Title: As the Crow Flies
Author: Damien Boyd
First published April 9, 2013
172 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781477821039 (ISBN10: 1477821031)
Rating: 3.91
Overview
Detective Inspector Nick Dixon is back on the case. This time, a renowned scientist has been found dead in his laboratory at the University of Bristol.
Dixon is convinced that the scientist’s death is not a mere accident, but rather a carefully orchestrated murder. As he follows the clues, he discovers a sinister plot that threatens to destabilize the scientific community and beyond.
With the body count rising, Dixon must navigate the murky waters of academic politics and put his own life on the line to bring the killer to justice. Damien Boyd’s gripping thriller, As the Crow Flies, is a must-read for fans of fast-paced crime fiction.
About the Author
Meet Damien Boyd, a skilled storyteller who has transitioned from being a solicitor to writing gripping crime fiction. With his background in criminal law and time spent in the Crown Prosecution Service, Damien brings an unparalleled level of authenticity to his fast-paced novels.
His work centers around Detective Inspector Nick Dixon, a character that readers can’t get enough of. Thomas & Mercer is proud to publish Damien’s thrilling works.
Editoral Review
As the Crow Flies by Damien Boyd is a thrilling crime novel that has garnered popularity among readers since it was first published on April 9, 2013. Damien Boyd is a crime author and former solicitor from Bath, England.
As the Crow Flies is the seventh novel in his popular DI Nick Dixon Crime Series. The novel falls under the genre of police procedural and features solicitor-turned-DCI Nick Dixon of Avon and Somerset Police.
The story takes place in the breathtaking landscapes of Somerset, where a hot air balloon crashes, killing the pilot and investigators uncover dark secrets that lead back to the Balloon Festival. Boyd weaves a narrative that navigates the complexities of the criminal justice system, as well as the pressure faced by the police.
As the Crow Flies is an insightful book that delves into the themes of greed, betrayal, and revenge. Boyd’s writing style is impeccable and provides an engaging plot complete with exciting twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The character development is also impressive, with Nick Dixon’s struggles with his past and his growth as a police officer contributing to the books emotional depth. Despite its thrilling plot and well-crafted writing, As the Crow Flies leaves a little to be desired in terms of pacing.
The novel tends to waver in parts, resulting in a slower pace that diminishes its impact. Nonetheless, this doesn’t detract from the novel’s overall excellence.
As the Crow Flies is a powerful piece of work that celebrates the beauty of Somersets landscape, alongside the complexity of the criminal justice system. This novel will appeal to fans of police procedural works, particularly those who enjoy follow-on series by an author.
It is not only a great thriller but also a thought-provoking book that is bound to inspire conversations about the criminal justice system. In conclusion, As the Crow Flies is easily one of the best crime novels of its time.
We at the Washington Post strongly recommend this book to fans of the genre and award it with a rating of 9/10.