The Devil's Dice by Roz Watkins

The Synopsis

A lawyer is found dead in a Peak District cave, his face ribboned with scratches.

A SINISTER MESSAGE

Amidst rumours of a local curse, DI Meg Dalton is convinced this is cold-blooded murder. There's just one catch – chiselled into the cave wall above the body is an image of the grim reaper and the dead man's initials, and it's been there for over a century.

A DEADLY GAME
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As Meg battles to solve the increasingly disturbing case, it's clear someone knows her secrets. The murderer is playing games with Meg – and the dice are loaded…

My Review

The Devil's Dice has all the elements to it I could possibly want in a book. It's absolutely fantastic and DI Meg Dalton is my new favourite detective! Her narrative is engaging and the hints about her past which are gradually dropped throughout, make her already layered and well-developed character all the more intriguing. She has her flaws but I was able to identify with her and relate to her more because of this.
The descriptions of the area are vivid and haunting and really set the scene, especially for the really creepy bits. I also liked the humour which is dotted about and I think it's really important in a crime novel because as well as being entertaining, it lightens up some of the darker parts. The plot is tense and gripping and I enjoyed it so much I didn't want the story to end!
This is one of those books that had me at the prologue and forced me to read on and on. I lied to myself throughout by thinking 'Just one more chapter' when in reality, I knew that there was no chance of tearing myself away.
Overall, I'm giving The Devil's Dice 5 out of 5 and I have no hesitation in adding it to my five star favourites shelf. It's riveting, creepy and extremely engaging.
I can't wait for the next DI Meg Dalton novel!
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This book was provided for free in exchange for an honest review.
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About the Author

Roz Watkins is the author of the DI Meg Dalton crime series, which is set in the Peak District where Roz lives with her partner and a menagerie of demanding animals.
Her first book, The Devil’s Dice, was shortlisted for the CWA Debut Dagger Award, and has been optioned for TV.
Roz studied engineering at Cambridge University before training in patent law. She was a partner in a firm of patent attorneys in Derby, but this has absolutely nothing to do with there being a dead one in her first novel.
In her spare time, Roz likes to walk in the Peak District, scouting out murder locations.