A review by cassiecat
Old bones new bones by Alex Scarrow

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.