Dying Inside

A DCI Nick Dixon thriller that is brilliant, it engaged me right at the beginning, and I was hooked on the plot until I finished the book. I will be reading more of this author's books, it is highly recommended. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me an advance copy of this book.

The DCI Nick Dixon series is going from strength to strength. I really enjoyed the storyline in this novel, not as clear-cut as first imagined, and kept my interest. I also enjoy the characters evolving and the relationships between them. Great series!

Who would have thought a few dead sheep would have heralded the start of a series of gruesome murders? They certainly do it differently in Somerset, for once their top brass in the police seem human and approachable unlike in so many other detective thrillers. I think Damien Boyd in Dying Inside has created a new genre in cooperative policing and it made a refreshing change. The story had many twists and turns, certainly there was plenty we could all identify with when it came to financial scams. I understand in the Author's Note that Damien wrote this during the pandemic. For sure the pandemic has given a massive boost to online scammers and fraudsters but the ones in Dying Inside relate to pensions and also an erstwhile legal tax avoidance scheme made illegal by former Chancellor George Osborne.
For those seeking a detective thriller with a cleverly contrived plot, good police work and some humour along the way, then this is for you.

Huge thanks to the publishers and Net Galley for the chance to read this latest Nick Dixon book. I have read the previous 10
As this is a review and not a book precis there will be no plot summary. That, after all is the point of reading the book and I do feel a review should be that and not Sparks Notes.
From the very first book I have really enjoyed all the books but I think this one is probably the best. Minimal heroics from DCI Dixon who has learnt to call back up-hooray! A good , solid well thought out plot and very well crafted. Nuggets of information and development are peppered through the book in a realistic fashion. As the team learn more so do you. There are no twists as such- shock horror- but this is a truly excellent thing. People have taken to calling natural plot progression a twist. Some authors , in order to ensure their books are referred to as "twisty" have so many rabbit out of a hat moments you think you've become a magician's assistant. Not so Mr Boyd. As the reader we are invited along on DCI Dixon's journey and follow his thought processes in an entertaining and satisfying way. I did really like the new partnership- "Nick and Nige". I thought that was superb and the way Dixon took him under his wing was marvellous. Really hoping that this new partnership continues as it has great potential.

Two minor gripes- acne is caused by bacteria not greasy chips
Calling the Isles of Scilly the Scilly Isles will generate complaints from residents

This is the first book I've read by the author and I really enjoyed it. The plot was interesting and easy to follow. Really enjoyed the characters and specially Dixon. Loved the way he conducted the murder investigation not to the liking of his superior. The story revolves around two murders and killed sheep. The sheep were killed by crossbow and as Dixon investigates further, he finds the two murdered were killed with crossbow. Dixon slowly uncovers the truth and closes the case.
I was definitely hooked on the story from start to finish and I'm definitely going to read more of the author's work. Such a brilliant read.

Back in the day when I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue was actually funny, and I'm talking about the late 1970s, one of my favourite rounds was Late Arrivals At The Ball, where a servant announces the arrival of . . . cue wonderful and bizarre puns, such as:

(The Astronauts' Ball) Mr and Mrs Secondstoblastoff and their Scottish son, Fife
(The Booksellers' Ball) Mr & Mrs Zeen, & their disgusting daughter, Margaret - known as 'Dirty Maggie'
(The Butchers' Ball) Mr and Mrs Poundamince and their son, Arfur

I only mention this because twice now, within a few days, I have found a crime series to which I have come very late. This, for an avowed fan of police procedural novels, is pretty damning. At least the Trevor Negus novels featuring Danny Swift was only a three book series, but much to my shame I find that there have been ten previous books in the DCI Nick Dickson series. All I can do, is review the eleventh - Dying Inside - and mutter "mea culpa." Below, numbers one to five in the Nick Dixon Books.

Nick Dickson works for Avon and Somerset Constabulary, so his beat covers much of England's glorious West Country from Bristol down to Weston super Mare. He is relatively recently promoted, which is good for his salary and pension, but has dragged him into the vortex of tedium which includes mission statements, performance reviews and coma-inducing courses with titles like Developing Inclusive Management Styles In A Modern Police Service. ( I just made that up, but a pound to a penny something very like it actually exists) Dixon, like his creator, is a former solicitor, so he is very wise to the standard stunts pulled by defence lawyers, and it also accounts for his rapid promotion through the ranks. Witnesses often remark that he looks "too young to be such an important officer", to which his response is usually a neutral smile


Here though, he has, dead bodies to deal with. Not so good for the victims - firstly a number of sheep, secondly a dodgy accountant and then an HMRC manager investigating fraud - but good for Dixon's state of mind. The two humans and the sheep have all been killed with fatal shots from a powerful crossbow. Were the sheep just practice targets while the killer honed his or her skills, or were they unrelated incidents? And what is the true story behind  the ocean-going yacht owned by the dodgy accountant capsizing and sinking taking with it one of its crew, Laura Dicken?

Bit by bit, Dixon completes the jigsaw, and is convinced that the deaths are revenge attacks by one of the people who were lured into a scam which ruined their pensions and left them more or less destitute. With his bosses anxious for him to wrap the case up and devote himself to the serious business of Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Committees and Diversity Webinars, Dixon has one or two surprises up his sleeve before the case can finally be closed. Dying Inside is a thoroughly entertaining read, full of twists and turns, and is published by Thomas and Mercer. It is out in paperback and Kindle on 22nd June.

I loved this book. Firstly because it is set in the area in which I grew up, but also because it is such a clever, well-written story. I couldn't guess the ending at all, and the way in which the various threads link together is clever, but believable. The main characters are appealing, and I will definitely be looking out for more books from the author.

This is my first Nick Dixon book. It was a very enjoyable read.
I enjoyed the humor and the progression of the plot with a few twists.
I highly recommend it.

I have read all the previous Damien Boyd DI Nick Dixon books and this was as good and an enjoyable read as all the others. Dixon is now promoted to DCI and as usual we have a page turning story with all the usual characters plus Monty the dog. Always interesting plot lines with several twists, already looking forward to the next book in the series.to see whether Dixon makes it to Superintendent.

With Nick Dixon, Damien Boyd has created a character that the reader can feel safe with. He has no superhuman powers, he is just an intelligent police officer with the desire to see justice done rather than tick-box justice.

Dixon does not follow the sheep and say what his commanding officers want, he seeks the truth, despite it being unpopular.

Mr Boyd seems to have researched his weaponry and writes authoritatively on the subject, which is always a bonus. The story develops at a good pace and leads the reader without producing twists which have no place in the book. Not all of Mr Boyd's criminals are painted as evil and the reader sometimes has a moral decision to make as to whether the course of action chose by Dixon sits well with the reader's idea of right and wrong, at the same time not being able to disagree with how Dixon handles the issues.

I have read all of the Nick Dixon books and this is up there with the best.

Dixon does not want the politics that come with being a high ranking officer so, without hopefully generating a spoiler, it will be very interesting to see what Mr Boyd delivers up next in the series.

This is another of my favourite series which has only got better as it has gone along, with absolutely no signs of flagging. We're now at book 11 and it looks like there are those who would prefer DCI Nick Dixon to take a less hands on approach to things and stay behind the desk he has been promoted to. One of those who disagree is Nick himself and so when a farmer approaches him with a truck full of dead sheep, he literally jumps at the chance to help. Further investigation reveals that this is the third such spate of dead sheep for this farmer - all having been shot with what looks to be a crossbow. The method being refined and perfected more each time. Nick is intrigued by this and when soon after he hears that there's a dead body pinned to a tree by crossbow bolts, can't wait to make a connection and, despite it being the territory of the organised crime unit, can't help but stick his nose in.
And he does this all whilst ignoring the powers that be who are hounding him over his promotion and relocation...
In Nick Dixon the author has created a great cop. He's not like most you'd find in this genre book. His only health issue is his diabetes, and he is settled in his relationship, the only issue there being Jane also being a cop and having been sidelined out of his team due to that. This means that although I would always advocate starting a series from book one and reading in order, with this one I'd say you could read most as stand alones. As with all his previous books, the author has taken the time and effort and done his research. But, that said, it was all necessary for Nick and his team to know to be able to better do their jobs. I quite admire Nick's work and life ethos, especially the way he falls back on the simple things to clear his head - walking with Monty being my favourite. He's a smart cookie and methodical and the crime in this book really lends itself to this way of investigating.
So, with an intriguing plot, cracking characters - both main and extras - and delivered in a no nonsense way with no superfluous padding, this book was gripping from start to finish and left me, at its conclusion, wholly satisfied. Roll on book 12...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Another complete novel by Damien Boyd.
What I mean by that? Simply: Here is a crafted and thoughtful police procedure where you feel able to commit yourself as a reader.

So many books become bogged down and you lose your way; with little interest to read on and get to the end.

When you have a familiar author you feel safe and know that your investment of time will be well rewarded. Furthermore, the book offers you more going forward and you want to understand the unfolding mystery.

That trust in a writer brings a sense of loyalty in a reader like me and a familiar set of characters help to reinforce this relationship in what is now the 11th outing for DI Nick Dixon and his team.

When an increasing level of violence seems to be befalling a local sheep farmer, Nick is the only one who sees this as an example of escalation, perhaps, even leading to murder. Newly, promoted he should be taking a less active role and using management skills more. Yet we find him no better than a young child trying to avoid his boss and sneaking away from his desk, investigating the sheep killing in person.

With great humour Boyd sets up the crime brilliantly and uses new personnel as well as familiar faces to open the case up.

I enjoyed it from the start, never more so than when Monty, the dog is on the page. The quiet times dog walking is the normality for Nick; a time to recharge and relax while reviewing his thoughts on the crimes and unfolding drama. All detectives seem to need someone or something to refocus or sound off to. Whether a Watson, a violin or a stimulating substance or depressant. I love Nick’s interactions with his loyal companion and the moments leading to debates over barbed wire and criminal damage.

Now, although number eleven in books published, this is a series you can meet fresh and take up at each stage along that journey. Like those preceding books, “Dying Inside“ can be read as a stand-alone novel, however it will have you borrowing or buying more as soon as possible.

Hints to past events never cloud the current investigation or delay the action. They are the items that are filed and recalled within the narrative; they provide that richer tapestry of text and content.

This is a complex case where connections are hard to find, even as the body count increases. No stone is left unturned and the numbers of personnel required to review evidence is very realistic as always. We are taken through the plot with no greater knowledge than the detective team. It is Dixon leading the way but this remains a team effort and others feel able to make suggestions or question its direction.

Finally, the book delivers without sleight of hand, unforeseen participants or withheld clues. All is in plain sight, yet so wonderfully packaged, just like a pictorial jigsaw puzzle and seemingly only Dixon can join the dots.

Thank you Mr B for another excellent Nick Dixon book, could not quite manage it in one sitting as I do need to sleep. Winced every time the bolts were mentioned. Now waiting for the arrival of book 12.

This was my first exposure to this series and I really do need to read more. The book was engrossing and I really wanted to know more.

I learnt a lot re financial crimes and cross bows.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for my advance review copy, this is no way influenced my review.

A very human book. We've all threatened someone that we'll kill them, and if you've ever been scammed - especially of a lot of money - meant it too. Usually it's just talk, but in this book there is a murderer carrying through with it. Though what the sheep they practised on had ever done to them, I don't know. The police can see both sides of this problem, but carrying out the threat to kill doesn't get any sympathy from them. Politicians - as usual - are at the back of it.

Loved it. A very good story.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.

It's all good fun in Somerset, where the biggest problem on Nick Dixon's plate is sheep killings.

Sheep. By crossbow. And increasing power. Looks like someone's using them for target practice...

And then come the human bodies. Rather too many over the course of a week.

What's the connection, and who's behind it all?

An excellent instalment in this series

I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of Dying Inside, the eleventh novel to feature DCI Nick Dixon of the Avon and Somerset Police.

Nick is suffocating in paperwork in his new job as detective chief inspector, so when a farmer turns up with a third lot dead sheep, all killed by a crossbow of increasing power, he recognises the signs and decides to investigate. His premonition comes true when a man is found impaled to a tree by several crossbow bolts, but it’s still not his investigation as the victim has ties to organised crime and the Organised Crime Unit will be in charge, that is until a second victim is found.

I enjoyed Dying Inside which is a good police procedural with some neat twists. I was hooked by the unusualness of the weapon and the mystery of the motive, but there are all sorts of little conundrums thrown in throughout the novel to make it more interesting.

I like that it is a novel with its feet planted firmly on the ground, there are no flights of fancy, just solid investigation and a believable motive. I also liked the “and there’s more” feel to the novel where the reader thinks it’s solved and Dixon produces more thoughts and pushes on. It’s effective and keeps the reader wondering. I also liked the final chapter which, while I can’t say what’s in it, encapsulates Dixon’s approach to policing and life in an appropriately high tension manner. The plot itself is interesting in that it mostly consists of sorting out the relationships between characters, like who’s guilty of what, who’s a pawn and how they intersect. It’s well thought out and conceived.

Nick Dixon, man of action is wasted behind a desk and his thoughts on webinars, resource allocation and management in general are a joy to behold. He speaks for most of us. There is more change in the air for him and his fiancée, Jane, most of which is due to manipulation by Assistant Chief Constable Charlesworth, but not all. It will be interesting to watch it unfold.

Dying Inside is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

The 11th instalment in this long standing series sees Dixon and team faced with a bizarre and gruesome string of murders, fraud, tax avoidance and with a dash of imported cocaine.

DCI Nick Dixon is back, newly promoted in this the 11th book of the series. What starts off as sheep being killed, ramps up to full bloodied murder - by crossbow. This character and his team are now well established and realistic. As is the policing, with all the chores of day to day policing, like performance reviews, all types of meetings and the mundane but essential juggling of manpower around a police force, to fill gaps made by ruthless cutbacks over the years. As such, it has such a ring of authenticity that this book gripped me from the start. The storyline as ever is well plotted and intriguing, with lots of lines of enquiry that have to be chased down by the team, again, so realistically, and not all lead to the results wanted. A really absorbing read. Here’s looking forward to his next outing.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The 11th book in the DI Nick Dixon series, Dying Inside was another great edition that kept me hooked. Crossbow sheep killings quickly escalated into a hunt for an elusive murderer that was full of misdirections and dead ends. It had a surprising amount of humorous character interactions and crossbow puns that kept me chuckling to myself. Our main characters continue to develop and thrive and, at this point, I trust any book that Damien Boyd decides to write!

Dying Inside is the eleventh instalment in the Detective (Chief) Inspector Nick Dixon series set in and around Bridgwater, Somerset. Having recently been promoted, the Avon and Somerset DCI, Nick Dixon, is snowed under with more paperwork than he's ever seen in his life. Used to being on the beat, he wonders if he's going to be suited to tedious desk work and a management role and is bursting at the seams to find a case to investigate already. So when a farmer approaches him about a truck full of dead sheep he grabs the opportunity with both hands, although it's hardly the crime of the century. However, Nick recognises, as all decent officers should, that animal torture and killing frequently leads to the psychotic individual desiring bigger thrills and a more extensive adrenaline rush which means escalating their behaviour and slaughtering human prey. This isn't the first time the farmer’s flock has been targeted by a crossbow-wielding maniac, however, and each time it happens the shots appear to be becoming more accurate. Is this a cruel and disturbing training mechanism? When sketchy accountant Godfrey Collins is found impaled to a tree by several powerful crossbow bolts, one in his head, the second in the chest and another in his eye, Nick realises his instinct was right. Godfrey had been up to his neck in organised crime.

The yacht he owned, Sunset Boulevard II, had been used for drug runs but recently capsized mid-Atlantic and two hundred and sixty kilos of cocaine went to the bottom of the ocean; it had street value of about twenty million and that certainly cannot have gone down well with the mob bosses. Then another body is discovered, this time it's a manager at HMRC who was investigating fraud perpetrated by a business known as Clearwater Wealthcare who defrauded thirty-one million pounds from two hundred and two clients. James Bowen and Miranda Mather, the couple behind the pension scam were found with crossbows to the head in the Costa Del Sol the previous day. Can Nick decipher what links these victims before anyone else perishes? This is a compulsive and exciting procedural from the off and is packed with action, wicked twists and turns, devious red herrings and a complex plot woven to perfection. It is a series that is so believable, realistic and authentic that you cannot help but be riveted. The attention to detail and captivating mystery really ramp up the tension propelling everything along superbly and continue to keep you guessing. Dixon is a highly likeable protagonist who refuses to be more hands-off and managerial and he proves that his intelligence will be sorely wasted if he merely sits behind a desk as instructed. Highly recommended.

Another excellent DCI Nick Dixon story! I love a really good police procedural, and this is indeed that. Well worth reading the series and this just keeps delivering. A great main character, superb plotting, humour and also the setting is well described and adds to the storytelling. Very much recommend!

Damien Boyd always delivers. An excellent read with a very engaging story line. All the familiar characters were there to support Nick Dixon with his latest conundrum. 70% through the book and you thought it was all sorted, then the twists and turns appeared to a brilliant finale. Totally recommend it. Roll on the next one.

This is a well crafted and well written police procedural from Damien Boyd. The plot is intriguing and the characters are well developed, with complex and interesting relationships. I was kept interested right to the last page, so, overall it's an exciting read which I would recommend. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. First time I have read anything from this author and shall certainly be changing that. Fast paced edge of your seat thriller with a great storyline and characters. I really enjoyed it.

DCI Nick Dixon is fed up with the paperwork that has come with his promotion. He just wants to get out of the office and work on a proper case.
When a farmer turns up complaining about his sheep being killed with a crossbow Nick is at first dismissive. Until he realises that the violence behind each kill has been increasing.
Then a man is found dead pinned to a tree by crossbow bolts. Organised Crime think it’s to do with drugs but Nick is convinced that this is what the sheep killer was practicing for.
Organised crime isn't going to let the case go, until another body killed in the same way turns up and it becomes obvious that Nick was on to something. Quickly assembling a murder investigation team Nick must find out what links the two murders because he is sure that the killer won’t stop until he is caught.
Very well written with realistic characters and an unusual crime.

Dying Inside is book eleven in the DCI Nick Dixon series about a tenacious rule-breaking detective and his loyal team, solving murders in Somerset. If you’re not worried about characters’ backstories, you could enjoy this as a stand-alone but you’ll get much more out of this series if you read them in order. I’ve enjoyed them all and the quality has not dipped at all.
This one centres on a couple of British financial fiascos that I had not heard of, but was quickly able to confirm through google are real - the Loan Charge saga and UK pensions scams. While that sounds boring, the way these are dealt with made them anything but, so I felt like I learned something along the way, while engrossed in another well-crafted mystery.

Dixon has recently been promoted and is struggling with being chained to his desk by boring management duties, so when a disgruntled farmer threatens to dump dead sheep on the steps of his police station, he’s happy to find out more. Discovering that they were killed by increasingly powerful crossbow bolts, he worries who the next target may be. Soon after, a dodgy accountant is found pinned to a tree by similar bolts, but the local organised crime unit wants the case. Dixon never gives up, and when another victim with no gang connections is found, he is finally able to take over the investigation and run it his own way. Can he catch this crafty killer in between performance reviews and team meetings?

Having got to know Dixon over the course of the series, I could appreciate the subtle humour of his situation - sneaking around to avoid his bosses, scheming to extricate himself from boring meetings and only just keeping his temper when confronted by idiots. I do really like his relationship with his fiancée Jane, and budding friendship with slow but solid PC Nigel.
The crimes here are fairly gruesome - the sheep killings were more distressing to me than the human murders, but you don’t ever see any of them happening so it isn’t too dark.
The plot got a bit complicated with multiple minor characters to keep track of, but it all makes sense in the end. If you like intelligent authentic police procedurals, don’t miss this series.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley and am posting this review voluntarily.
Dying Inside is available now.

Oh how I loved this book. This is a cracking series and it was like meeting up again with old friends and so good to be back in the company of Dixon and Jane et al. A great main plot that twists and turns in addition to having a brilliant twist in the end.
A great addition to this series. Number 11 in the series and a credit to the author that it’s as fresh as ever and as good as if not better then the preceding 10

This is the first DI Nick Dixon book I’ve read, and I really enjoyed it. I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I had read the previous books, but I will certainly check them out when I’m short of a good story. There’s nothing I like more than a detective who breaks the rules! This was a complex case where connections between the murders are hard to find. I admit I got a bit confused at times but, bit by bit, the jigsaw was completed and all became clear. A very well-written book, with an intriguing and unusual plot and interesting characters. Monty the dog added to my enjoyment! A great read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advanced copy in return for an honest review.

My Thanks to Netgalley and to publishers Thomas and Mercer for an ARC of this novel in return for an honest review. Having thoroughly enjoyed several of Damien Boyd’s Inspector Nick Dixon novels I was full of anticipation. I wasn’t disappointed. It was fast-paced, believable and very difficult to put down. Well written in straightforward English, but with plenty of intriguing conundrums, it was everything I look for in a detective story. The knowledge of police procedure also seemed good to an outsider. There was a bit of a back story to the main characters to add some interest, but it didn’t intrude. The author had obviously well-researched crossbows and bolts as well as pensions and tax scams.

Nick Dixon, now promoted to Chief Inspector, finds himself marooned behind a desk, spending a lot of time in seemingly meaningless meetings. Until that is a local farmer blocks the station entrance with his tractor pulling a trailer containing the six rotting carcases of some of his best sheep. They’ve been shot through the head using a crossbow. This is the third time this has happened and the farmer wants some action. Dixon decides to oblige. When his suspicions are confirmed and the first body is found shot with a crossbow he becomes involved.

Another huge pleasure for me is that these books are set in my area of the country. I know many of these places well. I travelled every mile of the way in my mind with these characters. I walked the streets of Bristol with them. I was particularly impressed by the briefest mention of a local police station having been closed and rehoused in the neighbourhood fire station. Completely accurate. One of the addresses visited by the police is literally around a few corners from my house. I will be walking down there, but am expecting to find the house number and the building itself are fictitious. Big action-packed climax, near the end of the book, takes place on the Downs in Bristol, near the Observatory at night. Very dramatic. I know it well, For me it all reinforces the authenticity and detailed research that has gone into this writing. I can’t recommend the book enough if you are a lover of well-written detective fiction. I shall now be catching up on the back novels I have so far missed.

One of my favourite “ fireside” authors no matter what the weather and this 11th book in the series does not disappoint. The now DCI Nick Dixon takes an interest when first sheep are shot and then the quarry moves from four legs to two. The fact they are all murdered with a crossbow makes it more specific and soon becomes apparent they are linked in some perverse way and not some random act. Going beyond his remit (nothing new there) Dixon pieces together the act of revenge that is taking its toll from a sunken yacht to a cliff edge. Good job he was wearing his vest! Really enjoyed and grateful to NetGalley and publishers for the arc.

I have read all the books in this series, and Damien Boyd’s writing continues to go from strength to strength. Nick Dixon has developed into a brilliant detective, and this book does not disappoint.

This is #11 in the DI Nick Dixon series but can easily be read as a standalone.

I was looking forward to reading this as it’s set in an area that I know very well, and I wasn’t disappointed.

There are several cases of sheep being killed by a crossbow and when a body turns up, killed in the same way, it’s clear to Nick that the perpetrator was using the sheep for practice shots. The organised crime unit take over the case as they’re sure it was a gangland killing, but then another body is found – with connections to the first body – so Nick’s team take on the case.

Nick’s partner is a DS, and there’s just enough about their private lives to be interesting but not to negatively affect the story.

This was a great thriller with an unexpected ending, and I’ll definitely be reading more of the DI Nick Dixon books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

DI Nick Dixon is back with murders and cross bows. His character is developing nicely and it is a pleasant change to see his detailed thought processes about the crimes rather than too many twists and turns or red herrings. A solid, but exciting read, and satisfying ending. Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

A D I Nick Dixon thriller that’s a good addition to the series. A clever detective engaged to a colleague, a series of crossbow murders and he has a dog what’s not to love! The initial investigation by a specialist unit is going nowhere until our hero is put on the case after a second death. As the deaths mount it all becomes splendidly complicated just when you think it’s been solved it twists again. Excellent!

The latest offering in the Nick Dixon series does not disappoint. The plot involves topical themes of pension fraud and financial scams and the effects they can have on individuals. The story also covers the the events in Dixon's private life without dwelling on them long enough to affect the main storyline..I look forward to the next in the series'

Although I haven't read any of the previous books in this series I was able to enjoy this new book as a standalone. Having said that, I am going to go back and try and read the previous books as I think the character of Nick Dixon is very interesting and would like to learn his backstory .This book however is excellent ,a great mystery ,first of sheep being killed with a crossbow and then people but what is the connection ?Dixon and his Team set out to solve the murders ,the story is fast paced and intriguing I thoroughly enjoyed it .Many thanks to the Publisher ,the Author and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review .

This is an enjoyable police procedural, fast paced and well plotted, with likeable and relatable central characters. Senior detective Nick Dixon, whose rank fluctuates during the storyline, is simply a hard working honest policeman, without any of the usual character flaws/ broken marriage/ borderline alcoholic/maverick cop following his own agenda - type protagonist, which seems to have become the accepted norm for a police procedural novel in recent years. This is a refreshing change, in my view, and makes the book all the more enjoyable.
I have not read any of this author’s previous work, but I will look out for it now. Although this is one of a series, it works very well as a standalone novel. The somewhat narrow geographical area where the story is set, is explained by the author in the acknowledgements, by the fact that he wrote the novel during lockdown, so had to write about an area he is familiar with, being unable to travel to research other areas.
Excellent plotting, using an unusual but very plausible ‘reason’ for the murders. Although the killings are gruesome in their execution, this was not dwelt upon, or described in endless gory detail, which I find off putting in some murder mysteries. Altogether an excellent read, which I recommend.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this title.

Ah……the comfort of a new DCI Nick Dixon crime novel! It’s like sitting down with a glass of Butcombe bitter to hear the latest news from an old friend. In this latest instalment of the exploits of our favourite Avon and Somerset police detective Damien Boyd has made sure that most of the familiar cast of characters are present and correct, albeit happily leavened with some who are new to us, but likely to become firm favourites in (hopefully) the next offering from Damien Boyd. Lest these opening words suggest this book is simply an uninspiring ‘by the numbers’ police procedural let me immediately disabuse you of that thought. The skill of the author in bringing his characters to life is again deployed to good effect, as his clever use of locations that will certainly appeal to those of us in the south west but are equally accessible and evocative to those who haven’t experienced the delights of the Somerset countryside or the City of Bristol. For readers who like to pursue their parallel investigation by looking for the clues that the author artfully leaves for readers to spot there are clues aplenty, although there is an interesting surprise in the final denouement. Highly recommended.

Settle down with a glass of something, 'pipe and slippers' to enjoy another outing with DCI Nick Dixon who is back, in the west country, newly promoted. As usual Mr Boyd starts us off with something unusual - sheep being killed by crossbow..

I am fortunate to have read all the previous books in the series and Nick and his team. his girlfriend and dog are familiar characters. He wastes little time in not enjoying all the day to day policing, like performance reviews and boring non productive meetings meetings.

The story moves swiftly along with elements of financial scamming and plenty of dodgy characters - lovely!

Well written (during the pandemic) and I am already looking forward to book 12 in the series. Will Nick go to Portishead - one of my old stamping grounds?

Thanks to Net Galley and Amazon Publishing for the chance to read and review.

This is the first book in the series that I’ve read and has got me wanting to catch up on the rest of the series, however I still enjoyed it as a stand-alone.
DCI Nick Dixon has recently been promoted but is not enjoying the management duties, so grabs the opportunity to investigate, when a disgruntled farmer threatens to dump dead sheep that have been killed by a crossbow, on the steps of the police station, recognising this could escalate. He’s proved right when a dodgy accountant is found pinned to a tree by crossbow bolts and when another victim is found, he is able to take over the investigation.
I enjoyed this book, which is a good police procedural, finding the plot believable with fraud and pension scheme scams and I liked the main characters.

This is a great crime story, the latest in a series featuring Chief Inspector Nick Dixon and his team who are based on the South West coast of England. The hero is a detective whose nose for the truth leads him to persevere when others would be satisfied with a convenient ’result’. He can be reckless when it comes to his own safety, but this makes for a compelling read and a final twist, just as the case seems closed!

I enjoyed the developing story, the likeable characters and the location-all of which make for a brilliant narrative which draws you in and keeps you guessing till the end.

To be posted on Motherload Bookclub on FB

Another great book in the DCI Dixon series I couldn’t put it down. It builds up gradually with an unexpected twist . Love all the characters , I am pleased I had read the previous books in the series.

The characters are absolutely fantastic, the stories are believable and the author's sense of humor that threads throughout the story had me laughing out loud! Highly recommend!

“Dying Inside” is the first of Damien Boyd’s novels that I have had the joy of reading and I have to admit this was a joy.

DCI Nick Dixon is a warmhearted likeable copper just like his namesake from “Dixon of Dock Green” for those of you old enough to remember the TV show from the early sixties. However the storyline is much more modern being about tax avoidance schemes and pension scams or rather the brutal murders of the perpetrators.

DCI Dixon is another great well rounded character who would transfer nicely to the screen. I look forward to reading Damien’s back catalogue.

What I love most about this Damien Boyd series: It shows us the kind of cops we all wish we had in our neighborhood precinct -- human beings who think and feel and keep their minds open while they check all the boxes involved in humdrum police procedures.

The writing is solid and unobtrusive. Boyd is very, very good at character development, and in this installment he producers a trickier-than-usual (but never dense or confusing) plot.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance readers copy.

This is the first book I have read by Damien Boyd, and I wasn't disappointed.

Nick Dixon has recently been promoted to DCI, which seems to mean more paperwork and administrative meetings, less time out on the street actually solving crime.

Nick's diplomacy skills are called for when a farmer comes to the station with dead sheep that he is threatening to leave on the steps of the police station unless someone investigates why his sheep are being killed by a crossbow, This becomes even more important when ex-accountant Godfrey Collins is found murdered in the same way.

Throw in a boat, presumed to be running drugs, and a financial scandal and you have a really interesting and engaging book.

Great characters, and not having any previous knowledge of people's back story is not a hindrance to the enjoyment of this book,

Highly recommended and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Start with killing sheep using a crossbow then move on to your list of four victims. This is a complicated tale of revenge bolstered by extensive description of the availability of different types of crossbow. Add in the details of tax evasion schemes which sparked the revenge and the extensive number of detectives, it is easy to lose the theme of this book. I am no impressed.

This is the eleventh book in the author's Nick Dixon series but can easily be read as a stand alone novel, first hand experience tells me that it is not necessary to have read the previous ten in the series. The book slots nicely into the police procedural genre.

The plot revolves largely around a pension fraud, although there is a lot more to the story than that. Suffice to say that all the threads are wrapped up nicely with no loose endings.

Boyd has an unusual style of writing - very spare and trimmed to the bone. If a word can be cut, it is. It takes a bit of getting used to but is quite readable and gets the job done. The lack of fat in the writing allows for extra additions to the plot.

A very enjoyable story which will appeal to all readers of this genre, but in particular those who live in and around Bristol where large parts of the story are set. Highly recommended.

Definitely more detail than I ever wanted to know about the wounds caused by crossbow bolts this book has all the indications of a psychopath serial killer escalating their behaviours from sheep slaughtering to murder.
Dixon is less sure about that and watches the investigation unfold and along with it a clear motive.
Dixon is a wonderful character and Boyd draws you into the investigation right alongside him as he battles internal politics within the force to find the killer before more bodies mount up.
It was also the first book of this type I have ever read where the crimes involved (other than the murders) are from a fraud and scamming point of view, very much white collar, rather than the more traditional crimes of passion, drug wars or psychopathy.
A great story line, great characters and a detective I look forward to meeting again.

I received this book from the publishers via Netgalley for a review. A well written thriller from Damien Boyd . A killer on the loose with a crossbow, great character's well plotted.

This is the first DI Nick Dixon book I had read but apparently it is 11th in a series. Set in mainly in Somerset, it was refreshing to read a detective novel that wasn’t about a city force with all the resources they have at there disposal. I didn’t realise it was part of a series so I don’t feel I was missing any back-story that was covered in this story. A bit gruesome in parts it was in enjoyable read and the characters felt realistic. An interesting plot line too.

I can’t believe this is the 11th book in Damien Boyd’s Nick Dixon crime thriller series. They are enjoyable to read and like the other stories in the series Dying Inside gradually develops the key characters whilst focusing on a capsized ship and a series of murders by use of crossbow. There are twists and turns throughout the book with an unexpected ending. I recommend Damien Boyd Nick Dixon series, you could read Dying Inside as a stand-alone or my recommendation would be pick up the first book and see how you get on, although you don’t necessarily need to read in strict order. Another key factor that makes Damien’s books so interesting is the way he covers police procedures as part of the story, All set in the Somerset countryside and along its coastline and beaches.

Newly promoted DCI Nick Dixon is fed up with being desk-bound and sitting in meetings when he would far rather be actively solving crimes. When a series of sheep killings escalate and two bodies are found, both victims shot at close range by crossbow, Dixon gets his wish.

What follows is a fast-paced and tightly written narrative with plenty to engage the reader. We are drawn into an investigation focusing on the link between a dead accountant, a pensions scam, a capsized yacht, and a tax avoidance scheme. Even when the case appears to be wrapped up, there is one further twist to come but it absolutely makes sense.

Dixon's policing instincts are natural and realistic, and we are always fed just enough information to move things forward. The tension gradually mounts as the perpetrator's identity becomes clear; however, it is often what we aren't told that proves crucial, as there proves to be more going on than initially appears the case.

I also liked the interaction between the different officers and look forward to how this develops over future stories, especially the relationship between Dixon and PC Nigel Cole. The setting in the Avon and Somerset area is a bonus.

Damien Boyd is a new writer to me, but will definitely be reading more and catching up on the previous books in this series.

I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.

Excellent book. It was a really nice read , & I don’t mean that in a derogatory way. Although there were multiple murders it was a gentle book. Loved it!

A great story with lots of twists keeping you hooked right in. Hard to put down so be ready to invest the time...

I just love the Nick Dixon series and have read all 11 (now) and they are on a par with Ian Rankin or Peter James as police procedurals.

Waiting for number 12 already!

Really enjoyable, fast paced story.
Keeps you hooked and very hard to put down. Another great DI Nick Dixon story. Looking forward to the next in the series.

Thank you #NetGalley and #Amazonpublishing for my e-copy of #dyinginside in return for my honest review.

Dying inside is the 11th book in the Nick Dixon series by Damien Boyd.

Although it’s the 11th one it was my first time reading anything in this particular series. First time reading anything by this author actually, and I was not disappointed. I didn’t feel as I was on a back foot for I’m not having read the previous novels; I worked just as well as a stand alone.

I found this book to be well written. I particularly liked the detail that Boyd went into with the police procedural element, but still keeping you-the reader, engrossed it the story while still keeping it factual.

There was also the brilliant balancing of all of this with humour which encouraged be to continue reading.

I can honestly say that I enjoyed this novel, not only from the start but continuously the whole way through. And I can say that I am now encouraged to read the other books from this series.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of Dying Inside in exchange for an honest review.
I thought I may be at a disadvantage as I had not read the other books in the series, but I don't think that mattered too much as it can be read as a stand-alone.
A well-written police procedural, one of the best in my opinion. Fast-paced, plenty of intrigue and suspense. I now have to go back and read the others.

Having read all of the Nick Dixon books, I was looking forward immensely to this novel. I was not disappointed in any aspect. A truly riveting book. A complex plot of financial double dealing and murder. Excellent characters as always. A true page turner. Looking forward to the next novel

A massive thank you to both NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the copy of Damien Boyds Dying Inside.

Having read the previous 10 books in the series I have become a massive fan of the Nick Dixon series and Dying Inside continues to deliver on the characters that we have experienced.

Yes reading the 10 previous books gives you a much larger knowledge of the characters, however the beauty of Boyds writing is you can pick up this book and still enjoy it.

I highly recommend this to anyone its an amazing series and Damien Boyd is a master in storytelling.

I enjoyed this novel a lot. The characters were engaging and the plot flowed quickly and was interesting. There were lots of twists and turns and I thought the relationships between everyone was believable. Recommended.

I have really enjoyed this series, Damien Boyd just comes up with great reads that are not copies of any of his previous books. Brilliant character development, superb story lines his books can be read individually or as a series. He is an excellent author who delivers every time. I can recommend his books without reservation.

An excellent well-written book, believable storyline, full of twists and turns, good ending. Intricate plot with really good ending.

A DCI Nick Dixon thriller that is brilliant, it engaged me right at the beginning, and I was hooked on the plot until I finished the book. Dixon does not follow the sheep and say what his commanding officers want, he seeks the truth, despite it being unpopular. A great whodunnit with lots of twists and turns thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more books by this author,
Thanks Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me a advance copy to read.

Solid police/Crime story. Unfortunately I came to this series in the middle so didn't understand all the back story but enjoyed the characters nonetheless and it was a pacy read that stood on its own merits!

It took me a while to get into this book, maybe because it is the first book I have read in this series. However once I got into the story, it was very good. I liked the characters, though it took a while to get to know them . The crimes were well thought out and there are a couple of twists in the book which add the the suspense and which were unpredictable.
All in all a great book, enough information about the investigation to keep interest up and enough personal about personal lives to add human interest. I will definitely read more from this author
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

A good crime novel, well written. It took me a few chapters to get into the storyline after which it was an enjoyable read. I will try other books in the series.

Just finished this and by was I shocked when I saw who was behind the killings.

I loved the way the characters new and old was working together and was surprised how easy DI Nick Dixon slipped into his new role as well.

Can't wait for book 12 :D

The Nick Dixon series of books are fantastic. Each one, in my opinion, every bit as good as the last. It is easy to engage with Nick Dixon's character. If you enjoy the likes of Val McDermid , Leigh Rusell and Stuart McBride, you'll love this book

Good crime thriller well written. During these strange times during pandemic a gripping story to take you on a good journey. As always the author leaves me thinking what then happens to the characters a sequel maybe an option.

Love a Damien Boyd book. The 11th book in the DI Nick Dixon series, Dying Inside was another great edition that kept me hooked. Crossbow sheep killings quickly escalated into a hunt for an elusive murderer that was full of misdirections and dead ends. It had a surprising amount of humorous character interactions and crossbow puns that kept me chuckling to myself. Read it in one sitting! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is Book 11 in the DI Nick Dixon Series, and Nick has now been promoted to DCI but is struggling with the changes, and especially the non-operational side, this brings.

Events start with a sequence of Sheep killed by Crossbow, not the most promising start you may think, but this then progresses on to a murder by Crossbow. Are these events connected? It is being attributed to a gangland event but Nick disagrees but is told to leave it alone by the powers that be.

This develops into a great book and shows that this series goes from strength to strength, they are superbly paced and written, have great plots, with plenty of twists and has a great group of characters. Nick is a great lead character, who once he gets onto something will not give in. What’s not to love?

If you have not read any of the series I strongly recommend it and this is definitely one of the best in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for providing a copy of this book for me, for an an open and honest review.

A really exceptional story line fast moving keeps the reader guessing to the very end with a suprising and unexpected twist in the tail.Thoroughly enjoyed this book would recommend it to everyone.

4 Stars from me

This was an exciting thriller and it joined newly promoted DCI Nick Dixon in what appears to be a well established series. I think this is the first book I have read from Damien Boyd and I have no doubt there would be benefits to reading the series in order!

However, having not done that I can only base this review on Dying Inside although I am tempted to now read from book 1 onwards.

DCI Nick Dixon was a good character and I enjoyed following him through the book. 

The storyline was clever and certainly unique for me which made it all the more interesting! The internal conflict within the police is quite a common theme and I wonder how much it reflects upon real life. 

All in all, I really enjoyed following the story and will be keeping a look out for Damien Boyd books in the future.

Love the characters in this series and this book is a great addition. A simple case soon becomes much more complex as as all the strings come together.

Overall I enjoyed this book. I haven't read any others in the series so I cannot comment on how they compare to the rest. I found the story very slow and very confusing at times. I kept losing the thread of where the connections where. I nearly gave up a couple of times and this one doesn't compel me to read any more of the Nick Dixon crimes.

Thanks to the publishers and Net Galley for the chance to read this latest Nick Dixon book. I have read all the previous outings for Dixon and thoroughly enjoyed them all but, I didn't feel this one came up to the same level. For me there were far too many characters that I lost track of who was connected with whom and I got a bit lost. Whilst I would recommend this book it is not my favourite of the series.

DCI Nick Dixon , supposedly now in a desk job , cannot help himself getting involved with the real job of policing. A farmer brings 6 sheep corpses to the police station as a protest because he had previously reported sheep having been shot with a crossbow . The crossbow bolts have been getting longer and stronger over the attacks . Dixon thinks that somebody is practicing for a special purpose possibly murder . Eventually a body is found with bolts through the head . This is the first of a number of murders in this country and Spain . All associated with pension schemes and tax avoidance schemes ran by the victims. A young girl drowned after a yacht sank after a supposed drug run . A good read and not too heavy,

I'm never disappointed by Damien Boyd and he's done it again with another strong book in the Nick Dixon Series. I love watching the characters grow from book to book but at the same have a book that on it's own would be worth reading. This book kept me on the edge of my seat as it went from event to event. I absolutely love the humor, realistic characters, plot twists, and excellent plot. This book kept me turning pages well into the night. I can't wait for the next book in the DC Nick Dixon series.

Dying Inside by Damien Boyd

I was very lucky to have been given the chance to read this book. I must admit I don’t normally write reviews unless I think the book had something special, well this book had me hooked in the first chapter so much so I’m now looking for other books in the series. It’s truly gripping and I can’t wait to find out what else Di Nick Dixon has been investigating. Five Stars all the way. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another murder mystery involving DCI Nick Dixon. Lots of action involving, dead sheep, murders and crossbows. A fast moving story in which Dixon exposes himself to considerable risk in solving a puzzle that serves up bodies in different countries as well as victims between whom he struggles to find a link.
Boyd's understanding of how calm, controlled investigative police work ultimately reveals answers is very much to the fore and Dixon comes across as a very authentic detective.
I took slight issue with some of the incidents/clues that progressed his hunt for the killers as they required just slightly too much suspension of disbelief, but overall this is a well written novel which keeps coming up with surprises.

Firstly, I’d like to thanks Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. I was delighted as I have read all the previous books in the Nick Dixon series.

This book did not disappoint. It was as thrilling as the previous books. Nick has been promoted but is not keen on the less hands on approach, so at the risk of upsetting his superiors he jumps at the chance to help solve the latest killings.

I like the characters , and of course, Monty, the dog. Can’t wait until the next one!

After reading a few middling crime stories it was a total breath of fresh air to read a truly enjoyable and engaging crime novel that had great characters and a story b.c that picked you right up.. from that pile of dead, smelly chickens killed by crossbow to .. I shouldn't give it away but human bodies start showing up .. DI Nixon is not to be forestalled and it becomes more and more credible .. that's the thing.... I increasingly had confidence in this adept writer.. very impressive! I'm going to hunt out others in the series ...

Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the advanced copy of Dying Inside by Damien Boyd.

This was my first introduction to Nick Dixon, and what starts off as a rather odd crime, leads you down a twisted crime road. Why have sheep been killed by crossbow? We learn that the sheep were practice shots, and the bodies keep turning up.

I really enjoyed this book along with the style of writing, and I'm looking forward to catching up on the earlier books by Damien Boyd.

I have read most of Damien Boyd's books, and I have loved them all. I also loved this one, and I can't wait to read the next one! DCI Nick Dixon, his partner and fellow police colleague Jane, and Monty the dog are an amazing little family team, and I just love them so much. I am always excited to read about what they get up to in each book of the series. In this book, it is all go, with lots of action, humour, romance, police activities, mystery, murder, and lots more. It is a fantastic read, which I highly recommend!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Damien Boyd/Nick Dixon book and I enjoyed it as a standalone novel. Dixon is an engaging character and I suspect I would have given four stars if I had read the previous books and got to know Dixon better. The previous books are now on my list to read.

It's a well-constructed plot and I enjoyed the 'Englishness' of it.

Am a big fan of Damien Boyd and the Nick Dixon series.
I did struggle with the slow pace of the book at the start though it picked up in the last third. Definitely didn’t work out the direction of the story or the ending.
I like the characters and their relationships in this series however this is not my favourite book in the Dixon series.
3.5 Stars ⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for a fair review