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Dark Shadow
'A compelling series. Gripping and informed. Dinsdale's knowledge of police procedures shines through.' Thomas Waugh, author of Duty Calls
Detective Superintendent Christian Dane is an experienced Senior Investigating Officer. But when he is called to the brutal slaying of three petty criminals, Dane is confronted with a crime scene the like of which he has never experienced.
He calls in Detective Constable Hayley Cross, a talented young officer, to assist him. Their investigation of the perplexing case is hampered by an inexperienced boss, little forensic evidence, and nothing to explain why the victims were murdered.
As the pace of the investigation increases two more bodies are discovered. A French fisherman shot on a Dorset beach and a cocaine dealer in Cambridge, both forensically linked to the first murders, confirming they are after no ordinary killer.
Dane is under increasing pressure to apprehend the killer. He is forced to confront his own history when ambushed by a journalist - and turns to his old Army commander, General Smith, for help.
The detective finally identifies a suspect and, aided by Hayley, hunts him down - as a shadow figure from his own past threatens to destroy him.
Simon Dinsdale served in the British Army in the 1970s. He joined the police in 1980 and spent twenty seven years as a detective. He now writes, travels and speaks about his experiences. He lives in Essex.
Praise for Simon
'Dark Shadow is a fast moving police procedural written by a top murder detective and rippling with authenticity.' Martin Edwards. Author of Sepulchre Street
Detective Superintendent Christian Dane is an experienced Senior Investigating Officer. But when he is called to the brutal slaying of three petty criminals, Dane is confronted with a crime scene the like of which he has never experienced.
He calls in Detective Constable Hayley Cross, a talented young officer, to assist him. Their investigation of the perplexing case is hampered by an inexperienced boss, little forensic evidence, and nothing to explain why the victims were murdered.
As the pace of the investigation increases two more bodies are discovered. A French fisherman shot on a Dorset beach and a cocaine dealer in Cambridge, both forensically linked to the first murders, confirming they are after no ordinary killer.
Dane is under increasing pressure to apprehend the killer. He is forced to confront his own history when ambushed by a journalist - and turns to his old Army commander, General Smith, for help.
The detective finally identifies a suspect and, aided by Hayley, hunts him down - as a shadow figure from his own past threatens to destroy him.
Simon Dinsdale served in the British Army in the 1970s. He joined the police in 1980 and spent twenty seven years as a detective. He now writes, travels and speaks about his experiences. He lives in Essex.
Praise for Simon
'Dark Shadow is a fast moving police procedural written by a top murder detective and rippling with authenticity.' Martin Edwards. Author of Sepulchre Street
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2023
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25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 21, 2024
Here is my review for Dark Shadow by Simon Dinsdale
This was a book I really enjoyed and that I got into straight away from the start. It’s a good police procedural and the author has had a working knowledge of the police for twenty-seven years. The plotting was really good and the writing was excellent whereas the descriptive text was really good and described everything really well. I liked Hayley Cross a lot. I thought her character was well written and given good character traits that made her likeable plus she had a good working relationship with her boss.
Blurb :
Detective Superintendent Christian Dane is an experienced Senior Investigating Officer. But when he is called to the brutal slaying of three petty criminals, Dane is confronted with a crime scene the like of which he has never experienced.
He calls in Detective Constable Hayley Cross, a talented young officer, to assist him. Their investigation of the perplexing case is hampered by an inexperienced boss, little forensic evidence, and nothing to explain why the victims were murdered.
As the pace of the investigation increases two more bodies are discovered. A French fisherman shot on a Dorset beach and a cocaine dealer in Cambridge, both forensically linked to the first murders, confirming they are after no ordinary killer.
Dane is under increasing pressure to apprehend the killer. He is forced to confront his own history when ambushed by a journalist - and turns to his old Army commander, General Smith, for help.
The detective finally identifies a suspect and, aided by Hayley, hunts him down - as a shadow figure from his own past threatens to destroy him.
Simon Dinsdale served in the British Army in the 1970s. He joined the police in 1980 and spent twenty seven years as a detective. He now writes, travels and speaks about his experiences. He lives in Essex.
This was a book I really enjoyed and that I got into straight away from the start. It’s a good police procedural and the author has had a working knowledge of the police for twenty-seven years. The plotting was really good and the writing was excellent whereas the descriptive text was really good and described everything really well. I liked Hayley Cross a lot. I thought her character was well written and given good character traits that made her likeable plus she had a good working relationship with her boss.
Blurb :
Detective Superintendent Christian Dane is an experienced Senior Investigating Officer. But when he is called to the brutal slaying of three petty criminals, Dane is confronted with a crime scene the like of which he has never experienced.
He calls in Detective Constable Hayley Cross, a talented young officer, to assist him. Their investigation of the perplexing case is hampered by an inexperienced boss, little forensic evidence, and nothing to explain why the victims were murdered.
As the pace of the investigation increases two more bodies are discovered. A French fisherman shot on a Dorset beach and a cocaine dealer in Cambridge, both forensically linked to the first murders, confirming they are after no ordinary killer.
Dane is under increasing pressure to apprehend the killer. He is forced to confront his own history when ambushed by a journalist - and turns to his old Army commander, General Smith, for help.
The detective finally identifies a suspect and, aided by Hayley, hunts him down - as a shadow figure from his own past threatens to destroy him.
Simon Dinsdale served in the British Army in the 1970s. He joined the police in 1980 and spent twenty seven years as a detective. He now writes, travels and speaks about his experiences. He lives in Essex.
March 18, 2024
I loved this book and could not put it down! I loved our main character Dane, from the outset it was clear that he had a past but also that he was a very good officer. I loved. how we did get to find out what had happened to him previously and learn a bit more about him as well as see him dealing with the cases within the storyline.
I think that Dane is a likeable character and I loved reading the interactions between him and Grant who seems to have no clue on how to run a case but is only bothered by how much it costs him! I thought the relationship with Dane & Perkins was great - even if that did add more tension to the relationship with Grant! I also liked that he worked well with Hayley, and again they had worked together and known each other for many years so made a great partnership.
I thought the book was really well paced and how at one stage there was no suspect but the bodies seemed to be adding up! I loved how the clues came in and it all started unfolding, I think it was brilliantly thought out and written! And I just had to keep reading to find out who was behind it.
I did realise who it was just before the reveal in the book but that did not take away from it and I was not expecting the scenes afterwards! I really enjoyed the ending and I am very happy that I know that there is a book two as I am really looking forward to reading from from Dane.
I think that Dane is a likeable character and I loved reading the interactions between him and Grant who seems to have no clue on how to run a case but is only bothered by how much it costs him! I thought the relationship with Dane & Perkins was great - even if that did add more tension to the relationship with Grant! I also liked that he worked well with Hayley, and again they had worked together and known each other for many years so made a great partnership.
I thought the book was really well paced and how at one stage there was no suspect but the bodies seemed to be adding up! I loved how the clues came in and it all started unfolding, I think it was brilliantly thought out and written! And I just had to keep reading to find out who was behind it.
I did realise who it was just before the reveal in the book but that did not take away from it and I was not expecting the scenes afterwards! I really enjoyed the ending and I am very happy that I know that there is a book two as I am really looking forward to reading from from Dane.
March 30, 2024
Dark Shadow is the first book in the Christian Dane series, and it certainly gets off to an exciting start.
Christian is ex-army turned police detective, who also has an ex-wife, an estranged child, and elderly parents to worry about. He's also battling the bureaucracy that is the police force, funding, staffing and time issues.
Despite all of that Christian is clearly extremely good at his job. This book centres on a selection of crimes, which are interwoven and linked, Christian seems able to follow them all without getting stressed, or dropping any.
Working with him is Hayley Cross who has superb people skills and is adept at gaining their trust, and also establishing when they are lying.
Unlike a lot of crime books, this one wasn't "full of twists and turns" but rather the links between the crimes was clear. That didn't make it any less exciting though. I was gripped from page one and can't wait to find out what happens next in book 2.
Christian is ex-army turned police detective, who also has an ex-wife, an estranged child, and elderly parents to worry about. He's also battling the bureaucracy that is the police force, funding, staffing and time issues.
Despite all of that Christian is clearly extremely good at his job. This book centres on a selection of crimes, which are interwoven and linked, Christian seems able to follow them all without getting stressed, or dropping any.
Working with him is Hayley Cross who has superb people skills and is adept at gaining their trust, and also establishing when they are lying.
Unlike a lot of crime books, this one wasn't "full of twists and turns" but rather the links between the crimes was clear. That didn't make it any less exciting though. I was gripped from page one and can't wait to find out what happens next in book 2.
March 18, 2024
This is the first book of the Dr Christian Dane Series!
I love a good opening to a Crime/Thriller book, and this definitely had it with a scene that had happened in Danes' past! I did find it a bit slow to begin with after the initial opening chapter, but it was all about the storyline and building it up for the ending chapters! After about 50% of the way through, it really did ramp up, and I didn't want to put it down!
