Russian Roulette by Keith Nixon

Another cracker from Keith Nixon today. Thanks to him and the TBC Reviewers Request Group for the opportunity to read this book.

The Blurb:

Meet Konstantin Boryakov, the enigmatic ex-KGB agent and tramp with a dark history and darker future. Trouble has a habit of seeking out Konstantin, whether he wants it or not. Starting with small time drug dealer Dave the Rave from the moment he arrives in the seedy seaside town of Margate where he’s supposed to hide, to Nikos the loan shark and Fat Gary, all round idiot. Then there’s the so-called good guys, the councillors and lawyers who are worse than the criminals. But Konstantin isn’t alone, despite his wishes. Fidelity Brown, aka Plastic Fantastic, dildo wielding dominatrix who has her own mélange of secrets and lies, and nightclub owner Ken who’s connected to all the wrong people, help the Russian with the heap of problems delivered to his doorstep. Cue deception, murder, mayhem as Konstantin settles into his new life. Margate will never be the same again.

My Review:

This is the fifth of Keith's books I've read, and I think it's my favourite yet. A standalone collection of stories all featuring enigmatic Russian, Konstantin, and a support cast of colourful characters.

I adored Konstantin, although I'm not sure I was supposed to! He was so brilliantly described, I have a very clear picture of him in my mind. And I 'm a complete sucker for a man who speaks in accented broken English.

There is a huge range of lesser characters featured throughout the book, but my favourite of them was definitely Fidelity - great name, feisty and ballsy, but with a sad story. I loved the moments when they were together - their love hate relationship. I was also intrigued by the mysterious Mr Lamb.

The chapter headings are genius. Such gems as 'Super Tramp' (you need to be a certain age), 'Morning Glory', 'Glory, Glory Man United ', 'Strap It On', 'Out on a Lamb' a And my absolute favourite 'And Bob Wanted to Puke'. There are so many more, but I don't want to spoil your fun.

This is a brilliant, fun book. Violent, yes. Dark, yes. But it has black humour running all the way through it. And it made me want to visit Margate. I loved it and was delighted to see there are other books featuring Konstantin and look forward to reading more of his adventures.

You can buy Russian Roulette on Amazon UK and US.

You can find my reviews of some of Keith's other books using the links below:
The Corpse Role
Dig Two Graves
Burn The Evidence
Beg For Mercy

The Author:

Keith Nixon has been writing since he was a child. In fact his wife and friends say he's never really grown up. He is currently gainfully employed in a senior sales role meaning he gets to use his one skill, talking too much. He also drinks beer and is a coffee snob.

Keith writes crime and historical fiction novels. His crime books are published by indie house Caffeine Nights and historical novels by Gladius Press. Keith also reviews for Crime Fiction Lover and Big Al's Books & Pals.

You can find out more on his website.