A cold, broken teenager lies beneath the looming shadow of his apartment building in an apparent suicide.Detective Gray stares, with tired eyes, at the body of Nick Buckingham, wondering why, at the age of 16, he would see no other choice but to jump from his balcony in such a final act … but more importantly, wondering why this teenager, who he has never met, has Detective Solomon Gray’s phone … Solomon Gray’s phone number stored in his phone …
Facing his demons, follow Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray as he tries to unravel a murky world of lies and corruption to find the answers he’s desperate for.
Dig Two Graves is the first in the No.1 Best-Selling Solomon Gray series. Set in the once grand town of Margate in the south of England, this police suspense thriller is perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Stuart MacBride, and Peter James.
What Others Say
”… deeply emotional, a dark rollercoaster ride.”
Ed James, author of bestselling DI Fenchurch series
“A stunning book and a new series that has become a must read.”
M.W. Craven, author of the Washington Poe series
“Dig Two Graves is a smartly conceived introduction to a new series, and there are a good number of loose ends just waiting to tempt you to continue the journey.”
Crime Fiction Lover
What Readers Say
“It’s just too damned good, I loved it.”
“I haven’t given 5* for a while, this deserves it.”
“Read it, you won’t regret it.”
“What a joy.”
“Could not put it down.”
“Grittiness seeps out of this book from every pore.”
“The author has hooked me in yet again.”
“OMG loved this book!”
“This is a must read.”
“Keith Nixon is one hell of a writer.”
Ken Bruen, author of the Jack Taylor series
“A compelling murder mystery with a multilayered and engaging new hero. Great read.”
Mason Cross, author of the Carter Blake thriller series
“A dark, uncompromising tale of loss, murder, and revenge. Glorious noir, which takes the police procedural elements and gives them new life. I can’t wait to read the next step in Solomon Gray’s journey for answers …”
Luca Veste, author of the Murphy and Rossi crime series
“A damaged detective, haunted by a tragic past, a young son missing or dead, a man on a quest for redemption. Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray is a fine creation and Dig Two Graves is an intriguing, nourish mystery. Keith Nixon is a sparkling crime fiction talent.”
Howard Linskey, author of the Detective Ian Bradshawcrime series
“Keith Nixon does for Margate what Peter James did for Brighton … As dark and brooding as the wind-lashed shores of the North Sea, and with its disturbing echoes of the Elm Guest House scandal and suggestions of deep-seated institutional corruption, Dig Two Graves is a superb addition to the rich Brit Crime scene.”
Tim Baker, CWA shortlisted author of Fever Citymore
Main character was too depressing for me. I understand why, but no redemption.
Dig Two Graves (Detective Solomon Gray #1) by Keith Nixon was a heart pounding thriller that had me hooked.
My first read by this author and for this series. I have to say I was hooked right away, and I didn’t stop reading until the last page was flipped.
Richly detailed, and emotional, this book will take you on a raw heart clutching ride, from a murder mystery to our MC’s going through the memories of the days following and losing his son. Detective Solomon is a solid character and extremely well rounded and multi layered. Not a perfect person, the flaws make him relatable and realistic.
Having such a strong MC, mixed with an equally as strong and solid plot, you have the perfect storm of books. I was engrossed and absorbed into this book, and frankly I didn’t want it to end. Full of twist turns and misdirections, you will not be bored. This book holds your attention, there is no filler or lulls.
So please take my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval, that this book is worth your time and energy, and I swear you will not be able to put it down.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
4 Stars
Dig Two Graves is the first book in the Detective Solomon Gray Series by Keith Nixon. This is my first book by Mr. Nixon, and it won’t be the last. After finishing this interesting first instalment in the series, I snapped up the other three books in the series so I could keep following Solomon and see what happens next. The story is a little dark, gritty, raw, and emotive. It’s quite a complex story that is not only a crime/murder mystery, but also quite an in-depth character study of the quirky, flawed, and complicated man that is Detective Sergeant Solomon Gray.
Solomon has a tonne of baggage that haunts him- he is an obsessed and driven soul, self-medicating with booze, pills, and cigarettes. He’s cranky, prickly, stubborn, and lonely. He has suffered great personal loss over the course of the past 10 years- starting with the disappearance of his (then) 6 year-old son. He hasn’t really ‘lived’ since- his job has become his life. He dedicates every spare moment into going over the case file looking for clues, or exploring any tiny thread of hope, no matter how unlikely. He has never stopped looking for and thinking about his son. But, is weighed down by a heavy burden of guilt and sorrow.
So, when a body of a 16 year old boy turns up after an apparent suicide (the same age his son would be now)- it starts off an investigation that will lead Solomon down avenues he never imagined. With twists and turns that he (and I) didn’t see coming, the story kept me guessing right till the end. What will Solomon discover? Where will the investigation lead him? Will he discover what happened to his son?
The story is told from both a ‘present’ perspective, as well as showing ‘flashbacks’ of the past. The transitions are seamless and well done. The flashbacks help to build the backstory, as well as adding to our knowledge of Solomon himself.
This is a tightly woven plot, with vivid descriptions and clever details. This helped make both the storyline, and characters, realistic and believable. The characters are fully developed individuals with their own quirks, flaws and personalities. I did find it hard to connect and invest in Solomon as a character, and he frustrated me a lot. I did feel for him, as a parent I really empathized with him, and I don’t think you ever get over something like that. I appreciated his dedication, and skills- but would have like him to be a little more endearing. I would also have like some more police procedure/investigation, and suspense- as I felt that this part of the story suffered a little, from the focus on Solomon and his ‘character study’. But, that being said, I still enjoyed the story, and would definitely read more of Mr. Nixon’s work- like I already mentioned, I am already exploring the next few books in this series.
Thank you, Mr. Nixon!
a look at crime solving from a different country.
Almost didn’t get past first couple of chapters, as they seemed “overwritten” – too wordy, distracting descriptions. But then it settled down into a pretty good read. I enjoyed the characters and the plot developed well
Dig Two Graves A Solomon Gray Novel by Keith Nixon
Five Stars
Holy smoke Batman! I was not expecting this story to grab me this way. Sol is taking hit after hit. Nothing is adding up and lives are on the line. I was drawn into this book like a bug to light. Sol is depressed and can’t seem to get his life together. Multiple murders shines light on to his past mistakes. The author placed every shocking moment perfectly. It was unexpected and down right crazy. My mouth dropped so many times while reading this book. I felt Sol’s pain and wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I hope the author continues stories about Sol. He is a strong character that just needed a break.
This books holds your attention all the way until the end. I will read more from this author.
Not all my questions were answered.
Good story well told!
This is a suspense, thriller, mystery that kept me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. I love that I was pulled into the story with ease and I had no problem reading this book in one sitting. Detective Gray is haunted by the abduction of his son. He responds to a suicide that reminds him of his son. When bodies start piling up, the only common thing is him. I felt compassion for him, he lost everything all he has is his job, love him. A must read!
Dig Two Graves: A Gripping Crime Thriller by Keith Dixon is the first book in the Solomon Gray series. This is a book that will keep you guessing from page to page.
I think for me this book held my attention so much as I am familiar with the area it was set in. It made it so easy to visualise the characters and the scene that it almost felt like I was there.
At times I felt the book were a little slow however the story really grabbed my attention. I wasn’t sure who I thought it might turn out to be at all. I am definitely looking forward to giving the second book a try.who I thought it might turn out to be at all. I am definitely looking forward to giving the second book a try.
Interesting suspenseful story.
Good Book!
Good mystery will definitely read other books by this author.
Tragic incident affects protagonist’s life. He is a British police officer who is sadly human with weaknesses…… Characters are memorable, and plot is interesting.
Enjoyed it
Good read, good characters.
I liked it very much
I like the complexity of British mysteries!
A complicated mystery wrapped around a series of personal tragedies. Intriguing and somewhat depressing.