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I May Kill You : The Porthaven Trilogy: Book 1
Serial killers are secretive animals. They keep their deeds to themselves and hope never to be found.
But there’s a new man in town—a killer who warns people in advance he’s going to kill them, then does it, in a variety of unusual, even bizarre, ways.
Ex-policeman Ben Buckland wants to catch this man not because he’s on the list … but because his 15-year-old daughter is. And that’s just not fair.
Especially when the killer has sent out warnings to several hundred people …
The new crime novel from Keith Dixon, author of the award-winning Sam Dyke Investigations and Paul Storey Crime Thrillers.
But there’s a new man in town—a killer who warns people in advance he’s going to kill them, then does it, in a variety of unusual, even bizarre, ways.
Ex-policeman Ben Buckland wants to catch this man not because he’s on the list … but because his 15-year-old daughter is. And that’s just not fair.
Especially when the killer has sent out warnings to several hundred people …
The new crime novel from Keith Dixon, author of the award-winning Sam Dyke Investigations and Paul Storey Crime Thrillers.
- GenresThriller
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2023
31 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Keith Dixon
91 books79 followersKeith Dixon was born in Yorkshire and grew up in the Midlands. He’s been writing since he was thirteen years old in a number of different genres: thriller, espionage, science fiction, literary. He’s the author of seven novels in the Sam Dyke Investigations series and two other non-crime works, as well as two collections of blog posts on the craft of writing. When he’s not writing he enjoys reading, learning the guitar, watching movies and binge-inhaling great TV series. He’s currently spending more time in France than is probably good for him.
Learn more about Keith by following him on Twitter @keithyd6, by reading his blog at www.cwconfidential.blogspot.com or connect with him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SamDykeInvest...
On his website you can download a couple of free books and find out more about the others: www.keithdixonnovels.com.
His Amazon page from which you can buy all the books is here: http://www.amazon.com/Keith-Dixon/e/B...
Learn more about Keith by following him on Twitter @keithyd6, by reading his blog at www.cwconfidential.blogspot.com or connect with him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SamDykeInvest...
On his website you can download a couple of free books and find out more about the others: www.keithdixonnovels.com.
His Amazon page from which you can buy all the books is here: http://www.amazon.com/Keith-Dixon/e/B...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 7, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
I MAY KILL YOU by Keith Dixon is an intriguing new serial killer standalone thriller by a new to me author. The protagonist is an ex-DCI and the action moves along at a fast pace as he works to find the killer when his daughter is threatened.
Random people are receiving a letter in the mail that finishes with the final line – “I may kill you”.
Ex-DCI Ben Buckland left the police force three years ago in disgrace. He has been working a job he hates as a mall security guard when one of the elderly tenants in his building shows him a threatening letter. He takes it to DCI Serena Howarth at his old station and learns there have been many letters received throughout their town. When murders related to the letters are discovered and his daughter receives the same letter, the chase for a killer has now become personal.
Ben is able to figure out the way the killer will eliminate his targets, but he cannot figure out the why. As Ben consistently butts heads with the police, he is also helped by Serena as he works to find a way to stop the killer and save his daughter.
I really enjoyed this thriller. Ben is not your typical hero, but even with his moral flaws and failures, I was cheering for him and admired his love for his daughter. The killer in this book is known almost from the beginning as he tells his own story at intervals and yet it did not take away from the suspense. All the characters in this book are realistic and could walk right off the page, good and bad. This thriller moves along at an ever increasing pace to a climax that satisfies.
I enjoyed this thriller and can recommend it for an engaging and tension filled read. I will also be looking for other books by this author in the future.
I MAY KILL YOU by Keith Dixon is an intriguing new serial killer standalone thriller by a new to me author. The protagonist is an ex-DCI and the action moves along at a fast pace as he works to find the killer when his daughter is threatened.
Random people are receiving a letter in the mail that finishes with the final line – “I may kill you”.
Ex-DCI Ben Buckland left the police force three years ago in disgrace. He has been working a job he hates as a mall security guard when one of the elderly tenants in his building shows him a threatening letter. He takes it to DCI Serena Howarth at his old station and learns there have been many letters received throughout their town. When murders related to the letters are discovered and his daughter receives the same letter, the chase for a killer has now become personal.
Ben is able to figure out the way the killer will eliminate his targets, but he cannot figure out the why. As Ben consistently butts heads with the police, he is also helped by Serena as he works to find a way to stop the killer and save his daughter.
I really enjoyed this thriller. Ben is not your typical hero, but even with his moral flaws and failures, I was cheering for him and admired his love for his daughter. The killer in this book is known almost from the beginning as he tells his own story at intervals and yet it did not take away from the suspense. All the characters in this book are realistic and could walk right off the page, good and bad. This thriller moves along at an ever increasing pace to a climax that satisfies.
I enjoyed this thriller and can recommend it for an engaging and tension filled read. I will also be looking for other books by this author in the future.
April 3, 2020
4☆ A Creepy Crime Thriller / Murder Mystery!
The book opens up with someone writing a note, which at first I thought... is this the beginning of the book or just a note.... but as you read further down the list and come to the end... you realise that that is a list giving details of someone very creepy who ends his note with.....'Now you know all about me, I may kill you'
The creepy person who is writing the note, plans to send this note out to lots of random people who you assume he wishes to kill..... is there a potential serial killer on the lose? And does the people receiving the list have anything in common?
Ben is an ex cop, who resigned from the force due to being reported for sleeping with a subordinate, which also resulted in his marriage breakup.
He has a 15yr old Daughter Giselle who lives with her mother & step dad.
But one thing Ben is about to discover is that Giselle has made it on that list.... she received a note!
Ben has no choice but to get involved, can he discover who is behind the letters and why his daughter has one, before it's too late!
I really liked Ben, he is determined, has a big heart, might not always get things right or play by the rules, but he gets things done.
I MAY KILL YOU is a gripping serial killer mystery, that is creepy, has the right amount of suspense, some cleverly plotted twists and well written characters.
I enjoyed the cat and mouse chase which kept me on my toes, building up the pace and tension just right!
I thoroughly enjoyed the chapters where we was privileged to read snippets of the letter writer and delving into his inner thoughts.
This is my first book by Keith Dixon and I'm looking forward to reading more!
Overall a really good crime thriller I would definitely recommend!
Thank you to Dampebbles Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
The book opens up with someone writing a note, which at first I thought... is this the beginning of the book or just a note.... but as you read further down the list and come to the end... you realise that that is a list giving details of someone very creepy who ends his note with.....'Now you know all about me, I may kill you'
The creepy person who is writing the note, plans to send this note out to lots of random people who you assume he wishes to kill..... is there a potential serial killer on the lose? And does the people receiving the list have anything in common?
Ben is an ex cop, who resigned from the force due to being reported for sleeping with a subordinate, which also resulted in his marriage breakup.
He has a 15yr old Daughter Giselle who lives with her mother & step dad.
But one thing Ben is about to discover is that Giselle has made it on that list.... she received a note!
Ben has no choice but to get involved, can he discover who is behind the letters and why his daughter has one, before it's too late!
I really liked Ben, he is determined, has a big heart, might not always get things right or play by the rules, but he gets things done.
I MAY KILL YOU is a gripping serial killer mystery, that is creepy, has the right amount of suspense, some cleverly plotted twists and well written characters.
I enjoyed the cat and mouse chase which kept me on my toes, building up the pace and tension just right!
I thoroughly enjoyed the chapters where we was privileged to read snippets of the letter writer and delving into his inner thoughts.
This is my first book by Keith Dixon and I'm looking forward to reading more!
Overall a really good crime thriller I would definitely recommend!
Thank you to Dampebbles Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
March 29, 2020
A great thriller, I would say, from beginning to end with the ex-cop as the protagonist and killer Peter at the other end. And the biggest mastermind was author Keith Dixon whose love for books was neatly weaved into the story. Wicked, wasn't he? You betcha!!
The story started with a letter, enumerating all the things the killer didn't like and ending with I May Kill You. Then came hundreds of letters to people with seemingly no interconnections, all posted, ending with the line I May Kill You. Ben's daughter Giselle was one of them. So you could say he had a vested interest to catch the killer quickly.
My first book by this author, the story worked its charm on me giving me dual POVs of Ben and Peter. The multiple subplots were fitted seamlessly. The author's mind was one wicked place to be when he etched the killer, who was quite well read.
Ben was straightforward and interesting, quite a charmer. It seemed that people couldn't resist spilling out the information to him. I would have done the same. He was smooth. I loved how his brain cells worked. The revelations and linking of clues were done well.
The race against time was on, I was sure Ben would find himself in the cross-hair of the Killer. And sure enough, the zenith of the plot was soon reached. With each reveal that Ben made about the killer, the story pulled me in further.
A perfect breakfast read...
The story started with a letter, enumerating all the things the killer didn't like and ending with I May Kill You. Then came hundreds of letters to people with seemingly no interconnections, all posted, ending with the line I May Kill You. Ben's daughter Giselle was one of them. So you could say he had a vested interest to catch the killer quickly.
My first book by this author, the story worked its charm on me giving me dual POVs of Ben and Peter. The multiple subplots were fitted seamlessly. The author's mind was one wicked place to be when he etched the killer, who was quite well read.
Ben was straightforward and interesting, quite a charmer. It seemed that people couldn't resist spilling out the information to him. I would have done the same. He was smooth. I loved how his brain cells worked. The revelations and linking of clues were done well.
The race against time was on, I was sure Ben would find himself in the cross-hair of the Killer. And sure enough, the zenith of the plot was soon reached. With each reveal that Ben made about the killer, the story pulled me in further.
A perfect breakfast read...
March 1, 2020
“Serial killers are secretive animals. They keep their deeds to themselves and hope never to be found.
But there’s a new man in town—a killer who warns people in advance he’s going to kill them, then does it, in a variety of unusual, even bizarre, ways.
Ex-policeman Ben Buckland wants to catch this man not because he’s on the list … but because his 15-year-old daughter is. And that’s just not fair.”
Especially when the killer has sent out warnings to several hundred people …
Ben is a security guard at a shopp;ing centre. He left the police force three years ago under a cloud. He is also chair of the residents association of where he lives and when an old ladies purse is taken he follows the perpetrator and retrieves it. The neighbour then receives a threatening letter and persuades Ben to take it to the police. He goes to see Serena who is now a DCI, the woman he had an affair with that ended his career. It turns out that several identical notes have been handed in each ending with “I may kill you”. A man has been found murdered with the note on his desk. When Bens ex-wife calls in a panic that their daughter has also received one of the notes, Ben knows he has to act fast. He soon finds what he believes is the link to the murders -a bibliophile indeed! I really enjoyed this. The pace increased as the pages turned and although we know whom the perpetrator is, catching them is sometimes a completely different thing. I liked Ben and Serena and hope that there is more to come from this illicit team. A very enjoyable read.
But there’s a new man in town—a killer who warns people in advance he’s going to kill them, then does it, in a variety of unusual, even bizarre, ways.
Ex-policeman Ben Buckland wants to catch this man not because he’s on the list … but because his 15-year-old daughter is. And that’s just not fair.”
Especially when the killer has sent out warnings to several hundred people …
Ben is a security guard at a shopp;ing centre. He left the police force three years ago under a cloud. He is also chair of the residents association of where he lives and when an old ladies purse is taken he follows the perpetrator and retrieves it. The neighbour then receives a threatening letter and persuades Ben to take it to the police. He goes to see Serena who is now a DCI, the woman he had an affair with that ended his career. It turns out that several identical notes have been handed in each ending with “I may kill you”. A man has been found murdered with the note on his desk. When Bens ex-wife calls in a panic that their daughter has also received one of the notes, Ben knows he has to act fast. He soon finds what he believes is the link to the murders -a bibliophile indeed! I really enjoyed this. The pace increased as the pages turned and although we know whom the perpetrator is, catching them is sometimes a completely different thing. I liked Ben and Serena and hope that there is more to come from this illicit team. A very enjoyable read.
April 29, 2020
A seaside town on England’s south coast isn’t the usual setting for a homicidal maniac – but then, this killer is more than a little unusual. He sends his intended victims a letter which explains his peculiar personality – providing the police with potential evidence and a minefield of misinformation. At first the police don’t even know if they’re dealing with a sequence killer, because there appears to be no method to his mayhem…
This standalone mystery is a clever blend which mixes a modern serial-killer thriller with a golden age, Agatha-style traditional whodunnit. Literary enthusiasts will chortle in delight as the meaning behind the murders is revealed, and at the developing intellectual duel between the maverick detective and the murderous mastermind.
The plot rapidly romps along, making good use of familiar genre short-hand to avoid acres of unwanted exposition. Ben, the protagonist, is a drifting ex-copper, in conflict with his ex-colleagues, at odds with his ex-wife; struggling to keep connected to his teenage daughter. He’s personally drawn into the investigation when his daughter receives one of the threatening letters and, operating outside of the system, he sees more of the bigger picture.
I found the mysterious murderer rather more interesting than the private life of the fairly orthodox investigator. The opening chapter – the killer’s menacing letter – is simply spectacular. It’s an artful introduction to a psychopath who may or may not be dissembling about his character traits, and it certainly worked at pulling me vividly into the story.
I May Kill You was an entirely diverting and entertaining experience. Not grim or gruesome, not disrupted by daft plot twists, implausible narrators or fractured timelines. Just good old-fashioned storytelling of an engaging intrigue.
8/10
You'll find zillions (ok, slight exaggeration) more reviews of crime-thrillers and murder-mysteries over at http://www.murdermayhemandmore.net
This standalone mystery is a clever blend which mixes a modern serial-killer thriller with a golden age, Agatha-style traditional whodunnit. Literary enthusiasts will chortle in delight as the meaning behind the murders is revealed, and at the developing intellectual duel between the maverick detective and the murderous mastermind.
The plot rapidly romps along, making good use of familiar genre short-hand to avoid acres of unwanted exposition. Ben, the protagonist, is a drifting ex-copper, in conflict with his ex-colleagues, at odds with his ex-wife; struggling to keep connected to his teenage daughter. He’s personally drawn into the investigation when his daughter receives one of the threatening letters and, operating outside of the system, he sees more of the bigger picture.
I found the mysterious murderer rather more interesting than the private life of the fairly orthodox investigator. The opening chapter – the killer’s menacing letter – is simply spectacular. It’s an artful introduction to a psychopath who may or may not be dissembling about his character traits, and it certainly worked at pulling me vividly into the story.
I May Kill You was an entirely diverting and entertaining experience. Not grim or gruesome, not disrupted by daft plot twists, implausible narrators or fractured timelines. Just good old-fashioned storytelling of an engaging intrigue.
8/10
You'll find zillions (ok, slight exaggeration) more reviews of crime-thrillers and murder-mysteries over at http://www.murdermayhemandmore.net
March 21, 2020
When a series of mysterious, threatening notes are sent out to hundreds of apparently unconnected people, ex-cop Ben Buckland is shocked to learn his teenage daughter has also been targeted. Though no longer on the ‘force’ Ben seeks help from former colleague and old flame Serena, triggering bad memories. Focusing on the threat to his daughter, Ben struggles to make the police listen, but when the killings start, it seems there’s little to connect them – especially as the murders are bizarrely different.
Losing his job as a security guard, and faced with the prospect of finding new employment, the last thing Ben needs is a serial-killer on the loose. But time is running out and as the body-count rises, the threat to his family forces him to take matters into his own hands…
This is the seventh novel I’ve read by Keith Dixon and as always, it’s a stonking good read. The author’s ability to weave a clever plot around seemingly unrelated events, is as sharp as ever, and even though the reader might not always know what’s going on, pretty soon it all falls into place. With an uncanny talent for creating realistic, believable characters dealing with difficult relationships and everyday issues, Keith Dixon’s storytelling kept me on edge, whizzing through the pages, trying to work out the ending before I got there.
As with his Sam Dyke and Paul Storey books, this is another great read from a very capable and wonderfully inventive writer.
Losing his job as a security guard, and faced with the prospect of finding new employment, the last thing Ben needs is a serial-killer on the loose. But time is running out and as the body-count rises, the threat to his family forces him to take matters into his own hands…
This is the seventh novel I’ve read by Keith Dixon and as always, it’s a stonking good read. The author’s ability to weave a clever plot around seemingly unrelated events, is as sharp as ever, and even though the reader might not always know what’s going on, pretty soon it all falls into place. With an uncanny talent for creating realistic, believable characters dealing with difficult relationships and everyday issues, Keith Dixon’s storytelling kept me on edge, whizzing through the pages, trying to work out the ending before I got there.
As with his Sam Dyke and Paul Storey books, this is another great read from a very capable and wonderfully inventive writer.
March 23, 2020
I read I May Kill You in just one day as I found it an intriguing and enthralling read.
It opens with an autobiographical letter which becomes known as The Note which chillingly ends with the threat - I May Kill You.
A hell of a way to start a book!
The story is told from two perspectives - the mastermind behind The Note and the killer himself Peter and the ex-policeman hunting him down Ben Buckland.
Peter has masterminded a "project" for himself which involves sending out hundreds of these notes to people in one town.
They appear to be sent to random people with no connections.
Then he starts to carry out his threat - killing receivers of the dreaded note and the police are stumped.
Disgraced ex-policeman Ben Buckland works a part-time security gig and he's sort of bumbling through life with no sense of direction, after a sordid affair cost him his job, his family and his home.
Meanwhile Peter is on a killing spree and a downward spiral and he's not letting anything get in his way, even his nosy pregnant friend.
He tries to cover his tracks from the police - there doesn't appear to be a connection between the victims, he uses different methods - a gun, a knife and a bookshelf filled with heavy books as his means of murder as well as ensuring he leaves no trace of DNA behind.
Why is he killing seemingly random and innocent people?
What is Peter's end game?
Who will be his next victim?
Ben's daughter receives a note and he cannot stop himself from getting involved in the investigation.
But is Ben helping or hindering the case?
Ben starts to call the killer out, taunting him even which really ticks Peter off culminating in a decision which Ben has to make - friends or family? What does that mean?
Has Ben not only put himself but his daughter in the firing line?
I found myself racing through the chapters to find out what Peter's next move was going to be.
The final couple of chapters had me on tenterhooks.
I really enjoyed I May Kill You.
It's a great crime read that I would absolutely recommend.
It opens with an autobiographical letter which becomes known as The Note which chillingly ends with the threat - I May Kill You.
A hell of a way to start a book!
The story is told from two perspectives - the mastermind behind The Note and the killer himself Peter and the ex-policeman hunting him down Ben Buckland.
Peter has masterminded a "project" for himself which involves sending out hundreds of these notes to people in one town.
They appear to be sent to random people with no connections.
Then he starts to carry out his threat - killing receivers of the dreaded note and the police are stumped.
Disgraced ex-policeman Ben Buckland works a part-time security gig and he's sort of bumbling through life with no sense of direction, after a sordid affair cost him his job, his family and his home.
Meanwhile Peter is on a killing spree and a downward spiral and he's not letting anything get in his way, even his nosy pregnant friend.
He tries to cover his tracks from the police - there doesn't appear to be a connection between the victims, he uses different methods - a gun, a knife and a bookshelf filled with heavy books as his means of murder as well as ensuring he leaves no trace of DNA behind.
Why is he killing seemingly random and innocent people?
What is Peter's end game?
Who will be his next victim?
Ben's daughter receives a note and he cannot stop himself from getting involved in the investigation.
But is Ben helping or hindering the case?
Ben starts to call the killer out, taunting him even which really ticks Peter off culminating in a decision which Ben has to make - friends or family? What does that mean?
Has Ben not only put himself but his daughter in the firing line?
I found myself racing through the chapters to find out what Peter's next move was going to be.
The final couple of chapters had me on tenterhooks.
I really enjoyed I May Kill You.
It's a great crime read that I would absolutely recommend.
April 5, 2020
I have a little confession to make. Although, I have read a couple of Keith's books now and I have several others on my ever increasing 'to be read' mountain, I haven't read them all yet. However, now I have reminded myself of how fab an author Keith is, I can guarantee that his as yet 'unread' books will not be on that mountain for too much longer. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'I May Kill You' but more about that in a bit.
