Kill For You

DCI Danny Flint #5

by Trevor Negus

Two killers. A county under siege.

Nottinghamshire 1987, summer. It should be a time of ease and plenty. But two killers stalk the county.

The first is a cunning pyromaniac, enthralled by fire. He likes to watch as his victims desperately try to escape the rising flames.

The other is a gentle giant who has been abused and ridiculed all his life. Now he’s out to settle old scores by drowning anyone who has wronged him in the dark and deadly waters of the River Trent.

DCI Danny Flint and the MCIU are tasked with stopping the killers. If they fail, it will mean a long, hot summer of death.

Kill for You – the fifth in the gripping detective series featuring DCI Danny Flint.


What readers are saying about Kill For You:

“Wow, what a storyline! I really liked this one! This book had suspense, intrigue, action, and a great who done it!” -Netgalley Reviewer

“The novel is very readable with enough developments and reveals to keep the reader turning the pages.” -Goodreads Reviewer

“It’s a fast-paced police procedural thriller that I devoured in one sitting. A must-read story for any thriller lovers.” -Netgalley Reviewer

“As usual the writing is taut and suspenseful, the story thrilling and the end gripping and a bit of a surprise. Definitely recommended!” -Netgalley Reviewer

“Packed with action and full of details about both investigations, this book has no slow moments. DCI Danny Flint book series never disappoints me and I highly recommend this one, if you like a fast paced crime investigation.” -Goodreads Reviewer

“This is a brilliant read. Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
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.” -Booksprout Reviewer

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2021

About the author

During 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.

Reviews

[Poptart19 (the name’s ren) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A vengeful serial killer & a dangerous arsonist keep Danny Flint’s hands busy in this installment. It’s a solid mystery, with a nice bit of twist at the end.

[What I liked:]

•There was plenty of plot happening between the serial killer’s murders & the mysterious arsonist’s crimes. The timeline is tight & each chapter is headed with the time, date, & place of the scene, which helped me keep track of what was happening.

•The way the arson case gets a break is pretty clever. The wrap-up on that case was probably my favorite part of the book!

•It was nice to spend time with Danny & Rob again, & even Tina makes a reappearance in this one!


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•I get that being tormented & feeling like a loner can lead someone to commit antisocial acts, but with Stephen it seemed a little too sudden of a switch from a gentle person who has never even considered violence, to suddenly planning a premeditated murder to happen in a few hours.

•There’s not much character development for Danny, Sue, Rob, or our other recurring characters.

CW: bullying, ableism, domestic violence, murder, torture, child abuse/neglect

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]

[Kate Bain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. Another cracking book from Trevor Negus, I can't get enough of his books and this was no different.

Two killers during the summer of 1987, one a pyromaniac who gets a kick out of watching his victims try to escape. The other out for revenge on anyone who has mocked and teased him.

Highly recommend if you like a decent detective novel with a few gruesome crimes.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five of the DCI Danny Flint series and sees Danny and his team at the MCIU having to deal with two different serial killers in this story set in Nottinghamshire in 1987. One is an arsonist, who enjoyed setting fire to scrubland but has quickly found he needs a more challenging fire to set and soon starts on abandoned buildings, ending up killing an old man in an adjoining house. This gives them the taste of power over people’s lives and he soon escalates, leaving more people dead from the very fires he is enthralled by. The beast he has to unleash to satisfy his own urges, is now taking on a life of its own and people’s lives are at risk. The other killer is a gentle giant, who has been fun of one time too many! Nicknamed Stuttering Steve by a nasty teacher with no empathy whatsoever in his primary school days, this nickname has followed him ever since and left him the target of bullies and more. His parents have recently been killed by a drunk driver who managed to get away without even losing his license and this just adds to the wrongs done to him and his family. He has made a list of those who have wronged him the most and sets out to capture and kill them all, dropping them off bridges to ‘cleanse’ them of their sins against him.
DCI Flint is still having issues with his new boss Potter, who initially wanted to do away with the MCIU, and now has had a new person brought in from outside to replace the well liked Brian who died saving a young girl from a killer in a previous storyline. Thankfully, Danny actually knows and likes the person who has been fast tracked for the position, as she previously worked for the unit when she was a sergeant. Tina Cartwright has changed her surname after getting married a few months ago and won’t be the spy that Potter hoped to have inside the unit! A training session for the police dive team discovers the first body and the third is only found after an angler heard a big splash in the early hours and reported it to the police. Potter brings in a criminal psychologist with experience with the FBI’s BAU, to help them identify the killers and to also help provide insight into the minds of the killers themselves. It is her suggestions that lead to the second bridge victim’s body being found and this soon leads them to that killer at least. The arsonist is a tad harder to identify and they can’t watch every property in the area just hoping to catch him in the act!
Since this story is set in the 1980’s, the use of a profiler and police officers being training to profile killers, was very much in its infancy, but it clearly shows how useful a skill it was to identify the killers in this case. The MCIU in itself was an unusual unit for a police force outside London to have, but meant that highly experienced officers and specialist could concentrate their skills on the more dangerous crimes in the area and have the skills to catch those responsible. Danny and his wife have their new baby to concentrate on, whilst Tina is paired with Rachel, someone she worked well with, in the past. Even the animosity between Danny and Potter is calming down a bit as Danny uses Potter’s own style of phrase back at him and Potter’s interference with their cases is met with an open mind by Danny, after a little arguing. Danny pushes Tina to also have an open mind about their profiler, after a hard day and they all manage to see the worth of the profiler as one and then the other killer is identified. The profiler helps them out with techniques for interviewing each suspect, in a manner to get them to open up and helps them catch the arsonist who at first sets up a red herring to take the fall! Another great read in this series and a wonderful insight into the police procedures of the day, especially when serial killers were still something new in this country at the time. You get to experience the faltering steps of an investigation, as it stalls from no new information and the steps the officers take to push for answers. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read another one of this series, so knew the detectives. Th e books work fine as stand alone though. There are some references to previous crimes, but they are done in a natural way so are not irritating.
This book follows two crimes, a serial killer and an arsonist. The investigations seem a bit drawn out in places (my only criticism) but are realistic.
The series is set in the late 80s , you come to realize that some techniques just were not around then which gives a slightly old-fashioned feel to the books , not in a negative way. All in all a good read
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Mrs B Proud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Intense read.

Yet again another belter from Trevor. Book 5 yet still fresh with a intriguing plot. Two separate cases yet both equally gripping with many twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Brilliant conclusions on both cases yet the suspect for the fires was a real surprise. Well done Trevor looking forward to book 6. BP Sheffield.

[Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read with two story lines running at the same time. Well told and not as gory as some of his other books! I like how the characters are developing, especially the relationship with his boss. An enjoyable book in a interesting series

[Diane Malyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doesn’t disappoint as usual

A really great read - I like the simultaneous story telling of two different cases and the great twist at the end. This book had it all. Can’t wait for book 6!!!

[Melinda A. Rolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series!

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading these five books and hope there will be more. If you like crime and police dramas, you'll love these stories. I could hardly put them down.

[Mary Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cracking read! Thoroughly enjoyed this easy to read story and delighted with how the characters are developing. I am not a lover of stories told mainly in the narrative but I am becoming more flexible as a result of this series.

[Sheena Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant reads

I have read five books in the series of Danny Flint and his team they are very
hard to put down. Excellent writing by Trevor Negus cannot wait to start number 6 in series

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was worried for a second - you had me convinced it was who it wasn’t.

I am truly enjoying this series. All except the office politics and the skewed treatment to justice.

I love Danny and his team ; I enjoy following through the cases.

[James Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Author very attentive to detail J.R.

This book has followed the others in the series and has held me in siuspence throughout the story. Can't wait to start the follow on Jim Rowe.

[emma martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two for the price of one

This one has two unrelated storied running through it.

Another great read.

Would recommend this series.

Plus it is set in beautiful Nottinghamshire which makes it even better.

[S Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poor

Not at all well written,flat as a pancake, nothing to recommend it, nothing much against it. Don’t waste your time.

[paulette dismang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fires and stuff

Describe Danny Flint does fit again He solves two exciting cases with his team of detectives It was a job well done

[barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from this author .I can't stop reading well written and full of surprises and danger .

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

[Mrs Katy Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing

This book had me gripped from start to finish, I just could not put it down! I think everyone should find the time to read all this amazing author's books!

[Christine Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Trevor has come up with a brilliant plot, well written, not too many characters and appropriate descriptions to keep the pace moving.

[christine arlott-clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner for trevor Negas 's detective Flint

Fast paced with 2 very different crimes to solve, gFull of surprise, especially the ending.I a living following this series

[Douglas Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy & enjoyable read.

[Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

2025 popsugar challenge—book 2 of two books with the same title.

[terrence ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series so far

All books so far are extremely good reads. Thought I'd worked out who dunnit you throw a spanner in. Brill. Thankyou for the enjoyment.

[Joyce Rigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not begin this book if you don't have time to finish it. Each of the books in the series gets better and better. On this occasion I must admit I felt for the miscreant but nevertheless I loved every word. Do start with the first in the series if possible but if not this is a stand alone which does not disappoint.

[Bookishdays · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. As always, Trevor Negus gives us a very well written story about two cold murderers. This time, DCI Danny Flint and his team have to deal with two serial killers, one that kills moved by revenge and a pyromaniac who is setting fires on the local residences.

Packed with action and full of details about both investigations, this book has no slow moments. I appreciated the addition of a new consultant in the investigation, Professor Sharon Whittle, she is a psychologist forensic, who introduces new theories in the study of the killer's behaviour. This was a huge change in the 80's crime investigations.

DCI Danny Flint book series never disappoint me and I highly recommend this one, if you like a fast paced crime investigation.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Inkubator Books for an advance copy of Kill for You, the fifth novel to feature DCI Danny Flint of Nottinghamshire Place’s Major Criminal Investigation Unit, set in 1987.

After a quiet spell the MCIU is suddenly busy with two killers to find, one is a serial arsonist and the other drowns his victims.

I enjoyed Kill for You, which is a straightforward police procedural with a psychological bent. It tells the story from various points of view, including the unnamed arsonist and Stephen Meadows who is drowning those who have tormented him, so the reader gets the investigation but also a study of the killers’ motives and modus operandi.

I’m a big fan of police procedurals as I like the hunt and the logical narrowing of the field of suspects. I wasn’t so keen on the killers’ points of view as there is only so much an author can offer on that front and it’s a crowded field. Mr Negus does a fair job of explaining their mindsets. I found the investigations more interesting. The team do sterling work, but in both cases it is chance remarks from the public that lead to the solution.

The novel is very readable with enough developments and reveals to keep the reader turning the pages. It’s not big on characterisation, but doesn’t have to be as it’s very much a plot driven novel.

Kill for You is a solid read that is an easy way to pass a few hours. 3.5*

[EILEEN · Rating 4 out of 5]

KILL FOR YOU opens into a horrifying scenario. Years later a retaliation turns vicious resulting in a gruesome discovery. Two separate people are bent on becoming architects of destruction. Another monstrous act by each raises tension and pressure for the Police. Can they stop these rampant, raging sprees?
A rollercoaster ride of action packed, edge of your seat suspense keeps the pages flying by. The chilling mystery is heart-racing, atrocious and bewildering right up to the final conclusion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling read that will keep you glued to the pages and have you sitting on the edge of your seat. It's well written and filled with suspense, mystery, intrigue, and thrills. You're captivated from the start and find it hard to put down until you read the last word.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
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 action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Catherine Greco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. This is about two killer and why they kill and the author tries to explain they thinking process. Two killers two different methods and a lot of intrigue and action. I was drawn into the story and police work. I could not put this book down. The story line was amazing and the characters were totally enthralling. This is just an amazing book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.