David C. Dawson is an award-winning writer of page-turner thrillers with a gay theme and the occasional romance.
His latest novel A Death At His Majesty's was published inb April 2024. It's the third in the Simon Sampson Mysteries series. The second in the series, A Death in Berlin, was shortlisted for a Mystery and Thriller LAMMY.
His debut novel, The Necessary Deaths, won bronze for Best Mystery & Suspense in the FAPA chairman's award. It became the first in the Dominic Delingpole series. The other two books are The Deadly Lies and A Foreign Affair.
His first mystery romance For the Love of Luke was published in October 2018 followed by Heroes in Love.
David lives in London with his boyfriend and ageing motorbike.
I liked this book the most. The author brought fourth a plot twist at the very beginning that set the tone for the entire story. And because of it I was able to enjoy it more. Dominic has come into his own and I admired him as a man and a father. The book was really suspenseful. The tension was constant as the author dropped seemingly random tidbits that in the end created an elaborate scheme. The romance was mild but so well written. The characters were likable and diverse. I am glad to say that Dominic was in a better place in his life when the book ended. If author continues this series in this vein I would like to see where Dominic's adventures will take him next. Story is told from multiple POV, is mildly steamy and well paced with good amount of plot twists. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
I have long awaited this story, but I have to say, Mr. David hit me with a big blow right off the bat. I didn’t know if I was going to recover from this one. But somehow Dominic, again, is caught up in the middle of something, and this time it’s his son that he’s having to save. Dominic decided to come to Berlin this year for several different reasons. He needed a break from something that happened to him, and it was the time of year to visit his first male love at the cemetery. It was also where he was going to meet his son, whom he just met a year ago, and they were working on getting to know each other better. Matty, Dominic’s son, has let on that he’s seeing someone but when it’s time to really meet the man, Dominic is in shock. His 19 year old son is in love with someone older than he is. But it’s more than that. All of a sudden, gay bars are being targeted and Alex is the prime suspect. Matty knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that Alex is innocent, but the cops won’t listen and have even arrested him. Dominic hires Johann, who he’s having a hard time with, and wonders as things progress, if he can really trust the man.. Because the more Matty and Dominic dig, the more that things aren’t adding up. And who to trust is very unclear right now. I can’t go into detail. But if you’ve read this series, up to now, get ready for the blow coming. If you haven’t, you need to read the first two or you are going to be lost. Seriously. I understood what Dominic had to come to Berlin. Even if it was only to see his son, but he had other memories to exorcise and things to deal with. And memories were killing him. Especially when a look a like is in his face. But I had to find it funny, in a sense, because it’s like Dominic is a trouble magnet and now it seems his son is just like him. And everyone that knows him seems to think the same, much to Dominic’s chagrin. It was a hard story, though, in a way. The tenuous relationship between he and his son is just getting going, and now all this trouble is dropped at their feet. And for Dominic, he has a hard time trusting anyone after all that he’s been through. And for Matty, it makes him feel like that Dominic doesn’t believe in him or Alex and what they have is true. So, I honestly felt for Dominic from the get go. He’s got so much on his plate. And more just keeps coming. Especially the surprise at the end. I never saw that one coming. At all. I was as shocked as the characters were. But I have to tell you. This series has just been the best of mysteries. It’s intriguing, hard to put down, the characters are fantastic. And the way he’s written them, you never quite know who is up to what and where their loyalties lie. It’s a twist and a half when all is revealed. And I love how it’s turned out. Because I honestly never saw it coming. And that’s when you know you’ve read a good one. The surprise comes from out of nowhere and leaves you with a book hangover like you can’t believe. I love this series and I hope to see more of it in the future.
The Foreign Affair is set in Berlin during Folsum Europe (Europe's biggest fetish event, modeled after the Folsum Street Fair in San Francisco). Dawson does an exceptional job with the setting, giving us the flavor of Berlin's cafes and coffee shops, its architecture and parks, as well as a concert event - "Classic Meets Fetish - in a church with leather-clad classical musicians.
Dominick is visiting his 19-year-old son Matty who is attending the Technische Universitat. Matty's boyfriend, Professor Alex Krovopuskov, is a visiting professor of biomechatronics from Russia. Dominick has his doubts about Alex, mostly because of his age (40), but before he really gets to know him, there is a horrific chemical gas attack on a popular gay bar, and Alex is the prime suspect.
The intrigue begins, with Alex's disapperance, a mysterious death seen only by a homeless immigrant in an industrial park, and strange messages from a dating app. My chief niggle about the first two books in this series was the plots were overly complex with far too many characters and moving parts, but this book was just right - a tight, well written plot featuring a small cast of well-developed characters and some skillful misdirection.
Add in the start of a new relationship with a very sexy leather-clad German attorney and this is a perfect mix of intrigue and romance. Very readable and definitely very enjoyable! 5 stars.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
David C. Dawson surprised me with this new mystery “The Foreign Affair” the third installment in “A Delingpole Mystery” series. Dawson creates another mystery that brings back Dominic Delingpole’s nemesis: the Natural Family Association, Russians and more horrifying experiments.
Dominic Delingpole’s life has changed, he has gained a son and faced several losses. He has returned to Berlin to celebrate two anniversary that bring back fond memories. An ex-lovers birthday and the time of celebration with the Folsom Leather festival adapted from “Folsom Street in San Francisco in 1984.
He’s also spending important time connecting with his son Matthias “Matty” Lange. Matty attends Technische Univeristat, going for an undergraduate degree in mathematics. He also has a budding relationship with a much older man, who’s a visiting professor/student. Although it’s only been a seven month relationship, Dominic is interested in meeting Professor Alexeyev Krovopuskov an expert in biomechanics at ITMO University in St. Petersburg.
When Alex Krovopuskov is the number one suspect in counter-terrorism acts, Matty is accused and pursued by Kriminalkommissar Schutz of the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) responsible for terrorist investigation. Dominic has nowhere to turn when Matty is arrested, except for his friend Miles Torrington. Luckily for Dominic, the better half of the “Park Lane Power Couple” Penny Torrington refers him to Johann Hartmann.
Dominic doesn’t waste time getting an appointment with Johann Hartmann or researching his background on-line. The black-and-white photo of Johann is a shock to Dominic but meeting Johann in person is even more shocking. Johann is not only well-qualified and intelligent but he’s handsome and knows how to wear leather. Johann does not hesitate to help Dominic under any circumstances, but will they be able to uncover the truth and save Matty?
David C. Dawson takes art, music and the sites of Berlin and a lesson in German and combines them with another complex mystery. “The Foreign Affair” was a suspenseful, intense and a definite page-turner for me. Dawson kept a very interesting “spoiler” a secret and I have to say “I did not see that coming”, but I think it was for the best. I liked Matty and how the father, son connection developed throughout the novel. Johann Hartmann is a breath of fresh air for for Dominic and I hope to see more of him. I liked that there was more to share about continuing characters: Gillian, for one, who is Dominic trusty assistant and Miles and Penny Torrington, friends of Dominic. As for new characters: Kriminalkommissar Schutz plays a good villain but is he?
David C. Dawson kept this book under wraps, and I don’t know if there’s another book in the works. With how this one ended, I hope he will bring Dominic Delingpole back with another twisted mystery.
The Foreign Affair is the third book in David C. Dawson’s The Delingpole Mysteries series. First, I must state that I have not read the first two books. Second, I will opine that while I think this book COULD absolutely be read as a standalone, there are certainly events from the prior books that come into play in this book. One of them is an extremely (and I suppose unavoidably) HUGE spoiler for earlier in the series and, personally, I probably would not have read book three without reading the first two if I had an inkling of what I was getting into so I could properly enjoy how the spoiler event came to be and how it had and continues to affect Dominic. If you’re like me and may feel a bit cheated out of some reading pleasure by a built-in (and, in context, completely unavoidable) spoiler, I strongly encourage you to read the first two books before this one. For less…particular readers, I do think this story does work just fine as a standalone.
Complex story with suspense, intrigue, action and so much more. This mystery is wonderful and so compelling. There are so many layers and it is so well written. There are big surprises and lots of unexpected twists and turns. There are so many memories for Dominic in Berlin and it is a necessary trip to work through those. I enjoyed the supporting characters, both returning and new ones. I do hope there are more mysteries in the future
We have lots of layers to this story from the relationship between Dominic and Matty, father and son and they have a lot of building to do. We have Matty and Alex and the dynamics of their age-gap relationship. Matty and Alex need help and i loved how Dominic is there trying to help. Then we have Dominic and Johann and that has possibilities written all over it. This is a hard review to write because i don't want to give away any spoilers but i do highly recommend reading and enjoying this book!
This is book three of the The Delingpole Mysteries and really should be read in sequence for most enjoyment.
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my honest opinion and review
Politics, murder, mad Russian scientists set in the middle of Folsom Europe. And into this scene steps amateur sleuth Dominic Delingpole who reappears in this 3rd book hooking up with a German lawyer Johann Hartmann attempting to thwart the devious plots of annihilation. All wrapped up in today's zigzag of present and relevant conditions. Toss in a father reconnecting with an unknown son who's in a May/December relationship and you have the formula for an exciting read. I liked this author's writing enough that I have bought the previous two books in Delingpole Mysteries: The Necessary Deaths and The Deadly Lies. This is my voluntary review for the ARC I received.
This story is amazing. And packs a pretty big punch from the get-go. Getting logistics out of the way - in and of itself, I guess you could call this a stand-alone, but in this particular case you need to read the first 2 books (and in order!) before you even open this one.
This is my new favorite series, hands down. It has everything I love in mystery-suspense - complicated plots, fast-paced action, and a smart, relatable protagonist. Dominic Delingpole has a knack for finding himself enmeshed in political intrigue, especially on vacation, to the extent where recurring characters even comment on it. But he also manages to stumble upon those who can help him when he needs it, which is good. He needs it a lot.
Book 3 is a darker read for many reasons (that gut-punch - wow) than the first two in the series, and some of the twists are even harder to believe. And skilled hot guys aren’t collected as much by book 3. It made me sad; those characters were fun. But Dawson’s writing style is as impeccable and engrossing as ever, and the twists and hints suggest at least one more book in the series. If that’s the case, I just hope it arrives soon.
Set in Berlin, there is someone stalking gay bars. This time of year is a smorgasbord of gay men in town for a festival. Its Dominic to the rescue. Matty has been arrested for the heinous crimes. He must help his son, but can't do it alone. Dominic teams up with a local German lawyer named Johann Hartman. While Dominic and Johann work the case, we also learn a little more about Dominic's personal life. Nothing is as it seems. Twists, turns and lots of intrigue.
Murder mysteries have become a large part of my reading this year. Dawson was a new author to me and am pleased to have accidentally discovered this series.
**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
It’s another success for David C. Dawson. The Foreign Affair, a fantastic sequel to the first two Delingpole thrillers- completely blew me away. It is an intense page turner, with action interwoven with beautiful human relationships, emotional rollercoasters and a damn sexy setting. (Set in Folsom for God’s sake - if you don’t know what that is… oh you’ll get some pretty good descriptions).
Dominic Delingpole has always been a relatable character, and the author makes his difficulties so true and his actions so real. Family, and a relevant definition of family is brought to the forefront. The book has a twist round every corner, but nothing could have prepared me for the final surprise. It answers so many questions from the first two books, yet can be a perfectly stand alone book. Can’t recommend it enough, still thinking about the plot - and in an “Inception” or “Matrix” kind of way - left me wanting to read the books again, and David’s other work.
This series just got better and better from book to book and this one is the best yet. We learn so much more about Dominic and his son here so all the emotional feels are there. The wonderful thing is how well this is integrated with the mystery. Both work together perfectly and depend on the other for the complete story. The Berlin setting was also a very welcome change from the usual setting of my books. I felt like I was there on the streets of the city.
This was a really good story!! I love a good mystery! Dominic has come to see his son Matty in Berlin. He’s shocked that Matty’s lover is older than he is. When Matty is arrested for attacks that are happening, he must prove that his son is innocent. As I said before, I love a good mystery and this one is fantastic, with twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Excellent story!! I am voluntarily leaving a review from an advanced copy that I was gifted. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
The Foreign Affair is the third book in the Delingpole Mysteries series by David C. Dawson. If you haven’t already read the first two books in this series I would definitely recommend you do (although it would not stop you enjoying this book).
In this latest adventure Dominic is in Berlin for the annual Folsom festival where a murderer is targeting gay bars.
There are lots of twists and turns in this book that kept me guessing and speculating who to trust.
I could not put this book down and was gripped from start to finish. In fact I did not want it to end.
In my opinion this is the best Delingpole book yet. I can’t wait for book 4!
This was a great addition to this series. I love Dominic and in this story he is in Germany to see his son Matty and there is a murder on the lose. You have much adventure in this story from murder and experimentation to Russians . Great Read wonderful adventure.
I really could not put this book down! I got really involved in the story, which I rarely do. The characters were well described, which I like and were people you could believe you could meet in the street. The twists and turns were great. Not the sort where you lose track of the story! I haven’t read the first two of these books in the series but I immediately bought them and started them straight away! Highly recommend if you like an mm book with more than pure romance. (Although this book also has that!)
Mr Dawson has done it again! I've been waiting eagerly for this sequel in the Delingpole Mysteries. And he's not disappointed. What's really clever is that it stands alone as a great read - you wouldn't have to know the previous two books (which were also excellent!) He's also been very clever in working around this year's pandemic. The plot twists and turns, and there's a very sexy romance along the way. I can't recommend this highly enough.
soooo good... amazing storyline... characters are wonderful and the writing is perfect.. this was an amazing third story in this series and wow... there was a spot in the story that was like OMG NO lol.. i loved it
Not a book i would normally read, as i'm not usually a big fan of murder and intrigue, but I enjoyed this story. I wanted to know who and why and the twists and turns kept me interested. As this was the third book in the series and I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the first two books.
Since finishing this book I have gone back and read the first two books in the series. I also received this book free from GRR in exchange for an honest review as part of a three book package of the series.
Knowing the characters from the first two books helped with reading this book. A lot of background information was given and so it made more sense reading it a second time.
This is a slow-burn read from many different points of views. The two main characters are Dominic and Johann, but some parts are told by several of the supporting characters in this story. This really makes it much more interesting because you get a more in-depth look into everything. ‘The Foreign Affair’ is the third volume in this series and I have to say with each new installment, I love this series that much more.
After losing Jonathan, his husband, on their honeymoon, Dominic decides he needs a change of scenery and goes to Germany to see his son, Matty, whom he is still getting to know better. Dominic never expected to be pulled into a mess not long after arriving in town. But that is exactly what happens when a gas bomb goes off at a popular gay bar and the suspect behind it turns out to be none other than Dominic’s son’s boyfriend, Alex. As Alex mysteriously disappears and the German police start searching for him, Matty gets caught in the middle and is arrested. So now Dominic has to find a way to clear his son’s name and maybe in the process clear the boyfriend’s name as well. That is where Johann comes into play.
Johann is referred to Dominic to help clear the charge a against Matty. One major issue though is that he could be a twin to Dominic’s deceased husband, Jonathan. There are even certain things he does that remind Dominic of Jonathan. With it being a year since his death, it makes it really hard for Dominic. But Johann is his best bet at helping to get Matty out of jail. So Dominic and Johann work together to try to unravel what is going on and to find out whether Alex is guilty or not.
The more these men learn, the more the danger grows. There is definitely something not right with this whole situation and when the truth is revealed, everyone may find themselves in a very dangerous situation. Will Dominic and Johann be able to find a way to work together or will their attraction to one another be too much and send them into an even more dangerous situation?
This was such a great story! This whole series has been incredible so far! I cannot wait to see what David C. Dawson comes up with next for Dominic and his friends. Great read!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
This is an amazing book. Unfortunately so much of it reads like fact rather than fiction. Just goes to show what kind of world we live in!
A great mystery! The plot is tightly woven and the clues keep coming...I just didn't have an idea about just how complicated it was until the end! I love it when I can't figure out the solution.
You'll have Europe, intrigue, professors, researchers, lawyers and a college student. Through it all there will be a budding romance between 4 characters...2 pairs...and forgiveness from an ex. The Russians are as diabolical as ever!
3.75* This book felt much tighter in the writing and dialogue than the others. The setting of Berlin allowed me to get lost in googling lots of aspects! Dominic is grieving but is reconnecting with his son. And hey presto, he gets involved in the aftermath of two bombings at Berlin Folsom. He does seem to fall over these things, and get results but almost by default! Lots of characters in this one, bad, good and the ugly. We do see Dominic grow, taking a chance on a relationship again and get to a better place with his son. And entering Covid lockdown in Berlin!
I have to admit I haven't read the first two books, but I enjoyed it anyway. Dominic is in Berlin visiting his son and his boyfriend is involved in a political plot. Dominic is trying to help prove his innocence with the help of Johann. The book is mysterious, exciting with some very intense moments that will have you on the edge of your seat and you are trying to figure it who did. The book has a great flow it and I enjoyed it.
Upheaval and slight of hand its not what it seems.
The beginning of this book almost had me in tears. The loss of Jonathan, the absolute pain and desolation that Dominic is living with is overwhelming.
Life goes on with new characters and more twists and turns to follow and make this a book that you really must pay close attention to or you will be lost somewhere between Germany and Russia. I really enjoyed this read and will look forward to more from this author!
I so wasn't expecting the beginning of this book. After following Dominic around his accidental adventures we add a few more characters to the mix. We found out that Dominic had a son in the last story and in this story he is along for the adventure. I was happy to meet new characters and was missing some old ones. The story was well told; a little less on the various point of views but enough to keep the story going and still add some mystery. Enjoyed reading all of these.
3.5/5 stars. Definitely an improvement over the first two. I’m glad all the extra POVs from book 2 were jettisoned, because this worked better through the limited POV of one character. I particularly liked the relationship between Dominic and his son. The technology stuff was one again unrealistic to the point of absurdity, but it wasn’t as distracting as in the second book.