It was well written, and you could see the experience the author has had as an SIO in his career, help shape and build the story. The chapters are longer than I am used to, but it all works with the plot, character development, and pace of the book. Overall, doing what a good crime/thriller story does!
I loved the end and the twist that we didn't see coming! I can't wait to read the next one! It is definitely one to add to your TBR list if you want a good read
I love a good opening to a Crime/Thriller book, and this definitely had it with a scene that had happened in Danes' past! I did find it a bit slow to begin with after the initial opening chapter, but it was all about the storyline and building it up for the ending chapters! After about 50% of the way through, it really did ramp up, and I didn't want to put it down!
It was well written, and you could see the experience the author has had as an SIO in his career, help shape and build the story. The chapters are longer than I am used to, but it all works with the plot, character development, and pace of the book. Overall, doing what a good crime/thriller story does!
I loved the end and the twist that we didn't see coming! I can't wait to read the next one! It is definitely one to add to your TBR list if you want a good read
March 27, 2024
20years ago Dane was almost killed when he was ambushed, now he’s a SIO When he’s called to a crime scene where 3 petty criminals have been killed he puts everything he has into the case. As the body count increases Dane is forced to go further afield to get answers which means dealing with various jurisdictions. As the story unfolds Dane realises he may have to finally face up to his past. It’s not something he ever wants to talk about but when a reporter accuses him of heinous crimes he has no choice. Could the key to this case be in his past?
If you like a police procedural story, like me, then you will love this. I felt it a little slow to start but as the story unfolds the pace really picks up and so does the murder count. This to me made it feel like a real police investigation. I cannot wait to see what’s next for Dane and will definitely be reading the next instalment.
If you like a police procedural story, like me, then you will love this. I felt it a little slow to start but as the story unfolds the pace really picks up and so does the murder count. This to me made it feel like a real police investigation. I cannot wait to see what’s next for Dane and will definitely be reading the next instalment.
February 16, 2024
If, like me, you love your crime thrillers, pacey and authentic, then Dark Shadow by Simon Dinsdale is for you. A gripping story told by an ex-detective with lots of experience as a homicide SIO. And this sparkles throughout the narrative adding great depth and realism. The story opens with dramatic scenes during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. And then we are transported 25 years later to a multiple murder scene and we are introduced to Detective Superintendent Christian Dane. A multifaceted character who clearly has a long series potential. I love fast nuanced thrillers which drip realism from evert page, and that's what you get from Dinsdale. A great twisting story and a great start to what will hopefully be a long series of thrillers. Highly recommended.
March 5, 2024
Keeps pages turning
The story is about Detective Christian Dane who is trying to solve a difficult murder case while also dealing with his own problems.
He meets old friends from the army and gets hurt badly. In the hospital, he struggles to remember important details and deals with the pain.
He talks to his boss about mistakes he made during the investigation. Despite these challenges, he receives support from his family and colleagues.
In the end, the story shows how he starts to heal and might fix things with his family.
The story mixes mystery, action, and personal growth, making it interesting for people who like detective stories and learning about the challenges police face.
The story is about Detective Christian Dane who is trying to solve a difficult murder case while also dealing with his own problems.
He meets old friends from the army and gets hurt badly. In the hospital, he struggles to remember important details and deals with the pain.
He talks to his boss about mistakes he made during the investigation. Despite these challenges, he receives support from his family and colleagues.
In the end, the story shows how he starts to heal and might fix things with his family.
The story mixes mystery, action, and personal growth, making it interesting for people who like detective stories and learning about the challenges police face.
March 19, 2024
This is the first book in the Detective Christian Dane series. Dane is a veteran investigating officer. He is called the look into the murder of three criminals. His boss is new to the force and doesn't have a lot of experience. These murders take him across cities, and he ends up working closely with the head of another police department. The story starts off with him being ambushed while he was in the army 20+ years ago. And the nightmares are coming back. This story is rife with cocaine, dealers and the hierarchy of the sellers. Dane calls on his old army pals to get to the bottom of this. I enjoyed this book. The chapters were long, and by the time a new chapter started, I seemed to forget who was in or what happened two chapters ago. There appear to be a lot of characters, and I had a hard time keeping them straight. That is due to all the different jurisdictions Dane had to visit. That being said, it all seemed to come together in the end and the confusion left me.
March 19, 2024
I absolutely love a good crime thrillers and there is nothing better than an author who has a deep understanding of real police process and procedures and what it’s like to be an actual detective.
Dinsdale brings so much authenticity to this book, it gave it depth and it really made it feel real.
In Dark Shadow, we meet Detective Superintendent Dane, a man with a clear history and demons of his own to fight, who must deal with these while trying to keep from more bodies showing up!
This book is a page turner, the pace was well set and a great mix of action, crime, growth and detective work. This is a solid read!
If you like crime thrillers, I am absolutely sure you’ll love this one too. This is the first of two books and I can’t wait to read the next installment.
Dinsdale brings so much authenticity to this book, it gave it depth and it really made it feel real.
In Dark Shadow, we meet Detective Superintendent Dane, a man with a clear history and demons of his own to fight, who must deal with these while trying to keep from more bodies showing up!
This book is a page turner, the pace was well set and a great mix of action, crime, growth and detective work. This is a solid read!
If you like crime thrillers, I am absolutely sure you’ll love this one too. This is the first of two books and I can’t wait to read the next installment.
March 20, 2024
I love a good book that keeps you guessing and this one certainly does! The main character Dane, was really likeable, but it was evident that he had some secrets in his past. However, this didn’t keep him from being a good policeman. We did get to find out about his past eventually though. Dane had good relationships with his colleagues Perkins and Haley. He had known Haley for several years and worked together previously which added to their relationship. I really enjoyed how there were so many bodies piling up and no suspects in sight! This was a unique twist. It was a good way to keep me reading to find out who did it! The book is very well written and the action is fast paced.I couldn’t put it down! The end was brilliant! I’m so excited for the next book to see what Dane does next.
March 20, 2024
The first book in the Christian Dane series, Dark Shadow is fast paced, gripping and authenic.
It's a brilliant crime thriller which follows our main Character, Detective Christian Dane. For me, Dane is an intelligent, likeable character with many facets to his personality. He has some great relationships with other characters in the story, Grant and Perkins and Hayley, to name a few.
The story begins during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, then moves 25 years later at a murder scene, where we are introduced to Dane and the storyline progresses from there.
Character development was strong, the story flowed well and the writing style was just great for this type of book.
I read this book in two sittings and look forward to book two.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
It's a brilliant crime thriller which follows our main Character, Detective Christian Dane. For me, Dane is an intelligent, likeable character with many facets to his personality. He has some great relationships with other characters in the story, Grant and Perkins and Hayley, to name a few.
The story begins during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, then moves 25 years later at a murder scene, where we are introduced to Dane and the storyline progresses from there.
Character development was strong, the story flowed well and the writing style was just great for this type of book.
I read this book in two sittings and look forward to book two.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
March 28, 2024
This is the first book that I have read by this author and so, my first book encountering Detective Christian Dane and I really enjoyed it, I will definitely be reading more about Mr Dane.
I didn't know what to expect from this series as i haven't read anything by the author, but it was better than I expected, it was a gripping read that kept me hooked right from the very start. It was well written with a compelling story line and well developed characters, especially Dane, he intrigued me straight away and I couldn't wait to learn more.
It was fast paced, atmospheric, full of tension and a good amount of twists that kept me guessing all the way through.
I can't wait to read more in the series.
I didn't know what to expect from this series as i haven't read anything by the author, but it was better than I expected, it was a gripping read that kept me hooked right from the very start. It was well written with a compelling story line and well developed characters, especially Dane, he intrigued me straight away and I couldn't wait to learn more.
It was fast paced, atmospheric, full of tension and a good amount of twists that kept me guessing all the way through.
I can't wait to read more in the series.
March 23, 2024
‘Dark Shadow’ is a great crime thriller that draws you in right from the beginning. Dane is a likable detective and I liked how his history and personal circumstances shape his character and his actions. ‘Dark shadow’ is a well paced story full of action, it’s well written and I can see how Simon Dinsdale’s own experiences must have helped him with the character of Dane. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of crime thriller stories and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
March 17, 2024
Thrilling, gribbing, and mysterious.
We follow Christian Dane, a detective, as he gets called out to investigate three brutal murders.
It starts off with a dramatic bang, and I couldn't stop reading. It was a really good page turner.
It had a lot of gribbing action but also a lot of personal growth, we also read how Christian is learning from past mistakes and how he starts to heal.
We also dive into the challenges the police behold when it comes to these sorts of cases.
I thoroughly enjoy this story, and I am looking forward to more from this author in the future.
We follow Christian Dane, a detective, as he gets called out to investigate three brutal murders.
It starts off with a dramatic bang, and I couldn't stop reading. It was a really good page turner.
It had a lot of gribbing action but also a lot of personal growth, we also read how Christian is learning from past mistakes and how he starts to heal.
We also dive into the challenges the police behold when it comes to these sorts of cases.
I thoroughly enjoy this story, and I am looking forward to more from this author in the future.
March 29, 2024
Really enjoyed this one! Plenty of plot twists and it was fast paced.
We first meet Christian Dale many years before when he’s in a job you don’t learn much about but then he is attacked and a boy dies.
Fast forward 25 years and he’s a police detective and ends up trying to solve various murders that turn out to be connected.
Can Christian solve these murders and get to the bottom of it all, while dealing with his past, that’s come back to haunt him and destroy everything he’s achieved.
Such an abrupt ending and I’m hoping there is a second book either already out or coming because I have way too many questions that weren’t answered!
The ending I didn’t see coming and I don’t think Christian did either!
Definitely recommend this book for crime and thriller lovers!
We first meet Christian Dale many years before when he’s in a job you don’t learn much about but then he is attacked and a boy dies.
Fast forward 25 years and he’s a police detective and ends up trying to solve various murders that turn out to be connected.
Can Christian solve these murders and get to the bottom of it all, while dealing with his past, that’s come back to haunt him and destroy everything he’s achieved.
Such an abrupt ending and I’m hoping there is a second book either already out or coming because I have way too many questions that weren’t answered!
The ending I didn’t see coming and I don’t think Christian did either!
Definitely recommend this book for crime and thriller lovers!
April 3, 2024
This is the first book that I've read by this author and also the first in an exciting new series - The Detective Christian Dane Thriller series.
I wasn't sure what to expect, this being a debut book, but was excited to get stuck into it.
I was immediately hooked in by the first few chapters and found this to be a fast-paced and exciting read. Really well written given it was a debut novel, which may suggest that the author has some personal knowledge of this field.
We're introduced to Dane when he attends the scene of a brutal triple murder.
I really like Dane as a character and even though this was his first outing, he was well presented and developed with an interesting backstory, which I'm sure we have much more to learn about over the series.
The case was quite complex pulling in other detectives, journalists and even an army commander and the tension really built up as we read.
There was something a little bit unique about this case and it was an interesting read with a great twist at the end.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how this continues and can't wait to read book 2 of the series.
I wasn't sure what to expect, this being a debut book, but was excited to get stuck into it.
I was immediately hooked in by the first few chapters and found this to be a fast-paced and exciting read. Really well written given it was a debut novel, which may suggest that the author has some personal knowledge of this field.
We're introduced to Dane when he attends the scene of a brutal triple murder.
I really like Dane as a character and even though this was his first outing, he was well presented and developed with an interesting backstory, which I'm sure we have much more to learn about over the series.
The case was quite complex pulling in other detectives, journalists and even an army commander and the tension really built up as we read.
There was something a little bit unique about this case and it was an interesting read with a great twist at the end.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how this continues and can't wait to read book 2 of the series.
June 13, 2024
: Dark Shadow by Simon Dinsdale is book 1 of 2 in the Detective Christian Dane series. I found the book easy to follow as the prose flowed systematically. The characters were well defined, and I settled into the book right from the start. However, you could still feel there were secrets about the main protagonists that was waiting to unfold.
I also enjoyed the elements of the private lives that were intertwined within the story it makes it all feel more realistic.
I did wonder at the point of DCS Grant in the story as he only ever did one thing and then he stopped appearing. However, this did not hinder the overall story.
Dinsdale’s diligence in and understanding of police procedures shines through and makes the story more believable.
The partnership between Dane and Cross is compelling, and for me adds a layer of depth and with every twist and turn Dinsdale kept me guessing right until the end.
In conclusion Dark Shadow by Simon Dinsdale is a must read for fans of crime fiction with authentic portrayal of police procedure that make this an easy book to recommend.
I also enjoyed the elements of the private lives that were intertwined within the story it makes it all feel more realistic.
I did wonder at the point of DCS Grant in the story as he only ever did one thing and then he stopped appearing. However, this did not hinder the overall story.
Dinsdale’s diligence in and understanding of police procedures shines through and makes the story more believable.
The partnership between Dane and Cross is compelling, and for me adds a layer of depth and with every twist and turn Dinsdale kept me guessing right until the end.
In conclusion Dark Shadow by Simon Dinsdale is a must read for fans of crime fiction with authentic portrayal of police procedure that make this an easy book to recommend.
May 13, 2024
As soon as I had started reading this book I was very intrigued to see what was going to happen. The main character Christian Dane & Detective Superintendent was very fascinating from the start. With the way that he investigated this crime, it seemed to develop him as a character, I found the storyline and storyline of this story to be very gripping. In a way I was intrigued to see how the story developed with how they investigated the crime it was very interesting. And with how the story ended. I was shocked and please to see how the investigation was solved.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews