After reading the first 7 DI Nick Dixon books, I unintentionally took a break from the series and found myself shocked to find that I had somehow missed 4 editions. Uncertain on whether to dive straight into the latest instalment, concerned about whether the gap in books would be too distracting, I eventually threw caution to the wind and jumped back into the world of Bridgewater’s finest.

Personally, I think my choice was vindicated. Sure, it would definitely be best to read the books in their intended order, but they can definitely be enjoyed as standalone novels, or with a gap here or there. On hindsight, I am definitely glad I didn’t postpone reading Carnival Blues.

As always, Damien Boyd delivers an intriguing police procedural crime story, that not only delivers in mystery, but delves into sub-plots that are interesting and unique. Squibbing, I mean I didn’t even know what it was, let alone that Somerset Carnival Clubs squibbing is something unique across the entire planet. Take that and throw in a little Estate Agent tomfoolery and you are in for an enjoyable ride.

Wow what a fabulous read! Loved this book, I couldn’t put it down. This is one of my favourite series and this didn’t disappoint. It was tense and had me hanging on to every word. Highly recommended and well worth five stars.

Read it in a day with barely any breaks, but the breaks that I took just meant that I was thinking about it and wanted to get back to it! It was a really gripping read with lots of twists and turns to keep me wanting more……. The story is tense and thrilling and keeps you turning the pages until the end. Recommended! Gift yourself a copy, because you'll probably read the whole thing in one sitting.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of Carnival Blues, the twelfth novel to feature DCI Nick Dixon of Avon and Somerset Police.

Nick is in Bridgwater to watch the carnival squibbing and is horrified to see Avalon Carnival Club chairman Richard Webb’s squib explode and engulf him in flames. Nick suspects attempted murder and his fears are confirmed when the next carnival reveals a murder. Will there be more victims? The race is on to find a murderer but Nick’s participation is hampered by a Professional Standards investigation into one of his old cases.

I thoroughly enjoyed Carnival Blues, which is an entertaining and absorbing read with its own little quirks. I had never heard of squibbing or the Somerset carnivals before, so it is interesting to learn something new. Squibs seem to be some kind of handheld fireworks - it is all carefully explained, but I have no visualisation skills so I only have a rough idea that they’re much more sophisticated than sparklers. Then there is the fact that the victims are estate agents, hardly sympathetic characters, and the author has fun exploring some of their underhand methods of doing business.

The author has a way of writing his novels that draws the reader in and doesn’t let go. It starts with the unusual attempted murder and follows Nick and the team as they chase leads and try to work out who and why, hampered it would seem at every turn by bureaucracy and regulations. This mystery is maintained throughout - I never came close to guessing - and it keeps the reader engrossed throughout. The subplot is perhaps less likely, or maybe not given the squibs, but it is clever and the resolution had me laughing.

The series is made by the protagonist, Nick Dixon. He is a very smart detective and rather nondescript in his approach to life, about to get married and become a father, not a heavy drinker and not particularly sociable. Don’t be fooled, he is quite subversive in his own way and will solve his cases however he sees fit and the brass will not get in his way. There is something quite soothing about a detective determined to get at the truth.

Carnival Blues is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Wowsers! Book 12 and still no signs of flagging... This time, the action surrounds the annual Bridgwater winter carnival, specifically the fireworks, the squibbing! But this year, tragedy strikes and there's a fatality. Now, back in the day, squibs were self-made and often went a bit astray. These days however, their construction and use is well regulated. So, what could have gone wrong? DI Nick Dixon is in attendance and, from what he witnessed, he has no doubt that this was planned, that it was murder... but who and why would make such a public statement of things and, more importantly, have they made their point or is there more to come...?
Nick's fears are founded when tragedy strikes again at the next carnival and it becomes a race against time to find and stop the killer before they strike again, or disappear for good...
Only problem is, Nick is also being investigated by Professional Standards for a previous case...
I have read and enjoyed every book in this series. Nick is a great main character, one I have grown quite fond of as our relationship has developed through the series. The author also manages, with every book, to teach me something. His research is second to none and here I learn about Carnivals and squibbing. Fascinating stuff indeed.
And the crime being enacted, and solved, herein is also quite intriguing and kept my attention, and kept me guessing throughout. It's well plotted and that plot is expertly executed with some great characters, both series and episode. All, irrespective of the size of their contribution, well drawn and completely credible.
All in all, a cracking addition to a series that is firmly cemented on my top ten. Until next time...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

A gripping and highly entertaining story that kept me on the edge till the end.
Great plot, solid mystery, well developed characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Part of a series,with familiar characters can be read as a standalone but better if you know the back story.
Great story,fast moving and intriguing with plenty of twists.