, but with Trevor having worked within the Police Force you know you’re reading fiction that is based on first hand knowledge. Set in the time of the Miners strike it introduces you to Jimmy Wade and Mick Reynolds who works for the Police Force. Their paths intertwine and then results in a plot which isn’t only disturbing but it’s also very cleverly written. I’m really glad I’ve started reading Trevor’s books and look forward to reading the others.
July 30, 2021
Not my favorite
I got to Chapter Two, skipped to the last chapter, which I never do, but this was like reading a book report. I was going to read his series, but based on this book, I will be skipping it.
I got to Chapter Two, skipped to the last chapter, which I never do, but this was like reading a book report. I was going to read his series, but based on this book, I will be skipping it.
July 17, 2022
How likely is it to have two killers meet up randomly? Very unlikely, but we have it. One is a bit more calculated, while the other is more unstable. You know the saying you see around online about if a hitchhiker gets into your vehicle and they ask if you are a serial killer, and your reply is one of "what are the odds of there being two serial killers in the same vehicle?" This was sorta the same thing, and I did like that. Though you can see the difference between the two.
Women are being killed in a horrible fashion, one that leaves it where they are hard to identify. No evidence is left at the scene, leaving them baffled. With murders happening and a mine-strike happening, the police are working hard. Could it be someone in law enforcement that ends up being the question? The book does take place in the 80s and has a bunch of different characters that come into play. Overall it was a good storyline, and I liked the ending. One that I was wondering how it would have played out.
There did seem to be a few changes between the English and American words. I do believe the author needs to keep it either one way or the other. It doesn't take away from the story being told or an issue, just something that should stay consistent.
Women are being killed in a horrible fashion, one that leaves it where they are hard to identify. No evidence is left at the scene, leaving them baffled. With murders happening and a mine-strike happening, the police are working hard. Could it be someone in law enforcement that ends up being the question? The book does take place in the 80s and has a bunch of different characters that come into play. Overall it was a good storyline, and I liked the ending. One that I was wondering how it would have played out.
There did seem to be a few changes between the English and American words. I do believe the author needs to keep it either one way or the other. It doesn't take away from the story being told or an issue, just something that should stay consistent.
July 13, 2021
This book is a fantastic start to a new series. It is extremely well written and totally absorbing right from the start. It draws the reader in and takes them right back to the 1980’s with the miners strike, the Thatcher government and the policing of that era. The plot itself was very imaginative in a chilling way and really made you wonder what it is that makes people so evil. The main characters of DI Danny Flint and DS Rob Buxton were very interesting and well defined making them very believable and engaging. The problems that Danny encountered with the budget cuts and resources were something that was totally frustrating but sadly a reflection of the times the story was set in, which made it all the more realistic. The case itself was horrific and kept me turning the pages well into the night hoping that the killer would be caught and stopped before any more tragedies could ensue. Interestingly the ending was an amazing twist in the plot and was completely unexpected. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys psychological crime thrillers and I am certainly going to read the next two in the series.
July 16, 2024
A new author and new series for me and what a great start. Set in Nottinghamshire amid the miners strike of 1984, we are introduced to Jimmy Wade, a miner with an addiction to killing from a young age and when his path crosses with a police sergeant up from London who has a similar addiction, then DCI Danny Flint and his small team are faced with solving horrific murders as well as losing team members to aid the policing of the strike.
I really enjoyed this. Gripping from the outset as the story is told from the point of view of the killers and the police investigation, meaning the reader is often ahead of what the police know and while you expect a plot twist or two, this certainly doesn't follow the usual tropes with a twist and an ending which I didn't expect and had me checking that I have the next book on kindle already!
A great throwback to the harsh days of the mid 80s and an excellent read which at times, is quite brutal and graphic. Highly recommended
I really enjoyed this. Gripping from the outset as the story is told from the point of view of the killers and the police investigation, meaning the reader is often ahead of what the police know and while you expect a plot twist or two, this certainly doesn't follow the usual tropes with a twist and an ending which I didn't expect and had me checking that I have the next book on kindle already!
A great throwback to the harsh days of the mid 80s and an excellent read which at times, is quite brutal and graphic. Highly recommended
July 6, 2021
I hadn’t read Trevor Negus before - so glad I found this book browsing through the Kindle store.
Set against the bitter backdrop of the miner’s strike in the 1980s, Trevor has written a brilliant novel, weaving facts(of the strike) with a fast moving, riveting novel with many twists and turns which hold the reader’s interest from start to finish.
The characters are all very believable and the theme of good v evil is breathtakingly described superbly.
No spoilers in this review, so I urge to access this book. It will keep you riveted from start to finish.
Just downloaded the second D I Danny Flint book in the series. Early days but the descriptive, shocking detail and storyline have me hooked already!
Set against the bitter backdrop of the miner’s strike in the 1980s, Trevor has written a brilliant novel, weaving facts(of the strike) with a fast moving, riveting novel with many twists and turns which hold the reader’s interest from start to finish.
The characters are all very believable and the theme of good v evil is breathtakingly described superbly.
No spoilers in this review, so I urge to access this book. It will keep you riveted from start to finish.
Just downloaded the second D I Danny Flint book in the series. Early days but the descriptive, shocking detail and storyline have me hooked already!
September 24, 2024
It's kind of amusing to me to see the 4.38 Goodreads rating for this British police procedural/serial killers novel. I got it in one of those packages Kindle users are accustomed to seeing (4 novels by the same writer for less than the price of one!). The author is a retired detective; he may have been a good one, but that does not automatically make him a good writer. The best thing about this novel is its setting in the north of England during the period of Thatcher's mine closures and the ensuing strikes 40+ years ago. The torture-murders of women were really hard to take, but it was the pedestrian writing that really put me off reading any of the next three of his Danny Flint novels that I now own.
July 20, 2021
What’s more interesting to me, guv, is what we didn’t find at the scene.’
Murders never go out of fashion in this one. Generally the small things become important at the end in a crime investigation novel. But here the author takes us to lots of dead ends. Initially I was irritated about why he is wasting my time (more so because we always know the killer's side and so know this is a dead end). But in a way this is more realistic as real police work will involve chasing wild geese.
But why o why did you not end it properly. Now I will have to read the next book for closure. Absolutely hate these gimmicks!
Murders never go out of fashion in this one. Generally the small things become important at the end in a crime investigation novel. But here the author takes us to lots of dead ends. Initially I was irritated about why he is wasting my time (more so because we always know the killer's side and so know this is a dead end). But in a way this is more realistic as real police work will involve chasing wild geese.
But why o why did you not end it properly. Now I will have to read the next book for closure. Absolutely hate these gimmicks!
December 2, 2022
I am truly enjoying this series. I hate that the superintendents and other superiors apparently have forgotten what justice is and place so much more emphasis on politics; political opinion and furthering their career.
We just finished watching the tv series Fargo. Another instance where the police do not come out in good light. If they are all as “dumb and easily fooled” it is a wonder there is any justice.
I am very pleased with how this book ended, I won’t say more as I don’t want to release a spoiler.
We just finished watching the tv series Fargo. Another instance where the police do not come out in good light. If they are all as “dumb and easily fooled” it is a wonder there is any justice.
I am very pleased with how this book ended, I won’t say more as I don’t want to release a spoiler.
April 30, 2024
Apart from the irritation of one major historical error this was a a great read. Set in the 1980s during the miners’ strike, the reader has to bear in mind that the technology we all take for granted today was not around and police had to find other ways to detect crime, which inevitably meant that things took longer and were not as straightforward as they CAN be today but the same restrictions apply to the criminals.
I am glad to have found a new series to get my teeth into and look forward to the next one.
I am glad to have found a new series to get my teeth into and look forward to the next one.
May 19, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 27, 2021
Tense, well written with great characters.
Although this storyline concerns serial killings and is a rather dark read, the writing is very good. The characters are very well developed and the dialogue is believable. This police investigation is very realistic and illustrates how difficult some cases are to solve. The addition of the now famous coal workers strike added a great historical element to this intriguing novel.
Although this storyline concerns serial killings and is a rather dark read, the writing is very good. The characters are very well developed and the dialogue is believable. This police investigation is very realistic and illustrates how difficult some cases are to solve. The addition of the now famous coal workers strike added a great historical element to this intriguing novel.
May 31, 2021
To my shame I must admit this is the first book by Trevor Negus I have read but what a great writer he is. This is gritty, intense, complex and has a compelling realism.
The backdrop of Nottinghamshire during the miners' strike of 1984-5 is perfectly drawn. The attack in chapter 47 written from the victim's POV is one of the most chilling scenes I have ever read.
Undoubtedly one of the best crime novels I have read in a very long time.
The backdrop of Nottinghamshire during the miners' strike of 1984-5 is perfectly drawn. The attack in chapter 47 written from the victim's POV is one of the most chilling scenes I have ever read.
Undoubtedly one of the best crime novels I have read in a very long time.
July 19, 2021
This is the first in a series of three. Stupidly I have read them in the wrong order so I already knew what happened to all the characters in the next two books. However that did not diminish my enjoyment of this book. I would strongly recommend this series if you enjoy a good detective story with believable, if rather horrific, crimes and strong likeable characters. I would, though, suggest you read them in the right order.
May 6, 2024
Good story, very dark in places, lots of threads to untangle, interesting characters too. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would given that it was set during the miners strike, a period of political posturing and manoeuvring I remember only too well. Occasional repeated words close together or overdoing the description annoyed me a bit - short ten minute drive for example - and made the writing clunky at times.
June 15, 2021
Brilliant, i love reading authors i have not read before and Mr Negus is definitely an A+++. The story line is great, telling the reader about the killers young life as well as why he is still doing it now makes the story more enjoyable. I like the DI he is not superman and listens to his team, Rachael is a good female character.
October 21, 2021
A great murder book
Two evil men and one a policeman get together to murder.
Di Danny Flint has to investigate the recent murders but no evidence is found.
It is set during the miners strike in 1984.
A great well written book loved the character Danny and his private life, just couldn't put it down.
Two evil men and one a policeman get together to murder.
Di Danny Flint has to investigate the recent murders but no evidence is found.
It is set during the miners strike in 1984.
A great well written book loved the character Danny and his private life, just couldn't put it down.
December 29, 2021
This book grew on me. Early on I considered laying it aside, but was interested enough in the characters to continue. I’m glad I did. This is a good British police procedural which pits the detectives against not only a vicious killer, but their own organization’s budget and personnel constraints during the coal strike of the Thatcher years. Good book; I’m off to try the second of the series.
January 8, 2022
not for me
Sadly almost right from the beginning this book constantly used bad language therefore I didn’t read too much more. However, I’d like to know what happened but never will as I forwarded it to the end. The storyline was great but sadly words can destroy a good plot. Two stars awarded.
Sadly almost right from the beginning this book constantly used bad language therefore I didn’t read too much more. However, I’d like to know what happened but never will as I forwarded it to the end. The storyline was great but sadly words can destroy a good plot. Two stars awarded.
October 8, 2022
Hate cliffhangers!
Good story, well written. Enjoyed but like for books complete. If I like an author I will buy the next book in the series BUT I don't want to feel I have to keep buying book after book just to get to the ending of the first book. I am much more likely to continue buying books in a standalome series.
Good story, well written. Enjoyed but like for books complete. If I like an author I will buy the next book in the series BUT I don't want to feel I have to keep buying book after book just to get to the ending of the first book. I am much more likely to continue buying books in a standalome series.
August 30, 2021
A good, absorbing serial killer thriller. Excellent character development and a well-described setting. The only flaw was too much description of the characters' mundane activities, which tended to ratchet down the suspense, at times. But still well worth the read.
October 19, 2021
Not my type of story
At eighty years of age and questionable health, I prefer stories more upbeat, I have seen the Great Depression, world wars , plus my own service time. I prefer more upbeat stories.
At eighty years of age and questionable health, I prefer stories more upbeat, I have seen the Great Depression, world wars , plus my own service time. I prefer more upbeat stories.
December 1, 2021
I loved this book - two good story lines, neatly intertwined - I did wonder how that would work! I’m familiar with the area having got family still living around there and I love books that I feel I am personally connected to. A great read and looking forward to the others in the series
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