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DI Rob Marshall #2
Where the Bodies Lie
A serial killer’s secret grave. Another murderer’s victims.The case that broke Rob Marshall crashes back into his life.
Ten years ago, Marshall profiled a serial killer the press had dubbed the Shadow Man, who killed six young athletes at remote sites in cold blood, and he worked with Northumbria Police to catch the perpetrator. But the Shadow Man kept the burial locations of the final three bodies to himself. Tired of the passivity, Marshall quit profiling and joined the police.
Now a Detective Inspector in Police Scotland’s Borders Major Investigation Team, Marshall is summoned to HMP Frankland in County Durham, AKA The Monster Mansion. The Shadow Man promises to show them where one body lies, allowing a family to finally grieve. But he will only show Marshall.
At a lonely woods on the banks of the Tweed, the Shadow Man leads them to where the body lies. But they find another three, freshly killed. Victims the Shadow Man couldn’t have murdered, with a vastly different MO. Is it a copycat? A collaborator? Or someone else entirely?
As Marshall and team scour the Borders and the north of England, desperately trying to identify the victims and track down the killer, it becomes clear someone else has been abducted and will suffer the same brutal fate. Can Marshall unpick the trail in time to save them?
Where the Bodies Lie is the second book in the DI Rob Marshall series, starring a haunted detective who masks his trauma with biting humour. Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Stuart MacBride, JD Kirk and LJ Ross.
Ten years ago, Marshall profiled a serial killer the press had dubbed the Shadow Man, who killed six young athletes at remote sites in cold blood, and he worked with Northumbria Police to catch the perpetrator. But the Shadow Man kept the burial locations of the final three bodies to himself. Tired of the passivity, Marshall quit profiling and joined the police.
Now a Detective Inspector in Police Scotland’s Borders Major Investigation Team, Marshall is summoned to HMP Frankland in County Durham, AKA The Monster Mansion. The Shadow Man promises to show them where one body lies, allowing a family to finally grieve. But he will only show Marshall.
At a lonely woods on the banks of the Tweed, the Shadow Man leads them to where the body lies. But they find another three, freshly killed. Victims the Shadow Man couldn’t have murdered, with a vastly different MO. Is it a copycat? A collaborator? Or someone else entirely?
As Marshall and team scour the Borders and the north of England, desperately trying to identify the victims and track down the killer, it becomes clear someone else has been abducted and will suffer the same brutal fate. Can Marshall unpick the trail in time to save them?
Where the Bodies Lie is the second book in the DI Rob Marshall series, starring a haunted detective who masks his trauma with biting humour. Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Stuart MacBride, JD Kirk and LJ Ross.
494 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2023
897 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 25, 2023
Interesting read, though at times it does seem to drag in parts. But the best series by the author is the DI Simon Fenchurch one, though sometimes the storylines and the way it progresses, seem similar.
June 1, 2023
Excellent series
Only sleep stopped me reading this in one go. Ed always creates good characters and this series is no exception. Even better than the first book in this new series. Always lovely as a long time reader of Ed’s to see references to other character. Looking forward to the next one..
Only sleep stopped me reading this in one go. Ed always creates good characters and this series is no exception. Even better than the first book in this new series. Always lovely as a long time reader of Ed’s to see references to other character. Looking forward to the next one..
February 7, 2025
Was long, a tapestry…
November 21, 2023
This was slow to get going but then it picked up - a lot. An interesting story with many potential suspects.
And the narration by Angus King couldn’t be any better.
And the narration by Angus King couldn’t be any better.
March 26, 2023
Rob Marshall has a few cases that continue to haunt him but none as much as the one which saw him resigning from his chosen career as a criminal profiler and retraining. Ten years earlier, the serial killer dubbed the Shadow Man had the blood of at least six young people on his hands, with three more hidden away. Needing to do more than sit behind a desk identifying possible candidates for both victims and murderer Rob turned his back on the science becoming a fast tracked detective inspector in the metropolitan police instead.
A decade on the killer decides he wants to talk but only to Marshall, who reluctantly agrees to his demands. With the press at their heels the situation quickly becomes far more serious than anyone imagined as Marshall and his team find themselves deeply invested in a race against time to find a second killer and their latest victim before it's too late for everyone.
Book two in the Rob Marshall series is a character driven police procedural of the highest calibre. It is definitely a marathon, not a sprint, and the storyline, told from various points of view, gradually works through all possibilities culminating in a very satisfying ending. I enjoyed this change of pace and found myself wholly invested in the book from the start.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to the author and publishers, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a pleasure to read, and I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
A decade on the killer decides he wants to talk but only to Marshall, who reluctantly agrees to his demands. With the press at their heels the situation quickly becomes far more serious than anyone imagined as Marshall and his team find themselves deeply invested in a race against time to find a second killer and their latest victim before it's too late for everyone.
