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DI Nick Dixon #14
From the Ashes
Long lives are being cut short in this thriller from the bestselling DI Nick Dixon crime series.
A retired teacher is found dead in her Somerset home on a cold January night. At first glance, it is a routine unexplained death and a simple referral to the coroner, until a neighbour reports an unscheduled visit from an occupational therapist an hour before the body was discovered.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Dixon is convinced the elderly woman has been strangled—a cause of death confirmed by the pathologist—and a murder investigation is launched.
More victims are soon found—a second retired teacher who died in eerily similar circumstances in Devon. Then a possible third victim is exhumed in Dorset.
Leading a regional task force, Dixon must find the connection between the victims. As the coincidences mount, he begins to fear he has stumbled on something premeditated and deeply sinister—a serial killer targeting the elderly in their own homes.
A retired teacher is found dead in her Somerset home on a cold January night. At first glance, it is a routine unexplained death and a simple referral to the coroner, until a neighbour reports an unscheduled visit from an occupational therapist an hour before the body was discovered.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Dixon is convinced the elderly woman has been strangled—a cause of death confirmed by the pathologist—and a murder investigation is launched.
More victims are soon found—a second retired teacher who died in eerily similar circumstances in Devon. Then a possible third victim is exhumed in Dorset.
Leading a regional task force, Dixon must find the connection between the victims. As the coincidences mount, he begins to fear he has stumbled on something premeditated and deeply sinister—a serial killer targeting the elderly in their own homes.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2024
1181 people are currently reading
2722 people want to read
About the author
Damien Boyd
20 books937 followersDamien Boyd is a former solicitor turned crime fiction writer.
Drawing on extensive experience of criminal law as well as a spell in the Crown Prosecution Service, Damien writes fast paced crime novels featuring Detective Inspector Nick Dixon.
Damien is published by Thomas & Mercer.
Drawing on extensive experience of criminal law as well as a spell in the Crown Prosecution Service, Damien writes fast paced crime novels featuring Detective Inspector Nick Dixon.
Damien is published by Thomas & Mercer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
July 25, 2024
I do look forward to each book in this series and am surprised to have reached the 14th book. This is not a book to start with. There are quite a few characters in this one so I would recommend starting at the beginning. This is my last Kindle Unlimited book for a time. Now I can turn on MHz for some enjoyable video and give my eyes a rest.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
June 4, 2024
Nick Dixon
This
series is so good I have to read them in one sitting as you get drawn into the stories without realising it. Looking forward to the next one. Damien Boyd is on to a winner with th DI Nick Dixon series and hope he writes many more.
This
series is so good I have to read them in one sitting as you get drawn into the stories without realising it. Looking forward to the next one. Damien Boyd is on to a winner with th DI Nick Dixon series and hope he writes many more.
June 17, 2024
Just read the whole series. You will never regret it
It's been a bit busy this week, and have not had time to do any reviews of the last 13 books in the series, but it was because I wanted to read the next book... And that's what I've done, finished one, gave it 5 stars and then downloaded the next one.
It has been a joy and pleasure to read all these books in one sitting.
If a book can make you gasp, then you know you're on a winner.
If a book makes you shout out.... You know you have to read the next book
When you get to the end, and you feel a little sad because there are no more, you start searching everything the author had written.
So I'm left to say Thank you Mr Boyd, and I will start my search now 🤗
It's been a bit busy this week, and have not had time to do any reviews of the last 13 books in the series, but it was because I wanted to read the next book... And that's what I've done, finished one, gave it 5 stars and then downloaded the next one.
It has been a joy and pleasure to read all these books in one sitting.
If a book can make you gasp, then you know you're on a winner.
If a book makes you shout out.... You know you have to read the next book
When you get to the end, and you feel a little sad because there are no more, you start searching everything the author had written.
So I'm left to say Thank you Mr Boyd, and I will start my search now 🤗
February 16, 2025
This is part of a series, but the first I have read. I liked the style and would read more in this series for sure. This was a rather strange (and complicated) mystery and I did enjoy it. I didn’t find it hard to put down until about half way through when it started to pick up speed. An old man is murdered in his home but it appears to be natural until one looks closer and realizes that it wasn’t the first murder. The detective had a great mind and was a fun sleuth to watch. Even if there was a time or two when he said “it all can only mean one thing” and I wasn’t sure what that thing was. The narrator did a good job bringing this story to life.
June 16, 2024
Okay for a quick read. As it is one of a series the characters are familiar which makes it a comfortable read. The ending was a bit complicated.
June 21, 2024
I can’t get enough of this series. I’ve loved them all. The twists in this one are again fantastic.
Please keep the series going.
Please keep the series going.
September 12, 2025
Wow. Another stellar entry in an outstanding series. When you think about it, that is truly exceptional. Book 14 and still going strong.
From the start, while I did enjoy book one, what had me grabbing the next was how much I liked Nick and Jane. They're smart, down to earth, loyal and brave... and their relationship is chef's kiss. Now here we are, book 14, and somehow I like them even better. To avoid spoilers, I'll just say... please get on with it already, Mr. Boyd. ;)
Back to my review. This is one of my very favorite crime series. The mysteries are smart, complex and interesting and the supporting characters solid and well-developed. Basically, everything you could want in a crime thriller. I'm already dreading the long wait to #15!
All this to say, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and series.
Opinions are 100% mine, but shout out to the publisher for the goodreads giveaway. I was thrilled to win a book from a series I love!
From the start, while I did enjoy book one, what had me grabbing the next was how much I liked Nick and Jane. They're smart, down to earth, loyal and brave... and their relationship is chef's kiss. Now here we are, book 14, and somehow I like them even better. To avoid spoilers, I'll just say... please get on with it already, Mr. Boyd. ;)
Back to my review. This is one of my very favorite crime series. The mysteries are smart, complex and interesting and the supporting characters solid and well-developed. Basically, everything you could want in a crime thriller. I'm already dreading the long wait to #15!
All this to say, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and series.
Opinions are 100% mine, but shout out to the publisher for the goodreads giveaway. I was thrilled to win a book from a series I love!
June 6, 2024
best yet
Series so often go downhill but not in this case. A brilliant read. Thoroughly enjoyed every page and as believable as ever
Series so often go downhill but not in this case. A brilliant read. Thoroughly enjoyed every page and as believable as ever
October 17, 2024
I’m starting to wonder whether the only reason I find these books palatable is them all being set in and around where I grew up, live and know well! I couldn’t help but feel the ending and big reveal was again just a bit lazy this time, all spilling out rather than being particularly satisfying! There were a-ha moments sprinkled throughout though, which kept me going; it is just frustrating when all that build up crumbles apart underwhelmingly! Anyway, what this has hopefully achieved is putting my brain back into reading gear, after possibly the most prolonged hiatus since records began, thanks to a long and arduous wait for my final exam result!
May 26, 2025
Nick Dixon soon finds himself promoted to Superintendent and then has a series of murders linked to a Bridge Tournament over twenty years ago. Usual characters interupted by an incompetent Sergeant from Cornwall and Devon police. All ends up in a shootout with characters you did not expect involved. Very good competent story. 3 stars.
August 2, 2024
I love the characters and their stories. Good storyline enjoyed reading.
December 28, 2024
Up there as a contender for book of the series.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the case, which unravelled the past from over two decades ago.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the case, which unravelled the past from over two decades ago.
June 19, 2024
another goodie
A thoroughly enjoyable romp across Somerset and Devon. Love following the lives of Nick, Jane, Monty and the rest of the crew, plus the never ending round of villains that they are forever chasing.
Looking forward to the next one with a mew arrival in the Dixon household hopefully.
A thoroughly enjoyable romp across Somerset and Devon. Love following the lives of Nick, Jane, Monty and the rest of the crew, plus the never ending round of villains that they are forever chasing.
Looking forward to the next one with a mew arrival in the Dixon household hopefully.
June 19, 2024
Just so good
Now we have to wait for the next one!!!!! Will Jayne have had her baby? Will Sarah and Nige be ok? How long till the next book? What another brilliant read. To think this series is 10 years old, and has kept a really good pace. I would thoroughly recommend this series to everyone.
Now we have to wait for the next one!!!!! Will Jayne have had her baby? Will Sarah and Nige be ok? How long till the next book? What another brilliant read. To think this series is 10 years old, and has kept a really good pace. I would thoroughly recommend this series to everyone.
June 15, 2024
superb
An excellent read, riveting from start to finish.
I thought I had worked out who had done it part way through - I was wrong - and was surprised at the end.
I have read every book in order from #1 all the way to #14. Every one superb and every one a book that once you start reading, you can’t put down.
I would recommend starting with the first book in the series if you can, as the characters develop book by book.
10/10 top marks - it’s an excellent read. 👍
An excellent read, riveting from start to finish.
I thought I had worked out who had done it part way through - I was wrong - and was surprised at the end.
I have read every book in order from #1 all the way to #14. Every one superb and every one a book that once you start reading, you can’t put down.
I would recommend starting with the first book in the series if you can, as the characters develop book by book.
10/10 top marks - it’s an excellent read. 👍
June 15, 2024
Nick Dixon is Boyd's superhero DCI (acting Superintendent as of this novel.) He survives all sorts of encounters that would have James Bond crying for time out.
That being said I thought this one may well be Boyd's best novel. The pacing, dialogue and timing were all terrific.
If you like Brit procedurals you need to check out the Nick Dixon novels.
That being said I thought this one may well be Boyd's best novel. The pacing, dialogue and timing were all terrific.
If you like Brit procedurals you need to check out the Nick Dixon novels.
June 17, 2024
Excellent as always
This book drew you in from the start. Could not put it down. Well written and very informative to all details.
Not one thing I didn't dislike. Waiting for next one please.
This book drew you in from the start. Could not put it down. Well written and very informative to all details.
Not one thing I didn't dislike. Waiting for next one please.
June 12, 2024
Nick Dixon at his best
Damien Boyd continues to produce pacy well written stories featuring the familiar cast of DCI Nick Dixon and friends. A cleverly woven plot keeps the reader guessing to the last chapters. Good boy Monty the staffie is Nicks trusty companion and his behaviour is typical of the breed, soft, loyal and no longer of wet weather. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Damien Boyd continues to produce pacy well written stories featuring the familiar cast of DCI Nick Dixon and friends. A cleverly woven plot keeps the reader guessing to the last chapters. Good boy Monty the staffie is Nicks trusty companion and his behaviour is typical of the breed, soft, loyal and no longer of wet weather. Looking forward to the next in the series.
June 14, 2024
A long and circuitous route to justice!
What a lot of twists and turns, and even surprises at the end. A great crime adventure with the brilliant Superintndent Dixon at the helm.
Thoroughly enjoyed this latest adventure, and hoping that there will be a further one.
Thanks Damien
What a lot of twists and turns, and even surprises at the end. A great crime adventure with the brilliant Superintndent Dixon at the helm.
Thoroughly enjoyed this latest adventure, and hoping that there will be a further one.
Thanks Damien
June 10, 2024
Yet another great read from Damien Boyd. The Nick Dixon series of books are based in Somerset and have imaginative and exciting storylines. From the Ashes was another triumph and kept me on the edge of my seat to the very end. If you know Somerset, and particularly Burnham and Bridgwater, it adds an extra enjoyment but local insight is definitely not necessary to appreciate the excellent storytelling.
June 11, 2024
Another "rattling good yarn and police procedural".
All set in my part of the world in Somerset which adds to the pleasure (I lived in Puriton as a child and now live in Taunton).
When, oh when, will the BBC or ITV or Channel 4 dramatise these excellent stories given that Vera is coming to an end?
Damian's background in law and prosecutions etc plus being a past native of the area, give real authenticity to each crime thriller. Consistently high standards book by book.
All set in my part of the world in Somerset which adds to the pleasure (I lived in Puriton as a child and now live in Taunton).
When, oh when, will the BBC or ITV or Channel 4 dramatise these excellent stories given that Vera is coming to an end?
Damian's background in law and prosecutions etc plus being a past native of the area, give real authenticity to each crime thriller. Consistently high standards book by book.
June 13, 2024
5 stars
Another excellent book from this author. I couldn't put it down.
I went to St Christopher's at Burnham-on-Sea, but in the 1960s. Yes, I remember the mixed dance classes. Awful.
Another excellent book from this author. I couldn't put it down.
I went to St Christopher's at Burnham-on-Sea, but in the 1960s. Yes, I remember the mixed dance classes. Awful.
March 5, 2025
This was good. But the ending was a bit contrived and unbelievable when trying to tie all the threads together.
June 9, 2024
another brilliant plot from the pen of Damian Boyd
Need to call this a Superintendent Nick Dixon Novel. Wonderfully twisted tale, thoroughly enjoyed and recommended. I hope there are more
Need to call this a Superintendent Nick Dixon Novel. Wonderfully twisted tale, thoroughly enjoyed and recommended. I hope there are more
June 7, 2024
As good as all the rest!
Another great read that I’m sad to see come to an end. A great plot with lots of intertwining threads that only Nick Dixon could possibly pull together. A great cast of characters, with many old favourites and a definite shining star. I can’t wait to see what comes next for Nick, Jane and Monty.
Another great read that I’m sad to see come to an end. A great plot with lots of intertwining threads that only Nick Dixon could possibly pull together. A great cast of characters, with many old favourites and a definite shining star. I can’t wait to see what comes next for Nick, Jane and Monty.
June 8, 2024
Outstanding
I've been patiently waiting for this latest instalment of Nick Dixon's exploits and I wasn't disappointed. Another excellent plot and story line. Can't wait for the next instalment.
I've been patiently waiting for this latest instalment of Nick Dixon's exploits and I wasn't disappointed. Another excellent plot and story line. Can't wait for the next instalment.
June 6, 2024
Really, really good
I don't think there's one of these that I haven't liked, but this is really good. I did guess some of it, but definitely not all of it. This whole series is so well worth reading.
I don't think there's one of these that I haven't liked, but this is really good. I did guess some of it, but definitely not all of it. This whole series is so well worth reading.
April 10, 2025
Just love clever writing.
An under appreciated author in my opinion who knows how to plot a good crime mystery and provide action to drive the more mundane aspects of the police procedural.
With his background as a solicitor in real life, the writing is legally in tune and has this expertise to draw on. A trait he shares with his impressive fictional detective.
The arrival of probationary constable Sally was a real plus for this story and added that dimension often seen earlier in Nick himself.
An intriguing murder mystery where once more the motive needed to be understood to comprehend the magnitude of these awful deaths. Quite an unusual angle of serial killings; being retired myself now it was a little too close to home.
I just love the threads that run through this novel; from cider drinking to relationships where a new born baby is the centre of the family or whose birth is eagerly expected.
The relationship between Jane, Nick and Monty is the glue in these books and the care given and love shared between them normalises my reading experience. I have read each episode in order and seen the growth of this talented writer along the way. Yet the quality of story and attention to detail has been present throughout so picking up any of his books has always been a delight and a joy to read.
For me probably the best yet of these 14 books that comprise this wonderful series.
An under appreciated author in my opinion who knows how to plot a good crime mystery and provide action to drive the more mundane aspects of the police procedural.
With his background as a solicitor in real life, the writing is legally in tune and has this expertise to draw on. A trait he shares with his impressive fictional detective.
The arrival of probationary constable Sally was a real plus for this story and added that dimension often seen earlier in Nick himself.
An intriguing murder mystery where once more the motive needed to be understood to comprehend the magnitude of these awful deaths. Quite an unusual angle of serial killings; being retired myself now it was a little too close to home.
I just love the threads that run through this novel; from cider drinking to relationships where a new born baby is the centre of the family or whose birth is eagerly expected.
The relationship between Jane, Nick and Monty is the glue in these books and the care given and love shared between them normalises my reading experience. I have read each episode in order and seen the growth of this talented writer along the way. Yet the quality of story and attention to detail has been present throughout so picking up any of his books has always been a delight and a joy to read.
For me probably the best yet of these 14 books that comprise this wonderful series.
September 24, 2024
Best one yet
May 29, 2024
This is the latest in Damien Boyd's Somerset based crime series, featuring the dogged and determined Detective Superintendent Nick Dixon with his police team. Dixon has a pregnant fiancee, DS Jane Winter, his wedding is coming up, although he is not looking forward to the stag night, and plus there is the dog, Monty. I listened to this on audio, approximately 8 hours and 50 minutes long and ably narrated by Simon Mattacks, who had me glued to the drama right up to the exciting and grave conclusions where all the threads are finally drawn together. In this most complex of cases, Dixon is convinced there is a serial killer roaming free, killing the elderly in their homes when he comes across a strangled female teacher.
There is soon another dead retired teacher, and what looks like another one, but this time outside their jurisdiction in Dorset, and here the body needs to be exhumed. Why on earth is someone targeting the elderly. This is an investigation that takes some surprising turns and twists, leading to some bridge players, and a fire for which an arsonist was convicted, and which goes back in time. As Dizon astutely observes there appear to be a remarkable number of coincidences, but are they really? Could it possibly be that there is a more organised force behind it all? Before it all ends, members of his police team will find themselves in grave danger that they will be lucky to emerge alive from.
Boyd writes a well plotted and fast paced police procedural with a familiar and established set of characters, we glimpse their personal lives as they pursue a thorny and hard to comprehend investigation that pushes them to their limits. This proved to be an exciting, intense addition to what is an enjoyable and entertaining crime series that I was gripped by. I can certainly recommend the audio and its excellent narrator! Many thanks to Brilliance Audio for an ALC
There is soon another dead retired teacher, and what looks like another one, but this time outside their jurisdiction in Dorset, and here the body needs to be exhumed. Why on earth is someone targeting the elderly. This is an investigation that takes some surprising turns and twists, leading to some bridge players, and a fire for which an arsonist was convicted, and which goes back in time. As Dizon astutely observes there appear to be a remarkable number of coincidences, but are they really? Could it possibly be that there is a more organised force behind it all? Before it all ends, members of his police team will find themselves in grave danger that they will be lucky to emerge alive from.
Boyd writes a well plotted and fast paced police procedural with a familiar and established set of characters, we glimpse their personal lives as they pursue a thorny and hard to comprehend investigation that pushes them to their limits. This proved to be an exciting, intense addition to what is an enjoyable and entertaining crime series that I was gripped by. I can certainly recommend the audio and its excellent narrator! Many thanks to Brilliance Audio for an ALC
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews