Dead Money: An Exhilarating and Page-Turning Crime Thriller

by Keith Nixon, James Webber (Illustrator), Allan Guthrie (Foreword)

"Accomplished writing from one of the best authors in the UK." M.W. Craven, Sunday Times Bestselling author of the CWA Gold Dagger Washington Poe series.


Two bodies, a sinister organisation, and a detective's race against time to uncover the truth.

With a reputation for solving bizarre murders Detective Inspector Jonah Pennance, recently transferred to the National Crime Agency, is brought in to investigate the mysterious death of celebrity fund manager, Grady Carnegie – choked to death, then his body arranged and ready for a wake.

Then a second corpse turns up under identical circumstances – that of washed-up investigative reporter, Stan Thewlis. But how are the two men, who've seemingly never met, connected?

Soon, Pennance’s partner comes under suspicion for the deaths – the evidence against her seems overwhelming. To save his partner, Pennance must determine what role the shadowy organisation Blackthorn plays and who is in the background, pulling all the strings…

With gripping action, and an unique cast of characters, Dead Money is an edge-of-your-seat mystery with an unforgettable detective that will have you guessing until the very end.

Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, LJ Ross, and Peter James, Dead Money is the second book in the explosive crime thriller series from the author of the hugely popular Solomon Gray novels.What Others Say"A compelling murder mystery with a multilayered and engaging new hero. A great read."
Mason Cross, author of the Carter Blake thriller series

"Keith Nixon is a sparkling crime fiction talent."
Howard Linskey, author of the Detective Ian Bradshaw crime series

"Takes the police procedural elements and gives them new life."
Luca Veste, author of the Murphy and Rossi crime series

"One hell of a writer."Ken Bruen, author of the Jack Taylor novels

What Readers Say'Clever and fast paced tale.'
'A thoroughly absorbing read.'
'The sort of read that draws you in and holds you, long after the book is finished.'
'Totally gripping, fast paced story.'
'What a complex story culminating in quite the surprise.'

Genres: Thriller, Crime, Police

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2022

About the author

Bestselling author Keith Nixon lives in Cheshire, England and works in a high tech industry. Novels include the Solomon Gray, Konstantin, Harry Vaughan and Caradoc series.

Sign up to a regular newsletter for information on upcoming books, offers etc. at http://www.keithnixon.co.uk/stay-up-t...

He can be found on Twitter (@knntom) and Facebook or his website www.keithnixon.co.uk.

Praise for Keith Nixon’s Work
‘A stunning book and a new series that has become a must read. ’
-M.W. Craven, author of the Washington Poe series

‘Keith Nixon does for Margate what Peter James did for Brighton … As dark and brooding as the wind-lashed shores of the North Sea, and with its disturbing echoes of the Elm Guest House scandal and suggestions of deep-seated institutional corruption, Dig Two Graves is a superb addition to the rich Brit Crime scene. ’
Tim Baker, CWA shortlisted author of Fever City and City Without Stars

‘Deeply emotional, a dark rollercoaster ride. ’
Ed James, author of bestselling DI Fenchurch series

‘A compelling murder mystery with a multilayered and engaging new hero. Great read. ’
Mason Cross, author of the Carter Blake thriller series

‘A damaged detective, haunted by a tragic past, a young son missing or dead, a man on a quest for redemption. Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray is a fine creation and Dig Two Graves an intriguing, nourish mystery. Keith Nixon is a sparkling crime fiction talent. ’
Howard Linskey, author of the David Blake crime series

‘A dark, uncompromising tale of loss, murder, and revenge. Glorious noir, which takes the police procedural elements and gives them new life. I can't wait to read the next step in Solomon Gray's journey for answers ... ’
Luca Veste, author of the Murphy and Rossi series

‘One hell of a writer.’
Ken Bruen, Author of The Jack Taylor series

‘Nixon writes hard-hitting fiction, with a dash of humour, a cast of great characters, and a dollop of violence. Konstantin is a fantastic creation.’
Luca Veste, author of The Murphy and Rossi series and The Bonekeeper

‘Reads like the UK’s answer to Carl Hiassen. Criminally underrated.’
MW Craven, author of The Washington Poe series

‘Lean, mean and gritty, with writing as sharp as a razor cut. Keith Nixon serves up a ‘Konstantin Kocktail’, with equal parts Vodka to Vodka, that'll hit you just where it's needed.’
Matt Hilton, Author of the Joe Hunter thrillers

‘I have to liken reading this novel to being a smoker - it leaves a dirty taste in your mouth but you JUST CAN'T STOP.’ Lisa Hall, author of Between You and Me, Tell Me No Lies, The Party

‘If you told me that Konstantin put the K in KGB, I wouldn't even argue. This character is a badass of the highest calibre.’
Gerard Brennan, author of Undercover

‘Feels like Snatch meets a steampunk Sherlock Holmes. Nixon continues the story of Russian-born Konstantin, anti-hero for the modern age. Like Marlowe before him, Konstantin has a penchant for finding trouble and an unflinching sense of morality to get him out of it.’
Joe Clifford, author of The Jay Porter series

‘Hardboiled action and sharp, gritty humour. Highly recommended.’
Paul D. Brazill, author of Guns Of Brixton and A Case Of Noir

‘Gritty and glorious, dirty and dynamic, fast and furious. My kind of book.’
Col’s Criminal Library
‘A superior action-thriller, layered with flashbacks, intriguing characters and tendon-snapping sequences of graphic violence.’
Murder, Mayhem and More

‘A fast-paced and witty tale.’
Big Al’s Books and Pals

‘With his unique style of writing, the author grabs the reader’s attention and makes for an entertaining read.’
By The Letter Book Reviews

‘Tight, punchy with a distinct voice.’
Crimesquad

‘The ability to get his readers onside, rooting for his messed-up characters as they battle against the

Reviews

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've heard great things about Keith Nixon, so couldn't pass up the opportunity to read his latest!
This is the second book in the Pennance series, and I do think my enjoyment would have been stronger had I read the first, but there is enough backstory here to read it as a standalone.
This book starts off a little slow for me, but does pick up in the middle, and from there I couldn't put it down!
Pennance is a great character- funny and very clever. His relationship with the others are great to read, and when his loyalties are tested I felt for them all. Nixon writes tension wonderfully, and as police procedurals go, I really enjoyed this. I look forward to the next installment!

[Celia Bateman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dead money.
An interesting read, full of deception and a gripping plot. I love the police procedure descriptions, especially the autopsies! Look forward to reading the next one.

[Tiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pennance #2 was a little slow at the start but it really took off at about the 1/3 mark. Multiple murders bear the same, bizarre MO where the victim has bread stuffed into their mouth. Pennance's persistent determination takes him through an entire roster of possible suspects that may include a female colleague who he has personal history with. Lots going on so take your time to absorb all the characters and all the plot angles. Very strong finish.

[Claire-Louise Armstrong-Brealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so here’s the thing, I am a huge fan of this author and have loved everything he has written.

That being said, I say this without any bias. What a stonker of a book! Mr. Nixon has surpassed himself with not only his characters but the amazing amount of knowledge and details for the procedures etc.

Jonas Penance is an absolutely wonderful character and I am sure he should be married to me.

I look forward to the next instalment of his life and how he gets on with his new role.

Thank you for entertaining me so thoroughly.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say. I thought book1 was good and couldn’t put it down but book 2 is even better. If you’ve not read any books by Keith Nixon I would recommend this series.

[julie young · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second Inspector Jonah Pennance book, criminal wrongdoing, committed through the 'dark web', lead to the discovery of two very strange murders. A really interesting read, lots of high powered individuals involved in intrigue, greed and deception for financial gain. I really enjoyed it.

[pawsreadrepeat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dead Money is the second in the DI Jonah Pennance series. In Dead Money, we find Jonah investigating a ritualistic type murder. Known for solving unconventional cases and recently transferred to The National Crime Agency, Jonah catches the Grady Carnegie case. Grady dies under suspicious circumstances. Choked to death and his body positioned. The next victim is down on his luck investigative reporter, Stan Thewils. How these two men are connected becomes the focus of Jonah's investigation.

Following the evidence, Jonah's partner, Sergeant Simone Smithson becomes the main person of interest and the evidence is overwhelming. To solve this case, Jonah must figure out what role Blackthorn (a shady organization) plays and who the real puppet master is.

