The Name on the Bullet

DCI John Blizzard #11

by John Dean

A young police officer is shot dead while filming a reality show. The public is horrified. The press is ravenous. And the department is desperate to salvage its image.

DCI John Blizzard isn’t exactly a poster boy for modern policing. But when the evidence points to a notorious gangster with long-standing ties to Hafton’s underworld, Blizzard is the only one willing to take him on.

As the media frenzy grows, Blizzard finds himself fighting battles on two fronts — one in the streets, and one inside the force. Then an internal betrayal throws everything into chaos.

To get justice for a murdered officer, Blizzard will have to play politics — and stay alive.

A sharp, high-stakes crime mystery where image, corruption, and reputation collide.

The Name on the Bullet is the eleventh standalone murder mystery by John Dean to feature stalwart crime-solver DCI John Blizzard.

Genres: Fiction

203 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 4, 2023

About the author

John Dean is a freelance journalist who has runs his own business and draws heavily on his years as a crime reporter for newspapers and magazines to create his novels.

He is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association and cites Sherlock Holmes as his all-time favorite detective. He lives in the South West of Scotland.

(Also writes under the pseudonym John Stanley)

Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book

The DCI Blizzard books are some of my favorites. I enjoyed this one a lot. It had twists and turns to keep you guessing. I didn’t suspect the outcome at all! I highly recommend this book.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and The Book Folks for a review copy of The Name on the Bullet, the eleventh novel to feature DCI John Blizzard, set in the fictional northern city of Hafton.

When one of his detectives is found shot dead certain evidence leads Blizzard to think that ageing gangster Nathaniel Callaghan might be behind it. Callaghan has always evaded charges, but this time Blizzard sees an opportunity to try and turn some of his associates. Unfortunately MI5 and the NCA are also interested in Callaghan and Blizzard doesn’t do politics, but the more he investigates and uncovers the more he has to broaden his thinking.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Name on the Bullet, which is a plot driven novel with some interesting and unexpected twists and turns. It’s probably not the most realistic of plots, but it certainly holds the attention and offers plenty of entertainment. It’s not a long novel, so it doesn’t waste any time on the superfluous and keeps strictly to the point - catching the murderer of a serving police officer. It may take a circuitous route to get to said point and involve the uncovering of tangential crimes, but it’s all relevant.

I think this is the first novel in the series that I have read, but it won’t be the last. It works well as a stand-alone and I was impressed by the way the plot unfolds, offering so many initial options and gradually narrowing in on a suspect and a motive. It is not a deep novel, so it’s an easy way to pass a few hours, trying to work out who did what amid all the secrets, lies and misdirection.

The novel is told from Blizzard’s point of view and I’d like to say that, therefore, the reader knows what he knows, but he’s keeping a few secrets himself and indulging in some misdirection. It’s all for a good cause and it springs some real surprises at the end of the novel.

The Name on the Bullet is a good read that I can recommend.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and whilst it is the eleventh in a series I think it can be read on its own. I enjoyed this book and think it is written well, flows easily and has an array of mostly likeable characters, particularly DI Blizzard who I thought was believably portrayed. Here he investigates the murder of one of their own and finds the case takes a surprising turn when MI5 become involved. I liked this read although it didn’t wow me, and I found it to be a good, easy albeit a fairly short read compared to what I’m used to. I thought the pacing was just a little slow for my liking although I did enjoy the little snippets into Blizzard’s home and personal life. The story is very current with its themes and I liked the different story threads and the epilogue which bought everything together nicely at the end. For me, the list of characters listed at the end of the book would have helped more by being at the start as I’m new to this author and series. Overall a good solid police procedural and I’ll look to read the previous books when I can.

3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a policeman fronting a reality TV cop show is killed, his colleague DCI John Blizzard seizes a chance to settle old scores with local gangster Nathaniel Callaghan, who appears to be behind the murder. But as the investigation continues, drawing in MI5 and other departments, it seems that things aren’t as clear cut as they seem.
This is the eleventh book in the DCI Blizzard series and, thankfully, works perfectly well as astand-alone since it’s the first of John Dean’s books I’ve read. The has plenty of twists and turns, some more surprisingly than others and the book was helped along by a keen sense of location and nice sense of humour. There are a lot of characters (I did have to go back with a couple of names, to check who they were) but they’re briskly introduced and work well, particularly with the little brushes of personal life we see (especially for Blizzard). With a decent pace, some clever writing and a straightforward voice, this works really well and I’d very much recommend it.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Absolutely Stunning Crime Thriller!

This is my first book.by this author but it certainly won't be my last. Chief Detective Inspector John Blizzard is my kind of police officer. Tough, no nonsense, and determined to see justice done. I am sure he is going to become one of my favorites among the many gripping police procedurals provided by Joffe books.

This story was intriguing and very intense as DCI Blizzard and his team track down the culprit who !murdered one of their own. Non stop action with enough twists and turns to make you dizzy all while racing to a heart pounding finish. I am definitely going to be reading more novels from this author. Highly recommend. You won't be disappointed!

[Anna Willett · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a high-profile police officer is murdered, the way seems clear to DCI Blizzard and all signs point to organised crime. However, there is more to the crime than meets the eye and the list of suspects grows, then narrows as the pace barrels towards an unexpected ending.
This plot has a lot to offer: action, deceit, murder, and some huge surprises. I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced murder mystery. DCI Blizzard is a tough, smart, and believable character and the story is expertly and enthralling. A top-notch crime thriller! I’m looking forward to diving into this series.
This book can be read as a standalone or as book 11 in the DCI John Blizzard series.

[Iain Henn · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE NAME ON THE BULLET, is a solid, intriguing police procedural, one of the best I've read in a while. The murder of a high profile police detective lays the foundation for a riveting mystery that blends internal police politics with a TV reality series about a powerful gangster. Author John Dean is a former journalist, who has reported on crime among other things, and this shines through in the authoritative tone to the narrative. I particularly liked the sometimes humorous, sometimes edgy interaction between the characters. A great read. This is the first John Dean novel I've read, and I'll be checking out the others in the DCI Blizzard series.

[Bob Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Blizzard on its way

As ever with John Dean's, DCI Blizzard series a fast paced, great read. Blizzard as ever the copper that wants to carry out the law to the Final degree. In this case he is involved in an investigation which is being filmed by a "True Life" Crime Documentary team. A DS from his team is killed in what seems to be an execution. Blizzard as ever smells a rat but his sense of smell does not tell him which rat. Blizzard and Dave Colley, his DS, are left to run the rat to ground, which they do. Along with some other interesting participants in the tale. Enjoyable read.

[Alex Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not often you can pick up a book at no.11 in a series and very quickly run with it, but with the DCI John Blizzard series it seems that’s exactly what you can do.

This is the first I’ve read in this hard hitting police procedural series written by John Dean and I have to say I was really impressed with this short , sharp and to the point thriller.

There is no messing about or filler, weighing in at just short of 200 pages, it’s straight into the action as DCI Blizzard is on the hunt of a cop killer, as one of his unit is found murdered.

In a thriller that feels up to date and relevant, it’s nice not to be totally over whelmed with police speak whilst still feeling authentic.

I enjoyed this a lot, I like Blizzard and not being weighed down by any real outside issues, whilst his family is touched on, it’s just a hard cop doing his job.

I did get a little lost with all the characters and detectives but that’s minor.

It’s a thoroughly good read and it’s a new series I’ll definitely read more of,

Very good

4⭐️

[Erik Empson · Rating 5 out of 5]

DCI Blizzard is back, and is heading for a conflict with his least favourite group in society - aside from the criminal fraternity - the media! A publicity hungry cop is shot dead and is in the spotlight for all the wrong reason. The veteran cop will have to sort out the mess and dodge what sh*t comes his way. A great read by an expert crime writer.

[Sebastian Barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent thriller that start off with the suspicious murder of a policeman/reality star. Blizzard and the team have some working out to do along with the NCA and MI5, and Blizzard hates politics.
And then a gangster arch nemesis makes his appearance and more twists appear in an already convoluted case. Brilliant.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Excellent Story

Another excellent story in the John Blizzard series and even better than those that preceded it.Great characters and an excellent story line that kept me gripped from start to finish, as well as a really good ending.Looking forward to reading more.

[Kathy Piehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorry that I've run out of books in the Blizzard series. Perhaps John Dean will come up with more. He manages to pack a complex plot into a short book. I didn't guess the motive or the murderer, although there were probably clues I missed along the way.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A policeman fronting a television documentary is shot. Shot with a bullet with his initials carved on. Is their a connection with the local gangster, Callaghan. Why are the National Crime Agency and M15 jnvolved. DCI John Blizzard and his investigate.
An enjoyable modern mystery with its likeable characters.

[Harvey Brownstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blizzard will be missed. Spent much time with him over the last month or so. Sorry to being not able to hear his tales along with his family and crew ever again.

[Lynda French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable series.

[Susan Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last DCI Blizzard book in the series and as good as the rest. It had the usual thorough investigation by the team with a twist at the end.

[John Topping · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like John Deans books, lots of twists, and unexpected turns and this one does not disappoint.

[Linda Woodley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a thoroughly good read even nearing the end I didn't guess it was Hannah
I've read nearly all his books a d enjoyed them all

[David Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracking read. John Dean Has really moved up into My List of Favourite Authors. Blizzard and His Team are always worth a read and this Story is No Exception

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this eARC.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and whilst it is the eleventh in a series I think it can be read on its own. I enjoyed this book and think it is written well, flows easily and has an array of mostly likeable characters, particularly DI Blizzard who I thought was believably portrayed. Here he investigates the murder of one of their own and finds the case takes a surprising turn when MI5 become involved. I liked this read although it didn’t wow me, and I found it to be a good, easy albeit a fairly short read compared to what used to. I thought the pacing was just a little slow for my liking although I did enjoy the little snippets into Blizzard’s home and personal life. The story is very current with its themes and I liked the different story threads and the epilogue which bought everything together nicely at the end. For me, the list of characters listed at the end of the book would have helped more by being at the start as I’m new to this author and series. Overall a good solid police procedural and I’ll look to read the previous books when I can.

3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE NAME ON THE BULLET by John Dean.
Book 11 of  DCI John Blizzard.
After a policeman is shot dead, DCI John Blizzard seizes a chance to settle old score. When a high-profile detective on a reality TV cop show is killed, John Blizzard fancies old-school gangster Nathaniel Callaghan for the crime. With the aging boss’s control over his northern crime empire on the wane, Blizzard sees an opportunity to turn his associates against him. But MI5 are also in on the action, and the different departments are in danger of scuppering each other’s investigation. Yet as skeletons clatter out of the closet, it dawns on Blizzard that things are not as clear cut as they seem. Who had murder on their mind, and who wrote the name on the bullet?
I did enjoy this book. Twisty and gripping. 5*.