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DI Simon Wise #1
Rich Men, Dead Men
It doesn't matter how rich you are when death knocks at your door.
A killer stalks the streets of London, murdering the richest people in the capital. Is this the work of a serial killer or just someone angry with the super rich? Or is there another reason why billionaires are being killed every three days?
Detective Inspector Simon Wise, reeling from the death of his partner and harbouring more than a few secrets of his own, is assigned to the case. But the killer leaves no clues as to their identity, only bodies in their wake and each new death sends Wise's team in startling new directions.
As the pressure mounts on Wise to get a result, has he got what it takes to solve the case before the murderer strikes again?
RICH MEN, DEAD MEN is the first book in the DI Simon Wise Crime Thriller series, set on the streets of London. If you like gripping police procedurals, complex characters, and shocking twists, then you’ll love Michael Dylan’s thrilling debut novel.
This gripping page-turner is perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, Peter James, Joy Ellis, L.J. Ross, Alex Smith and J.M. Dalgliesh.
A killer stalks the streets of London, murdering the richest people in the capital. Is this the work of a serial killer or just someone angry with the super rich? Or is there another reason why billionaires are being killed every three days?
Detective Inspector Simon Wise, reeling from the death of his partner and harbouring more than a few secrets of his own, is assigned to the case. But the killer leaves no clues as to their identity, only bodies in their wake and each new death sends Wise's team in startling new directions.
As the pressure mounts on Wise to get a result, has he got what it takes to solve the case before the murderer strikes again?
RICH MEN, DEAD MEN is the first book in the DI Simon Wise Crime Thriller series, set on the streets of London. If you like gripping police procedurals, complex characters, and shocking twists, then you’ll love Michael Dylan’s thrilling debut novel.
This gripping page-turner is perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, Peter James, Joy Ellis, L.J. Ross, Alex Smith and J.M. Dalgliesh.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2023
129 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 19, 2025
3 stars
Did you ever get a bubble wrapper and then one of the bubbles would not pop, because it was already punctured? So unsatisfying, right? That's how it felt when they've arrested the guy. (No spoilers there...it is the first book, clearly they were gonna arrest someone...hahaha). After all the pursuit, the surveillance, the investigation...anyhow...
Other than that, the book is okay-ish. A bit tooo heavy on the personal drama and i didn't get why the investigation team was checking the suspects alibies AFTER they became more suspicious. Isn't usually the other way around and when things don't match this is what is ringing the bell?? But what do I know.
We'll give the 2nd one in this series a shot.
Did you ever get a bubble wrapper and then one of the bubbles would not pop, because it was already punctured? So unsatisfying, right? That's how it felt when they've arrested the guy. (No spoilers there...it is the first book, clearly they were gonna arrest someone...hahaha). After all the pursuit, the surveillance, the investigation...anyhow...
Other than that, the book is okay-ish. A bit tooo heavy on the personal drama and i didn't get why the investigation team was checking the suspects alibies AFTER they became more suspicious. Isn't usually the other way around and when things don't match this is what is ringing the bell?? But what do I know.
We'll give the 2nd one in this series a shot.
December 31, 2023
This review was originally posted on Queen's Book Asylum!
Actual rating: 4.5👑
Michael Dylan‘s name might not sound familiar, but if I tell you it’s the pen name of Mike Shackle, then you will understand why I was stoked to read Rich Men, Dead Men (apart from the fact that I love crime thrillers). Shackle is a beloved author here in the Asylum, and I was happy to hear about his latest self-publishing venture into a different genre. I think I talked about this before, but crime thrillers were a much earlier bookish love of mine than fantasy, and I woefully neglected it in the past few years. But it finally came the time I got to read Rich Men, Dead Men when I got an audiobook, so I could read and listen alternately which made reading so much faster.
Rich Men, Dead Men introduces to us DI Simon Wise, who recently lost his partner and friend, Andy, and is still reeling from it. Not only from grief, but also the fact that he didn’t know the man as well as he thought and that he never saw anything amiss. He not only starts doubting himself, but he also walls himself off from his colleagues and especially his family, pushing them away as far as he can while he keeps having nightmares and flashbacks. The latter could come across as repetitive, but as the story goes on and Wise deals with a complex case and works through his own issues, they become less frequent, showing how he starts healing oh so slowly. I appreciated that touch. Also, the fact he reaches out to his therapist – the one he usually sees only out of necessity. Wise is a tough guy, he likes to have control over his life, his work, and be the reliable man people can turn to and depend on. And we see him lose that control and assurance, and his battle as he is trying to get it back. We see not only the hard cop, but also the vulnerable man, and I think Dylan did an excellent job with his character. And can I mention please his dad? Man, that was such a great scene in the book. A little bit of warmth in an otherwise tense and dark story.
So, the main plot of Rich Men, Dead Men revolves around a serial killer investigation, where someone dressed as a motorbike messenger murders rich people, and they seemingly have no connection whatsoever – apart from the mentioned motorbike messenger, that is. No witnesses, no evidence left, and the clock is ticking. And if that wasn’t enough for Wise and his team to deal with, they also get a new team member in Hannah, and pressure from the higher-ups to solve the case as fast as possible. Including forcing “new eyes” on them who eventually take over the investigation and fuck everything up, as you do. I liked that the book not only focused on the investigation itself but also the inner politics of Wise’s police station.
It’s been a good while since I read a “classic” crime investigation thriller, and boy I had no idea how much I missed it until I got into Rich Men, Dead Men. I was either glued to the screen of my Kindle or to my earphones as I was listening, thoroughly enjoying myself. I was a little bit disappointed by who the culprit turned out to be as I saw that coming, but still, the plot was well built up and the investigation and the chase itself put me on the edge of my seat, so I’m not complaining. Rich Men, Dead Men also set up the stage for the sequel, which makes me excited to read it in the very near future. I owe Dylan a big thank you for rekindling my love for the crime genre.
Actual rating: 4.5👑
‘What is it they say? Success has many parents, while failure is always an orphan.’
Michael Dylan‘s name might not sound familiar, but if I tell you it’s the pen name of Mike Shackle, then you will understand why I was stoked to read Rich Men, Dead Men (apart from the fact that I love crime thrillers). Shackle is a beloved author here in the Asylum, and I was happy to hear about his latest self-publishing venture into a different genre. I think I talked about this before, but crime thrillers were a much earlier bookish love of mine than fantasy, and I woefully neglected it in the past few years. But it finally came the time I got to read Rich Men, Dead Men when I got an audiobook, so I could read and listen alternately which made reading so much faster.
Rich Men, Dead Men introduces to us DI Simon Wise, who recently lost his partner and friend, Andy, and is still reeling from it. Not only from grief, but also the fact that he didn’t know the man as well as he thought and that he never saw anything amiss. He not only starts doubting himself, but he also walls himself off from his colleagues and especially his family, pushing them away as far as he can while he keeps having nightmares and flashbacks. The latter could come across as repetitive, but as the story goes on and Wise deals with a complex case and works through his own issues, they become less frequent, showing how he starts healing oh so slowly. I appreciated that touch. Also, the fact he reaches out to his therapist – the one he usually sees only out of necessity. Wise is a tough guy, he likes to have control over his life, his work, and be the reliable man people can turn to and depend on. And we see him lose that control and assurance, and his battle as he is trying to get it back. We see not only the hard cop, but also the vulnerable man, and I think Dylan did an excellent job with his character. And can I mention please his dad? Man, that was such a great scene in the book. A little bit of warmth in an otherwise tense and dark story.
So, the main plot of Rich Men, Dead Men revolves around a serial killer investigation, where someone dressed as a motorbike messenger murders rich people, and they seemingly have no connection whatsoever – apart from the mentioned motorbike messenger, that is. No witnesses, no evidence left, and the clock is ticking. And if that wasn’t enough for Wise and his team to deal with, they also get a new team member in Hannah, and pressure from the higher-ups to solve the case as fast as possible. Including forcing “new eyes” on them who eventually take over the investigation and fuck everything up, as you do. I liked that the book not only focused on the investigation itself but also the inner politics of Wise’s police station.
‘That’s because you’ve got a copper’s intuition.’
‘Yeah? My girlfriend says I just don’t like people.’
‘Sometimes that’s the same thing.’
It’s been a good while since I read a “classic” crime investigation thriller, and boy I had no idea how much I missed it until I got into Rich Men, Dead Men. I was either glued to the screen of my Kindle or to my earphones as I was listening, thoroughly enjoying myself. I was a little bit disappointed by who the culprit turned out to be as I saw that coming, but still, the plot was well built up and the investigation and the chase itself put me on the edge of my seat, so I’m not complaining. Rich Men, Dead Men also set up the stage for the sequel, which makes me excited to read it in the very near future. I owe Dylan a big thank you for rekindling my love for the crime genre.
June 18, 2023
3.5! Good old cop story with a likable protagonist. I look forward to the next one in the series!
August 2, 2023
What a brilliant book, absolutely loved it. The plot was great and it really is an ‘unputdownable’ book. The storyline was so good that I devoured this book. Really liked all the characters and can’t wait to read more and see how they develop, especially Markham and Wise!! Can’t believe this is a debut novel as it is so well crafted. Eagerly awaiting the second book.
May 23, 2023
Fantastic, hardboiled read.
A gem of an old fashioned cops-and-killers novel without all that old fashioned dilly-dallying. Waiting eagerly for the next instalment.
A gem of an old fashioned cops-and-killers novel without all that old fashioned dilly-dallying. Waiting eagerly for the next instalment.
April 18, 2025
A fast paced 4/5. This was some good ol’ fashioned detective work. The book made me want to drink coffee like crazy! There were some good twists (especially at the very end) and the suspense and “chase” feel kept the pages turning. There were a couple editing issues that threw me a bit though. However, the heart of the story is in its character work.
This is the third pen name I have read of Mike Shackle, and he never disappoints with how real he makes his characters’ struggles feel, and their path through emotion. I liked Wise’s character development, and how he shifted toward challenging his turmoil.
I also really liked Hannah as a counter balance to Wise and their chemistry as it grew. She brings an edge to things and has a lot of untapped potential for deep growth. This will be a beginning to a great duo. Chapter 50, where you get the perspective of the suspect was fantastic as well!
For definite bonus points, Dr. Shaw, and Simon’s sessions were great to read! It makes my heart happy to see an embracing of therapy and how honest & raw Simon showed up. Definitely added a lot of layers of depth for him, and it is greatly satisfying reading a competent counselor.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the author weaves more interesting cases in with this family thread of DI Wise.
This is the third pen name I have read of Mike Shackle, and he never disappoints with how real he makes his characters’ struggles feel, and their path through emotion. I liked Wise’s character development, and how he shifted toward challenging his turmoil.
I also really liked Hannah as a counter balance to Wise and their chemistry as it grew. She brings an edge to things and has a lot of untapped potential for deep growth. This will be a beginning to a great duo. Chapter 50, where you get the perspective of the suspect was fantastic as well!
For definite bonus points, Dr. Shaw, and Simon’s sessions were great to read! It makes my heart happy to see an embracing of therapy and how honest & raw Simon showed up. Definitely added a lot of layers of depth for him, and it is greatly satisfying reading a competent counselor.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the author weaves more interesting cases in with this family thread of DI Wise.
October 21, 2023
Rich Men, Dead Men is one of the first thrillers I've read. It's not normally a genre I delve into but I really wanted to read something that wasn't fantasy or science fiction.
I listened to the audiobook of this story via Audible and it was narrated by Colin Mace. Colin did a good job of bringing the characters to life and I feel he really brought to life the main character, DI Simon Wise.
The story starts how it means to go on - with mystery. There is a crime to solve and this prompts questions. The story weaves a solid tale as it goes on throwing in more characters, more suspects and more mystery. I like what Michael did with the story and feel that it can't be easy to create a story like this because you have to create a crime and then try and take the reader, and the characters (such as the police) on a wild goose chase to help build mystery and suspense.
I liked the characters, especially the main police officers and main suspects. They felt quite real and alive, and grounded too. This really helped them feel alive. It wasn't just the characters though. The whole story is grounded with very real items such as vehicles, locations and even the war in Ukraine being mentioned, among other things. It was things like this that helped the story feel fresh and modern.
Michael did a good job with the story and I especially thought how it ended was great. If you do end up enjoying this story, and the ending, then you'll most likely be jumping into the second book to find out what happens next. I liked this and also have it on Kindle. I would recommend picking this up on Kindle and giving DI Simon Wise a chance. If you like it, then I expect you'll like the rest of the stories that Michael Dylan will inevitably write with Simon Wise in the frame.
I listened to the audiobook of this story via Audible and it was narrated by Colin Mace. Colin did a good job of bringing the characters to life and I feel he really brought to life the main character, DI Simon Wise.
The story starts how it means to go on - with mystery. There is a crime to solve and this prompts questions. The story weaves a solid tale as it goes on throwing in more characters, more suspects and more mystery. I like what Michael did with the story and feel that it can't be easy to create a story like this because you have to create a crime and then try and take the reader, and the characters (such as the police) on a wild goose chase to help build mystery and suspense.
I liked the characters, especially the main police officers and main suspects. They felt quite real and alive, and grounded too. This really helped them feel alive. It wasn't just the characters though. The whole story is grounded with very real items such as vehicles, locations and even the war in Ukraine being mentioned, among other things. It was things like this that helped the story feel fresh and modern.
Michael did a good job with the story and I especially thought how it ended was great. If you do end up enjoying this story, and the ending, then you'll most likely be jumping into the second book to find out what happens next. I liked this and also have it on Kindle. I would recommend picking this up on Kindle and giving DI Simon Wise a chance. If you like it, then I expect you'll like the rest of the stories that Michael Dylan will inevitably write with Simon Wise in the frame.
December 3, 2024
This series has promise and potential but this first book had too many pages and too many words. Over and over the mental wallowing in the traumatic death of Wise’s old partner. Wise spends more time obsessing over the dead man than he does thinking about his wife and young children. He abandons his family for days on end, then creeps back into the house and all is bliss. Nope. Not even a little bit believable. The biggest flaw is that Wise as the main character is not sympathetic. He comes across as one dimensional and mostly as an idiot. I shall not read more of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2023
This was a great listen and it become addictive working out who was going to get killed next and why. The narration really suited it.
Can see the being made into series as it is that descriptive.
One bug bear of mine whilst listening to good narration (ie the characters are differentiated) is the use of the word 'said' at the beginning of the book there was a lot of that - but I didnt notice it after a while.
Can see the being made into series as it is that descriptive.
One bug bear of mine whilst listening to good narration (ie the characters are differentiated) is the use of the word 'said' at the beginning of the book there was a lot of that - but I didnt notice it after a while.
September 30, 2023
I loved the narration of Colin Mace, who brings the mystery.
Detective Inspector Simon Wise, is still struggling from the death of his partner. He is assigned to a new case. A killer is killing the rich people of London.
The killer leaves no clues, just bodies in their wake. Sending Wise's team on a chase.
Can Wise to get a result, before the murderer strikes again?
Detective Inspector Simon Wise, is still struggling from the death of his partner. He is assigned to a new case. A killer is killing the rich people of London.
The killer leaves no clues, just bodies in their wake. Sending Wise's team on a chase.
Can Wise to get a result, before the murderer strikes again?
July 21, 2025
Great read
First time reading a book by Michael Dylan, a new to me author, and I’m very pleased I have. This was a really great, well written book that also flowed along at a good pace.
I really liked the characters and the crime story was fantastic.
Liked it so much, I’ve already bought the rest in this series!
First time reading a book by Michael Dylan, a new to me author, and I’m very pleased I have. This was a really great, well written book that also flowed along at a good pace.
I really liked the characters and the crime story was fantastic.
Liked it so much, I’ve already bought the rest in this series!
November 18, 2025
This is the first book in the series of d.i. simon wise he has all the usual baggage to go with the job, so it makes for an interesting read. We have a serial killer,long lost brother,therapist and a new sargeant.(no spoilers). So heres your chance to read the first in the series and i,m already hooked its a good solid read.
February 4, 2024
Rich Men, Dead amen
What can I say? My first read of this author’s writing and I was held totally engrossed throughout. A great story with many twists and turns … REALLY enjoyed reading.
What can I say? My first read of this author’s writing and I was held totally engrossed throughout. A great story with many twists and turns … REALLY enjoyed reading.
February 23, 2024
Terrific read!
Thoroughly enjoyable book, read until early hours of the morning. Really difficult to put down. Great characters and a real intriguing storyline about the DI’s late partner. Am about to start the next book.
Thoroughly enjoyable book, read until early hours of the morning. Really difficult to put down. Great characters and a real intriguing storyline about the DI’s late partner. Am about to start the next book.
June 21, 2024
So far I am really enjoying this series. Michael Dylan has given a couple of original angles in which to view a crime procedural (or at least, they are new to me). Definitely want to get my hands on the next book.
September 1, 2023
Really nannies this book, particularly the descriptive writing! Onto the second straight away.
September 18, 2023
Bloody good read!
Enjoyed every minute of this book. Excellent plot, well written and bang up to date. Realistic and gritty. Looking forward to his next story.
Enjoyed every minute of this book. Excellent plot, well written and bang up to date. Realistic and gritty. Looking forward to his next story.
September 25, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it will be interesting to see how the characters develop. However, there’s still work to be done with editing and proofreading throughout the book.
June 16, 2024
Hooked! Waiting for more!
July 6, 2024
Story 4*
Audio (Colin Mace) 5*
Audio (Colin Mace) 5*
September 19, 2024
Very good
Really enjoyed this book, full of twists and turns. Really looking forward to reading the second book. Here's hoping it's as good as this one was.
Really enjoyed this book, full of twists and turns. Really looking forward to reading the second book. Here's hoping it's as good as this one was.
December 6, 2024
great read-a Page turner!
I really Enjoyed this murder mystery/ detective novel. Be warned-Once you start hard to put down! Looking forward to the next book…..
I really Enjoyed this murder mystery/ detective novel. Be warned-Once you start hard to put down! Looking forward to the next book…..
January 2, 2025
This is my first read by this author. It was an excellent and engaging read with many interesting characters that were well developed. The ending was quite a surprise, and now I'm hooked.
January 25, 2025
Such a whiny lead, Wise is too unsympathetic and that made the whole book so much worse. I think that destroyed my interest to read more about Wise. It felt very drawn out as well.
February 3, 2025
Good book
Well written
Looking forward to reading the next book
Well written
Looking forward to reading the next book
March 20, 2025
I listened to the audiobook….Love this narrator so I thought I’d give this book a listen. Colin was perfect as always. Great plot and characters. Extremely well written with twists and turns. Great pace and really engaging. I listened to it at 1.4X and it was wonderful. Definitely recommend this book. Looking forward to the next in the series.
May 24, 2023
Loved it, had me hooked from the start. Looking forward to reading the next one when it's released.
October 5, 2024
A killer stalks the streets of London, murdering the wealthiest people in the capital. Is this the work of a mad man or just someone angry with the super rich? Or is there another reason why billionaires are being killed every three days?
Detective Inspector Simon Wise, reeling from the death of his partner and harbouring more than a few secrets of his own, is assigned to the case. But the killer leaves no clues as to their identity, only bodies in their wake and each new death sends Wise's team in startling new directions.
I enjoyed the police procedural of this book but the incessant angst of DI Wise about the killing of his former police partner left me frustrated. It took away from the depth of the story to be continually reminded about it on every other page. Plus I don't like my detectives to have such a temper either. I also guessed the killer before the end too. The last quarter of the book was the most exciting and DI Wise seemed to have now accepted his hang-ups so maybe the next book will be a lot better. Not sure if I'll give it a try though.
Detective Inspector Simon Wise, reeling from the death of his partner and harbouring more than a few secrets of his own, is assigned to the case. But the killer leaves no clues as to their identity, only bodies in their wake and each new death sends Wise's team in startling new directions.
I enjoyed the police procedural of this book but the incessant angst of DI Wise about the killing of his former police partner left me frustrated. It took away from the depth of the story to be continually reminded about it on every other page. Plus I don't like my detectives to have such a temper either. I also guessed the killer before the end too. The last quarter of the book was the most exciting and DI Wise seemed to have now accepted his hang-ups so maybe the next book will be a lot better. Not sure if I'll give it a try though.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews