Damien Boyd

Another excellent book in the Chief Inspector Nick Dixon series. This one leads on from the last story, when he was cleared of murdering an Albanian hitman trying to kill him. On leave, simmering with anger about how he was treated and reconsidering his future in the force, partner Jane tries to convince him to return to work by dangling a missing person case in front of him. As always, nothing is quite as it seems and different parties are at work, involving the Bristol Street Art scene (think Banksy), before Dixon finally unlocks the case and tries up the loose ends. All the usual characters are present including, Monty the dog and Roger Poland doing the autopsies, as well as Dixon's favourite locations on the Somerset Levels, Brean beach, Brent Knoll and Westonzoyland Church (site of Nck & Jane's wedding).… (altro)

Another complex plot woven around the real Somerset major carnivals which take place in November in Bridgewater, Burnham-on-sea and North Petherton. They feature something called Squibbing, a key part of the plot, which I'd never heard of before, essentially a firework on a pole. The author uses many of the locations familiar to me from a brief visit to the area last year which brings the story to life. As usual the author's specialist legal knowledge is made good use of in the plot. Hopefully Burnham-on-sea estate agents aren't as they are portrayed in the plot!… (altro)

Promoted to Detective Chief Inspector, Nick Dixon finds himself behind a desk tied down by admin and frustrated to be away from the front line. An irate farmer, complaing about sheep someone has been killing, offers an opportunity none of his colleagues recognises, for Nick to return to front line detective work. As usual the story is firmly set, mainly, in and around north Somerset with a showdown in Bristol. I especially enjoyed the scenes in Burnham-on-sea, where we spent two enjoyable days earlier this year, visiting some of the author's previous locations. As always, the author makes a number of subtle points in the plot about financial scams and the ease of acquiring deadly crossbow and bolts (especially relevant as someone has just be caught with a crossbow in the grounds of Windsor Castle where the Queen was staying).… (altro)