Book two in the Rob Marshall series is a character driven police procedural of the highest calibre. It is definitely a marathon, not a sprint, and the storyline, told from various points of view, gradually works through all possibilities culminating in a very satisfying ending. I enjoyed this change of pace and found myself wholly invested in the book from the start.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to the author and publishers, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a pleasure to read, and I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
January 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this book to the point where I was reluctant to put it down. The interplay between the various characters is fascinating. The DCI (like many fictional DCIs) is a bit of an idiot, the female DI is definitely an ambitious bitch that I really don't like, DI Rob Marshall, the central character, struggles with his own humanity as well as his past... and so it goes on. The fact that one DI is an ex-profiler who joined the police by direct access to DI level and the other an ordinary copper who worked her way through the ranks adds to the angst. How they clash over their various roles, and the roles of their team members adds to the mix. I'd recommend this series to anyone and I'm already looking forwards to reading the next book.
July 12, 2024
DI Rob Marshall has transferred formally from the Met to the Scottish Borders Major Incident Team, but the case confronting him at this moment emanates from a serial killer he helped put away a decade ago. At the time, the serial killer refused to divulge the location of three bodies, but now he is willing to show them to DI Marshall. But someone else has been using the same burial site and the team is confronted by bodies that indicate an active serial killer is operating in the area. I am enjoying the development of the characters in the series which is accompanies by the complex plot in this instalment. Highly recommend!
November 6, 2024
A cracking follow up to the first book. Again Rob and crew get involved in murders going back 10 years up to the present day. You can imagine the vastness of the forests in Scotland from the writing of the crime scenes.
And we cleverly have a second plot running parallel to the main plot which do come together eventually. Neat.
I enjoy the style of this author with a touch of humour to lighten the bleak moments. Also the way Rob is sorting out his demons and just maybe getting into a relationship. See what develops in the next of the series.
And we cleverly have a second plot running parallel to the main plot which do come together eventually. Neat.
I enjoy the style of this author with a touch of humour to lighten the bleak moments. Also the way Rob is sorting out his demons and just maybe getting into a relationship. See what develops in the next of the series.
June 8, 2023
Ed, you have done it again. I'm now hooked on Marshall and co..
I love the way each character gets their own few pages. Stepping in and out so it keeps I up to date.
Love the way we jump into the book with your mind and trying to get one step ahead. Never going to happen.
If you are even just dipping in and out of. Books to seeeeee these one, you will Dec get some. Just look at Ed James books.
Just get better and better. Love this author so so much.
I love the way each character gets their own few pages. Stepping in and out so it keeps I up to date.
Love the way we jump into the book with your mind and trying to get one step ahead. Never going to happen.
If you are even just dipping in and out of. Books to seeeeee these one, you will Dec get some. Just look at Ed James books.
Just get better and better. Love this author so so much.
December 28, 2023
Whilst I enjoyed the first book in this series, I found this one rather too unsettling with too many characters all attempting to be the Alpha male - or female. The turf arguments between them in the face of such heinous criminals spoiled an otherwise good storyline. If this is how the police really behave then there's little hope for us all. Sorry, I shan't read any more.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
August 25, 2024
This was the second in the Rob Marshall series. I really tried to like the main characters but found him to be boring. I just wanted to tell him to perk up and look for the positive. The other characters are wimpy or abrasive or just plain weird. Will I read a third book? Maybe. This author seems to write a lot of books in two other series along with this one. He's a very fast writer. I checked out the other series and neither appealed to me. Unforotunate.
May 13, 2025
I struggled with this listen as I felt it dragged in places.
This is the second book, and I cannot comment on the first as I have not read or listened to it.
This was a free listen from Audible Plus, so all was not lost, as I would have felt cheated if I would have had to pay for it.
The blurb sounded good, so perhaps I might try another from this author, just in case this was just one of those that wasn't very good, and another might be better after all, we all have our off days.
This is the second book, and I cannot comment on the first as I have not read or listened to it.
This was a free listen from Audible Plus, so all was not lost, as I would have felt cheated if I would have had to pay for it.
The blurb sounded good, so perhaps I might try another from this author, just in case this was just one of those that wasn't very good, and another might be better after all, we all have our off days.
May 20, 2024
I managed to finish the book only because I didn't have another one to read.
The main character is unlikeable and just a wet lettuce of a man.
The story drags on and is just dull, I struggled to care about any of the characters by the end.
The only redemption were the last few lines and the not twist in the story right at the end.
The main character is unlikeable and just a wet lettuce of a man.
The story drags on and is just dull, I struggled to care about any of the characters by the end.
The only redemption were the last few lines and the not twist in the story right at the end.
August 31, 2025
This was a complex storyline but very well writte. How everything slotted together. The ending was just perfect! I really hope things work out for Marshall and Kirsten and address issues with Andrea. Lots to come I think and I can't wait! I highly recommend this series. Very well written! One of the best series I've started without a doubt!
May 21, 2023
Where the Bodies Lie
Excellent follow up to Turning of Our Bones.
Rob Marshal & co return to solve a serial killers motive and so many intertwining stories.
Ed James hits you from all angles keeping you in suspense right up to the last page.
Read & enjoy can’t wait for book 3
Excellent follow up to Turning of Our Bones.
Rob Marshal & co return to solve a serial killers motive and so many intertwining stories.
Ed James hits you from all angles keeping you in suspense right up to the last page.
Read & enjoy can’t wait for book 3
June 16, 2023
DI Rob Marshall is called upon to assist in locating the final victims of a serial killer he had brought to justice. But as one story comes to a close, another opens as additional bodies are discovered buried nearby. An intriguing tale.
January 23, 2024
Hold On To Your Hair
It took me a looong time to get into this story. I almost gave up several times but eventually I got hooked. There are numerous substories running throughout this book but Ed ties it all up neatly in the end.
It took me a looong time to get into this story. I almost gave up several times but eventually I got hooked. There are numerous substories running throughout this book but Ed ties it all up neatly in the end.
April 30, 2024
Serial serial killers
Marshall gets close to Kirsten who decides to move on but not far away. His old cases develop and a new set appear. Elliot sees her errors. How does it develop?
Marshall gets close to Kirsten who decides to move on but not far away. His old cases develop and a new set appear. Elliot sees her errors. How does it develop?
June 28, 2024
Slow Going but Excellent Ending
Took awhile to get into the story and it jumped viewpoints frequently. It gathers speed, like any investigation and the ending is suspenseful with lots of action ending perfectly.
Took awhile to get into the story and it jumped viewpoints frequently. It gathers speed, like any investigation and the ending is suspenseful with lots of action ending perfectly.
July 5, 2024
No matter how good the story, I can’t get past the characters. I thought they might develop and improve, but no. Pringle is still an idiot, and Elliott a bully. Won’t be listening to more in the series.
July 14, 2024
where the bodies lie. Ed James.
Brilliant. Well worth 5 stars. Look out Patterson, Cornwell and Riechs. Though they are American, our man Ed James lives in Scotland. And in writing crime thrillers he’s in line with Rankin.
Brilliant. Well worth 5 stars. Look out Patterson, Cornwell and Riechs. Though they are American, our man Ed James lives in Scotland. And in writing crime thrillers he’s in line with Rankin.
November 23, 2024
3,5 stars. I picked this up because I read the DI Simon Fenchurch series. This is a good read with a slow start but gets moving well after that. It has a likable protagonist, but the supporting cast, not so much. I’ll probably read more of this series.
April 22, 2025
confusing but interesting
Only book 2, so I’ve not got the characters imbedded in my brain yet. Get them confused. Especially the female DI who is about as sympathetic as a board of nails. Women wanting to rescue Robert—get that. He’s a lost puppy.
Only book 2, so I’ve not got the characters imbedded in my brain yet. Get them confused. Especially the female DI who is about as sympathetic as a board of nails. Women wanting to rescue Robert—get that. He’s a lost puppy.
July 15, 2025
Complete
A good read I would like to see more about where Rob Marshall getting the results he is a very complicated man .. The relationship with his family is a bit vague as he doesn't seem to have built any personal r family ..
A good read I would like to see more about where Rob Marshall getting the results he is a very complicated man .. The relationship with his family is a bit vague as he doesn't seem to have built any personal r family ..
July 19, 2025
Wish I hadn't bought it. The story would have been good without all the extremely long and very boring chats that went on for hours. I skipped pages and it still took the longest time to read it so unfortunately I won't be reading any more of his books
May 2, 2023
A cracking second Rob Marshall episode with great characters & locations.
May 15, 2023
Intriguing plot
Enjoyed this new series from Ed James. He is very good at keeping you guessing with lots of twists and turns. Can't wait for book 3.
Enjoyed this new series from Ed James. He is very good at keeping you guessing with lots of twists and turns. Can't wait for book 3.
May 31, 2023
Good read
I like this as it is set in the Borders .Characters are great ,DI Marshall is particularly interesting, can't wait until new book is out.
I like this as it is set in the Borders .Characters are great ,DI Marshall is particularly interesting, can't wait until new book is out.
June 15, 2023
This was a great read. The Shadow Man was really creepy, but the next killer on the scene was creepier! The man kidnaps runaways and tortures them before killing. A real nightmare come true.
August 5, 2023
I do like this new series from Ed James.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews