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DI Jon Spicer #5
The Edge
Fifth book in the critically-acclaimed Jon Spicer series, also includes the opening of the sixth novel in the series, Cut Adrift. Reviews 'I'll be downloading more of Chris Simms' books ASAP. I feel like I've found a hidden gem.' (Amazon Reader Review – Pecking Order) Chris Simms has been quietly building one of the best police procedural series in this country. (CATHOLIC HERALD) Pacy, gripping and original storytelling (YORKSHIRE POST) This highly polished study of madness and murder shows how well Simms’ talent is maturing. (SHOTS MAGAZINE) A must-read for those who like their crime fiction psychological (DEADLY PLEASURES MAGAZINE) The story’s dramatic events are drawn out, gradually building to a page-turning, heart-stopping – and totally unexpected – ending. (THE BOOK PLACE) The novel’s high-quality storytelling has an authentic, documentary feel’ (CITY LIFE MAGAZINE) Book description It's the phone call DI Jon Spicer has long dreaded - his wild younger brother, Dave, has been found murdered and horribly mutilated. Jon had hoped to steer him away from his drug-fuelled, self-destructive fate, but now must face the fact he failed. Full of anger, Jon heads to the town where Dave's body was discovered, bent on finding the killer. Meanwhile, Dave's young girlfriend, Zoe, is trapped in an inner-city hell. Vulnerable, destitute and now alone, she is being hunted by the vicious criminal Dave owed money to. Arriving in the Peak District, Jon finds a community with plenty to hide. With Zoe’s time running out and his own family cracking under the strain, Jon realises the truth of his brother's death lies in two a frightened girl trapped somewhere among Manchester's tower-blocks and out on the bleak heights overlooking the secretive rural town. About the Author Chris Simms' acclaimed first novel in the DI Spicer series, KILLING THE BEASTS was selected as a Best Crime book for 2005 by SHOTS magazine. He was then selected as a Waterstone's Author for the Future, one of 25 writers tipped by publishers, editors and agents, to produce the most impressive body of work over the next quarter century. Since then he has been nominated several times for the THEAKSTON'S CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR and for CRIME WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION DAGGERS. Chris lives in Manchester. Find out more on his official web site, www.chrissimms.info or, for regular postings, see his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AuthorChrisSimms
- GenresCrime
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 23, 2023
Depressing!
This was my first and last DI Spicer book, the story was just too depressing. I didn't warm to the main character, DI Spicer, a totally obsessed individual wrapped up in the murder of his estranged brother. A brother he had not spoken to for many years. The need to solve the murder (not his case by the way) took precedence over all other considerations in his life, including his pregnant wife and toddler son. Was this a form of personal guilt? He rode roughshod over everyone, be they family, friends or colleagues. Not for me I'm afraid.
This was my first and last DI Spicer book, the story was just too depressing. I didn't warm to the main character, DI Spicer, a totally obsessed individual wrapped up in the murder of his estranged brother. A brother he had not spoken to for many years. The need to solve the murder (not his case by the way) took precedence over all other considerations in his life, including his pregnant wife and toddler son. Was this a form of personal guilt? He rode roughshod over everyone, be they family, friends or colleagues. Not for me I'm afraid.
April 6, 2026
3.5⭐️ rounded up
Another strong read in the DI Spicer series. I’m really enjoying these books, especially with the familiar locations, and the nostalgia of references to 20+ years ago adds something extra for me!
By this point, I feel like I understand how Spicer works a lot better, even if that doesn’t make it any less frustrating at times. Some of his decisions in this one had me questioning everything and trying to justify his thinking… with limited success. That tension is probably one of the things that keeps me hooked.
It’s not my favourite in the series, but I was still fully invested all the way through. Also, I’m genuinely sad about poor Dave.
I’d definitely recommend reading the series in order so you get the full character depth and history, especially with the direction this one takes.
Really looking forward to the next instalment to see the fallout from some of Spicer’s choices.
Another strong read in the DI Spicer series. I’m really enjoying these books, especially with the familiar locations, and the nostalgia of references to 20+ years ago adds something extra for me!
By this point, I feel like I understand how Spicer works a lot better, even if that doesn’t make it any less frustrating at times. Some of his decisions in this one had me questioning everything and trying to justify his thinking… with limited success. That tension is probably one of the things that keeps me hooked.
It’s not my favourite in the series, but I was still fully invested all the way through. Also, I’m genuinely sad about poor Dave.
I’d definitely recommend reading the series in order so you get the full character depth and history, especially with the direction this one takes.
Really looking forward to the next instalment to see the fallout from some of Spicer’s choices.
December 8, 2015
Good Book
And on my way to Book 6. The D I Spicer books keep my interest until the end, when I'm always sorry that there is no more. This story makes you realize that nothing is as important as family and stay away from drugs and the people who deal them.
And on my way to Book 6. The D I Spicer books keep my interest until the end, when I'm always sorry that there is no more. This story makes you realize that nothing is as important as family and stay away from drugs and the people who deal them.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews