What do you think?
Rate this book
The Next to Die
Five years since his daughter's death. Now it's happening again.
**A Sunday Times pick of the week**
' The Next to Die is a remarkably assured debut. It oozes the sour tang of authenticity, mingling psychiatry and crime with the mean streets of London.' Andrew Taylor
'Pitch-perfect tone and quality, a terrific debut.' Amer Anwar
'A superb, heart-thumping thriller. Without doubt my favourite read of the year.' Carol Wyer
'Hooked me immediately with its formidable pace and fluid style.' James Oswald
'Outstanding. Gritty and compelling with a cast of richly-drawn characters, this is an exceptional book. That ending - wow!' D. S. Butler
Dylan Kasper is stuck. Living in self-imposed reclusion from his former life in the police, he's been in a downward spiral since his daughter's death five years ago.
All that changes when the son of an esteemed professor jumps under an inner-city train. His former colleagues call it suicide, but Kasper knows different. This has all happened before - to him, and his dead daughter.
Taking on the investigation himself, Kasper soon realises the terrible trouble young Tommy had found himself in. With nowhere to run, he thought suicide was the only way to keep his family safe.
But before long, Kasper's investigation makes him target number one. Can he keep his demons in check and stay alive long enough to bring those responsible to justice?
**A Sunday Times pick of the week**
' The Next to Die is a remarkably assured debut. It oozes the sour tang of authenticity, mingling psychiatry and crime with the mean streets of London.' Andrew Taylor
'Pitch-perfect tone and quality, a terrific debut.' Amer Anwar
'A superb, heart-thumping thriller. Without doubt my favourite read of the year.' Carol Wyer
'Hooked me immediately with its formidable pace and fluid style.' James Oswald
'Outstanding. Gritty and compelling with a cast of richly-drawn characters, this is an exceptional book. That ending - wow!' D. S. Butler
Dylan Kasper is stuck. Living in self-imposed reclusion from his former life in the police, he's been in a downward spiral since his daughter's death five years ago.
All that changes when the son of an esteemed professor jumps under an inner-city train. His former colleagues call it suicide, but Kasper knows different. This has all happened before - to him, and his dead daughter.
Taking on the investigation himself, Kasper soon realises the terrible trouble young Tommy had found himself in. With nowhere to run, he thought suicide was the only way to keep his family safe.
But before long, Kasper's investigation makes him target number one. Can he keep his demons in check and stay alive long enough to bring those responsible to justice?
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2023
4 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 9, 2022
Elliot F. Sweeney's debut is an accomplished piece of gritty London Noir, with some profoundly disturbing and harrowing themes. 43 year old Dylan Kasper is a former police officer whose life fell apart 5 years ago with the suicide of his `14 year old daughter, Rosie, leading him to become a recluse, leaving all remnants of his former life behind. He is divorced from his wife, Carol, no longer in the police force, he ended the relationship he had with DS Diane McAteer, seeking solace in the demon drink, often wondering if there is any point in him being alive. A haunted man weighed down by guilt, he is now renting, living with former psychiatrist, Dr Steiner, and her cat, Marmite, and working in a rough pub for money, It is at a gym that he meets the young traumatised and self harming Tommy, feeling a connection, so when he is offered the job of protecting him from Tommy's father, Professor Saul Berkowitz, he accepts.
He is horrified when Tommy commits suicide, it raises the ghost of Rosie, and it is this that pushes him on his quest to find out why the vulnerable Tommy felt he had to kill himself to save his family. Despite facing grave dangers, Kaspar cannot let go, putting little thought or strategy in what he does. H keeps stumbling into trouble, although his expertise in boxing helps to keep him alive. He reconnects with McAteer, allowing him to draw on the police resources that he needs, but none of this prevents him being hit by tragedy, and the thought crosses his mind that the time has let his investigation go. However, he is persuaded to return, this time thinking carefully until the bones of a plan begin to emerge. Kasper uncovers the desperate pressures that Tommy had crumbled under, his desire to do all that he could to support his sister, Harriet, but it was never going to be enough, and learns of the nightmare terrors Tommy and Harriet faced as children.
Sweeney treads very unsettling territory, creating a wide, disparate and mesmerising cast of characters, veering from the villainously ruthless, the criminal, the good, to the vulnerable. This is a dark gripping story that will not be for everyone, beautifully written and well plotted, inhabited by some unforgettable characters, my favourites included Dr Steiner, Jazz and Mani, and which culminates in a surprising achievement of a semblance of justice. The central protagonist, Kasper, having only just survived by the skin of his teeth, begins to sees the glimmers of a possible future, something that seemed out of reach previously, when he considers becoming a PI. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
He is horrified when Tommy commits suicide, it raises the ghost of Rosie, and it is this that pushes him on his quest to find out why the vulnerable Tommy felt he had to kill himself to save his family. Despite facing grave dangers, Kaspar cannot let go, putting little thought or strategy in what he does. H keeps stumbling into trouble, although his expertise in boxing helps to keep him alive. He reconnects with McAteer, allowing him to draw on the police resources that he needs, but none of this prevents him being hit by tragedy, and the thought crosses his mind that the time has let his investigation go. However, he is persuaded to return, this time thinking carefully until the bones of a plan begin to emerge. Kasper uncovers the desperate pressures that Tommy had crumbled under, his desire to do all that he could to support his sister, Harriet, but it was never going to be enough, and learns of the nightmare terrors Tommy and Harriet faced as children.
Sweeney treads very unsettling territory, creating a wide, disparate and mesmerising cast of characters, veering from the villainously ruthless, the criminal, the good, to the vulnerable. This is a dark gripping story that will not be for everyone, beautifully written and well plotted, inhabited by some unforgettable characters, my favourites included Dr Steiner, Jazz and Mani, and which culminates in a surprising achievement of a semblance of justice. The central protagonist, Kasper, having only just survived by the skin of his teeth, begins to sees the glimmers of a possible future, something that seemed out of reach previously, when he considers becoming a PI. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
November 16, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐/5
Dylan Kasper (more commonly referred to as Kasper) has been a recluse since his daughter Rosie died by suicide five years ago. However, he snaps out of this hermit mode when he meets Tommy at a gym that Kasper regularly goes to, where the two strike up a friendship and Kasper (employed by Tommy's dad) begins to act as Tommy's bodyguard. However, Tommy dies in similar circumstances to Kasper's daughter, which sparks Kasper on a path of justice to figure out what led Tommy to think he did not have another way out. Kasper's former colleagues think Tommy's death is just a suicide, however there are more sinister forces at play, which leads to Kasper having a target on his head.
This book was an interesting enough read, however it felt like a struggle to finish this book. This book does spark an interesting conversation around males' mental health and the stigma that surrounds males talking about their mental health and in turn, how this impacts males and their ability to reach out for help. I do like how this book attempts to challenge these stigmatised views by Kasper confiding in Emmanuel, Dr. Steiner and Jazz, as well as Jazz confiding in Kasper. However, I feel like in some parts, this book reinforces the stigmatised view of males who look a certain way discussing their mental health by one of the interactions Kasper and Jazz have where Kasper repeats what Jazz had previously said to him ("no more feeling sorry for yourself"), to which Jazz responds "it's not a good look for us hardnuts." I think this would have been an excellent opportunity to deconstruct that stigmatised view that just because a male looks a certain way, it does not mean that they cannot discuss their mental health.
There were a lot of things in this book that made me very uncomfortable as I was reading and I think there definitely should have been a warning at the beginning of the book due to the heavy content that this book covers (for example, suicide, drug/alcohol use, male prostitution etc.) and resources provided for those who may need them. Furthermore, I really did not like how there were a lot of slurs used within this book that are used against homeless people's living situation, as well as gay male prostitutes. These slurs were unnecessary and are incredibly harmful to the communities that they concern.
I also did not find any of the characters to be likeable as I did not connect with any of them. When there were moments within the book that definitely could have resulted in a person having sympathy for some of the characters and what they have been through, I found myself indifferent and not experiencing any sympathy due to not a) not finding them likeable and b) not having a connection with the character so I would not feel emotionally invested in them or rooting for their success.
⚠️ Content warning: attempted suicide, suicide, pills, graphic description of self-harm, profanity, death, overdose, homophobia, mental health illnesses, alcohol use, physical assault, cancer, sexual situations, prostitution, cheating, drug use, relapse, voyeuring, blood, derogatory slurs, gun use, gambling, animal cruelty and death, sexual harassment, arson/petrol bomb, vomiting, child abuse, underage porn, paedophilia ⚠️
Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher, Headline, Wildfire for the opportunity to read this book!
I have posted this review to my NetGalley account. I will also post a review on my Instagram and Tiktok a week before the publication date (2nd February 2023). This book will be available to purchase as an e-book on Kindle for £8.99 or a hardback for £20.
Dylan Kasper (more commonly referred to as Kasper) has been a recluse since his daughter Rosie died by suicide five years ago. However, he snaps out of this hermit mode when he meets Tommy at a gym that Kasper regularly goes to, where the two strike up a friendship and Kasper (employed by Tommy's dad) begins to act as Tommy's bodyguard. However, Tommy dies in similar circumstances to Kasper's daughter, which sparks Kasper on a path of justice to figure out what led Tommy to think he did not have another way out. Kasper's former colleagues think Tommy's death is just a suicide, however there are more sinister forces at play, which leads to Kasper having a target on his head.
This book was an interesting enough read, however it felt like a struggle to finish this book. This book does spark an interesting conversation around males' mental health and the stigma that surrounds males talking about their mental health and in turn, how this impacts males and their ability to reach out for help. I do like how this book attempts to challenge these stigmatised views by Kasper confiding in Emmanuel, Dr. Steiner and Jazz, as well as Jazz confiding in Kasper. However, I feel like in some parts, this book reinforces the stigmatised view of males who look a certain way discussing their mental health by one of the interactions Kasper and Jazz have where Kasper repeats what Jazz had previously said to him ("no more feeling sorry for yourself"), to which Jazz responds "it's not a good look for us hardnuts." I think this would have been an excellent opportunity to deconstruct that stigmatised view that just because a male looks a certain way, it does not mean that they cannot discuss their mental health.
There were a lot of things in this book that made me very uncomfortable as I was reading and I think there definitely should have been a warning at the beginning of the book due to the heavy content that this book covers (for example, suicide, drug/alcohol use, male prostitution etc.) and resources provided for those who may need them. Furthermore, I really did not like how there were a lot of slurs used within this book that are used against homeless people's living situation, as well as gay male prostitutes. These slurs were unnecessary and are incredibly harmful to the communities that they concern.
I also did not find any of the characters to be likeable as I did not connect with any of them. When there were moments within the book that definitely could have resulted in a person having sympathy for some of the characters and what they have been through, I found myself indifferent and not experiencing any sympathy due to not a) not finding them likeable and b) not having a connection with the character so I would not feel emotionally invested in them or rooting for their success.
⚠️ Content warning: attempted suicide, suicide, pills, graphic description of self-harm, profanity, death, overdose, homophobia, mental health illnesses, alcohol use, physical assault, cancer, sexual situations, prostitution, cheating, drug use, relapse, voyeuring, blood, derogatory slurs, gun use, gambling, animal cruelty and death, sexual harassment, arson/petrol bomb, vomiting, child abuse, underage porn, paedophilia ⚠️
Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher, Headline, Wildfire for the opportunity to read this book!
I have posted this review to my NetGalley account. I will also post a review on my Instagram and Tiktok a week before the publication date (2nd February 2023). This book will be available to purchase as an e-book on Kindle for £8.99 or a hardback for £20.
January 29, 2023
A protagonist who is both viscerally brutal and cripplingly vulnerable. A mystery that manages to cleave to the best traditions of noir while injecting utterly modern DNA into the telling. The Next To Die peels back the layers of an unimaginable tragedy to find something even more disturbing lurking within. This might be Elliot Sweeney's first novel but it's clear he's got a very rare talent - a thrillingly confident grasp of what makes a great crime novel tick married to a surgical insight into the reality of human misery, suffering and redemption.
Broken bones, blood stains and deep tissue emotional damage, The Next to Die is nasty in all the right ways.
Broken bones, blood stains and deep tissue emotional damage, The Next to Die is nasty in all the right ways.
February 3, 2023
Addictive and action-packed
I really enjoyed this debut novel and I'm already looking forward to the next in the series.
Dylan Kasper is a complicated character - having lived through the worst thing a parent can imagine, his daughters suicide, he lost his way for a while. Then he meets Tommy Berkowitz and becomes involved in his life (and death) leading him into an investigation that nearly takes his life but, in the process, helps him begin to find his way forward to a new life.
With several other intriguing main characters I'm sure the Dylan Kasper series will continue to thrill and surprise readers for some time to come.
I really enjoyed this debut novel and I'm already looking forward to the next in the series.
Dylan Kasper is a complicated character - having lived through the worst thing a parent can imagine, his daughters suicide, he lost his way for a while. Then he meets Tommy Berkowitz and becomes involved in his life (and death) leading him into an investigation that nearly takes his life but, in the process, helps him begin to find his way forward to a new life.
With several other intriguing main characters I'm sure the Dylan Kasper series will continue to thrill and surprise readers for some time to come.
January 22, 2023
I thought this was a cracking debut novel. A gritty drama / thriller about an ex policeman who becomes embroiled in a damaged family who are caught up in sordid dealings that result in a death. It’s a violent read at times and not really the sort of book I’d normally enjoy, but, it’s really well written with excellent characters and a solid storyline that kept my interest throughout.
I’m looking forward to more from this promising author and am grateful to NetGalley and Headline publishers for the opportunity to preview this excellent read. Congratulations.
I’m looking forward to more from this promising author and am grateful to NetGalley and Headline publishers for the opportunity to preview this excellent read. Congratulations.
February 5, 2023
I am a bit of a fuss pot when it comes to choosing my fiction as I don't get much time to read. I like something that will grab me within the first few pages. This crime thriller did just that. I was absolutely gripped and read the first third of the book in one sitting.
The protagonist in the book, Kasper, is a ex policeman who is a tough guy, come wounded bird, who has been unable to come to terms with the loss of his daughter. He is asked to investigate the death of a young man under horrible circumstances. The book is set around parts of London I know very well and I particularly loved being able to visualize the gritty streets where the story is told. Whilst the book maybe a little dark and lives a little tragic. Sweeny's portrait of the characters, their pretty awful circumstances and their internal world really came to life for me.
Despite having very little in common with Kasper, I found myself having deep empathy for his plight and was rooting for him to find some resolution to a pretty dire state of affairs. Most of the characters are deeply flawed but u feel strangely endeared to them and can totally see how they 'got there'. I particularly loved Sweeny's depiction of mental health services. I knew him being a nurse he would paint a genuine portrayal rather than the usual TV depictions of the worried well of North London. The quirky psychiatrist and her cat I was warmed by throughout; great characters. I look forward to following Sweeney's writing in the future. All in all, a very strong debut!
The protagonist in the book, Kasper, is a ex policeman who is a tough guy, come wounded bird, who has been unable to come to terms with the loss of his daughter. He is asked to investigate the death of a young man under horrible circumstances. The book is set around parts of London I know very well and I particularly loved being able to visualize the gritty streets where the story is told. Whilst the book maybe a little dark and lives a little tragic. Sweeny's portrait of the characters, their pretty awful circumstances and their internal world really came to life for me.
Despite having very little in common with Kasper, I found myself having deep empathy for his plight and was rooting for him to find some resolution to a pretty dire state of affairs. Most of the characters are deeply flawed but u feel strangely endeared to them and can totally see how they 'got there'. I particularly loved Sweeny's depiction of mental health services. I knew him being a nurse he would paint a genuine portrayal rather than the usual TV depictions of the worried well of North London. The quirky psychiatrist and her cat I was warmed by throughout; great characters. I look forward to following Sweeney's writing in the future. All in all, a very strong debut!
February 18, 2023
The next to die by Elliott F. Sweeney.
Dylan Kasper is stuck. Living in self-imposed reclusion from his former life in the police, he's been in a downward spiral since his daughter's death five years ago.
All that changes when the son of an esteemed professor jumps under an inner-city train. His former colleagues call it suicide, but Kasper knows different. This has all happened before - to him, and his dead daughter.
Taking on the investigation himself, Kasper soon realises the terrible trouble young Tommy had found himself in. With nowhere to run, he thought suicide was the only way to keep his family safe.
But before long, Kasper's investigation makes him target number one. Can he keep his demons in check and stay alive long enough to bring those responsible to justice?
A good read. I did find this slow in places. 4*.
Dylan Kasper is stuck. Living in self-imposed reclusion from his former life in the police, he's been in a downward spiral since his daughter's death five years ago.
All that changes when the son of an esteemed professor jumps under an inner-city train. His former colleagues call it suicide, but Kasper knows different. This has all happened before - to him, and his dead daughter.
Taking on the investigation himself, Kasper soon realises the terrible trouble young Tommy had found himself in. With nowhere to run, he thought suicide was the only way to keep his family safe.
But before long, Kasper's investigation makes him target number one. Can he keep his demons in check and stay alive long enough to bring those responsible to justice?
A good read. I did find this slow in places. 4*.
February 26, 2023
Likewise, Elliot F. Sweeney- The Next To Die absolutely blew me away. With a writing style reminiscent of Jake Arnott, and Mark Timlin this London set thriller featuring a damaged ex-police officer, was incredibly dark, featuring themes of suicide, homophobia and psychological trauma, but compounded by such strength of characterisation that you become quickly and utterly invested in these characters and the darkness that surrounds them. It’s highly emotive, despairing and relentlessly bleak, but after the rain comes the rainbow, and there are moments of clarity and resolution for the central protagonist in particular that sparks a certain hope in the course of the seemingly impenetrable darkness of their lives. A definite contender in my books of the year.
November 28, 2022
Thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for an advanced copy of The Next to Die in exchange for a review.
This is the first in a new series of books centred around Dylan Kasper, a former police officer who left the force after his 14-year-old daughter Rosie took her own life. In this story, Kasper meets a young man named Tommy at the gym and soon becomes embroiled in Tommy’s family and the nightmare that he and his sister have become involved in. When Tommy kills himself, Kasper finds that he cannot turn his back on Tommy and his sister, and he begins to put himself and his loved ones in danger as he delves further into their troubled past.
The book deals with a number of difficult topics and is a very gritty read! But the subjects are handled well and there is a nice balance of humour through some of things Kasper says and thinks. The characters are really great, and I warmed to so many of them – from his landlady Dr Steiner to Jazz and Tommy’s poor sister and dad.
I loved Elliot F. Sweeney’s writing style – it was really enjoyable and easy to read, and had a bit of a New York detective story sort of feel about it. I kept having to remind myself we were in London because I couldn’t help reading it in a New York accent! But I thought that was a good thing – I could just really see it playing out as a film or a series.
I’m not really sure why it was called The Next to Die though – I thought that made it sound like a serial killer book and I’m not sure it was the best title. However, I am thoroughly looking forward to reading book 2 in the series and joining Kasper on another mission!
This is the first in a new series of books centred around Dylan Kasper, a former police officer who left the force after his 14-year-old daughter Rosie took her own life. In this story, Kasper meets a young man named Tommy at the gym and soon becomes embroiled in Tommy’s family and the nightmare that he and his sister have become involved in. When Tommy kills himself, Kasper finds that he cannot turn his back on Tommy and his sister, and he begins to put himself and his loved ones in danger as he delves further into their troubled past.
The book deals with a number of difficult topics and is a very gritty read! But the subjects are handled well and there is a nice balance of humour through some of things Kasper says and thinks. The characters are really great, and I warmed to so many of them – from his landlady Dr Steiner to Jazz and Tommy’s poor sister and dad.
I loved Elliot F. Sweeney’s writing style – it was really enjoyable and easy to read, and had a bit of a New York detective story sort of feel about it. I kept having to remind myself we were in London because I couldn’t help reading it in a New York accent! But I thought that was a good thing – I could just really see it playing out as a film or a series.
I’m not really sure why it was called The Next to Die though – I thought that made it sound like a serial killer book and I’m not sure it was the best title. However, I am thoroughly looking forward to reading book 2 in the series and joining Kasper on another mission!
January 23, 2023
As debut novels go The Next to Die is rather dark and foreboding. There is a look at the sleazy underbelly of the capital but it digs deep into the psyche of damaged individuals.
The central character is Dylan Kasper is former police officer who blames himself for the suicide of his daughter, she wanted to speak to him and he put her off until the evening before which she jumped under a train. He wears his self-perceived guilt like an albatross around his neck, dragging himself down into a self-imposed exile from his former life, family and friends. Kasper has an anti-authoritarian streak and is reckless at times displaying a touch of Martin Riggs (from Lethal Weapon). Working as a barman and largely shunning the outside world he lodges with a retired psychiatrist Dr Steiner who keeps an eye on him but hasn’t analysed him yet to his face. A chance encounter with a young man called Tommy ends up providing the catalyst to bring himself out of this state of fugue.
Tommy is a damaged young man, outwardly confident but under this thinnest of veneers he is clearly troubled, even disturbed. After making a big impression on Tommy, his father Saul asks an initially reluctant Kasper to look out for Tommy and try and discover what is bothering him. Tommy quickly makes an impression on Kasper, but the blossoming friendship is short lived, something pushes Tommy over the edge and he kills himself using the exact method that Rosie, Kasper’s daughter, used. Again, the sense of guilt drives Kasper on to discover why Tommy did it.
The plot is then this investigation into the life and death of Tommy and that is when it gets dark and sordid. Within the shadows are homosexual honey-traps, class A drugs and blackmail, backed up by a vicious gang boss and his hardmen. A central theme is one of redemption, the desire to put right past wrongs or where this is not possible at least stimulate some good. This clearly applies to Kasper, he can’t bring his daughter back but may be able to help others. Kasper’s motivation is clear, that of Tommy, his sister Harriet and father Saul much less so and ultimately prove to be plot critical in the end. What ends up being revealed is disturbing and certainly caught me off guard, the final quarter of the story has several surprises.
The story is told in first person, from Kasper’s viewpoint and moves along rapidly covering a lot of ground. There is plenty of incident throughout to keep the reader entertained and regular injections of jeopardy with fights, murder and some gore. Not always easy to capture convincingly, the scenes of aggression and fights are well written and stay well within the realms of credibility.
Naturally Kasper is front and centre, but within all the action the nature of other characters is revealed. There is the wisdom and benevolence of Dr Steiner, there to save Kasper from himself. Saul is shut down and almost characterless for much of the story, his reveal is the most shocking. Suicide is a difficult subject to write about as it is to broach in real life, but here it is nicely judged with the inclusion of Emmanuel quite telling. He was the driver of the train that killed Tommy and the effect on him is profound, as it must be in reality. Here we see the damage suicide can do to others.
There’s not much scope for humour in such a dark tale but I did love the fact that Kasper, who has little money, gets around on a bicycle even using it to peddle away from mayhem he has caused.
The Next to Die is an action-packed crime thriller that crashes through the grimy London underworld. An impressive debut novel.
The central character is Dylan Kasper is former police officer who blames himself for the suicide of his daughter, she wanted to speak to him and he put her off until the evening before which she jumped under a train. He wears his self-perceived guilt like an albatross around his neck, dragging himself down into a self-imposed exile from his former life, family and friends. Kasper has an anti-authoritarian streak and is reckless at times displaying a touch of Martin Riggs (from Lethal Weapon). Working as a barman and largely shunning the outside world he lodges with a retired psychiatrist Dr Steiner who keeps an eye on him but hasn’t analysed him yet to his face. A chance encounter with a young man called Tommy ends up providing the catalyst to bring himself out of this state of fugue.
Tommy is a damaged young man, outwardly confident but under this thinnest of veneers he is clearly troubled, even disturbed. After making a big impression on Tommy, his father Saul asks an initially reluctant Kasper to look out for Tommy and try and discover what is bothering him. Tommy quickly makes an impression on Kasper, but the blossoming friendship is short lived, something pushes Tommy over the edge and he kills himself using the exact method that Rosie, Kasper’s daughter, used. Again, the sense of guilt drives Kasper on to discover why Tommy did it.
The plot is then this investigation into the life and death of Tommy and that is when it gets dark and sordid. Within the shadows are homosexual honey-traps, class A drugs and blackmail, backed up by a vicious gang boss and his hardmen. A central theme is one of redemption, the desire to put right past wrongs or where this is not possible at least stimulate some good. This clearly applies to Kasper, he can’t bring his daughter back but may be able to help others. Kasper’s motivation is clear, that of Tommy, his sister Harriet and father Saul much less so and ultimately prove to be plot critical in the end. What ends up being revealed is disturbing and certainly caught me off guard, the final quarter of the story has several surprises.
The story is told in first person, from Kasper’s viewpoint and moves along rapidly covering a lot of ground. There is plenty of incident throughout to keep the reader entertained and regular injections of jeopardy with fights, murder and some gore. Not always easy to capture convincingly, the scenes of aggression and fights are well written and stay well within the realms of credibility.
Naturally Kasper is front and centre, but within all the action the nature of other characters is revealed. There is the wisdom and benevolence of Dr Steiner, there to save Kasper from himself. Saul is shut down and almost characterless for much of the story, his reveal is the most shocking. Suicide is a difficult subject to write about as it is to broach in real life, but here it is nicely judged with the inclusion of Emmanuel quite telling. He was the driver of the train that killed Tommy and the effect on him is profound, as it must be in reality. Here we see the damage suicide can do to others.
There’s not much scope for humour in such a dark tale but I did love the fact that Kasper, who has little money, gets around on a bicycle even using it to peddle away from mayhem he has caused.
The Next to Die is an action-packed crime thriller that crashes through the grimy London underworld. An impressive debut novel.
February 3, 2023
Thanks to Wildfire books for inviting me on the tour for the newest crime writer in town, Elliot Sweeney, starting Dylan Kaspar in 'The Next to Die'. This is a gritty urban thriller, bringing London's seedier side to the fore.
The story of ex-policeman turned rogue detective is a well-trodden path, and its in good hands with Elliot Sweeney. Dylan Kaspar was a police investigator until his 14 year old daughter Rosie took her own life. He's now working in an old-school pub and keeping himself to himself. One day his landlady gives him tickets to a up-market gym where he is propositioned by 19 year old Tommy Berkowitz. Tommy is a troubled soul who is being coerced into an uncomfortable situation. He trusts Kaspar and turns to him for help, but before he can explain what's troubling him, he too takes his own life in the same way and location that Rosie did. Before he does so, Tommy leaves a message for Kaspar saying that he'll know what to do.
The police are content to label the death as suicide without investigating further, but Kaspar senses there's more to the tale and is determined to uncover the truth, using Tommy's message as an incentive. He comes up against drug dealers, blackmailers and gun-toting gangsters, who will stop at nothing to protect their income and stop Kaspar.
Kaspar is a well written lead, he is in emotional turmoil, the damage caused by his daughter's death has had huge repercussions and he is working through them and with them. He is brave and headstrong though, throwing himself into physically dangerous situations without a second thought. He's also persuasive, influencing Tommy's father and sister to share some hidden truths.
I really enjoyed reading the story and polished it off in one evening. It is an accomplished debut and the main characters are well established for future adventures, with hints of romantic intrigue to come. I am looking forward to seeing where Dylan Kaspar ends up next - wherever it is, its sure to be full of adventure and danger and Im there for it!
The story of ex-policeman turned rogue detective is a well-trodden path, and its in good hands with Elliot Sweeney. Dylan Kaspar was a police investigator until his 14 year old daughter Rosie took her own life. He's now working in an old-school pub and keeping himself to himself. One day his landlady gives him tickets to a up-market gym where he is propositioned by 19 year old Tommy Berkowitz. Tommy is a troubled soul who is being coerced into an uncomfortable situation. He trusts Kaspar and turns to him for help, but before he can explain what's troubling him, he too takes his own life in the same way and location that Rosie did. Before he does so, Tommy leaves a message for Kaspar saying that he'll know what to do.
The police are content to label the death as suicide without investigating further, but Kaspar senses there's more to the tale and is determined to uncover the truth, using Tommy's message as an incentive. He comes up against drug dealers, blackmailers and gun-toting gangsters, who will stop at nothing to protect their income and stop Kaspar.
Kaspar is a well written lead, he is in emotional turmoil, the damage caused by his daughter's death has had huge repercussions and he is working through them and with them. He is brave and headstrong though, throwing himself into physically dangerous situations without a second thought. He's also persuasive, influencing Tommy's father and sister to share some hidden truths.
I really enjoyed reading the story and polished it off in one evening. It is an accomplished debut and the main characters are well established for future adventures, with hints of romantic intrigue to come. I am looking forward to seeing where Dylan Kaspar ends up next - wherever it is, its sure to be full of adventure and danger and Im there for it!
October 14, 2023
Dylan Kasper is stuck. Living in self-imposed reclusion from his former life in the police, he's been in a downward spiral since his daughter's death five years ago.
All that changes when the son of an esteemed professor jumps under an inner-city train. His former colleagues call it suicide, but Kasper knows different. This has all happened before - to him, and his dead daughter.
Taking on the investigation himself, Kasper soon realises the terrible trouble young Tommy had found himself in. With nowhere to run, he thought suicide was the only way to keep his family safe.
But before long, Kasper's investigation makes him target number one. Can he keep his demons in check and stay alive long enough to bring those responsible to justice?
This is a thrilling read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
All that changes when the son of an esteemed professor jumps under an inner-city train. His former colleagues call it suicide, but Kasper knows different. This has all happened before - to him, and his dead daughter.
Taking on the investigation himself, Kasper soon realises the terrible trouble young Tommy had found himself in. With nowhere to run, he thought suicide was the only way to keep his family safe.
But before long, Kasper's investigation makes him target number one. Can he keep his demons in check and stay alive long enough to bring those responsible to justice?
This is a thrilling read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 25, 2023
Kasper has been a recluse since his daughter's suicide. He left the police & has got by as working in a run down pub until one day at a gym he is approached by a young man who is being bullied. Kasper takes his side & soon finds himself being asked to keep an eye on Tommy by Tommy's father but when Tommy kills himself in the same way Kasper's daughter did, he decides it's time to return to the world & find out why Tommy did this.
This book deals well with the sensitive subject of suicide, men's mental health as well as dishing out a lot of violence. I struggled a bit to get through this one. It was well written but the darkness & violence was sometimes hard to deal with. I'm sure many will enjoy this series but I don't think I'll be back. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
This book deals well with the sensitive subject of suicide, men's mental health as well as dishing out a lot of violence. I struggled a bit to get through this one. It was well written but the darkness & violence was sometimes hard to deal with. I'm sure many will enjoy this series but I don't think I'll be back. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
February 9, 2023
The Next to Die by Elliot F. Sweeney Narrated by Elliot Fitzpatrick is the first book in the new Dylan Kasper series which was very gritty from start to finish. It's full twists and turns that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat and very hard to put it down..
Dylan Kasper, is the main character and was a former police officer finds himself in a situation after meeting Tommy a young gay man in the gym. With nowhere to run, he thought suicide was the only way to keep his family safe.
Kasper starts to investigate which makes him target number one.
Can he keep his demons with his past stay in check and also stay alive long enough to bring those responsible to justice?
I highly recommend this book and the narrator was good from start to finish.
Dylan Kasper, is the main character and was a former police officer finds himself in a situation after meeting Tommy a young gay man in the gym. With nowhere to run, he thought suicide was the only way to keep his family safe.
Kasper starts to investigate which makes him target number one.
Can he keep his demons with his past stay in check and also stay alive long enough to bring those responsible to justice?
I highly recommend this book and the narrator was good from start to finish.
April 9, 2023
An exciting debut novel. This reads like a classic noir in a modern setting. Kasper is fantastic leading man, gritty, resourceful and vicious where necessary.
He's not a superman style hero however he's more a hard working ex copper who knows sometimes you have take a few punches to land one of your own.
This makes for a first person narrative that aches with pain while you follow his trail of investigation.
Each character is brilliantly realised and the locales feel like places you can actually visit. This is a world you will want to revisit and I'm looking forward to meeting Kasper again.
He's not a superman style hero however he's more a hard working ex copper who knows sometimes you have take a few punches to land one of your own.
This makes for a first person narrative that aches with pain while you follow his trail of investigation.
Each character is brilliantly realised and the locales feel like places you can actually visit. This is a world you will want to revisit and I'm looking forward to meeting Kasper again.
December 13, 2023
Started off well but didn't end that way. Very little character development, predictable plot twists and the whole thing was quite corny. The story was way too concerned with macho fight scenes and it re-tells the same old story of the recluse with a 'too rough' exterior but gentle heart, doing his bit to "save" the damsels in distress. Absolutely no female characters of substance, especially Harriet who "whimpers" and "cries" through the entire book. The morality of the protagonist is super questionable and just so corny. It had a lot of potential but the author didn't make any of the characters real enough to connect with. This was definitely written by a man, don't recommend it.
January 4, 2023
This is the first book in a new series to feature Dylan Kasper, an ex police officer. The difficult subject matter revolves around male suicide, mental health, drugs, homophobia, prostitution....you get the drift. I failed to like any of the characters and I was feeling totally dejected half way through. On the plus side, it challenges the stigma that males have with a reluctance to discuss mental health. I hope the next book in the series is a bit more uplifting. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
February 2, 2023
This story is all about Dylan Kasper and his life, he used to be in the police and has really had a tough life after losing his daughter a few years back. But when he meets Tommy his life changes and when tragedy strikes he decides to investigate and finds out something truly shocking. It started off slow but then the pace picked up and kept me guessing after each chapter what would happen next. I read this book in a day and just didn't want to put it down. This was such a fantastic read and I just found out it is a debut novel, This is an author who everyone needs to keep on their radar.
March 4, 2023
The Next to Die is a brilliant debut!
It's a rough around the edges, gritty noir, with fascinating characters and an intriguing plot line.
I very much look forward to learning more about Kasper and his journey as a private investigator, but I have to say that my favourite of all the characters is Dr. Steiner, and I really want to see more of her in the future.
Twists, turns and many surprises lurk in this drama/thriller and it's very enjoyable overall.
Star Rating: 3.5 rounded up
CAWPILE Rating: 8.7/10
Characters: 8/10
Atmosphere: 7/10
Writing: 8/10
Plot: 8/10
Intrigue: 8/10
Logic: 7/10
Enjoyment: 7/10
Many thanks to the author, Headline and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's a rough around the edges, gritty noir, with fascinating characters and an intriguing plot line.
I very much look forward to learning more about Kasper and his journey as a private investigator, but I have to say that my favourite of all the characters is Dr. Steiner, and I really want to see more of her in the future.
Twists, turns and many surprises lurk in this drama/thriller and it's very enjoyable overall.
Star Rating: 3.5 rounded up
CAWPILE Rating: 8.7/10
Characters: 8/10
Atmosphere: 7/10
Writing: 8/10
Plot: 8/10
Intrigue: 8/10
Logic: 7/10
Enjoyment: 7/10
Many thanks to the author, Headline and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2023
Dylan Kaspar is an ex cop fallen on hard times following his daughter taking her own life at such a young age. Whilst visiting the gym, he is approached by young gay colourful lad called Tommy. Over a short period, it is clear that Dylan sees the vulnerability in Tommy and when his Dad asks him to look out for him and he will be paid handsomely to do so, Dylan finds it hard to turn down. His Bushmills habit isn’t a cheap one after all.
Tommy takes his own life in the exact same way that Dylan’s daughter did. Dylan feels responsible if not for the death, but to find out the truth behind it. From here he unravels Tommy’s dark past. Dylan showed immense patience for Tommy’s sister, a quite ugly character and it is rewarded with eventually being able to unwind the families past which explains how it ended up in Tommy taking his life.
The story is dark and covers a lot of delicate subjects, male mental health, suicide, drugs, sex workers, violence, homophobia to name but a few. It is done well though and the story develops well and kept me interested all the way through,
This is a debut novel and I believe the first of a series, there is definitely enough in this for me to try the next one. I give this one 4/5.
Tommy takes his own life in the exact same way that Dylan’s daughter did. Dylan feels responsible if not for the death, but to find out the truth behind it. From here he unravels Tommy’s dark past. Dylan showed immense patience for Tommy’s sister, a quite ugly character and it is rewarded with eventually being able to unwind the families past which explains how it ended up in Tommy taking his life.
The story is dark and covers a lot of delicate subjects, male mental health, suicide, drugs, sex workers, violence, homophobia to name but a few. It is done well though and the story develops well and kept me interested all the way through,
This is a debut novel and I believe the first of a series, there is definitely enough in this for me to try the next one. I give this one 4/5.
December 23, 2022
3.5 stars - I was given a free copy of this book through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I found the story line to this book enjoyable from the beginning and grew to like several of the characters throughout the story. This book tackles several difficult topics which were handled and wrote into the story line well such as suicide and prostitution. It was an easy read which I was able to finish quickly and would recommend to friends and family.
I found the story line to this book enjoyable from the beginning and grew to like several of the characters throughout the story. This book tackles several difficult topics which were handled and wrote into the story line well such as suicide and prostitution. It was an easy read which I was able to finish quickly and would recommend to friends and family.
January 29, 2023
I read this as a debut book with no expectations but quickly became intrigued with its multi layered plot and ended up finishing it in two evening sittings.
The twisting plot and sometimes dark characters reveal the authors excellent knowledge and insight into some difficult subjects which were dealt with disturbingly well.
This was well written and notwithstanding the changing plot and various characters was an easy and very good read.
I look forward to reading the sequels.
The twisting plot and sometimes dark characters reveal the authors excellent knowledge and insight into some difficult subjects which were dealt with disturbingly well.
This was well written and notwithstanding the changing plot and various characters was an easy and very good read.
I look forward to reading the sequels.
February 28, 2023
I read a lot of crime fiction and after a point a lot of it feels formulaic. This book felt like a breath of fresh air, with a brilliant lead character, a fascinating storyline and a lot more empathy than many books I read.
Kasper has lost everything, his family, career and self respect. When he is approached by Tommy in the gym, he initially doesn’t want to engage but after an altercation he gives in and ends up trying to help him. But when this goes disastrously wrong he wants to help Tommy’s family and try and understand why Tommy did what he did. Unfortunately he is unprepared for the impact on his own personal life, both from danger it brings to himself and his friends and the memories that Tommy’s situation brings to the surface.
It is far too easy to judge, initially I didn’t care for Harriet, Tommy’s sister, but as both of their stories were slowly revealed I had a lot more understanding of them both. She was visibly a lot stronger mentally than Tommy but it became easier to see the cracks and to see that she just handled the situation differently.
Whilst there are some bad people in this novel there were a lot I liked a lot. Obviously Kasper, but also Diane, his ex partner romantically and professionally, his landlady and definitely Jazz. Hopefully these characters will appear in future novels in this series.
Many themes are covered, in particular mental health and how it can affect an individual and their loved ones, showing how if people were given the option to talk, even for a few minutes how much help they could get.
Kasper has lost everything, his family, career and self respect. When he is approached by Tommy in the gym, he initially doesn’t want to engage but after an altercation he gives in and ends up trying to help him. But when this goes disastrously wrong he wants to help Tommy’s family and try and understand why Tommy did what he did. Unfortunately he is unprepared for the impact on his own personal life, both from danger it brings to himself and his friends and the memories that Tommy’s situation brings to the surface.
It is far too easy to judge, initially I didn’t care for Harriet, Tommy’s sister, but as both of their stories were slowly revealed I had a lot more understanding of them both. She was visibly a lot stronger mentally than Tommy but it became easier to see the cracks and to see that she just handled the situation differently.
Whilst there are some bad people in this novel there were a lot I liked a lot. Obviously Kasper, but also Diane, his ex partner romantically and professionally, his landlady and definitely Jazz. Hopefully these characters will appear in future novels in this series.
Many themes are covered, in particular mental health and how it can affect an individual and their loved ones, showing how if people were given the option to talk, even for a few minutes how much help they could get.
February 14, 2024
How good was this book !
And a debut...most impressive.
Readers like me who enjoy this genre will surely 'like' the protagonist Dylan Kasper and all his human foibles and frailties....
Gritty characters.
Plausible story.
Await the next instalment.
And a debut...most impressive.
Readers like me who enjoy this genre will surely 'like' the protagonist Dylan Kasper and all his human foibles and frailties....
Gritty characters.
Plausible story.
Await the next instalment.
April 18, 2024
This is the first book in the Dylan Kasper series. A good read, though a little slow at the start. Looking forward to the next one to see how the main character develops
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
January 28, 2023
As debut novels go this one is well worth a read. I look forward to seeing where the author takes the main protagonist in future books.
February 24, 2023
Elliot Sweeney is a highly promising new author and one to watch. I'm looking forward to reading more novels featuring Dylan Kasper.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews