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

A violent murderer has escaped from Felling Prison.

Craig French slit the throats of a husband and wife and stole the luxury watches from their safe. But not before slicing the letter F into their foreheads.

Now he's on the loose.

But French's mother says that he wasn't fit to stand trial - he had amnesia and couldn't even recognize his own mum.

Mike Nash is not convinced either. But he is certain of one thing: there's a dangerous killer out there somewhere. And whoever it is must be stopped.

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 2021

309 people are currently reading
109 people want to read

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Bill Kitson

57 books140 followers

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5 stars
1,678 (64%)
4 stars
688 (26%)
3 stars
164 (6%)
2 stars
41 (1%)
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11 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,307 reviews73 followers
January 6, 2024
Cut Throat is book thirteen in the Mike Nash series by Bill Kitson. DI Mike Nash and his team are involved in the hunt for an escaped murderer from Felling Prison. After looking at the case notes, DI Mike Nash does not believe that Craig French is a murderer. How, when another couple was murdered in their home in the same fashion. DI Mike Nash started to reevaluate the whole case again. The readers of Cut Throat will continue to follow DI Mike Nash and his team to discover what happens.

I enjoy reading books in this series, and Cut Throat did not disappoint. Bill Kitson knows how to ensure that I engage with the plot and characters of his books. I could not put this book down until the last page. I love Bill Kitson's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Cut Throat is well-written and researched by Bill Kitson. I like Bill Kitson's description of Cut Throat's settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

The readers of Cut Throat will learn about the consequences of revenge and jealousy on everyone involved. The readers of Cut Throat will understand the problems of people who suffer from the side effects of cranial brain injuries.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Linda Strong.
3,878 reviews1,708 followers
November 23, 2021

Detective Mike Nash has moved into a mostly quiet village. After having lived and worked in London so long, he thought the change of pace would be beneficial.

Craig French was charged with killing a husband and wife in order to rob them of jewelry. He was captured ... after taking a fall which rendered him with a head injury ... and ultimately found guilty. He put up no real defense, he and his doctor both attested to his amnesia caused by his fall. For awhile, he didn't know who he was, didn't recognize his mother, had no memory of committing a crime.

During his time in prison, he started remembering .... and he's made his escape.

And the killings have started ... people are being killed and robbed. The victims have all had the letter F etched into their foreheads. This information was not released with the first killing.

So did French escape prison just to kill again? Or does he now remember what happened ... and who the real killer is.

Funnily enough, Nash doesn't believe he's guilty either ... which means there is a dangerous killer out there ... and must be stopped before more people die.

This is an excellent addition to this crime series. Although 13th in the series, it is easily read as a stand alone. I recommend starting at the beginning and reading in order ... that's what I'm going to do. There's page-turning action galore spinning around characters who interacted well with each other. I really liked the blend of professional along with the personal of Nash and his team.

Many thanks to the author / Books n All Promotions for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Profile Image for Grace J Reviewerlady.
2,135 reviews104 followers
November 23, 2021
Another series where I’m late to the party – but I’m so glad to have finally got here!

When a couple are murdered during a robbery at their home, Craig French is found guilty on all counts and sentenced to prison. Now he has escaped, and the case lands on Mike Nash’s desk. French’s mother says he was never fit to stand trial in the first case due to amnesia and, as Mike and his team begin investigating, they tend to agree. But with more killings taking place with the same MO to the first one, there is definitely a murderer out there; if it’s not Craig French, then who could it be?

I’ve often looked at books from this author and never quite managed to fit them into my list so was delighted when this one came along. Well worth waiting for, this is a very cleverly crafted tale and one which kept me wondering. Mike Nash and his team are very personable and obviously experienced in what they do. It’s very refreshing to read a crime series where the officers aren’t at each other’s throats! Rather puzzling to begin with, everything is worked out in a methodical manner – and a very good read it is too! With just the right balance of business and personal, this is a series I would like to read more of. Very enjoyable, recommended, and 4.5*.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,026 reviews55 followers
November 23, 2021
I have been a fan of Bill’s work for a while now. I haven’t quite caught up with everything that he has written but I am getting there. ‘Cut-Throat’ is the thirteenth book in the series featuring Detective Inspector Mike Nash and it’s another cracker of a read and then some. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Cut-Throat’ but more about that in a bit.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘Cut-Throat’. In fact by the time I got to the end of the synopsis, I knew that I would be unable to put the book to one side. I started reading ‘Cut-Throat’ and I just couldn’t stop. Initially I picked the book up only intending to read a chapter or two but I became so wrapped up in the story that I was still sat there reading over two hours and several chapters later. I was intrigued by the storylines and by the characters. I had my own theories as to what was going to happen so of course I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right tracks or if I had wandered down the wrong path entirely. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I found ‘Cut-Throat’ to be the true definition of an unputdownable page turner of a read and then some. I found it to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and it kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘Cut-Throat’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Bill Kitson. Bill has one of those writing styles that is easy to get along with and easy to get used to. Bill certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be a compelling read. For me the story started with a bang and from then on it maintained a fairly fast pace. Reading ‘Cut-Throat’ felt like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I love the way in which Bill makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Cut-Throat’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Bill’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Profile Image for Robert Crouch.
Author 14 books17 followers
May 23, 2022
This is another terrific, twisting and compelling entry into the DI Mike Nash series, which shows no signs of flagging or running out of exciting and complex murder investigations. If anything, the author seems to be enjoying himself.

Is Craig French a brutal killer who robs his victims and then slits their throats? Cumbrian police believe so, having found evidence to support their arrest and conviction. But Craig had a serious fall trying to escape arrest and spent weeks in a coma. Lucky to survive, he struggled with amnesia and was unable to put up any defence.

Now his memory’s back and he’s escaped from prison, determined to prove he’s not a killer. Using his local knowledge to avoid detection, he survives, unaware that more killings have been committed.

Mike Nash, charged with finding French, isn’t convinced that the original investigation and conviction was sound, but there’s no easy way to confirm this. As he digs deeper and the pieces are slotted into place, the investigation becomes more complicated than he could have imagined.

It all builds to another thrilling investigation. The teamwork and camaraderie, dark humour and imaginative story threads gave me so much to savour in what has become one of my favourite crime series.
Profile Image for M.
1,576 reviews
December 15, 2021
Here’s a series I’ll turn to when I need a break from dark crime fiction

I’m reading more new-to-me crime fiction authors, and I might’ve found a keeper in Bill Kitson’s series featuring DI Mike Nash. The Amazon synopsis, protagonist précis, and setting descriptions are excellent. The main plot is straightforward, but it’s convoluted by subplots and the murderers’ other criminal activities. I kept up with the author’s clues and machinations, knowing most events and characters are connected in some way. I bleeped-over several overly convenient , storyline “coincidences.” I’d say the human-related violence is mild to moderate, when compared to the crime fiction I’ve read. The plot synopsis is accurate, but imagine more blood. Animal-lovers: There is dog abuse and deaths, but mostly implied and nothing too overt.

The police and law-enforcement affiliated characters are likable, in keeping with the slower and more mellow ambiance of this book. This is a nice change from the hard-charging cop characters I’m accustomed too. I was quite taken by the secondary and tertiary characters, especially the Labrador puppy given a duck’s name. I’ll certainly read more books in this series.

Profile Image for Misfits farm.
2,086 reviews86 followers
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November 3, 2021
A man was convicted of murder. When being chased to be arrested he fell over an incline and had severe injuries including to his head. He suffered amnesia and hence couldn't deny what had allegedly happened. The police pursued him despite his injuries and he was incarcerated. Years later he has escaped prison and wants to prove his innocence but who is going to believe him? Once he escapes, similar murders are being committed and it appears to DI Nash and his team that someone is framing Craig French but why?
This is a new series to me as well as a new author so happily stands alone. I loved this and raced through it -to me always a good sign. There is a warmth of character and a very different well thought out plot- one that kept me not only interested but the grey matter active which I love.
A brilliantly entertaining read and I very much look forward to the next in the series.
91 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2022
Good read

The last review I placed I mentioned my favorite authors (3). I failed to mention this one. Mr. Kitson tells an interesting story every time, using the same characters. He never fails to hold my attention and keeps the action going. I would rate his writing with 5 stars except I don't like the constant withholding of info to readers when new evidence is presented. There are better ways to accomplish the same thing. Having said that, Mr. Kitson I am ready for another book!!!!!
309 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2021
Another brilliant read

I absolutely love this series, gripping from start to finish, the only problem is that I never want it to end. Great characters that have their own stories running in the background, love the banter between the team. This story is my favourite so far, always love a happy ending and Teal is a great addition. I'm hoping there is still a lot more to come as I would be bereft if this series ends. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would.
291 reviews5 followers
November 28, 2021
Fabulous read.

I will admit I am a huge fan of author, Bill Kitson and DI Nash. If it is even possible this thirteenth book might be the best. Although I have thought the same with previous books. If you haven’t read this series I would encourage you to start with the first book and enjoy meeting the wonderful cast of characters. This storyline is complex and involves many threads that Kitson masterfully weaves together.
Profile Image for Donna.
378 reviews4 followers
January 5, 2022
Great as always

Another excellent addition to the Nash series, well written and a great combination of threads pulling the multiple stories together at the end, very tricky and well done! The further continuation of Mike relationships outside of work is good to read about, happy that he seems to be settling down and having a happy home life. Definitely looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Carol.
334 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2021
An unusual and gripping plot. Its the sad, haunting tale of Craig French, who escapes from jail, after finding himself put inside for terrible crimes of which he has no memory of committing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Its the first book I have read by Bill Kitson and won't be the last. I found it interesting and I liked his style of writing. Well worth the read.
1,909 reviews18 followers
November 27, 2021
Wow!

Fantastic! Excellent police procedural with Mike Nash and his small but thorough team of investigators! There is an escaped murderer( maybe), robberies of jewelry and art, murder victims in these robberies, puppy mills, and other assorted crimes. This is very fast paced, thrilling, tense, and has an outstanding plot !
Profile Image for Graham Hall.
119 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2021
It goes too quickly

Waited for this next in the series but read it in two days. The story flowed beautifully as usual. Without spoiling the plot I'll say that Nash and his team were brilliant plus there is a certain amount of humour too. Loved this now can't wait for the next installment.
79 reviews
January 21, 2022
PUNCTUATION NIGHTMARE

What could have been an enjoyable read was severely compromised by egregious and innumerable comma errors. The author owes it to his readers to exercise some diligence in punctuation rules. When errors occur twice or thrice per page, the reader would like to reach into the pages and throttle the perpetrator!
Profile Image for M R B Davis.
703 reviews5 followers
October 10, 2022
Good one

Nash uses his instincts and attention to detail to resolve a miscarriage of justice when a prisoner absconded and brings the real culprit to book. Several, initially unrelated, incidents are in fact brought together with the help of the team and a little bending of the rules.
264 reviews3 followers
October 25, 2022
Cut Throat

I love Mike Nash! What isn’t there to love? He is a caring police detective who looks after his team, his community and doesn’t suffer fools gladly.
In this episode he has two cases on the go, we’ll three if you count getting an original conviction overturned, and he rises to the challenge brilliantly. I just can’t get enough.
50 reviews
November 19, 2022
A great series of books, good characters, a change for all officers to be friendly not at odds with each other. I like the use of the word vacuum instead of the stupid use “hoover”. How can authors be so unintelligent. I have read all of the Mike Nash books and enjoyed them all. Well done Mr. Kitson.
9 reviews
November 24, 2021
Very enjoyable read

I read this book too quick, just could not put it down. All the twists and turns, intriguing snippets and hidden clues. I can't wait for the next one... Body in the grave hard ... Come on Bill wrote quicker
155 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2021
Great series of books!

I have enjoyed reading the detective adventures of Mike Nash, and I appreciate the glossary of term included at the end. I look forward to more great readings!
166 reviews
December 5, 2021
GREAT READ!!

I'm familiar with this author's books and have never been dissapointed. The way the storyline unfolded kept me on edge and i never guessed who the killer was. (I like that). Love Nash and his awesome Team! Glad Nash's life is coming together. Buy this book!
83 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2021
Intriguing read

The characters are realistic but entertaining, the storyline is different which is a good thing, and the surprises are logical. I will definitely be reading more from the series
1,181 reviews6 followers
February 11, 2022
Another great story

Another great story by Bill Judson featuring Inspector Mike Nash and his team and probably the best yet. Once started I could not out it down. The style of writing and the planning of the plots make it so easy to read and follow. More please.
37 reviews
March 14, 2022
Excellent reading!!

Absolutely brilliant! Thank you Bill for a most intriguing story. Am booking the whole series right now I just love your writing. Love also your descriptions of the surround "up north"
63 reviews
March 26, 2022
Three stars

Not a bad read but not one of his best. I loved the first series but in saying that I will still read this series owing to the interesting characters this author has incorporated in his great story telling .
I admit that I Ioved the single Mike books best.
81 reviews
May 8, 2023
A right good saga with good endings

Kits on writs some really good stories with somewhat complex plots. In today's atmosphere of mass shootings, war and rich peoples increasing fraud and malfeasance, this series is a balm for my heart.
Profile Image for Lesley Walsh.
56 reviews
December 6, 2021
I have read all thirteen books of the Mike Nash series, back to back and I’m disappointed that there is no more. I have throughly enjoyed all of them. If you want to read a great series READ this one
10 reviews
December 12, 2021
Fantastic

As always a cracking plot, what a mind Mr kitson has. Can't wait for the next book. Let me know when it's released
Profile Image for S Richardson.
293 reviews
December 12, 2021
Readable.

But not wonderful ! The plot’s all right, the characterisation is a bit Janet and John, and so is the presentation .
43 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2021
Another great twisting storyline

This story keeps you enthralled till the very end.the way it entwined the characters and their families into the story adds to the enjoyment
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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