Reviews

Old bones new bones by Alex Scarrow

vesper1931's review

mysterious

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Some old bones are discovered near a lay bay. Is it a victim of the Ken Doll Killer, Leon Martin, who has been presumed dead. But then a recently murdered male is found, with the same m.o. DCI Boyd and his team investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery

mike_68's review against another edition

4.0

In the gripping second installment of the DCI Boyd Crime Thriller Series, Boyd and his team are drawn into an investigation that reopens a previously poorly investigated case. Old bones, nestled by the A-road, point to serial killer Leon Martin, 'The Ken Doll Killer', now presumed dead. When a recently buried body with characteristic signs are found, questions erupt—had Martin faked his demise? As Boyd and his team investigate, a chilling truth looms: Leon's story is far from over.

Alex Scarrow masterfully crafts suspense, drawing readers deeper into a web of intrigue and unexpected twists, making it impossible to put down. Fans of the first book will find this sequel a thrilling continuation, showcasing the author’s refined storytelling prowess.

gedh's review

slow-paced

1.0

Too predictable 

maureen72's review against another edition

5.0

Old Bones New Bones is book 2 in the DCI Boyd series by Alex Scarrow and is a great read. A body has been found in a roadside layby and it is thought to have been there for about 20 years. Then a more recent body is found. Loved the opening chapter and it just went from there. Boyd’s daughter, Emma, made me laugh at times, and the rapport between Boyd and Okeke, one of his team, is terrific. The book flowed really well and brought out a few different emotions. I loved it and would highly recommend it.

toellandback's review

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

The second book in the DCI Boyd series sees the recently relocated Boyd and his team investigate the discovery of a set of bones near a lay by. Its not long before it's linked to a similar situation back in 2001 where the killer apparently committed suicide.  Things are not quite that simple though and it isn't long before a new discovery casts a shadow and doubt over the original investigation. 
I'm really enjoying this series with its relatively low number of characters,  fast pacing and decent twists, along with a decent chunk of humour, especially as Boyd's daughter seems intent on getting him into healthy eating! Good story and likeable characters make this one to recommend

auscaz's review

funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

luby's review

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

hsk81's review against another edition

5.0

Excellent

This was another excellent book. Great characters with some humour and a story that keeps you interested without unnecessary descriptions and padding. Well done Mr Scarrow on another great book.

cheryl59's review

5.0

This is the second book featuring DCI Boyd, and once again it was brilliant, great characters and a fast paced storyline meant I finished it in two days, can't wait to read the next one.

cassiecat's review

lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

4.5* gore score 1/5 

#2 in the Boyd police procedural series. 

Having loved the first book I was excited to get a chance to read the second one. I like the cover, it fits with the books theme well. 

Bones are discovered in a lay by. They turn out to be old bones, nothing to get Boyd and the team over excited as it’s connected to a case from another force, but then new bones turn up with enough similarities to get fired up about. 

We follow the story from Boyd and the teams perspective, as he tracks a serial killer. 

I really enjoyed it. It’s a quick easy entertaining read. I love the humour. 

It’s good to see the character development and the team dynamics and banter.  I like the working relationship that’s building between Boyd and OKeke.  Sully is growing on me too. However Boyd is my favourite character I enjoy his acerbic wit. He needs to stick to Emma’s healthy eating regime to be able to keep running after the perps 😊 

It grabbed my interest straight away. 

It has one main central theme, whether the old and new bones are connected. It has diversions, revelations and twists to maintain really good interest. 

It’s got a decent pace, the tension really ramps up towards the end. I love the end section, there are several elements to it that I love, but can’t afford any spoilers. There’s a bit of sadness, compassion and intrigue. 

Nitpicking I feel that the decomposition of the old bones isn’t convincing from what I’ve previously read, having skin remaining after so many years. 

I highly recommend this book as well as the previous book Silent Tide.