4.4 (588)

Scratch Deeper (DC Khan series Book 1)

by Chris Simms
4.4 (588)

How do you stop an assassin you cannot see?


In this fast-moving thriller, Iona Khan – a young female detective with Manchester police – receives a tip-off about a coming terror attack.


With a major political conference about to take place, she must move quickly if multiple fatalities are to be prevented.


Normally, the city’s state-of-the-art CCTV network would be used to covertly monitor the bomb plotters’ movements. But in this case, the tactic proves futile: the gang have found a way to strike from beneath the ground…


Chris Simms: nominated for the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year and CWA Daggers!


Praise for Chris Simms’ novels


‘Plenty of tension, a likeable heroine and some superb set pieces.’ (THE GUARDIAN)


‘Khan proves an appealing protagonist with staying power in this fast-paced, well-crafted police procedural.’ (BOOKLIST)


‘Simms has written a gritty novel that grips from start to finish. I just couldn’t put it down.’ (HORRORSCOPE)


‘An absolutely ace British police procedural.’ (IRISH INDEPENDENT)


‘Chris Simms has been quietly building one of the best police procedural series in this country.’ (CATHOLIC HERALD)



Some Amazon reader reviews for Scratch Deeper


‘Up there with the likes of Michael Connelly. It’s a must read.’ ★★★★★


‘A fabulous character is Iona Khan…loved the way that she followed obscure clues that led her into danger and didn’t give up.’ ★★★★★


‘A frantic face to the end and I tried to keep reading with my eyes closed, I was so engrossed.’ ★★★★★


‘Fabulous characters and excellent storyline. They just get better and better Mr Simms. Couldn’t put it down.’ ★★★★★


‘It’s creepy and claustrophobic, and a great police procedural.’ ★★★★★


‘Great story, well told with plot twists galore I highly recommended this book, and all of the Chris Simms books.’ ★★★★★


About the Author

Chris Simms has worked in airports, nightclubs, post offices and telesales centres. After travelling around the world he settled near Manchester – where he now scribbles away in a cosy garden shed with a dainty little lurcher lying at his feet.

Along with nominations for the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year award and Crime Writers’ Association Daggers (for his novels and short stories), Chris was selected by Waterstone’s as one of their ‘25 Authors For The Future’.

Don’t miss out on this electrifying thriller – get it now before the price changes!







Publication date
  • May 23, 2019