What follows is an intriguingly complex case that challenges Jonah to his limit. The characters are well-written and I really like Jonah's character. The book starts slow and fully sets the stage for the plot. I highly recommend and am anxiously awaiting book 3!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anita Hodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite 5 star book
Multiple murders with intricate forensic details
Keith Nixon is up there with the best of the best authors really looking forward to book number 3 and Pennance in a new role too

[Helen Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent mix of lots of my favourite ingredients. Some good science for the post mortem, although occasionally a bit of over explaining but I’ll forgive that. Some mystery and folklore with the sin eaters theory and strange ritual aspects of the killings gave an excellent layer of intrigue. The characters are well formed and now pleasantly familiar to me, although they give enough detail that it doesn’t matter if you dip into this book as a stand-alone instead of series. I also love the modern edge and links with cyber crime which made this stand out as excellent and thoroughly contemporary crime reading. I had to keep my brain fully switched on to keep up with all the characters etc but it was worth it. Enjoyable, thank you.

[Melanie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cerebral killing for Jonah to wrap his brain around. I do love the character, especially when he tried to act like humans - Jonah sweetie - it's not for you, don't try it. The method of murder is most unusual and of course throws up all manner of confusion and conundrums. I'm still coming to terms with how I feel about Jonah and Smithson. Obviously I'm not judging as I'm already heavily invested in Solomon Gray, another of Mr Nixon's creations and don't want to cause any jealousy between Solomon and Jonah, but my heart is somewhat divided. Can't wait for more from Jonah. Love exercising my brain with these books

[Mrs B E Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing - Intriguing - Dark and Gripping

Book Two in the new and truly amazing DI Pennance Series from the author of the super Solomon Grey Series.

Book One, Blood Sentence, was an excellent start and now, Book Two, Dead Money, literally blew me away.

Keith Nixon has presented the reader with a crime thriller of the quality one would expect from the likes of Jeffrey Deaver. The cover description does not do it justice.

Suffice to say this story is, in my humble opinion, a masterpiece. So intriguing and truly gripping I could not put it down.

Now I cannot cannot wait to see what surprises Book Three has in store.

Very Highly Recommended.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Keith’s work for a while now. I have read most of his books and I have really enjoyed them. I must admit that I have a particular soft spot for the new series featuring Detective inspector Jonah Pennance. I read and loved the first book in the series which is called ‘Blood Sentence’ and it was released in February 2022. When I heard that Keith was due to release another book in the series, I knew that I had to grab a copy and read it just as soon as I could. Well ladies and gents the wait is over because the second book in the series is called ‘Dead Money’ and it was released on 17th June 2022. It’s another cracker of a read, which I thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit.
I must admit that I have developed something of a soft spot for Detective Inspector Jonah Pennance. He is a policeman with many years experience behind him. He comes across as a bit of a loner and a tad eccentric. He also seems like a bit of a rebel and occasionally has problems with those in authority. Jonah is determined, stubborn and he doesn’t care who he upsets during the course of an investigation- particularly if they get in his way or if he feels they aren’t telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Jonah gets results and he has one of those brilliant analytical brains that can see things that others miss.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘Dead Money’. In fact seeing Keith’s name on the cover of a book that I hadn’t yet read was enough to draw me in. As soon as I started reading I knew that I wasn’t going to be doing anything other than reading for the rest of the day. I just couldn’t put the book down. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. This book seemed to develop a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn’t willing to break. I had my own theories as to what was going to happen and I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered off in the opposite direction. I must admit that I found myself becoming way too involved in the story to the extent that I tried to interact with the characters as if they could hear me and I kept cheering Jonah on – particularly when he was ruffling feathers. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Dead Money’ and I had to say a temporary farewell to Detective Inspector Jonah Pennance. I found ‘Dead Money’ to be a tense, gripping and dramatic read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Dead Money’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing else from Keith Nixon. Keith certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a compelling story and then some. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. Reading ‘Dead Money’ felt like being on one heck of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns to it than you would find on a ‘Snakes & Ladders’ board. I love the way in which Keith makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That’s how I felt at any rate. The series featuring Detective Inspector Jonah Pennance goes from strength to strength.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Dead Money’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Keith’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Steph Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and Zoé of Zooloo’s Book Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

This is the second Jonah Pennance book (see here for my review of Book 1, Blood Sentence) and while you all know that my preference is to read a series in order, I do have to concede that this one stands perfectly well alone. But you should read the first one anyway, because it’s really good!

Jonah begins this book having moved on from the Sapphire task force, and now working for the NCA and fresh from a bit of a messy break-up. But there’s no time for his personal issues, as there has been a very strange death and Jonah is going to find himself ricocheting around London in his efforts to solve it.

The story is packed with information on everything from investments, hacking and crypto-currency, to sin-eating and the post mortem process, and yet somehow the pace still remains brisk and action-packed too! The murders are particularly unusual and quite gruesome murder methods here and the post mortem details were a little grisly, but the heart of the story is Jonah and his uncompromising determination to find justice.

If you like your crime thrillers gritty and intelligent, then I recommend checking out this series, which is turning out to be less of a police procedural and more of an ‘eccentric loner investigates’ style of mystery. I look forward to finding out what happens next!

Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...

[Brenda Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the DI Pennance series. The first was ridiculously good. I had huge expectations for this second book - did not disappoint.
Jonah recently joined the NCA; Simone now working for the London City Police. They meet again at a homicide - a man tasered, bread forced down his throat causing him to choke to death. Their meeting is cool at best - Simone had recently reconciled with her loathsome ex, Lars.
Another body is found - with crumbs.
As Jonah pushes the investigation forward, Lars hands on the periphery - a client of the first victim, never one to waste an opportunity to remind Johah Simone chose Lars.
Great suspense, loved the characters - ready for the next!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the DI Jonah Pennance Crime Thrillers Series and a real blockbuster of a read. I enjoyed book 1 but I think this is even better. You don’t need to read the first book, although I would definitely recommend it, this could be read as a standalone. There are a lot of characters to get your head around but it’s so worth it. The case involves financial issues some of which are a bit complex, think cryptocurrency exchanges! but stick with it. You’ll thank me. It’s a great plot and so well written I didn’t want to put the book down.

Briefly, a man is found murdered, having been smothered with breadcrumbs stuffed down his throat. Shortly after a second body is found killed in the same way. Pennance has been transferred to the NCA but is called in to assist the investigation. His former partner DS Simone Smithson is back working with him but when she comes under suspicion of the murders his loyalties are tested.

The rather unusual ritual aspects of the killings was very original, I’m not sure of anything like this before – murder by bread! This book moves at a pace almost as fast as Pennance chasing around London following up clues! It’s a really good police procedural thriller with a brilliant and dramatic ending. I loved it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead money by Keith Nixon.
DI Jonah Pennance Crime Thrillers Book 2.
With a reputation for solving bizarre murders Detective Inspector Jonah Pennance, recently transferred to the National Crime Agency, is brought in to investigate the mysterious death of celebrity fund manager, Grady Carnegie – choked to death, then his body arranged and ready for a wake.
Then a second corpse turns up under identical circumstances – that of washed-up investigative reporter, Stan Thewlis. But how are the two men connected?
Soon, Pennance’s partner, Sergeant Simone Smithson, comes under suspicion for the deaths – the evidence seems overwhelming. To save her Pennance must determine what role the shadowy organisation Blackthorn plays and who is in the background, pulling all the strings…
Another brilliant read from this author. Love Jonah Penance character. Can't wait for more. 5*.

[Beccy Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keith Nixon always delivers an absolutely brilliant read and this is absolutely no exception
Fabulously written with brilliant characters and a cleverly plotted police procedural I absolutely loved this book!

[Melvin Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read, as always.

[Amina Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phew, that was another action packed ride! Really enjoyed that! It was great to continue DI Pennance's story.

On the other hand, I really did not like Rasmussen. Nasty character. Really not sure what the hell Simone saw in him.

I thought the book was well written, with lots of action. I was kept guessing throughout.

Highly recommend it.

Thank you to The Book Club Reviewer Group for a copy of the book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dead Money is the second in the DI Jonah Pennance series and this time Jonah and the team are investigating an odd, ritualistic type killing.

A complex and intriguing case follows that tests Jonah's skills to the limit. I am a big police procedural fan and this is a cracker! Given just how complex the case is, it is a very accessible read and I enjoyed how it slowly unfolded.

The main characters are all very well-written, but Jonah in particular is an easy character to warm to.

Looking forward to Book 3!

[Kamini Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another complex and fascinating tale. Jonah Pennance is once again investigating a series of related murders. What is the connecting motive? What is the meaning of the ritualistic touches? Pennance's personal life is also tied into the investigation.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Jonah Pennance has just left the Met’s Sapphire Unit and joined the NCA. DS Simone Smithson left before him to work for the City of London Police. It’s not long before they meet again, at the luxurious apartment of celebrity fund manager, Grady Carnegie, who appears to have been suffocated with bread and his body posed, and with a link to Simone via her ex-husband. Jonah remains on the case with DCI Leigh Fulton as SIO and no sooner has the post mortem, indicating that the killer also used a taser, been finished than another body is found in identical circumstances except for the fact that the crime scene this time is a small terraced house in Greenwich. The victim is Stan Thewlis, an investigative journalist obsessed with conspiracy theories and a different division brings another detective, DI Carter, for him to work with. It seems both men had been subject to online attacks and one had been blackmailed by a hacker. The big question is were the two very different men connected by something and what is this mysterious Blackthorn that Pennance keeps hearing about? And how is Simone, a woman that he trusts and cares for deeply, involved in it all?
This is another absolutely superb story from start to finish, and a great follow up to book one with loads of action and suspense, and filled with surprises and twists. I really liked Pennance. The relationships between him and both his former boss DCS Devon Kelso, new boss DCI Stephanie Meacham and also new colleague DS Vance Hoskins were great and humorous at times. Some of the descriptions of post mortems and banking procedures were a little bit too in depth for my liking but clearly demonstrated the author had done his research well. Overall it’s a brilliant second instalment in this new series and I can’t wait to see what comes next! 5*

[Pauline Render · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second of the DI Jonah Pennance series, Jonah finds himself in a new job as part of the NCA and thrown straight into a bizarre murder case. Having to negotiate the fine line of working with other forces, he becomes embroiled in the world of cryptocurrency. To complicate matters even more, when another body turns up he has to discover the link between the two men. But then when Sergeant Simone Smithson appears to be somehow deeply involved in the murders, Jonah knows time is against him to solve the case.
Although I didn’t quite understand all the terminology used relating to cryptocurrency, this book was written in such a way that I could still easily follow the storyline. There’s plenty of action and the, at times, frantic pace made for a real page turner, especially with the few twists and surprises along the way.The introduction of new characters, especially DS Vance Hoskins and his love of food and food analogies along with people from book one, the occasional humour and Jonah’s loyalty and dogged determination make this a great book to read, and I can’t wait to read the next instalment.

[Priyanka (ReadwithBanner ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author has explained the reason of the title in the first chapter only.

DCI Jim Pendlebury, a retired detective is trying to look for the missing piece which can bring justice to his last case. The case, where he almost died (3 times on the way to hospital).

Abbie Moran's case was personal to him as Abbie was of same age as Jim's youngest girl. Jim decides to chase the killer and tries to look for evidence which can give Abbie and her family the justice they deserved.

Abbie was seduced and murder by her Math Tutor, David Bales. David has changed name, town and profession after the jury had cleared him. Jim goes on a wild goose chase to answer the questions: Did David actually killed Abbie? When he disposed the tie which would have ensured his imprisonment? If not David then who did it?? And Why???

A beautiful thriller for a rainy day, really liked the characters and their evolution. An unpredictable and enjoyable read.

[Helen French · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in the DI Pennance series, and perhaps it was too tough a challenge to expect the second to reach the same heights.

Dead Money is solidly written, but for me not as attention grabbing. On paper I should love it - the victim is a fund manager, and it becomes clear that there is some kind of financial motive behind it all. I quite like reading (fiction or not) about financial crimes, but this book quickly gets bogged down with too many names and I found myself skimming in parts.

Still intrigued to read the next in the series as I think Pennance is a good character.

[Margarida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in this new series shows us a few changes in Jonah's life-new job and another bizarre set of murders of apparently unrelated people. Weirdness is right up Jonah's alley, so he catches them. As he begins investigating... they are tied to people he knows, including former partner/partner
Simone. She's looking pretty guilty but we don't want to believe that. The story line is complex and
involves everything from blackmail to crypto-currency. I am loving this series, and highly recommend it. Waiting on book 3 <3
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[Clare Brack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book but I found it quite lengthy at times...At the end it was all a bit strange though which maybe signals a follow on

[Laura Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book, lots of research into some technical areas but very accessible. Really good crime mystery.

[Geeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep them coming. Love DI Pennance.

[Karen Trope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read.