It didn't take me long to get into this story at all. By the time I got to the end of the first twenty pages or so, I knew that I was going to be in for one hell of a read. I was spot on too. I was completely under this book's spell from the moment I opened the front cover and began to read, until the moment I read the last word on the last page. At times I had to literally prise the books out of my hand because I just couldn't stop reading. To say that 'I May Kill You' was addictive reading seems a huge understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read to fill the odd 10 minutes or so but I ended up reading for a lot longer than 10 minutes. I seemed to race to the end of the book, which I had mixed feelings about. Don't get me wrong I was pleased to finish because it meant I knew how the story concluded but I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storyline so much that I just wish the book had been longer.
'I May Kill You' is really well written. The author grabs your attention with an eye catching synopsis and then draws you into the story from pretty early on. Keith has one of those writing styles that is easy to get along with and easy to get used to. I began to feel as though I was part of the story myself and that's down to Keith's realistic and extremely vivid descriptions. I found Keith could ramp up the level of tension at the drop of a hat and I found that I was jumping at any little noise that I heard.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'I May Kill You' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Keith's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
It didn't take me long to get into this story at all. By the time I got to the end of the first twenty pages or so, I knew that I was going to be in for one hell of a read. I was spot on too. I was completely under this book's spell from the moment I opened the front cover and began to read, until the moment I read the last word on the last page. At times I had to literally prise the books out of my hand because I just couldn't stop reading. To say that 'I May Kill You' was addictive reading seems a huge understatement. I would pick the book up only intending to read to fill the odd 10 minutes or so but I ended up reading for a lot longer than 10 minutes. I seemed to race to the end of the book, which I had mixed feelings about. Don't get me wrong I was pleased to finish because it meant I knew how the story concluded but I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storyline so much that I just wish the book had been longer.
'I May Kill You' is really well written. The author grabs your attention with an eye catching synopsis and then draws you into the story from pretty early on. Keith has one of those writing styles that is easy to get along with and easy to get used to. I began to feel as though I was part of the story myself and that's down to Keith's realistic and extremely vivid descriptions. I found Keith could ramp up the level of tension at the drop of a hat and I found that I was jumping at any little noise that I heard.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'I May Kill You' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Keith's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
April 5, 2020
I May Kill You by Keith Dixon is a creepy, serial killer crime thriller. It begins with a note being written, a note no one wants to receive, ever! The final sentence of the note being 'I may kill you'! This same note is sent to hundreds of people, none of whom are connected. Ben Buckland is an ex police officer who discovers his teenage daughter is one of the many who has received a letter and makes it his mission to attempt to find this twisted individual. He doesn't let the fact that he is an 'ex' officer get in the way, although he resigned under a cloud, due to having an affair with a female colleague which resulted in his marriage disintergrating also! He gets back in touch with the woman he slept with, Serena to help him in his search.He realises he has no time to lose when bodies are reported and he knows his daughter is on that list!
The story is written with Bens point of view and we see the killers angle too, who isn't, as we discover throughout the book a usual brand of killer!
I was further drawn into the book with every page, the dual point of views added even more suspense! Ben is a man who you can't help liking, even if he does get things wrong he always tries his best. It is my first book written by Keith and I shall be picking more up by him. I enjoyed this one so much, a fantastically written book, full of suspense and the characters were so well developed with the twists so cleverly place! A massive thank you to damppebbles blog tours and Keith Dixon for allowing me to be a part of this blog tour.
The story is written with Bens point of view and we see the killers angle too, who isn't, as we discover throughout the book a usual brand of killer!
I was further drawn into the book with every page, the dual point of views added even more suspense! Ben is a man who you can't help liking, even if he does get things wrong he always tries his best. It is my first book written by Keith and I shall be picking more up by him. I enjoyed this one so much, a fantastically written book, full of suspense and the characters were so well developed with the twists so cleverly place! A massive thank you to damppebbles blog tours and Keith Dixon for allowing me to be a part of this blog tour.
April 1, 2020
I MAY KILL YOU. Here are four small words that would terrify you. And, that is what is happening to a community in this story. A letter has been sent out detailing the sender's likes and dislikes and at the end it just states those four small words I MAY KILL YOU.
Is it just a hoax? Is it a threat? Nobody knows for real, until unexpected deaths start occuring in the town, and those bodies have been the recipient of the letter.
Ben Buckland is our main character. He used to have it all. A top job in the police force, a wife and daughter. The world was all rosy for him. Until he slept with his subordinate, which resulted in him being kicked out of the job and his wife leaving him. The women in his life have gone on to pastures new and are much better off. He now lives in an apartment block which consists of old women who worship the ground he walks on.
You can't help but fall in love with Ben, despite all his misgivings and failures you can see he is a trier and is a decent bloke at heart. So, when his daughter is the recipient of one of these I MAY KILL YOU letters, he uses all his powers and contacts to try and discover who is behind the letters.
We get an insight into the author of the letters mind as some chapters from his point of view are dotted around the book. The motives behind the killings and the inspiration for the killings are dare I say it, bloody good. (This does not make me a serial killer by all means mind)
I MAY KILL YOU is a great story full of murder and suspense.
N.B the only negative I have about this book is the repetition. When Ben discovers a vital clue he goes on to tell about 3 people, and we have a long discussion each time about it.
Plus, I was shocked at how easy he was getting himself involved with the case 🤪
Is it just a hoax? Is it a threat? Nobody knows for real, until unexpected deaths start occuring in the town, and those bodies have been the recipient of the letter.
Ben Buckland is our main character. He used to have it all. A top job in the police force, a wife and daughter. The world was all rosy for him. Until he slept with his subordinate, which resulted in him being kicked out of the job and his wife leaving him. The women in his life have gone on to pastures new and are much better off. He now lives in an apartment block which consists of old women who worship the ground he walks on.
You can't help but fall in love with Ben, despite all his misgivings and failures you can see he is a trier and is a decent bloke at heart. So, when his daughter is the recipient of one of these I MAY KILL YOU letters, he uses all his powers and contacts to try and discover who is behind the letters.
We get an insight into the author of the letters mind as some chapters from his point of view are dotted around the book. The motives behind the killings and the inspiration for the killings are dare I say it, bloody good. (This does not make me a serial killer by all means mind)
I MAY KILL YOU is a great story full of murder and suspense.
N.B the only negative I have about this book is the repetition. When Ben discovers a vital clue he goes on to tell about 3 people, and we have a long discussion each time about it.
Plus, I was shocked at how easy he was getting himself involved with the case 🤪
March 31, 2020
4 Stars from me
I finished this book gutted that Ben Buckland is an ex-policeman, I'd love to read a series involving him as a lead copper.
The story centres around Peter our serial killer - who has taken the time to write to 713 people to let them know that he might kill them, and Ben Buckland, disgraced ex-cop who is determined to catch the killer.
Ben is a great character and I enjoyed that he was the centre of a kind of neighbourhood watch group, appointed by all the old ladies in his block of flats who seemed convinced he was definitely still a policeman.
Peter is a reluctant, quirky and at times reluctant killer - his depth of knowledge of books was fabulous, a very nice touch from the author which put my in mind of the Michael Wood books.
Overall this is a great premise for a story, the relationships that Ben has - with his ex-wife, daughter, ex-girlfriend etc all add a nice dimension to his character. Although I can't help feeling he brings some of the bad stuff onto himself...
I finished this book gutted that Ben Buckland is an ex-policeman, I'd love to read a series involving him as a lead copper.
The story centres around Peter our serial killer - who has taken the time to write to 713 people to let them know that he might kill them, and Ben Buckland, disgraced ex-cop who is determined to catch the killer.
Ben is a great character and I enjoyed that he was the centre of a kind of neighbourhood watch group, appointed by all the old ladies in his block of flats who seemed convinced he was definitely still a policeman.
Peter is a reluctant, quirky and at times reluctant killer - his depth of knowledge of books was fabulous, a very nice touch from the author which put my in mind of the Michael Wood books.
Overall this is a great premise for a story, the relationships that Ben has - with his ex-wife, daughter, ex-girlfriend etc all add a nice dimension to his character. Although I can't help feeling he brings some of the bad stuff onto himself...
March 31, 2020
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I thought that this was a great thriller and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I thought that the book started off so well and it just got better as it got towards the ending – the plot I found to be well crafted and the author has done a brilliant job bringing the book to life.
I loved the twists that were in the plot and I thought that the characters were well developed and worked really well to carry the story. The pace was great for me, I love a fast paced read and this one was right up my street! Definitely an intriguing read and one that I could not put down!!
It is 5 stars from me for this one! I thought it was a well written, gripping read and loved the plot!! Very highly recommended!!
I thought that this was a great thriller and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I thought that the book started off so well and it just got better as it got towards the ending – the plot I found to be well crafted and the author has done a brilliant job bringing the book to life.
I loved the twists that were in the plot and I thought that the characters were well developed and worked really well to carry the story. The pace was great for me, I love a fast paced read and this one was right up my street! Definitely an intriguing read and one that I could not put down!!
It is 5 stars from me for this one! I thought it was a well written, gripping read and loved the plot!! Very highly recommended!!
April 2, 2020
I love me a murderer vs police book - always have done and this one drew me in right from the start. Despite being open about his failings, I immediately had a soft spot for Ben!
I liked the way this was written which enabled me to make my own assumptions about what what’s happening behind the scenes as things were progressing - I like the mystery that was surrounding the serial killer.
As the plot thickened towards the end I couldn’t put the book down, the tension started to rise and I was so engaged with the pages I was reading and finding out how this story was to end. For me, the ending was slightly disappointing but I can’t say way because it would be a major spoiler. But otherwise a good engaging read!
April 7, 2020
Rating 3.5/5
The blurb of this one certainly caught my eye, a serial killer who essentially warns his victims that they could be next, I was intrigued before I read the first page. The first page happened to be the note that was being sent out to people so I was pretty certain that I was in for an interesting read.
I think what I liked most about this book is that the killer isn’t entirely hidden from the reader, you get to know a bit about him as the point of view switches between him and Ben. The further you read the more you found out so at the start even though you had certain details there was still a lot of mystery surrounding him and his motivations. It also made it a little more sinister because sometimes it was very normal interactions which were such a contrast to the rest of the things he does in the book.
At first I wasn’t sure about Ben, I felt like he was going to be a bit too cliched for my liking but I definitely judged him too soon, he did grow on me and I ended up quite liking his tenacity and that he really knew his own mind but could also be honest about his flaws. He felt very genuine, especially in his interactions with other characters, I could really put myself in his shoes.
The story overall was really entertaining, I definitely felt that pull through the pages to figure out where all the players fit in the killer’s game. It also has a clever plotline, I like that the killer is smart and has purposely made it difficult to be caught and even though you do get a lot of access to his thoughts, there is still an element of surprise as to what happens throughout the book.
The only thing that I felt maybe didn’t live up to my expectations was that Ben gets access to a lot of information in quite an easy way, I feel like he should have had to work harder for it and that because it came to him so easily that there wasn’t as much tension in the story as there could have been.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
The blurb of this one certainly caught my eye, a serial killer who essentially warns his victims that they could be next, I was intrigued before I read the first page. The first page happened to be the note that was being sent out to people so I was pretty certain that I was in for an interesting read.
I think what I liked most about this book is that the killer isn’t entirely hidden from the reader, you get to know a bit about him as the point of view switches between him and Ben. The further you read the more you found out so at the start even though you had certain details there was still a lot of mystery surrounding him and his motivations. It also made it a little more sinister because sometimes it was very normal interactions which were such a contrast to the rest of the things he does in the book.
At first I wasn’t sure about Ben, I felt like he was going to be a bit too cliched for my liking but I definitely judged him too soon, he did grow on me and I ended up quite liking his tenacity and that he really knew his own mind but could also be honest about his flaws. He felt very genuine, especially in his interactions with other characters, I could really put myself in his shoes.
The story overall was really entertaining, I definitely felt that pull through the pages to figure out where all the players fit in the killer’s game. It also has a clever plotline, I like that the killer is smart and has purposely made it difficult to be caught and even though you do get a lot of access to his thoughts, there is still an element of surprise as to what happens throughout the book.
The only thing that I felt maybe didn’t live up to my expectations was that Ben gets access to a lot of information in quite an easy way, I feel like he should have had to work harder for it and that because it came to him so easily that there wasn’t as much tension in the story as there could have been.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
April 5, 2020
Very unique and quite chilling, I liked the way the author introduced the premise of the book. The tension built gradually, which gave the threat of the notes a bit more menace. I thought that making the investigation personal for Ben also gave the story depth. I enjoyed this book despite how twisted it was. For a full review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks. This was written based on a digital ARC, and all thoughts are my own.
April 13, 2020
‘I May Kill You’ is the title of award-winning Crime writer Keith Dixon’s latest novel. Those four words instantly place the reader in the right frame of mind to be entertained by another excellent thriller by this acclaimed author. But then you flick the page and are presented with ‘The Note’. No, it’s not a missive by the author directed at his readers; rather it appears to be a rambling diatribe recounting random personal details from someone who lives with a mental chaos that dictates their relationship with the rest of humanity. Then you read the last line. ‘Now you know all about me. I may kill you.’ It’s an unexpected sucker-punch, wrenching the reader’s emotions in a masterful example of writing we have come to expect from Dixon.
The premise of the novel is so original, it’s almost a joke at crime novel fans’ expense. We all know, when reading a book with multiple slayings, that we are talking serial killer. Yet, often the protagonists do not know they are dealing with such a monster until well into the tale. Here, our serial killer has written hundreds of notes, like the one right at the beginning, and sent these to his list of victims!
Dixon has his antagonist take center stage early on in the book, allowing readers to understand his method as he proceeds to confound the police murder after murder. However, the protagonist, an ex-Detective Chief Inspector forced to resign from the force and now working as an unofficial concierge for his building while taking ‘security’ jobs to pay the bills, has a vested interest in catching this killer. His fifteen-year-old daughter is one of the recipients of ‘the note’. In Ben Buckland, Dixon has created another memorable character, a man replete with questions about his own self-worth and how others see him. As the threat to his daughter focuses his involvement, his outstanding, dormant detective skills put him one step ahead of the official police investigation, and ever closer to the killer.
Beware, this is a book that grabs you from the title, tightens its grip with the premise, and balances nail-biting tension and sardonic humor as the case becomes even more personal for the ex-policeman. You’ll find yourself reading late into the night!
The book’s description, as recounted by Dixon, cites this as a standalone novel, independent from his other two crime series, yet I don’t think we have seen the last of Ben Buckland. At least I sincerely hope not!
The premise of the novel is so original, it’s almost a joke at crime novel fans’ expense. We all know, when reading a book with multiple slayings, that we are talking serial killer. Yet, often the protagonists do not know they are dealing with such a monster until well into the tale. Here, our serial killer has written hundreds of notes, like the one right at the beginning, and sent these to his list of victims!
Dixon has his antagonist take center stage early on in the book, allowing readers to understand his method as he proceeds to confound the police murder after murder. However, the protagonist, an ex-Detective Chief Inspector forced to resign from the force and now working as an unofficial concierge for his building while taking ‘security’ jobs to pay the bills, has a vested interest in catching this killer. His fifteen-year-old daughter is one of the recipients of ‘the note’. In Ben Buckland, Dixon has created another memorable character, a man replete with questions about his own self-worth and how others see him. As the threat to his daughter focuses his involvement, his outstanding, dormant detective skills put him one step ahead of the official police investigation, and ever closer to the killer.
Beware, this is a book that grabs you from the title, tightens its grip with the premise, and balances nail-biting tension and sardonic humor as the case becomes even more personal for the ex-policeman. You’ll find yourself reading late into the night!
The book’s description, as recounted by Dixon, cites this as a standalone novel, independent from his other two crime series, yet I don’t think we have seen the last of Ben Buckland. At least I sincerely hope not!
April 8, 2020
I chose to review this book because of the unusual methodology the serial killer uses for his bad deeds, and it is a gripping read!
Ben Buckland is a down-and-out ex-police detective who is full of self-pity and snark because of his bad choices. So when random killings hit close to home, he does some detective work of his own at the discouragement of his former lover, D.I. Serena Howarth.
This is a clever suspense thriller linked to murders committed in literature. Ben is a bit sardonic and glib and definitely feels sorry for himself, but he comes through as the true detective he is and saves the day. Serena has climbed the ranks to become a detective investigator, despite what happened in the past with her and Ben. Together they make a great team fighting police protocol and personal conflicts.
Overall, this is a surprisingly fresh suspense thriller with a sarcastic and funny protagonist and an unusual killer. Give it a try, it won’t disappoint.
Thank you to Mr. Dixon for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Ben Buckland is a down-and-out ex-police detective who is full of self-pity and snark because of his bad choices. So when random killings hit close to home, he does some detective work of his own at the discouragement of his former lover, D.I. Serena Howarth.
This is a clever suspense thriller linked to murders committed in literature. Ben is a bit sardonic and glib and definitely feels sorry for himself, but he comes through as the true detective he is and saves the day. Serena has climbed the ranks to become a detective investigator, despite what happened in the past with her and Ben. Together they make a great team fighting police protocol and personal conflicts.
Overall, this is a surprisingly fresh suspense thriller with a sarcastic and funny protagonist and an unusual killer. Give it a try, it won’t disappoint.
Thank you to Mr. Dixon for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
April 9, 2020
I may kill you by Keith Dixon.
Serial killers are secretive animals. They keep their deeds to themselves and hope never to be found.
But there’s a new man in town—a killer who warns people in advance he’s going to kill them, then does it, in a variety of unusual, even bizarre, ways.
Ex-policeman Ben Buckland wants to catch this man not because he’s on the list … but because his 15-year-old daughter is. And that’s just not fair.
Especially when the killer has sent out warnings to several hundred people …
A brilliant read. I read it in one sitting. Couldn't put it down. 5*.
Serial killers are secretive animals. They keep their deeds to themselves and hope never to be found.
But there’s a new man in town—a killer who warns people in advance he’s going to kill them, then does it, in a variety of unusual, even bizarre, ways.
Ex-policeman Ben Buckland wants to catch this man not because he’s on the list … but because his 15-year-old daughter is. And that’s just not fair.
Especially when the killer has sent out warnings to several hundred people …
A brilliant read. I read it in one sitting. Couldn't put it down. 5*.
July 6, 2022
I MAY KILL YOU
The story line is tense and the characters developed well as the story progresses. The only thing I found a bit iritating was the fact that Ben , the main character spent to much time blaming himself for things that happened in his past, that it made him sound like a whiner.
The story line is tense and the characters developed well as the story progresses. The only thing I found a bit iritating was the fact that Ben , the main character spent to much time blaming himself for things that happened in his past, that it made him sound like a whiner.
January 19, 2024
Interesting Read
A psychological thriller that will keep you reading to see who the next victim will be. The killer is very smart always trying to plan his next move and very hard to catch. The people that know him find it hard to believe he is actually taking people out. I would read more books by this author. It definitely holds your attention.
A psychological thriller that will keep you reading to see who the next victim will be. The killer is very smart always trying to plan his next move and very hard to catch. The people that know him find it hard to believe he is actually taking people out. I would read more books by this author. It definitely holds your attention.
June 16, 2020
I really enjoyed this UK based Crime Thriller.
Good depth to the characters and a decent amount of suspense for me at the end.
I was a little sad to find I was almost at the end as I was prepared for the story to continue for longer.
Hope the author will write more in this genre.
Good depth to the characters and a decent amount of suspense for me at the end.
I was a little sad to find I was almost at the end as I was prepared for the story to continue for longer.
Hope the author will write more in this genre.
February 8, 2022
Interesting
It is not my place to judge the quality of this book. I enjoyed it. It was an interesting twist on a serial killer. Maybe a bit simplistic. Needed more depth to really be great. IMHO.
It is not my place to judge the quality of this book. I enjoyed it. It was an interesting twist on a serial killer. Maybe a bit simplistic. Needed more depth to really be great. IMHO.
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